Migration north has started here in the south

Another busy week behind us. Seems like we are on the go all the time but like I told my sister, when it comes time to write this blog unless I have pictures I don’t remember everything we did.

I’m typing this on Word since I can’t seem to get my Verizon to stay connected. Seems we’re not the only ones that have been having problems with Verizon’s internet service. I’m about ready to jump ship if this continues.

The migrating north has begun here in the village. Each day we see another rig pull out heading for where ever. The next two weeks sound to be the busiest on people leaving. Going to be hard saying goodbye to our friends here but we will see them all this fall. The park next door has only a few rigs left and when we're out running errands we always see rigs heading down the road.

Larry wanted to get the car ready to tow behind the truck so he pulled them out in the street. Pepper was having a fit, I think she was afraid we were leaving her so we put her in the truck. After that she was fine and actually climbed back out after awhile to see what we were doing. But the minute we started walking around she ran right back to the truck and climbed in. Guess we’ll never slip away from that one.

One afternoon there was a birthday party at the pool. Didn’t matter who’s or when your birthday was, just another reason to get together. Since it was in the high 80s it was a perfect day to become a bobber (person in water with noodle just floating around). Someone counted about 40 people there (some in water, some not) so not a bad turn out.

Wednesday night was our monthly Pizza Party. Dave & Sue McCarron host this every month and take our orders to a local Pizza place in the afternoon and it’s delivered around 5PM. It’s nice because we are able to order anything off the menu instead of always having to do pizza.

The big news in the area is that Cosco’s opened up last week not far from us. So Friday morning 5 couples hopped in three cars and headed there to check it out. Some already had memberships so those of us that didn’t went in with them and used their cards. It’s nice but pretty much like Sam’s and since we don’t have a Cosco near us in Michigan we’ll probably renew the Sam’s card. After almost 2hrs there (and the guys didn’t even complain) we went and had lunch. Got home in time for the guys to have a short nap than it was time for happy hour.

Sunday we went down to the Palapa at the River for the Cinderella Pet Rescue Fundraiser. Let me tell you it was an interesting time with around 100 people and someone counted 20 dogs. And all dogs were off their lease.

Here's a picture at the beginning of the event
Time for the hot dogs and chips
This guy just didn't have a chance saving his hot dog
This little girl even had her toes done for the party
Here's Pepper with her best friend Foster.
They look like they're planning a snatch and run for a hot dog

This was a combined event with the RV Park next door and it was a good day, not only did the dogs have a good time the people did to even those that came who don't even have a pet but wanted to support this event. Donations for the Rescue place were $877 which with that and the previous fundraiser held earlier of $2300 will help get them through the summer months. Many of the dogs in ours and the park next to us have come from Cinderella.

Things are slowing down and we are starting to get things ready to leave. I want to sort things as I start cleaning out cupboards to see what I want to take back and what to leave. With not taking the trailer I have to make sure there aren't any crumbs left as we do have a ant problem down here. I'll be able to leave can goods but other things like flour have to be in a sealed container. This week we'll get over and close the other trailer up too. This morning we washed the trailer so that should be good for the season.

Oh I almost forgot to tell you about a big change here in the park. It seems this man has decided this place was going to be a good investment and within the last three weeks he has purchased all of the remaining lots in Phase 1 (our area) which was 12 plus a RV lot in Phase 2 along with a RV Port lot for himself. We were told by the developer that he did not cut the prices and if that's so this guy just dropped over one million dollars in this place. And by the way it was a cash deal. It's a good & bad thing with him having so many lots and he'll be renting them out. He's already caused some tension here by some of the things he's done/said but the good thing is our values just went up with being so close to the clubhouse. We shall see what happens next fall.

So that's it for now. Time to take puppy for a walk before happy hour at our house.
Till next time......................

Have you missed me

So sorry it's been two weeks since the last post. I've been on the go so much and when I was home I was just too tired. Tonight seems to be the same way. March here at the park is always busy with lots of gatherings but this year seems to be worse.

I can't even remember what we did the week before last so guess I can't write about much. I do remember that we went from 90 one day to 50 the next. It was pretty cold and windy so the Pirates Party that was scheduled for last Saturday had to be changed to last Tuesday. There was two days of prep work as we were having bbq ribs, chicken, Napa Salad, a salsa type salad and key lime pies. Three very nice ladies took on the pies (18 of them) so that helped. There were 112 people at this one. I've included a couple of pictures here but the rest are on our web-shot page.

Here's Kathy, Vicki & Bonnie ready to sail the Rio Grande River
I think Sue and Lloyd missed the boat and had to settle for a golf cart.
Of course there had to be some pirate dancing

This event started at 1:00 with groups of four going around the park doing games and finding clues. Than social hour on the patio with dinner served at 6PM. It was a very long day and that night I was beat but we had a good time.

A day of rest on Wednesday than it was time to start getting things ready for the St Patricks Dinner on Saturday. Thursday was the cooking of three cases of corn beef. Long day but fairly easy. Friday while Grant sliced, Donna, Penny, Larry and I measured and weight 5oz of meat per serving and wrapped them in foil. Ended up with 120 servings. Saturday was the busy one with cleaning and prepping carrots, cabbage, onions and potatoes but with the help Donna and Grant lined up it went fast. Again I have a few pictures but go to the Webshots for more. The parade started at 1PM with social at 4PM and dinner at 5PM.

Here's our host and hostess Donna and Grant with the packages of meat.

Bill treated us all to his talents of playing the bag pipes

And even little Pepper had to get in the celebration

In between these dinners there was a ladies luncheon, ladies breakfast and trips to the dog park. Also minor things like grocery shopping, laundry, cleaning and once in a while a full nights sleep. We have a very beautiful kitchen in the clubhouse but it's also all tile and after standing on that for hours at a time my legs and feet hurt like **** during the night.

Tonight we had a brisket dinner that Al and Betty put on for about 20 of us. They are leaving soon and it's become almost a tradition to have this as a last dinner of the season with this group. Everything was so good and the brisket was so tender you could cut it with a fork.

My sister Nadene sent me a picture of our little home in Michigan with a caption of "are you getting home sick yet". I was starting to and after seeing the picture I really am.

If nothing else I need to get back so I can have a vacation

Weather here has been in the high 80's with strong winds for almost a week. Not liking it but we've had to have the air on 24/7 to keep the humidity out mostly. They say tomorrow will be the last of the high temps (93) and Tuesday down to 80. Maybe we'll be able to open the windows. Family in Michigan (along with other States) have been enjoying summer like days there. They can brag all they like but I know there's still at least one major snow storm that will come before long.

Time to call it a night. Till next time....................................

spiders, boats, sun and snow

Have some different pictures to share tonight. One of the residents here has a night camera set up behind their coach. So far the most exciting thing has been jack rabbits or armadillo's. Well one night this week they caught the neighborhood bob cat sneaking pass. She's normally seen in the State Park next to us but looks like she's on the move. Kind of cool ha.

Than another night as people were out for walks a new resident was spotted. This guy was a big one, must be all this rain we've had is making even these guys grow.Bandido and Tequila (yes that's their names) really wanted to get a closer look but Diane wasn't having anything to do with that.
Last night we fixed Paella for David/Linda/Gary/Marilynn and friend Pat. Perfect evening to have happy hour outside on Gary's patio.

Larry & David
Linda & Pat
Sorry pictures of Gary & Marilynn didn't turn out but here's one of the Paella

Some of the residents took advantage of the boat/driver we have available to rent for an afternoon and cruse along the Rio Grande River. We haven't done it yet and would like to. The owner of our complex has a pontoon that holds 8 people and we can take drinks/snacks for a neat social time. Anyway while they were out this week they got to see first hand one of the new Highway Patrol Boats that just arrived in our area.

Weather this week went from 93 degrees one day to 73 degrees the next. But at least it's still better than the picture my sister Nadene emailed me of their cottage in Michigan. I'll admit it's pretty but just glad its not here.

As you know we have our granddaughter Anissa's graduation this spring and our daughter Brandi's wedding in the fall. Been busy sending pictures back and forth on different things we've come across that she might like for either event. Sure makes things easier when your 1800 miles away. But things are starting to come together for each of them so that's nice.

Last weekend we went to Larry and LaVila's and had lunch with them. LaVila has had a rough time this winter but things are picking up for her and hopefully she'll be able to enjoy the rest of the time down here before leaving for IA. LaVila I know you read this so just give a call when your ready to make another trip out.

Bob and Diane (DB & SIL) just got back to Michigan last week from a nice vacation with friends in Florida. He sent me this picture tonight showing me they too enjoyed many happy hours.
Not sure who all the ladies are but my brother looks like he's having a great time.

Well that's about it for this week. I'm sure we did some daily things but really can't remember what. That's why I like taking so many pictures, it reminds me of what to write about.

Till next time...........................................

Lots of food this week

This seemed to be the week of food. Which would be ok if I didn't need three weeks of no food to make up for it.

Monday I went out with Marilynn, Helen and Sally. We went to Hobby Lobby to find a craft book that Marilynn wanted, which they didn't have. Then we stopped at this shoe store called SAS cause Marilynn wanted to get a pair, which she didn't get but Sally did. I'd never been to a SAS store, They really had some nice looking ones but a little rich for my blood. I'd feel like I'd have to wear them for at least five years and from what I hear they last a lot longer than that. From there we went to Shroup's Market than had lunch before heading home.

That night after happy hour we went over to Pizza Hut with Bill an Kathy. Always enjoy spending time with them.

Larry went down to Mark's to help him install a base plate so they can tow their new car. His wife Dale flew to Atlanta to spend some time with her father and Mark always tries to get projects done that make her nervous when she's away. Some woman get really nervous when they come home and find things like the side of the trailer cut away but it doesn't usually bother me. I always figured Larry tore it apart he's the one who has to get it back together.

We had about two weeks of cloudy and rainy weather but you should see how green everything is and the roses are all starting to really come out again.
Not sure what kind of flowers these are but they are pretty and the butterflies love them

This is in our flower bed. It should fill out soon with bright red flowers.

Even the aloe plants have pods on them and hopefully will open up soon.

The orange trees behind us are are blossoming and the fragrance is awesome. Of course with all the new growth it also brings out the allergies but we'll put up with it. Better than the snow up north.Fridays Happy Hour was at Dave and Sue's place who finally returned this week. They left right after Thanksgiving for Calif. to spend the holidays with their kids. They are the ones that have a actual house here in the park and it was nice to gather in their livingroom.

That night we had tickets to see The Punches Family who were playing next door. It's was a good show and the kids in that family have a lot of talent. I was looking at their schedule on their web site and I don't know how they can do it. Their kids are 15, 13 and the twin girls are 10. I always wonder what kind of life that is for them. Not much time for them to have friends their age.

Saturday we went to a surprise anniversary party for Gary and Barb who have spent the last month here. They are from St Charles MI. Nice people (of course they're from MI) and they try to come here for a few weeks every year. Of course the ice cream cake was yummmy.

That night we had dinner at Gary and Marilynn's with Dave and Linda. Pizza on the grill and I made a choc cake and Marilynn fixed a cherry pie. Again more food.

This morning I took Pepper over to the puppy park for play date. She always gets so excited when we head that way. Here's her and Rusty (from Battle Creek MI) playing tug of war.
Than there's the "catch me if you can" game. Which Pepper almost always wins since she can run faster than most and especially able to turn on a dime.
So that fills you in on the past week. Till next time..................................

A pretty slow week

How can one week can have so much going on and the next very little so this will be a shorty.

We went to a birthday party on Tuesday for Geri who is one of our neighbors. Geri and Hoby are the couple who adopted Foster who was a stray that showed up in the park one day. Little Foster who was only about 8 weeks old at the time has become almost the village pup. He's such a cutie and he and Pepper are so much alike it's unreal. They seem to be best buddies and have these games like keep away and tug of war that it seems no other dog around plays it like they do. So its fun watching them.

Wednesday was pizza night. I normally forget to sign up and get my order in but finally remembered. But before pizza we had our Wednesday night happy hour over at Bonnie and Gails. It was a bit chilly but the wine helped.

Friday Marilynn and I met with Linda and her sister Alice at Sweet Temptations for lunch. This is such a neat little cafe and have the best soup. Of course we couldn't be out and about with out a stop at Walmart and than a quick trip into Hobby Lobby.

So that's about it from here. I only have one picture to share. I had one of those wide awake at 2AM this week so went out to watch TV in the living room. It seems Pepper isn't like Larry where having lights on in the middle of the night doesn't faze him.

Like I said not much to write about this week. So guess that's it. Till next time............

Lots of pictures

A lot went on this week so I'll get right into it. Tuesday there was a gathering to celebrate Bob Elliott's 70th birthday up at the clubhouse. A white cake with fruit frosting, really really good.
Wednesday was the ladies luncheon which the menu was "salads". I never saw so many different kinds in one place. Everything was good. One of the special things on this was a little speech given by Joyce who I have mentioned before in the blog. She was leaving that afternoon to go back to Windsor to that cold snowy place. I have to share some pictures that Bill B. posted. A little back ground on Joyce is she was suppose to leave a week ago but decided she didn't want to so rescheduled her flight.

Here's Joyce after lunch with a few of us who adore her
Soon it was time for her to leave
Bill had a hard time keeping her in the car
But Bill and Kathy did get her to the airport and she was on her way

We all enjoyed the last month with Joyce and look forward to her coming next winter.

One morning while I was sitting at the table I noticed the Border Patrol driving through. This isn't anything unusual as we see them quite often. But pretty soon another vehicle and the Border Patrol car were sitting out front. Seems the passenger in the van was an illegal.
Did you notice the rain drops on the window. This is something we have been seeing for over a week along with cold temp's. Everyone is starting to go stir crazy.

As I mentioned in last weeks blog we had our Wine N Cheese on Saturday. The weather was chilly but at least it quit raining. And it seems the more wine you tested the warmer it got outside. Along with the Wine we had our First Retama Village Celebration of the Arts and what a turn out of talent.

Here's just a few things on display

There were 26 displays in all and it sounds like the residents want to make this an annual thing.

Oh another picture I'd like to share is of our daughter Brandi and future son in law Darrell.

That's it for this week. Till next time..................................

Cold days ahead of us

Our warm days have come to an end for at least a week from what the weather report says. It's been in the high 70's but today the bottom dropped out and we are currently at 55 degrees, strong northerly winds and rain. I can feel the sadness my family back in Michigan is feeling for us on having to deal with this cold and miserable weather here and I just want to thank them for their concern. I don't think Larry and I have enough cold weather clothes for a whole week.

One nice thing about cold weather is I get in the mood to bake so this afternoon I made a apple pie desert. I didn't have enough apples to do a whole pie so I took one crust and folded it. I had to guess on how long to bake it and how much sugar/cinnamon to add so I will let you know in the next blog how it turned out. Since I don't have a lot of picture's to share I took one of the pie.

Between this and the short ribs in the crock pot it should be a good warm comfort food dinner.

Yesterday Larry and I went over to this place called Feldmans to look for some saffron, which is a spice that you add to Paella dishes. It's very expensive but you only use a pinch. Larry made another dish last night with shrimp and sausage and we found a smaller paella dish at this place so we're not eating it for three days.

Now that our daughter has told the family I can announce that we have a wedding coming up in Sept. Brandi and Darrell have been together for about 10 years so like Brandi say, "it's about time" wedding. The summer will be full with the high school graduation for grand-daughter Anissa in June and wedding in Sept.

Friday Cathy and I went to down town McAllen to look around. She's a renter here and has never been there. It's mostly shops of clothing, perfume, and flea market stuff. It does have this huge store of artificial flowers and that alone is worth going down there for. I didn't think one place could have so many different ones and most of them were made in China.

Thursday we made a quick trip down to Mexico to look for some wedding things and Larry wanted to get a hair cut. Of course we had to stop at our favorite place for lunch and my margarita's.

Wednesday I went over to the other park to a Genealogy Class. I wanted to see if the person doing the class had new ways of getting information. It's for the next four Wednesdays and I'm not sure I'll do all of them but we'll see.

Next Saturday is the annual Wine N Cheese event, which hopefully we'll be able to have on the patio (weather not looking good so far). Another resident Kathy Detweiler (who isn't currently here :( , miss you Kathy) made a comment on FB about showing talents here in the park. So a couple of us thought this was a wonderful idea to have a Retama Artist Showing at the same time as the Wine N Cheese. We will transform the clubhouse into a gallery with the help of Pat Olson (another resident who is well known in the Art World) as our hostess. Marilynn and I will help with getting people to bring their talents up so the rest of the village can enjoy it. So far we have a wide range of crafts and arts and trust me I'll take lots of pictures for the next blog.

We went to Petco this morning to find some new toys for Pepper. It's always fun taking her to these stores that allow dogs. Her poor sniffer was going a mile a minute. We picked up some rawhide bones and here's a picture of her enjoying it.
She looks a little tired here and it wasn't long and she was doing her other favorite thing.
So that about fills you in on last week. Sure hope when I'm writing this blog it's a whole lot warmer than it is today. Till next time.................