A group of 10 from the park toured the Aloe King Farm in Mercedes, TX. Upon arrival, we were led into their palapa and fed a roasted chicken lunch with all the trimmings, at the modest cost of $7 per person. The cost of the “tour” was $2 per person and lasted about 2 hours. We were each given a starter plant to take home and plant. I was skeptical (imagine that) about going, but it turned out to be very interesting.
Pictured below is a filet of Aloe Vera, and we were each given a slice of it to use as a moisturizer. There are many medicinal uses for the plant as well. Visit the website for more information. http://www.aloeking.com
Just across the road from Aloe King is an avocado orchard. Today workers were trimming the trees to make them stronger and to increase the yield. The actual “trimmer” has 5 spinning blades; each blade about 24” in diameter, and looked like circular saw blades. To say debris was flying would be an understatement, which is why the operator is enclosed in the protected cab. Notice the tree on the left which has not yet been trimmed. (Click on any picture to enlarge)
Another day, another trip SOTB to Progreso; It has become a weekly ritual. Minimum cost for the trip includes $2 for parking on the US side, and $0.25 each per crossing to walk across the bridge; a total of $3.
That is, of course, before a stop at the Red Panty Bar for one of their great margaritas; $4 each but they are huge. Unfortunately for us, we were a day early for free beer. Oh well, guess we’ll just have to go back tomorrow to take advantage of that. Rule #3 in retirement is never, ever turn down a free beer.
CC needed some Clinique “something”(?), and the JC Penney here in Weslaco didn’t carry it, so it was off to Dillard’s in Harlingen, about 15 miles to the East. It truly amazes me that there are so few Bar-B-Que joints in the RGV (Rio Grande Valley). I mean, we are in Texas, aren’t we? Now if you want Mexican food, the RGV is the place to be; more Mexican restaurants here than there are Mormon Churches in Salt Lake City. While in Harlingen we stopped at The Lone Star for lunch.
I had the brisket sandwich; it doesn’t get more Texas than that. The food was very good, and the price reasonable. $5.95 for the “special”, sandwich, fries and drink. CC had a burger. What’s up with that?
We are in Weslaco, located in the RGV midway between Harlingen and McAllen. One of the lady’s here at the park, suggested to CC, that a “must see/do” was the market in McAllen. It reminded me of the shopping district in Puerto Vallarta. Pictured below CC models some Hoochie Mama jeans.
All the walking and shopping has really worked up our appetites, so it was off to find a place to eat lunch. La Mordida (translates to Little Bite) Restaurant was just a short walk away. No English spoken here. The food was modest, but the place was clean and cozy.
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree…………We ventured to the local Christmas Tree Farm, and purchased our first tree for the rig. No 9 footer here, like we had in the “stix & brix”; more like a 3 footer to set on the dash. CC added some lighted garland along the dash, and our Christmas decorations we set for the annual Parade of Lights scheduled here on December 14.
We have received a few e-mails commenting on our choice in cuisine, and wondered if we have gained any weight as a result of those choices. The short answer is pictured below; our dinner last night as we dined at Casa Sol Crucero. My compliments to the chef and sous chef.
After our commitment with the Customs and Border Patrol each day, we continue to frequent the pool and hot tub on a daily basis, and even manage a few miles each day on the bikes. CC continues her Chair and Zoomba classes each day they are offered. Other than that, life is boring……………..LOL Really LOL…………..Until next time, take care and stay well.
Loved readinng this thanks
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