February 8, 2013 “Kites and Piñatas”

Try as I do, to keep current on the blog, it seems increasingly harder the longer we are Winter Texans. When we first arrived here in the RGV, CC and I were both easily frustrated by how slow life’s pace was. The people here drive slow, walk slow, talk slow (unless you are trying to communicate in Spanish, then they spit out the words faster than my ears can comprendo). In fact we both commented when we first arrived, “If I get slow like that, just shoot me”. But, since actions speak louder than words, it seems we have in reality, adjusted quite well, as the frequency of our blog illustrates.

The first weekend in February, the 13^th Annual Kite Festival was held on South Padre Island (SPI), and we planned on driving the 55 miles, spend the day, and return home Saturday evening. We got caught up in traffic due to a parade in Los Fresnos, and more congestion in Port Isabel, due to construction on the causeway. What is normally an hour drive, turned into almost 2 hours. It seems the locals have adopted the sluggish behavior of the Winter Texans. We finally arrived to SPI around 11 am, and proceeded to the festival held on the flats north of the Convention Center. The weather was perfect; warm with a slight breeze. (As usual, click on any image to enlarge)

Maybe we had high expectations, due to all the pre-festival hype on the local television stations. We both were a little under-whelmed, thinking we would experience something similar to the Albuquerque Balloon Festival, only with kites, since this was billed as the largest kite festival in North America. We stayed for a couple of hours, hoping to see more, but that didn’t happen, so as we left, we checked that off our bucket list, and headed home.

It’s hard to believe we have been here for 10 weeks, as it seems like we just arrived yesterday. Over the past weeks on our visits to Nuevo Progreso (NP) I have accumulated photos of various Piñatas available. In Mexico, they are used at birthdays, and anytime a party for kids is given.  They are empty when you buy them, and are then filled with candy, small toys, money, etc., by the person hosting the party.

The papier-mâché constructed Piñata is usually hung from a tree branch on a rope, five or six feet above the ground. The children are blindfolded, one at a time, spun around a few times to disorient them and given a stick to swing at the hanging Piñata. The children take turns attempting to hit the Piñata hard enough to cause it to break, thus freeing the candy and gifts for the screaming party-goers.

These are but a small sampling of Piñatas available. They will even “custom-make” one if you provide them a sketch or picture. Prices are really cheap, and range from $5 for the smaller ones to less than $20 for the larger more elaborate ones. What sets the host back is the plethora of candy and gifts placed inside.

Almost all of the department stores in NP sell Piñatas. There is even one “Party Store” that specializes in anything and everything associated with parties that have a huge selection of Piñatas ranging in size, price and subject matter. They also sell costumes, which are also very popular in Mexico.

Over the last three winters we’ve been in the RGV, we’ve seen many parties and parades hosted by the local Hispanics, as well as south of the border. They LOVE a party, of any type. But a true party includes a Piñata (or two), food (lots of it),  cerveza fria, loud, loud music and fireworks. If you are ever invited to a party given by them, accept the invitation, and go and witness something you have never seen before. They LOVE their parties; maybe that’s why they are always happy and smiling.

That’s all for now. Take care and stay well, until next time………………….

January 5 - 14, 2013 "Friends - New & Old"

Slap my hands and call me Shorty. As hard as I try and stay current on our blog, it is becoming more difficult to do with so many distractions that pop up at a moment’s notice. So, daily I must choose between doing “something”, or writing about what we’re doing. With that said, I’ll try and catch up.

We had visitors from Cheyenne, WY; our friends Tom and Trudy, with whom we try and see if our travels take us close to their place. They were accompanied by their daughter, Pam, as we introduced them to Nuevo Progreso (NP). We all had a wonderful time, and one of us had a few too many margaritas. I’m not one to name names, so I’ll just leave it, and chalk it up to the fact that they were probably just young and inexperienced with such beverages. (Click on any image to enlarge)

Every day since we arrived, CC continues with exercise classes at 8 am, now moved to 7:15 to allow for two classes each morning as more Winter Texans arrive. She has also virtually eliminated margaritas from her routine in NP when she realized that one margarita contained over 700 calories, about half of her total daily target. That also got my attention, as we are both trying to shed a few LB’s, and after some extensive research, we have both switched to a healthier alternative; gin and diet tonic, which has 130 calories and zero carbs. Since tonic water (agua aquina) is not available in NP, we must take our own. No problemo as our favorite bartender, Tony, is only too happy to oblige!

The weather has been cooler than normal, and has drastically curtailed our favorite daily activity; “pool time”. Occasionally, we bite the bullet and venture to the hot tub to relax and ease my aching back. This is an extremely difficult lifestyle we live, and is taxing the limits of my sciatica. For those of you who may be considering full timing, please take this into account before making any life changing decisions. J

Fellow blogger HeyDuke50 (http://zeetraveler.blogspot.com/) commented a few weeks ago to notify them the next time we were going to MX, and so we did. John and Sharon embarked on their full time lifestyle just a few months after we began ours, and our travels over this past summer covered many of the same places, albeit in the reverse direction. We made plans to meet them at the border and walk over the bridge into NP together. Rather than being redundant, I just realized as I’m writing this that John & Sharon already beat me to it and posted about our trip to NP. Log on to their blog and read all about it. Their rendition is much more eloquent than mine could ever hope to be. I will only add that we had a blast and when we met John & Sharon, we felt an instant connection. As my Dad would say, they are good people, and we hope to see them again on Friday. Cheers!

To further illustrate the challenging aspects of this lifestyle, last Friday morning CC and I had our day planned, only to be disrupted into total chaos by Carl & Carla, when the phoned us around 9 am and informed us that they and 4 others from South Padre were going to NP for dental appointments. We already had our daily plans made, but, sacrifice if we must, after all, what are friends for? They would reciprocate if the tables were turned. Right? Aaah….maybe not! So I tell CC, “We have to suck it up, and take one for the team.”

After lunch, a few in the group wanted to get manicures / pedicures, so we ventured southward and dropped them off as we continued to Arriba’s, located across the street from the school in Progreso Plaza. As luck would have it, it was Happy Hour, which meant 2 for 1 drink specials. I think we all agreed, the margaritas were definitely not as good as Tony’s. Pictured below, left to right, John, Sharon. CC, Carla Jack & Cindy.

I know it seems that we spend ALL of our time in MX, but that is not true. We do have a lot of fun here in the park as well. It’s just that several of our neighbors are either on the LAM or in the Federal Witness Protection Program, and wouldn’t take to kindly of us if we published their names, pictures or event accounts. Just one more reason this lifestyle is so taxing; you really got to be on your toes 24/7.

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

March 1 – 26, 2012 “Vacation & Winter Texan Appreciation Day”

CC and I decided a short reprieve from this lifestyle was in order, so we planned to meet longtime friends, Terry and Janice, at the Port Royal Resort on Mustang Island, just south of Aransas Pass. It is conveniently located about 3 hours north of our winter home in Weslaco, and about 3 hours southwest of their home in Houston. We had a great time catching up and telling tall tales about a variety of topics; as Terry so often says, “You can’t BS a BSer”. Here we are on the Gulf boardwalk adjacent to the resort. (As usual, click on any image to enlarge.)

Since we are nearing an end to our stay in Weslaco, CC thought we should venture to Nuevo Progreso at least twice a week to fill our tanks with authentic Mexican food. We were told by several of the locals about a place where they prefer to eat, Alex’s Café, one block east of the main drag. It may not look the best, and it is not fancy, but the food is very good and the prices, in US dollars are reasonable; about half of what they are at popular Gringo eateries such as the Red Snapper, Garcia’s, Arturo’s or Angel’s. Diners beware no margaritas or cerveza served at Alex’s, so if that is your beverage of choice, bring it with you; no one minds and it’s a widely acceptable practice in Nuevo Progreso.

I opted for the Milanesa, and it did not disappoint. The homemade salsas were some of the best we have ever had. CC brought along her “Rita” in a styrofoam cup, whilst I sipped on a cerveza Indio.

CC enjoyed one of the largest ground beef stuffed chile rellenos I have ever seen, along with a tortilla warmer packed with a dozen handmade tortillas; all for $3. Notice the limes on the plates? If you’ve never tried fresh squeezed lime juice on Mexican food, try it. The locals use it like we Gringos use salt; it brightens the flavors and invigorates the taste buds.

And yet on another trip SOTB, a group of friends from Country Sunshine on our bi-weekly Friday luncheon get together. First stop is always at Pancho’s El Disco II for Antonio’s famous $2 margaritas; as Tony (pictured right of me) says, “You no like, you no pay”. Do we look like we’re having fun?

March 21 was Winter Texan Appreciation Day in Nuevo Progreso, and what a party it was. The Mexican people REALLY know how to put on a fiesta; live music and dancing by pretty girls, no less, free food and drinks, gifts, and most importantly, a genuine feeling of hospitality toward us gringos from the North. Below, CC and Friends, (from far left, Terry, Wendy, CC, and Arlene) showing off their fiesta masks.

The Corona Girls shakin’ their booties, and later pouring free cervezas for party goers.

Not to be outdone, Team Tecate opted for a stage complete with DJ, along with added help, stage right, pouring free cervezas for those interested.

This troupe of dancers, dressed in native costumes, stopped for a “Kodak Moment” with the girls. (Notice the bags CC and Wendy are holding? Full of free “stuff”)

Our stay in Weslaco is nearing an end. From here we will travel along the border, northwest through Laredo, Eagle Pass, and Del Rio, before turning southwest to Big Bend National Park where we will spend 5 – 7 days exploring the area. The next blog entry will be, a Wille Nelson classic; “On the Road Again”. Until then, take care and stay well……………………..

January 5 - 28, 2012 "Livin' La Vida Loca"

Wow! It’s been almost a month since our last posting. The park really fills fast after Christmas, and that means more people = more parties / happy hours / potluck dinners. It is truly amazing how busy we stay, and we comment often that this retirement lifestyle is a full time job.

We started the year with OSU vs Stanford in the Fiesta Bowl. CC went “all in” as we prepared appetizers and cold adult beverages for what was anticipated to be a good game. It was, as OSU was victorious 41 - 38 . When OSU scored the winning touchdown, CC screamed so loud, it caused one of our neighbors to come knock on the door and check on us. He thought I was "doing something" to her???(As usual, click on any image to enlarge.)

Our friends from Englewood Beach, FL, Kathi and Obie, came for a week to visit our winter home here in the RGV. The week they were here was a little cooler than normal, but we did our best to cram two weeks of activities into one; two trips to Nuevo Progreso for $2 margs, shopping and lonches, 2 potluck dinners (one smoked ribs and the other a fish fry), daily happy hours, shopping , sightseeing and pool time as weather permitted. We had a wonderful visit, and, as usual, the time went by too fast; probably because we didn’t have any fun at all. NOT.

One afternoon, after pool time, and before happy hour, Kathi was shocked as she started screaming, “CC, there is an officer at the front door”. I thought, “What the hell is going on”, as I laid eyes on the "officer”.

One look was all I needed; it was just Kenny, another of the Winter Texans here at the park. He has a propensity for dressing up in a variety of costumes. You just never know when, where, or what he will show up as. We all had a good laugh, even Kenny, as he was pleased with his “act” and the fact he scared the beejees out of Kathi. But today was a first. We were to witness only his first appearance, and little did we know that he also had plans for Obie after dinner that same evening. (Carl and Carla whooping it up in the background.)

You may want to click on the picture to enlarge it, and see how Lena (aka Kenny) left her signature trademark on just another of her victims. We were all laughing so hard, someone actually tinkled in their shorts. After “Lena” left, we all decided we would take up a collection to get her some new shoes for her outfit, but finding a women’s 12EEE with a 5” spike heel may prove a difficult task to complete. Are we having fun yet?

Since it’s been a few days, a visit to Nuevo Progreso was on the agenda for manicures and pedicures at Bianca’s. On this trip, Hugh and Jane decided to tag along and indulge as well. Hugh is a little on the tight side, but $9 for a pedicure is just too good a deal to pass up.

The NPBR (National Professional Bull Riders) held a world championship event in nearby Mercedes, about 5 miles from our park, so we decided to attend. CC and I drove to McAllen one morning to purchase 8 tickets that would permit us to enter the event without standing in the long lines formed by those purchasing their tickets at the gate. We got right in, had excellent seats, and thoroughly enjoyed the 3 hour show. Nothing but bull riding; it just doesn’t get any better than this. (The burning 8 in the picture stands for the 8 seconds a rider must stay on the bull for a qualified ride.)

CC and I like to explore the RGV, so we decided Arroyo City was as good a day trip as any. Arroyo City, also known as Arroyo, is located on Farm Road 2925 a mile east of Farm Road 1847 and ten miles northeast of Rio Hondo in northeastern Cameron County. The area was settled by Mexican herders in the early 1860s and named for its location on the Arroyo Colorado. In 1904 the community had a school with one teacher and twenty-four students. A post office operated in Arroyo City from 1887 to 1907. In 1910 the settlement had two stores and a population estimated at ten. During the 1930s a few scattered houses remained in the area. In 1970 the community had various dwellings and businesses, and in 1990 Arroyo City was still marked on state highway maps.

The arroyo (a steep-sided gully cut by running water in an arid or semiarid region) still operates today as a shipping channel, running from the Gulf of Mexico to Harlingen, TX, and is 250-350 feet wide the entire length. The Army Corp of Engineers maintains it by dredging, to allow large cargo ships adequate depth for passage. Five miles inland lies Arroyo City Park, complete with 2 fishing piers, boat launch, and RV park. This is a remote area, roughly 15 miles to the nearest store of any kind in Rio Hondo. For those looking for some prime fishing, and/or “getting away from civilization”, this is the place. We haven’t yet decided on if we will drive the RV one hour west to spend a week, possibly in March.

Well, that is just a snapshot of our month here in Weslaco, TX. If we can slow down a little from our hectic social calendar, future postings will resume to at least once a week. There are just so many hours in the day, and the main reason we chose this lifestyle was to live every minute, and unfortunately living takes priority over blogging. Thanks for stopping by, and until next time, take care and stay well………

December 1 - 7, 2011 "Welcome Back Winter Texans"

Click for weather forecast

How long does it take to get a Dometic refrigerator repaired? I ordered the part on October 10, and the repair was done by Camping World in Mission, TX on December 1. I could have replaced the part myself, but Dometic told me that if it was not installed by an “authorized” service center, it would void the warranty. Oh well, at least it didn’t cost me anything, other than the frustration, time and the diesel for the 44 mile roundtrip, AND more importantly, CC is happy the auto defrost feature on the freezer is once again working properly.

We are transitioning into a more sedentary lifestyle for the winter at Country Sunshine, at least in the sense that we are not moving the rig every week or so. There are so many activities available here, one could stay completely immersed in them from sun up to well beyond sun down, IF one so desired. We pick and choose ours, and if something else more entertaining arises, we just go with the flow. Most days begin with a light breakfast and 8 am exercise class, followed by showers. (Yes, we actually do take them, ESPECIALLY on Saturday. LOL) By 10, it’s computer time to catch up on e-mails, Facebook, etc., followed by the daily dilemma of where to dine for lunch. 2 pm is pool time followed by 4 pm Happy Hour (most days), and dinner at 6. Hot tub time is 7 pm, and then it’s back to the rig for some much needed R&R. We have been here a month, and it seems like only a week. Time does fly when you’re having fun.

No week here would be complete without at least on trip SOTB to Nuevo Progreso. On Friday, December 2, the town held a “Welcome Back Winter Texans” celebration. They blocked off the main street, and set up a stage where numerous musical groups performed really, REALLY, loud music. (As is their culture.)

Some of the merchants were giving away free food and drinks, while others provided Mexican trinkets as thank you gifts. Street performers, dressed in an array of costumes, dazzled Winter Texans with their antics. (As usual, click on any image to enlarge)

As we were making our way down to Pancho’s for our customary “Best Margarita in Nuevo Progreso”, fighting the crowded sidewalks, made even more crowded by “Winter Texan Day”, Miss Tamaulipas 2011 Karen Alejandra Lizcano Flores appeared, (Tamaulipas is the Mexican state in which Nuevo Progreso is located) surrounded by two body guards. By the time I could get my camera out, the crowd had pushed me down the sidewalk, and that Kodak Moment had forever lapsed. I did manage to capture this picture of her on the internet. As you can see, she is a very pretty senorita.

The weather has turned cooler, actually cold for the RGV. Lows this week in the low 40’s with highs in the 60-75 degree range; sweatshirt and jacket weather for sure. CC reminds me what it’s like back in Colorado right now, and that definitely puts things in perspective. So, all in all, it’s very “seasonal” here, and we’re lovin’ every minute.

Thanks for stopping by, and until next time, take care and stay well…………….

November 12 - 20, 2011 "Customs and Border Patrol & Día de la Revolución"

Click for weather forecast

Current weather here at 7 am is 77 degrees and 77% humidity. Weather in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) is normally breezy; some days winds of 20 - 35 mph, and some days only 5 - 10 mph when a cold front is approaching. So far in the 2 weeks we’ve been here, there has only been one day too cool to make use of the heated swimming pool and hot tub. It’s currently 23 degrees in Denver, CO, so I shouldn’t complain, right? (As usual, click on any image to enlarge.)

This year our spot at Country Sunshine faces southwest, so the predominantly southern winds are, for the most part, blocked by the rig, when we sit on the patio. We also have shade most of the day, until around 4 pm. Most days are too windy to use the propane grill, and I’ve been tempted to get a charcoal grill, which would work well, but need to once again de-clutter the basement to make room for it. That task is on my “to do” list this week, as we both miss not being able to grill / BBQ.

Last week, we had the opportunity to tour the Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) Station here in Weslaco. They started with a brief introduction followed by two short films outlining the responsibilities of CBP, which are also available online at their website. We were then given the nickel tour of non-sensitive areas including their vehicle lot and booking/detention area. While we were there, they were processing 4 individuals; 3 Mexican males, and a 16 year old male from Honduras. The kid looked extremely clean for traveling so far, but was visibly perplexed regarding his impending future in the US. We were told he had contacted a cousin here, and if that person came forward and could prove they had the ways and means to accommodate him, he would be allowed to go with them by way of a temporary visa.

One of the CBP officers told us they process about 1,000 illegals per month in the Weslaco sector alone. There are 5 sectors in the RGV, which translates to 60,000 illegals per year that get apprehended. The first 2 times each one is apprehended they are sent back to Mexico. For the US to legally arrest/convict/imprison them, CBP must catch them illegally entering the US 3 times. The vehicles used in these apprehensions are subjected to the elements common to this area; sand, water and mud, as most of the intruders simply swim across the Rio Grande River.

Of course, no week would be complete without at least one trip across the border to Nuevo Progreso. As we have become creatures of habit, first stop is Pancho’s Pharmacy to see Tony, who IMHO, makes the best $2 margarita in town. (Do we look like we’re having fun?) Last year, CC conditioned herself to the point of consuming 2 and still being able to walk across the bridge. This trip, however, she stopped at one. It takes awhile to build up your stamina to take on two, but if anyone is capable, CC is, without a doubt, hands down, up for the challenge. Next week her “goal” is 1 ½ . After margaritas, the group went to Angel’s for lunch, and I must say, eating here last year was much better. Will we return???

What a surprise it was that we just happened to be in Nuevo Progreso (NP) on November 20, 2011, Mexico celebrated the Centennial Anniversary of its Revolution, Día de la Revolución. On this date, in the year 1910 the revolutionary war to overthrow the dictator Porfirio Díaz, began. Parades and fiestas are part of the celebration. NP is a town of 9,000 and it seemed as there were an abundance of children of all ages participating in the parade. In the picture below, note the mustaches on the young boys.

There were numerous “floats”(?), some simply decorated trailers, while others decorated pickup trucks. The one thing they all had in common; all had their own PA system with blaringly LOUD music playing. For those of you unfamiliar with Mexico and planning to visit, be prepared for loud music all hours of the day and night; it is their national right and part of their culture.

This group of young girls, dressed in period costumes, complete with rifles to ward off the evil enemy. Some of the rifles were made from painted cardboard or thin plywood, while others carried their brother’s toy gun.

And of course, no parade would be complete without the equestrians; complete with donkey, the official horse of Mexico.

We are once again having a great time at our winter home in Weslaco. New people are arriving everyday as they flee the colder climates to the north. This Thursday we will have the potluck Thanksgiving Dinner at the Clubhouse around noon, and back again at 5 pm for leftovers, for anyone that didn’t get enough to eat at dinner. We will NOT be in attendance for leftovers.

We want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving, and hope you acknowledge the holiday as it was meant to be celebrated. CC and I are truly thankful for all we have and feel truly blessed everyday to be living this enlightening, enlivening lifestyle.

Until next time, take care, stay well, and thanks for dropping by……………..

March 8 - 20, 2011 "Spring Break at South Padre"

It’s hard to believe almost 2 weeks has gone by since our last blog entry, but we have been so busy, we just haven’t had the time; or I should say, we haven’t TAKEN the time. Why? Party, party, and more party.

Our last week at Country Sunshine was just a series of going away parties. We made many friends while we were there, and each of them wanted to give us a party. I’d like to think it was because we will be missed, but in retrospect, they were probably just glad to see us leave. Either way, we made some good friends, and will most likely return next winter for at least a month or so. Adios amigos y amigas.

Of course, we made 3 trips to Nuevo Progreso during our last week in Weslaco to stock up on the essentials (Tequila, medications, purses, gifts, etc.) , and to get our SOTB fix ($2 margaritas, Mexican food - lonches, $7 haircuts, $8 manicures and $8 pedicures). As always, click on any photo to enlarge.

We left Weslaco on March 15, en route to South Padre Island (SPI), to re-connect with Carl & Carla, whom we first met at Country Sunshine in December. We ate our fill of shrimp, fish and oysters, and consumed a few(?) adult beverages during our 5 day stay.

South Padre Island – Coca-Cola Beach was the “happening place” daily from 11 am to 5 pm. We attempted a “walk around” and took nearly an hour. Everyone was having a good time, and all the kids we met made us feel as if we were a part of their party; maybe there is hope for our future generations.

The Capt Morgan Crew made an appearance, providing samples, trinkets, t-shirts and temporary tattoos; CC placed hers on her ??? and, I had my picture taken with the Captain and his first mates. Do I look like I'm having fun? This truly is a tough life we now live. Extremely tough.

CC the cougar, was not to be outdone in the picture department, so she rounded up a few young studs for this photo op. She is obviously NOT having fun. HaHa.........Yea right.

Our friend Carl only drinks Miller Lite, especially when the Miller girls are working. Again, all the young ladies were very friendly and very personable to all of us, even Carl.

AND, he can't resist when it comes to getting his picture taken with a pretty girl, even ones wearing Duct Tape!

My beer of choice is Bud Light on Wednesdays, and this day just by chance was a Wednesday, and it just so happened that the Bud Light girls were “sampling” their product, among other things???. They requested a picture, and who am I to say no; it’s just not in my nature.

And finally we caught Carla in the act of rustling up a young stud of her very own. I saw some phone numbers being exchanged, but my lips are sealed. What happens in SPI, stays in SPI.

We parked at the KOA on SPI, directly across the street from Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark, which had nightly concerts from 9 pm - 2 am. So, sleep was hampered by the loud music. On Thrursday night, Snoop Dog was the featured act, and at midnight, they REALLY cranked up the watts, so loud, in fact, it rattled the windows on the rig. So many in attendance they were parking cars EVERYWHERE; including the flats directly north of the campground. We awoke friday morning, and noticed 3 unfortunate ones that didn't make it out before the tide came in.

Eventually one made it out, with the help of a good samaritain unscathed, another twisted off a rear axle but managed to get out, and the third one was stll there when we left on Sunday moring. We speculate he called the finance company to tell them where their truck was located.

Today we moved northward to Corpus Christi, TX, where we will tour the USS Lexington, and visit North Padre Island, before moving on up the Gulf Coast to the Galveston area. We are back on the road and loving every minute. Until next time, take care and stay well………………………