Walk Through the Village is OVER!!!!!!!!

Thursday started early with the maintenance crew getting started with totally power washing all the patio, fencing and outside of the buildings before cleaning the pool. Around 10:00 the cleaning crew came (not sure why they were so late) and started on the inside of the clubhouse, craft room and fitness center. Both crews finished up around 5pm and they were whipped.

Friday started early with the sign crew out placing the signs along the roads leading to our park than placing the parking/trolley signs inside our park. The tent crew came and set up and staked all the tents and luckily we purchased the extra tie downs as it was a little windy. The canoe’s, kayas, ATVs were brought over and placed where the visitors will be able to see them. The picnic tables were brought over from the RV Park next door (sister park) and placed under each tent and coolers were put in place at each tent filled with bottles of water. Each tent will also have a greeter there to help or answer any questions. The parking crew was set to greet the first vehicle and direct them where to park and the golf carts ready to bring them up to the front door.

Tables were set up just inside the entrance door of the clubhouse for the greeters to hand out the maps of the park along with the card for the raffle ticket. Slide show set up on the large TV in the living room area showing events coach houses in the park and the raffle bowl along with “The Winners” sign set up on the kitchen bar. Just outside on the patio the chili was started in the roasters, tables set up with three crock pots to serve from along with the chips/spoons/napkins/onions and cheese.  Popcorn machine rolled out ready for that first batch.  Helpers all showed up and were at their locations when the first visitor arrived 30 minutes early. Did I mention that the retirees here all seem to think they have to come at least a half hour before the actual start time?

Once the visitors were finished with their tour of the complex they were directed to the first trolley stop where six and four passenger golf carts were waiting to take them out to Phase 2, then they could work their way to another trolley stop to be picked up and moved to another area of the park. Eventually they would end up back to the parking area or clubhouse.

I thought some of you would be interested in some of the things we needed to purchase for this event so here goes.

30 lbs of chili, 300 bags of Frito’s, 5lbs of onions, 10 lbs of cheese, box of 600 spoons, 500 napkins, 400 bottles of water, along with raffle tickets, prints of map of the park with all the trolley stops in green and open houses in yellow, 10x10 canopy tents (4) extra stakes, sales brochures and new centerpieces for the dining room tables. And the most important thing was the 29 volunteers who helped in being greeters, food servers, and golf cart drivers. At about half way thru the event we had additional volunteers scheduled to come up and relieve anyone who would like to leave.

Finally 4pm came and everyone was pretty tired but we still had the cleanup to do and put things back where they were. But again the volunteers finished this up in no time and we were done. Donna/Grant, Bill and us decided we all needed a good meal and stronger drink than water so we headed over to a steak house and enjoyed a good food, some laughs and a very good drink.

I have to finish up the paper work that I’ve been keeping for the people that do this next year. One of the challenges on doing this is there wasn’t any notes on pass events so we pretty much started blind on this. But trusts me the next committee that does this will probably have more information than they want.

Even with all that was going on we didn’t forget our little Pepper. Made arrangements with a friend to let her have a play date with their dog so she got to spend time with them and go to the puppy park.

We had great feedback from people and after counting the raffle tickets and what maps were left we figured there were about 225 visitors. The Frito Pies really went over and lots of compliments on how things were set up.  So hopefully the sales team will get some sales out of all this and the residents who have their lots up for sale will get a bite. Afraid I don't have the pictures from the photograher yet to share but I should have then soon and will post them.

In the mean time I have one more event coming up on Thursday, that’s the Wine N Cheese N Artist night. More on that next week but after that we’re DONE with activities. We’ll just attend them and enjoy it.

Till next time…………………………………………….

 

 

Weather - Retama Event Update

Our winter weather is hopefully behind us. We’ve had below average temperatures in the 30’s & 40’s, cloudy skies and rain off and on and highs in the 50's. I realize our northern family doesn’t feel very sorry for us but: there was one time it was warmer in Michigan than here. That just isn’t right. But the last few days have been picture perfect with sunny skies, nice breeze and in the 70’s. Actually the residents here have complained that it’s so hot. It wasn’t that long ago and they (including myself) were all looking for winter coats when it got down to 70.

So we are in the final week of the big event. We’ve been busy with many of the things that can only be done towards the end. The full page advertisement came out without any errors. Last year the paper pulled the previous year’s ad and the day was changed from a Sunday to Friday not to mention the date. Luckily the next week’s paper had the correct dates/day but since that came out on Thursday and the event was Friday they never knew what kind of in pack it had on the attendance.  

The signs are ready to be staked along the streets directing traffic our way, as are the ones that will be put out showing Trolley Stops and directions for the parking area. Food has been purchased; maps of the open houses are at the corp. office being printed, volunteer’s stations and coordinators have been determined. Trolley stop tents have been purchased along with the raffle tickets, DVD set up for the slide show made of Retama to be played on the big TV in the lounge. And this list goes on.

 But before next Friday arrives we need to get ready for today. We are having an information/pizza meeting at 4pm today for over 100 residents who have volunteered their time or are opening their homes. Luckily the weather will be perfect to have this outside on the patio. Once the pizza party is over the residents will be split up at different area’s to meet up with their coordinators to go over their responsibilities. I’m having nightmares that we’ll have these 30 large pizzas delivered and know one shows up.  This is one of the reasons I’m writing this blog at 4:30 in the morning.

With everything going on we still had our annual Dr’s appointments this week. We were told our insurance plan pays for pneumonia shots so we went ahead. Larry who is the wimp in the family for getting shots didn’t have any problem. Mine turned all red than black/blue and it’s still sore and it’s been four days.

 I do have a picture to share.  But for some reason the link to download pictures isn't working on this blog. So maybe next week.

 

That’s it for this week. Till next time………………………

Trip to Mexico - Not much else

A little late getting this out. I don’t think I have the flu that’s spreading around here but have been just plain tired. Pepper and I didn’t get up until almost 8am than we pretty much slept all morning. It’s a good day to stay inside, watch movies and take naps. Hopefully the flu shot will do its job but there seems to be several in the park that it hasn’t helped them.

The week has been full of the Retama Event at the end of the month. We found the tents that we want to set up in areas around the park so people can sit under cover at picnic tables while waiting for a golf cart to take them to another area. Set each one up to make sure everything was alright with them.

We are having a pizza party/meeting next Sunday for all that has either volunteer to open their places or to be helpers. I pulled the signup sheets and did a count and was totally amazed.  We have over 90 people that are offering their help. Kind of tells you what a great group of people we have that is willing to do this for the development of our community.

Last night I went next door (RV Park) with Marilynn, Helen, and Betty to an entertainment show. The men all stayed home and watched their sports games. The group was very good and like the lead singer said “where else but in the RGV could you go to a show to watch Hispanics singing Western Songs.   Afterwards we went over to the Dairy Queen and had dinner. I’m not sure why we continue going there; they are constantly messing orders up. Marilynn and I both ordered nachos with a mini blizzard to be brought out after the meal. So they bring out everyone’s ice cream, the other twos hamburgers/fries and after we finished our ice cream than the nachos showed up.

We did make a quick trip down to Mexico to pick up a few things on Thursday after our meeting. It sure was busy there, much better to go there before all the northerners arrive.

Guess that’s about it for the week. Don’t even have any pictures to share. So Til Next Time…………

 

 

A Cold Rainy Week

First I need to let friends that read this know that when they post a comment on the blog it goes to my email. I cold than allow it to be posted or delete it. I need to review see them before being posted,  you wouldn't believe some of the comments you can get. Anyway some how I turned something off or changed it and I'm not able to post any comments or response to them. I'm hoping my friend Kathy who arrives in another week will be able to help me fix this. So if you need me to response please put your email address in the comment. But one of the comments asked when the Walk Through Retama was and it's January 25th (Friday) from 1-4pm.

Speaking of this event that's pretty much all I've been working on this week. At my last count we have 20+ residents willing to open their places for the public and we still have several weeks before the event.  Have decided on serving Frito Pies along with the popcorn and water. Have our event listed in several area calendars now that gear towards Winter Texans and talked with the paper that they put a full page ad in. Because there are so many visitor (200-300) we have them all park in a vacant section by the clubhouse and use golf carts to move them around. The first year they let people drive around and it's just to dangerous with that many people and vehicles on these streets. Most people are ok with this but some get mad and leave. We'll have Trolley Stops available with Tents, picnic tables and water so this will give them a place to sit and wait, especially if it's as hot as it was last year.  We figure we'll need about 16 volunteers to help with everything. Have a couple of things to do on the Raffle Drawings but those are pretty well done. We asked two other couples (Roger/Dianne N. and Dave/Marilyn  S.) to help over see this and they have been a big help and lots of residents have signed up to help out that day. Got the park map figured out thanks to our friend Mark B. and once we have the final number of locations he will mark these on the map along with the trolley stops. Hopefully this all comes together the way we all want it too.

I think I've mentioned before that the people here in Texas go out of their way to welcome the Winter Texans back every year. They have parties and special events all during the winter for us. Stores have signs in windows that all say Welcome Back. And each year there's a big banner hanging across main street in Mission saying Welcome Back Winter Texans. I have a picture I was going to share but for some reason it won't down load it. (again my friend Kathy is needed)

We have had nothing but rain and cold temperatures all week. We haven't been out of the 40's day or night and with the rain it's just darn right awful. Even Pepper doesn't like it. The first morning it was like this she went outside and walked right under the trailer and refused to go any farther. We'd have to force her to go outside and she'd take about 2 steps on the grass, do her business and run for the door. My sister told me we're turning her into a wimp just like I am. I see nothing wrong with that.

So that fills you in on our week. Oh I have to congratulate my sister in law  who finally has her own lap top computer and her very own email. She will find there is life off the farm.

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

Christmas at the beach -Happy New Year

Christmas is over and soon the New Year will be here. Most of us reflect on what we accomplished, what we never got around too, the good times and some sad times.  So for us it’s been a little of everything.

We've accomplished making a final move from full Time RV’s to Winter Texans by leaving the 5^th wheel in Texas, selling the big truck and purchasing a new vehicle to make the trip to and from Michigan. We never got around to finishing some remodeling in the house but there’s always 2013.  We had many good times but one of the best was seeing our daughter Brandi marry a wonderful man. And of course there always seems to be a sad time, ours was losing our dear friends Larry and LaVila just one week apart of each other (at least they are together now). The next year hopes to have many more good times and maybe a few more accomplishments.

We made our trip to South Padre Island on Christmas Day. We took a walk along the beach and tried to get Pepper use to the water. She seemed to be alright until the water started chasing her than all bets off, she was heading for land.

After our little lunch on a pavilion by the beach we took our towels and enjoyed the perfect weather of soaking up the sun and people watching. We were surprised on how many families were there but this may be their tradition of opening presents and hitting the beach in the afternoon. I took several pictures and have posted them on Snapfish if you’re interested.

I received a picture from daughter Renee’ who wanted to share some of their winter wonder land. It’s very pretty and I really enjoy seeing this snow, especially when we are 1800 miles away from it.

But they aren’t the only ones who have had a cold snap. I’ll admit we don’t get the snow or as low of temperatures but when it goes from 89 degrees on Christmas day to a high of 54 degrees the next it’s darn right cold for us.

We’ve been working on a project that we were asked to oversee. When we were asked it was a “could you help” with the annual Walk through the Village event. As it turned out our “help” and the sales managers “help” are two different things.

As my kids will attest I am an organizer and a big one for notes – on everything and sometimes in triplicate. So when I found out that in the last four years of this event there weren't any I thought - well never mind what I thought.  And as my kids know there will be a full notebook completed for the ones who do this next year.

So we asked two other couples to work with us and we’ve been putting our heads together to try and make sure this thing runs smoothly. Every year the residents open their homes and coach houses to the public so visitors can see what it’s like being in Retama. It’s a pretty big event with several hundred people coming to our park. While the residents show their places we have many things going on at the clubhouse including food, raffles, vendors. So that we don't have vehicles all over we will have the visitors park in a vacant area by the clubhouse and use golf carts to shuttle them around the park.

I think we’re going to try something different, in the pass they have always served hot dogs but this year we are going to try Frito Pie. We’re having a taste testing tomorrow afternoon so we’ll make the final decision after that. But I have to admit that none of this could be possible without so many here that have volunteered their time and opening their homes.

I guess that’s it for this week.  Happy New Year to all and be safe

Larry's project - Grandsons boot - Ladies Pictures

Larry’s been working on a little project. As I mentioned before he has a Lionel Train set that he would like to get set up in the spare room in the house in Michigan. He’s been working on one of the scenes and I’m sure the family members will recognize this but for others this is one of the hip roof barns on the family farm. It’s not done yet but he would like to try and do a replica of the farm.

Daughter Brandi called and said our new grandson Dar’Relle dropped a weight on his foot at school. Darrell (dad) went and got him and off to the ER they went.  I should mention that normally our other grandson Darrius is the one who goes there but I think he has finally realized that yes Superman can do all these leaps and bounds without getting hurt but Darrius can’t. Anyway after the x-rays showed his big toe and the one next to it were broken the Dr. said he would have to wear a special shoe but would probably be ok to go back to basketball after xmas break. After trying every shoe/boot that the hospital had they had to send someone out to Michigan State Univ’s athletic department to get one big enough.

Thursday was the Ladies breakfast  and since it was at a place  I’ve never been I decided to go. Very nice local family owned restaurant that at one time was a house. I ordered their special 2eggs, hash browns, toast, ham and coffee for $4.50.  Of course have to share a picture of the group.

Another picture I want to share is a group one that was taken after the Ladies Luncheon in front of the fountain.

 

Last Saturday was my side of the family's Christmas Party. Some day all of the family might be able to come together for this party but for those of us not there it's always great seeing this.

 

 To all our family and friends where ever you may be, safe travels and may you all have a wonderful Christmas.

O-Pepper wants to share a picture she has of her friend Trash.

 

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

Busy Week

Half the month of December is over. What happened to Thanksgiving wasn’t it just last week. So let’s start right off with a couple of pictures.

Our grandson Darrius is in his glory in this picture. He was chosen to be a water boy at his big brother Dar’Relle’s high school basketball team. What 8 year old that lives, plays and dreams this game wouldn’t want this job.

Another picture from our daughter Renee’ is of our grand-dogs. Can’t believe these two would sit still for this. I can just see Pepper; she’d be in Santa’s lap playing tug of war with his beard. Renee’ and Brian are a foster home for a pet rescue called Love a Stray in Ohio.(check out the website, our granddogs are on the front) This is where Pepper came from. Each year they have this event of having a picture of Santa with you’re pets to help raise dollars for Love a Stray.

Since we allowed Brandi’s family to open their Christmas present early Renee’ called and wanted to too. Since she knew about this one and wanted to put it out I said ok.

Wednesday was the Ladies Christmas Luncheon that Marilynn and I hosted. From all the comments it was a great success. The men did a wonderful job on fixing our meal and serving us. Here's are chef and waiters.

 

Once the luncheon was over Marilynn and I turned our attention on to the next event for Saturday. Marilynn was in charge of the monthly breakfast and I convinced her it would be great fun to have an “Egg in a Bag” breakfast. And I have had to convince her almost daily that this is a good idea. But it turned out to be a great success and everyone seemed to have a good time. Lots of prep work to get this ready for 70 people but we had a lot of help. Here's a couple of pictures.

 

 

This afternoon we along with Marilynn and Gary treated ourselves to a DQ Blizzard. We earned it.

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