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

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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……………..

December 18 - 25, 2010 "Merry Christmas"

CC continues her chair and Zoomba classes, while Fester, always inquisitive researched the difference between tacos, burritos and fajitas; and there is a difference, albeit minute. Tacos are small, 6” tortillas, usually filled with one or more ingredients (cooked, as in bacon and eggs, but not grilled), and folded over. Fajitas are the same, but the ingredients are grilled meat or seafood and grilled vegetables. Burritos are larger, 12” tortillas, filled with 2 or more ingredients, and rolled with the ends sealed. Thus ends the first cooking class in Mexican 101. Next time we will cover salsa, picante and pico de gallo.



Naturally, everyday ends with the pool and hot tub. My back is starting to relax after punishing it unmercifully from April through September, with two house liquidations.


On the 21st, I awoke at 2 am to view the lunar eclipse and it was cloudy, so a wasted trip it was. Later that day CC cleaned the rig and did Zoomba. The pool and hot tub were very crowded today; maybe the word was out, “Swimsuits Optional”.


CC helped with buffet dinner preparations on Wednesday, by peeling apples and wrapping 120+ potatoes in foil. Later, at Don Wes, we purchased a gallon thermos ($2) for pool “strawberry” margaritas tomorrow. Hard to believe it’s Christmas week, as the temps the last 2 days have been in the 80-85 degree range during the day and 62-65 at night. I’m dreaming of a White Christmas for all of you, not us.


CC made her second Ropa visit with Terri and friends of hers from the UK, while I went to the store to purchase ingredients for “Pre Christmas Eve Margaritas” at the pool this afternoon. Margaritas were a hit; made a gallon and they went quickly.


Friday morning CC was up at 5am? Don’t ask, don’t tell? So at 6 am we ventured to HEB for Christmas Dinner “stuff”; asparagus and dinner rolls, which were our “contribution” to the Christmas Dinner Buffet, tomorrow at 2 pm. Then it was on to Progreso, MX, to do some more research on Pancho’s Pharmacy, to ascertain whether their margaritas are as good as they were last week or maybe it was just a onetime fluke. We left about 9:30 am, just in case the bridge was again closed. There was a bomb threat yesterday, and the bridge was closed for a few hours. Pictured below is the group, “judging” the margaritas at Pancho’s. It was no fluke, these are the real deal; no kool-aid here.

There are actually two Pancho’s  in Progreso. The first one is about a block from the bridge on the west side of the street, and is NOT the good one. Venture on down about 2 more blocks on the west side, until you see the Galerias (on the other side of the street). There is no hanging signage that says Pancho’s Bar, but it is in the El Disco "Pancho's" store, and the bar is on your right as you walk in the door.

After one $2 margarita, we all decided it was time for lunch. We each ordered another margarita at Pancho’s and carried our “to go” cups to the Red Snapper, where the food is fantastic, but their margaritas can’t compete with Pancho’s. Does this look like a happy crew, or what?

We all returned from MX around 2 pm, and naturally headed to the pool, and guess what? The “Swimsuits Optional” sign had been removed from the pool gate. Some people have no sense of humor AT ALL, and are simply “Old Fuddy Duddies”.

CC and I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas, and hope your day was as good as ours. Even without family, we have made friends here at the park, and spent some time at the buffet dinner with them. The food was outstanding, and what I really treasured, was sampling the many different foods that our group of 9 couples had prepared. It was NOT your traditional Christmas dinner; much better.

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

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.......