Michigan Storm in Texas - Not right

So Thursday started out warm and humid. Nothing new about that, this seems to have been the pattern for the last couple of weeks. Chance of rain was 40% which means about 4 drops of rain if we're lucky. Had a nice day out with Marilynn, Shellie (Marilynn's DIL from WI), Helen and I. Went to Kohls and spent several hours there. That evening was our last social event up at the clubhouse. Sloppy Jo's furnished by the Committee with everyone bringing a dish. We started this last year and we call it our "Tail-Light Party" as all we see this time of year is tail lights heading out of the park.

Around 8:30 the wind started picking up than all hell broke loose. Rain coming side ways, Lighting filling the sky, thunder booming and the wind was unbelievable. I went up and turned the bedroom TV on to see what the local channels have to say. Just as it came on the weather man said they would interrupt the program if another funnel cloud spotted. Hmm, this didn't sound to good so checked other channels, nothing. Put it on the weather radio channel and listened for awhile than it came on with a tornado warning for our county. Funnel spotted at Shary and Frontage Road which is about 5 miles from here, put at least it was moving in the other direction. Back to the local channels to get updates, would you believe there was not one weather report on any of the stations other than a little box down in the bottom showing the warning. Sure is different than up north, they come on with a whole crew and stay on until storms are over. Anyway the rain was coming side ways and our street looked like a roaring river. The wind was a really bad, gusts over 60mph and I just kept waiting for our awning to go flying. Kind of nerve racking for a couple of hours. At least with the storms up north they come and go within a short time but this one just wouldn't quit.

We were lucky as we didn't get this hail at our place but it was only a few miles away
Some places had 3ft drifts
Than the rain came and the flooding started
this is at Ware Rd for those who know the area
Unbelievable

Today (Sunday) we went out to lunch with several friends and came back through one of the areas hit by the hail. Many streets are still closed cause of the limbs, glass etc. The trees are all stripped of their leaves and many homes, business had windows boarded up. The area around here does not have the proper storm drains to handle three + inches of water a hour so many schools were closed do to flooding inside. As I said our park was very lucky and other than a few trees and shingles off that was the extent our the damage.

Remember the guy I told you about last week who purchased all the lots, well guess he wasn't done and bought several more. I'm not sure I would put all my pennies in one park but it's helped. This has been the best year of sales since the year we bought ours and in the last 60 days they have sold 30 lots. Sure will look different next fall when we come back.

Donna and Grant left on Wednesday. Hated to see them pull out but they wanted to see friends in Florida before heading north for the summer. Miss you guys but we'll see you sometime this summer in Michigan. Bob and Linda Elliott also pulled out this morning heading for their home in TN. They recently purchased Doug and Jutta Franks lot (just 2 down from us) and I had to snap a picture of them loading their car.

They have a big truck that they drive their vehicle up on and pull their 40' 5th Wheel
I wouldn't want to do this

Friday night Kathy and Bill had everyone (10 of us) over for dinner. They are leaving tomorrow for Windsor and she wanted to empty out the refrigerator. Had a wonderful meal and it was a great time sitting there talking with our friends. Again we'll miss them but we have plans to get together this summer.

The first of the week we went over and closed up the other trailer. Larry ordered some silver window insulation to put in our windows. Love Amazon.com - when he purchased his Kindle Fire he joined this Amazon Prime. It's like $80 dollars a year and with that he gets so many books free, but the best part is anything we order from Amazon that's marked Prime is shipped two day express free and no sales tax. With tax here at 8.5 it's paid for itself. So now if we need anything we always check there first before going to the big box stores.

Weather has been very warm and forecast is showing the same. Highs in the 90's and lows in the 70's. Found out that Dairy Queen is having a buy one blizzard and get the second one for 99 cents. So a quick call to Marilynn and Gary and we were on our way.

Guess that's it for this week. Travel safe to all our friends heading north. Till next time..........

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..................................