Thursday, March 19, 2009
Day 79: And, these gorgeous warm "winter days" just keep coming every day!!!!
FOG.....yep, when I was up and had started the coffee maker, I pushed up the shades/blinds and could barely see across the street......it was sooooooo foggy!!!! However......this didn't last very long as when the sun began to rise above the eastern palm trees here in the resort, the fog was soon on it's way out of here!!!
After the morning rituals, and by the time I had the coffee done and was on my second large mug of this magical, dark, rich elixir......Doug came across the street and joined me with his cup of coffee. Before long we were deep into discussions about world affairs, as well as the political scene here in the states......and also a discussion about a great op-ed article in the NY Times which was written about how we Americans are reading newspapers/magazines, listening to television programs and radio, living close to and with others............doing all of this and more with these and those that agree with our politics. A super op-ed.....and one worth reading online on the NY Times website and on the Opinion page written by Nicholas Kristof "The Daily Me": http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/19/opinion/19kristof.html?_r=1
He and I left about mid-morning to go to the Rec Hall to meet with the Resort's Activity Director.....our third attempt to catch her in the office. Success came quickly as we began to discuss with her our thoughts, as well as the thoughts of others here in the resort......our thoughts about re-instating Square Dancing here in the Resort next year. She replied that Square Dancing would return to the Resort next year....a caller has been contracted for classes on a week day.....and a regular dance on Sunday afternoons. Hopefully we can build some interest here in the resort and get more people involved so that it will become a large and growing activity for everyone to enjoy!!!!!!! We felt good about out meeting with her......and she seemed receptive to our ideas and thoughts about this issue.....and she took our names and phone numbers so that we can hopefully be of assistance to her in getting this on it's feet here in the resort!!!!!!!
Before long, we were off to Willie's BBQ in Alamo, located on south Alamo Street, south of Bus. 83. From the first visual impression, most "new" people would just drive on by it, but the numerous cars/trucks were there to indicate just how popular it is with not only the Winter Texans, but sooooo many of the locals, also!!!! And....rightfully so!!!!! Great food, and HUGE portions......you should see that loaded baked potato!!!!! Where in God's name they get those massive potatoes, I'll never know!!!! My thoughts about this mom and pop restaurant: as I have said before.......GO THERE AND ENJOY SOME TERRIFIC FOOD!!!!!!
Doug and Janet, Cedar Creek RV Owners Club members who are across the street from us, joined Doug and Diane, Ron and Linda, and the 1st Lady and this sagging hulk of me for a very hearty and heavy lunch......ohhhhhh, soooooo good!!! Following this lunch, Doug/Janet departed for the Mercedes Rodeo....and we left for Nuevo Progreso on the south side of the border!!!!
After a drive through the countryside.....on Hwy 281 which ends at Brownsville.....we stopped at a couple of of Mexican pottery shops before reaching the border. Some super buys, if you are interested in pots, etc. for planters and flowers!!!! From there, it was on to the parking lot....and our quick little walk across the bridge over the Rio Grande River and into that colorful country of Mexico!!!!! Sooooooo exciting every time......sooooooo many thousands of Winter Texans walking the streets shopping, haggling with those Mexicans operating their little tables and stalls selling all kinds of jewelry, belts, hats, handbags, etc., etc., etc. Besides the Seniors from Texas, this time there were a HUGE number of spring breakers who must have driven up from South Padre Island today to shop in this very, very, very friendly village of Nuevo Progreso!!!
We soooooo enjoy going over into Mexico....and we have averaged at least...AT LEAST once per week since we arrived January 2nd. Yes...there is a presence of Mexican troops at the border crossing and that is a great thing for our security, as well as the wonderful citizens of N. Progreso. But.......this is one of the very few border towns that has been violence-free....and everyone here continues to hope that it will remain that way. The people of this village need our money for their economy and we certainly do our part to help them.........they manage to exist because of the Winter Texans!!!!
After shopping for about an hour, Diane and I headed to one of the many hairdressers/barber shops.......Diane for a haircut, and I, also, got a haircut. It was a great cut....a bit shorter than normal, but well shaped and the price was right: $4.00!!!!!!! Sure can't beat that many places.....and certainly not in the states!!!!
From there we went to Elsa's Cafe/Bar......and joining all of the others, we sat and enjoyed drinks: Margaritas for most of us......and at $1.25 each.......they went down very smoothly!!!! We had a great time there.......just sooooo much fun!!!!!
Leaving Elsa's, we headed back to the bridge with our several bottles of liquor which we had purchased: Stoly Vodka for $10 a bottle, and I also purchased a bottle of "1921"......a Creme del Tequila.....which is sooooooooo incredible!!!! Much like a Bailey's, but quite a bit smoother and delivers a great finish as it slips down the throat. I may have to go back and pick up another one before we leave here on Monday!!!!!!! Another great price: $15.90!!!! This is not always available in the states.....so, great to have an extra bottle around our stick and brick!!!! Before long, we had walked over the bridge, passed through the passport control where we are always questioned as to which items we purchased while in Mexico......only one liter of liquor per person.....and, if you go over that, you just have to pay a very small tax to bring it back into the states. Today......we had enough bottles for one for each of the six of us, as I purchased three of the Vodka bottles for our son, Jeremy......as the price in New Orleans for this same brand is $30.00 per bottle!
After paying the Texas State Liquor Tax.....$1.25 per bottle.......we were soon back at the shop that had the Mexican pottery where Doug and Diane purchased a large pot for their patio in Edmunton, Alberta, Canada. Loading it into our truck......it didn't take but just a few minutes and we were back in TheHowserHouse within the resort.
We all gathered once again on our patio.......and laughed and snacked and drank the sun down as we played a little game outside at the table called: "Whoonu". GREAT fun........give it a try!!!!
Our laughs were heard around the neighborhood, I'm certain.....as we relived the afternoon while playing the little game!! Sooooooooooooo much fun!!!!!!!!!!
A beautiful day.....temps in the mid- to upper-80's with some humidity.....however, it was just perfect for our day and for enjoying Mexico on the south side of the border!!!! Oh yeah........this type of fun-filled day certain testifies to the thoughts that............
LIFE IS JUST REALLY INCREDIBLY GREAT!!!!!!!!!!.......And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!
After the morning rituals, and by the time I had the coffee done and was on my second large mug of this magical, dark, rich elixir......Doug came across the street and joined me with his cup of coffee. Before long we were deep into discussions about world affairs, as well as the political scene here in the states......and also a discussion about a great op-ed article in the NY Times which was written about how we Americans are reading newspapers/magazines, listening to television programs and radio, living close to and with others............doing all of this and more with these and those that agree with our politics. A super op-ed.....and one worth reading online on the NY Times website and on the Opinion page written by Nicholas Kristof "The Daily Me": http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/19/opinion/19kristof.html?_r=1
He and I left about mid-morning to go to the Rec Hall to meet with the Resort's Activity Director.....our third attempt to catch her in the office. Success came quickly as we began to discuss with her our thoughts, as well as the thoughts of others here in the resort......our thoughts about re-instating Square Dancing here in the Resort next year. She replied that Square Dancing would return to the Resort next year....a caller has been contracted for classes on a week day.....and a regular dance on Sunday afternoons. Hopefully we can build some interest here in the resort and get more people involved so that it will become a large and growing activity for everyone to enjoy!!!!!!! We felt good about out meeting with her......and she seemed receptive to our ideas and thoughts about this issue.....and she took our names and phone numbers so that we can hopefully be of assistance to her in getting this on it's feet here in the resort!!!!!!!
Before long, we were off to Willie's BBQ in Alamo, located on south Alamo Street, south of Bus. 83. From the first visual impression, most "new" people would just drive on by it, but the numerous cars/trucks were there to indicate just how popular it is with not only the Winter Texans, but sooooo many of the locals, also!!!! And....rightfully so!!!!! Great food, and HUGE portions......you should see that loaded baked potato!!!!! Where in God's name they get those massive potatoes, I'll never know!!!! My thoughts about this mom and pop restaurant: as I have said before.......GO THERE AND ENJOY SOME TERRIFIC FOOD!!!!!!
Doug and Janet, Cedar Creek RV Owners Club members who are across the street from us, joined Doug and Diane, Ron and Linda, and the 1st Lady and this sagging hulk of me for a very hearty and heavy lunch......ohhhhhh, soooooo good!!! Following this lunch, Doug/Janet departed for the Mercedes Rodeo....and we left for Nuevo Progreso on the south side of the border!!!!
After a drive through the countryside.....on Hwy 281 which ends at Brownsville.....we stopped at a couple of of Mexican pottery shops before reaching the border. Some super buys, if you are interested in pots, etc. for planters and flowers!!!! From there, it was on to the parking lot....and our quick little walk across the bridge over the Rio Grande River and into that colorful country of Mexico!!!!! Sooooooo exciting every time......sooooooo many thousands of Winter Texans walking the streets shopping, haggling with those Mexicans operating their little tables and stalls selling all kinds of jewelry, belts, hats, handbags, etc., etc., etc. Besides the Seniors from Texas, this time there were a HUGE number of spring breakers who must have driven up from South Padre Island today to shop in this very, very, very friendly village of Nuevo Progreso!!!
We soooooo enjoy going over into Mexico....and we have averaged at least...AT LEAST once per week since we arrived January 2nd. Yes...there is a presence of Mexican troops at the border crossing and that is a great thing for our security, as well as the wonderful citizens of N. Progreso. But.......this is one of the very few border towns that has been violence-free....and everyone here continues to hope that it will remain that way. The people of this village need our money for their economy and we certainly do our part to help them.........they manage to exist because of the Winter Texans!!!!
After shopping for about an hour, Diane and I headed to one of the many hairdressers/barber shops.......Diane for a haircut, and I, also, got a haircut. It was a great cut....a bit shorter than normal, but well shaped and the price was right: $4.00!!!!!!! Sure can't beat that many places.....and certainly not in the states!!!!
From there we went to Elsa's Cafe/Bar......and joining all of the others, we sat and enjoyed drinks: Margaritas for most of us......and at $1.25 each.......they went down very smoothly!!!! We had a great time there.......just sooooo much fun!!!!!
Leaving Elsa's, we headed back to the bridge with our several bottles of liquor which we had purchased: Stoly Vodka for $10 a bottle, and I also purchased a bottle of "1921"......a Creme del Tequila.....which is sooooooooo incredible!!!! Much like a Bailey's, but quite a bit smoother and delivers a great finish as it slips down the throat. I may have to go back and pick up another one before we leave here on Monday!!!!!!! Another great price: $15.90!!!! This is not always available in the states.....so, great to have an extra bottle around our stick and brick!!!! Before long, we had walked over the bridge, passed through the passport control where we are always questioned as to which items we purchased while in Mexico......only one liter of liquor per person.....and, if you go over that, you just have to pay a very small tax to bring it back into the states. Today......we had enough bottles for one for each of the six of us, as I purchased three of the Vodka bottles for our son, Jeremy......as the price in New Orleans for this same brand is $30.00 per bottle!
After paying the Texas State Liquor Tax.....$1.25 per bottle.......we were soon back at the shop that had the Mexican pottery where Doug and Diane purchased a large pot for their patio in Edmunton, Alberta, Canada. Loading it into our truck......it didn't take but just a few minutes and we were back in TheHowserHouse within the resort.
We all gathered once again on our patio.......and laughed and snacked and drank the sun down as we played a little game outside at the table called: "Whoonu". GREAT fun........give it a try!!!!
Our laughs were heard around the neighborhood, I'm certain.....as we relived the afternoon while playing the little game!! Sooooooooooooo much fun!!!!!!!!!!
A beautiful day.....temps in the mid- to upper-80's with some humidity.....however, it was just perfect for our day and for enjoying Mexico on the south side of the border!!!! Oh yeah........this type of fun-filled day certain testifies to the thoughts that............
LIFE IS JUST REALLY INCREDIBLY GREAT!!!!!!!!!!.......And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Day 78: Another gorgeous day and one that kept me really BUSY!
Yep......I was up before 7:30.....and by 9AM, the 1st Lady and I had completed the mandatory morning rituals, had tea and Fr. Roast coffee with breakfast, and were on our way to the 10AM square dance over in Pharr. There were 88 couples there this morning.....and it was soooo much fun!!! PLUS......the mental and physical exercise is just really, really good for everyone: You have no time to think, it is just react to the verbal call, and make the necessary complicated and very complex moves within the square, some of which are done as an individual and not as a couple. You cannot let your mind wander....you cannot talk.....it is 100% total concentration!!! The physical part: almost invariably we dance/move our feet across the floor for right at 3 miles each time we are at a dance!! Yep....great exercise in all ways!!!!
This afternoon after we returned, and after lunch......the 1st Lady did some laundry. Me???? I decided to clean out the basement storage areas, and to put all of the various needed items back into their proper locations as we prepare this week for our journey back to Missouri(Misery?).....we will make that call when we see the weather once we return. NO....I am still not ready to leave this great RGV.....but, before long the very hot weather will arrive here and I certainly do not want to be here when that occurs!!! Sooooo, back up the highway for a bit over 11oo miles, after a few days in San Antonio next week.
This evening I grilled a couple of chicken breasts, along with some of those wonderful sweet Texas 1015 onions and some delicious red peppers(which I bought for $.50 each!!!) The 1st Lady grilled in a pan on the stove some asparagus drizzled with olive oil, and cooked some corn with some chopped red peppers in it. A GREAT dinner.......accompaned by Smoking Loon Cabernet Sauvignon!!!!
Tonight we square danced for another two hours......and it was another evening of sooooo much fun!!!!! Soooo, about 6 miles today of physical exercise........and tons of mental stimulation as we go through the 100 or so calls for the dancing!
Tomorrow???? We are off to a tiny little cafe called "Willie's".....a mom and pop BBQ place that serves monstrous quantities of food. Then from there we will go back over to Mexico for a few hours to do some more shopping: meds, liquor, clothing, etc., etc. We will be taking Doug and Diane, Ron and Linda, and Doug and Janet along with us.........a super bunch of friends which will make certain that we are all in hilarious stitches all afternoon!
And sooooo, I was very busy.......and with such great fun, great food, and a beautiful day, I am without a doubt certain that.......
LIFE IS JUST ABSOLUTELY GREAT!!!!!!.....And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!
This afternoon after we returned, and after lunch......the 1st Lady did some laundry. Me???? I decided to clean out the basement storage areas, and to put all of the various needed items back into their proper locations as we prepare this week for our journey back to Missouri(Misery?).....we will make that call when we see the weather once we return. NO....I am still not ready to leave this great RGV.....but, before long the very hot weather will arrive here and I certainly do not want to be here when that occurs!!! Sooooo, back up the highway for a bit over 11oo miles, after a few days in San Antonio next week.
This evening I grilled a couple of chicken breasts, along with some of those wonderful sweet Texas 1015 onions and some delicious red peppers(which I bought for $.50 each!!!) The 1st Lady grilled in a pan on the stove some asparagus drizzled with olive oil, and cooked some corn with some chopped red peppers in it. A GREAT dinner.......accompaned by Smoking Loon Cabernet Sauvignon!!!!
Tonight we square danced for another two hours......and it was another evening of sooooo much fun!!!!! Soooo, about 6 miles today of physical exercise........and tons of mental stimulation as we go through the 100 or so calls for the dancing!
Tomorrow???? We are off to a tiny little cafe called "Willie's".....a mom and pop BBQ place that serves monstrous quantities of food. Then from there we will go back over to Mexico for a few hours to do some more shopping: meds, liquor, clothing, etc., etc. We will be taking Doug and Diane, Ron and Linda, and Doug and Janet along with us.........a super bunch of friends which will make certain that we are all in hilarious stitches all afternoon!
And sooooo, I was very busy.......and with such great fun, great food, and a beautiful day, I am without a doubt certain that.......
LIFE IS JUST ABSOLUTELY GREAT!!!!!!.....And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
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