December 12 - 17, 2010 - "Swimsuits Optional"

No week is complete without at least one trip to Don Wes Flea Market. Funny name for a flea market you say? Well, seems as these Texans are smarter than you think. The flea market is located on Business 83, halfway between Donna, TX and Weslaco, TX; hence Don Wes. Here, one can shop for anything from soup to nuts; new or pre-owned (except for food items, naturally; who would want to purchase a pre-owned food item?). Free puppies were in abundance on this visit.

I’m such a pushover. CC has been wanting a puppy since we lost Decker, our 17 year old Black Lab, so……..It’s a miniature BurNard; a cross between a miniature Burmese Mountain Dog and a miniature St. Bernard. The lady we got her from said she would only get up to the 10 – 12 pound range. At least that is what I think she said, as my French is not the best. We haven’t named her yet, so any suggestions would be welcomed.

All of the walking and haggling sure works up an appetite. One of the vendors had “Mexican Hot Dogs”, which according to her are simply a hot dog rolled in a flour tortilla and then deep fried. CC and I both passed on that one. Around the corner was Nana’s, and as we approached, the gentleman asked if we had ever had lonches (Progresso style), to which we replied, “No”. Quickly he turned and said, “Free sample”, and disappeared.  He had me at “Free”. Actually they were quite tasty; kind of a cross between a hot dog, hamburger, and a taco; prepared with specially seasoned ground beef in a special “bun of sorts” topped with shredded cabbage, tomatoes, cilantro, and sliced avocado. We ordered 4 each for $4. We will be back as they were a welcomed relief from the typical Tex-Mex tacos that are so prevalent in the area.

There are certain “items” necessary to fulltime in the RGV as Winter Texans, and one of those is a name sign. CC and I had discussed this over the last few weeks, and finally decided to bite the bullet and splurge for $26. Took him all of about 10 minutes, and we were on our way. But wait, what are we going to hang it on? So, another $18 for a welded steel frame capable of withstanding the breezy RGV, and supporting the cedar sign. We’re done. Not quite. CC has her eye on another item, a US Flag with stand, $15. That original $26 sign ended up costing $59. Talk about inflation.

Someone (?) attached the sign, “Swimsuits Optional”, to the gated entrance to the pool and hot tub. We have firsthand knowledge of who the culprit is, but we are sworn to secrecy. Upon seeing the sign for the first time, CC and I speculated it would only be up for a day or two, until management removed it. But, it has been up for about 4 days now, so one can only surmise that here at Country Sunshine, swimsuits are indeed, optional. Y’all come back now!

We are constantly searching for the “ultimate” margarita in Nuevo Progresso, MX, and by golly we may have just found it this week at Pancho’s for only $2. But, before we say more, another trip is in order to guarantee that this was not a fluke. It’s a tough assignment, but someone has to do it!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all.


Until next time, take care, and stay well.......