March 31, 2013 “Happy Easter”

 

Our time spent as “Winter Texans” is nearing the end for 2013. The park has been slowly becoming less populated in the past two weeks, and today only about 25 units remain in the RV section. Most of those, including us, will depart in the coming week, as we know of only a handful that will stay through April. CC and I both commented that this winter has gone by quicker than in the past, but we then realized we were about a month late in arriving to our winter home in Weslaco.

To be continued when our internet connection improves………………..

January 4, 2013 - "2012 Budget"

The final numbers are in, and we did much better than last year when we were OVER budget by an average of $105 per month. This year, as the chart below shows, we were $312 per month UNDER budget, which is a net improvement of over $5,000 annually. (Click on the image to enlarge)

As you can see, we were over on some categories, and under on others. We traveled more miles in 2012 than we did in 2011, but we traveled West vs East. Campground fees are generally more the further north one travels, simply because those destinations have a shorter camping season to generate revenue. Our Entertainment expenses were down, simply because we focused on visiting as many National Parks as we could, and bought an annual parks pass. Vacation expenses were down, as we only took two mini-vacations last year. I know what you’re thinking, and even though to outsiders it looks like we are on vacation 365/24/7, this lifestyle is a lot of work; not for the faint of heart; and, we do need a break from it every now and then. Overall, I’m pleased with our efforts, and while we didn’t live extravagantly, we surely did not live like church mice either.

We have been busy watching the BCS Games, and following the Denver Broncos, fully realizing we are nearing the end of football season until next Fall. We were happy to see our OSU Cowboys roll over Purdue and the Broncos lock up home field advantage through the playoffs.

Since today is Friday, and CC’s favorite; Nuevo Progreso Day. I’m certain we will meet our friends from other parks in the RGV and have a terrible time, as usual. One of them will inevitably insist on buying us a margarita, and so as not to hurt their feelings, we will just have to accept it, and, as they twist my arm with at least 0.2 foot pounds of torque, will begrudgingly drink it. Oh, the sacrifices we make living this lifestyle. Another $2 margarita you ask? Oh what the heck, why not; every hour is Happy Hour! This one is on me.

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

December 31, 2012 "Happy New Year"

CC and I want to wish everyone a healthy and prosperous Happy New Year! The fireworks are booming in the background as I write this. Those Hispanics / Mexicans love their noisemakers. If we don’t make it to midnight, we’ll surely be awakened by their exuberance. We’re sitting outside watching the LSU vs Clemson game as it’s 72 right now. It is truly a blessed life we live.

I’m working on the 2012 Budget, so that will be forthcoming, but preliminary figures indicate we came in about $500 - $600 per month under budget. That’s enough for me to say Hooray!

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

December 4 - 23, 2012 "Welcome Back Winter Texans"

The time since we arrived at Ranchero Village has flown by, even quicker than usual by meeting dozens of new people in the new park and getting acclimated to the way things are done here by the long-time Winter Texans who have flocked here for years. We have made some amazingly wonderful new friends and reunited with friends from past years here in Weslaco.

CC and I are both on a quest to shed a few pounds, so we have been eating more responsibly and preparing more meals versus going out to eat and not knowing exactly how the food is prepared. One thing is for certain here in the RGV, if the tortilla chips taste good, they have been fried in lard! It’s especially hard for CC to resist, considering chips and salsa are one of her primary food groups; but I must admit, she is doing quite well at resisting the temptation. Another helpful activity in our quest is Happy Hour; everyday at 4 pm. Helpful because here at this new park, food and snacks are omitted, unlike past years; eliminating that aspect HAS to help, right?

On December 7, the Welcome Back Winter Texan Appreciation Day was held in Nuevo Progreso, MX, a mere 6 miles south of us. When they advertised free food, drinks and gifts, we were “all in”. To begin the day, we met a group of friends from last year for breakfast at Rene’s Bakery in NP around 8 am, and from there it was on to El Disco for one of Tony’s famous margaritas. It’s 5 o’clock somewhere, right? From there, we ventured outside and strolled along the sidewalk and watched the parade, various street performers, and the beer girls. It’s a tough life.

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

December 3, 2012 - "Back in the RGV"

It’s been a month since our last post, and suffices it to say, it has felt like longer. With that said, it reminds me of advice given to me by my parents, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all”. So now on to the positives………….

We finally left McClains RV in OKC, not because everything was fixed, but the contrary. It seemed everything they fixed involved further, additional “mysteriously costly” repairs. So after three weeks of that, we moved to Childress, TX, to visit CC’s daughter, Letta, and her family.

CC had a great time hugging on her new great grandbaby, Haley. Luckily for CC, Mary stayed close by over the weekend, as that little girl is most definitely a mama’s girl. Pictured below are four generations, from left to right, CC, Haley and her mom, Mary, and Letta.

GGCC and Haley; see any resemblance?

We called MCD in McKinney, TX, to make an appointment to get the shades repaired, and the soonest they could get us in was Monday, Nov. 19. OK, we’ll just extend a week here and CC can get in a few more hugs because the next time she will she Haley, most likely after she begins walking. The week flew by, as it usually does when visiting family and friends, and had a fantastic time.

The following Monday morning we drove the 250 miles to McKinney, and arrived at MCD shortly after noon. They backed us in to one of their 12 RV sites, and told us they would get us in ASAP. Tuesday at 8 am, they knocked on the door, and proceeded to repair the damaged cab shade. While the two techs were in the rig, they checked ALL of the MCD shades and adjusted the tension and stops, so now they are all working like new. We departed MCD shortly after 11 am, only 23 hours after we arrived; now THAT is what I call customer service. We cannot say anything bad about MCD. If you are thinking about replacing your old pleated day/night shades, MCD is the best. Granted they are not cheap, but quality made in the USA; we like that!

Finally, all the needed repairs complete, and Murphy behind us, we move southward to the Rio Grande Valley (RGV), about 3 weeks behind our preliminary schedule. After overnight stops in Santos and San Antonio, we arrived at our winter home at Ranchero Village in Weslaco, TX shortly after noon on Thanksgiving. We located the manager and he opened the south gate and escorted us to our site; actual grass without sand burrs and large concrete pads, something unfamiliar to us in past winters here in the RGV.

Friday morning we did the usual WDYWTDT, and you guessed it, CC opted for going to Nuevo Progreso, MX for shopping, margaritas and lunch. It was like old home week, as we met up with old friends from past years at Pancho’s in El Disco I. Do we look like we’re having fun?

That’s it, that’s all for now. Until next time, 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……………..

November 14, 2011 "Thank You Dometic"

Every once in awhile, fate or karma has a way of smiling on you, AND that ol' Murphy rascal is nowhere to be found. 


Mr. Fester,

Have Camping World give me a call here at Dometic and I will send them another part to fix your refrigerator. My name is Lucille, please have them reference RGA 5427XX. 

If you are in need of any Dometic refrigerator or air conditioner or A& E awning parts you can call us at 1-800-544-4881 or purchase from any dealer or Camping World location.

If we can be of any future service do not hesitate to contact us. Thank you for choosing Dometic product lines.

Customer Support Center
Dometic LLC


So, I called CW and spoke with Eddie, and HOPEFULLY he will get us scheduled in for the repair, and then I can actually believe that, "Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus!"


Take care and stay well..................

March 1 - 7, 2011 "Vegas Night and Smokin' on the Rio"

Wow, time sure does fly; especially when you’re having fun. One more week here in Weslaco, and we’re on the road again. Hopefully, the weather north of here will be warming by then, as it is always a difficult task predicting when, exactly, Winter is over, and Spring has begun. Coupled with the rising cost of gasoline, has our travel plans in a quandary. It is our hopes that we leave here, head across the Gulf coast to Florida, (eating as much fresh seafood as humanly possible…..”What oil spill?”), and up the East Coast, seeing all there is, and on to Niagara Falls (Canada). CC has never been to New Orleans, Washington DC (Smithsonian), New York City, or Niagara Falls; she has led a very “sheltered life”……poor thing. (OK, now in unison…..aaahhhhh isn’t she mistreated?)

There is ALWAYS something going on here at Country Sunshine, most of which involves food and/or adult beverages. “Vegas Night” was an eclectic mix of Ropa Fashions and craziness. It was the topic of conversation for over a week amongst the pool “bobbers”. CC and I had no idea what to expect, as the majority of the participants were somewhat secretive about their “Jockey Uniforms”. (Click on images to enlarge)

OK, here is how it works. Participants dress up in a wide variety of costumes and ride a wooden horse through a column of taped squares on the floor. Six “Jockeys” per heat, line up at the starting line. The first of two dice are rolled to determine which “Jockey” will advance in lanes 1-6. The second dice is rolled to determine how many spaces the rider will advance, from 1 to 6 spaces. The winners of the heats make it to the semi-finals, and those winners advance to the finals. The mood for this evening could best be described as “Mucho Jocularity”.

For those of you that have not been to the RGV (Rio Grande Valley), upon arrival one of the first things you might notice is the overall majority of “healthy(?)” people, as it appears there is no malnutrition or descendants of “Twiggy” living here; the locals are a very “well rounded” Hispanic culture. Eating is not a necessity here, it is an event as witnessed by “”Smokin’ on the Rio” Texas State Bar-B-Que cook off in nearby Mercedes this past weekend, with 129 entries vying for the $10,000 first place prize money. We sampled far more than our $5 entry fee would buy at any restaurant, as this was easily the best $5 we’ve ever spent for good “Q”. Contestants with big towable rigs or smaller castered ones, everyone had a good time, and we left fully stuffed.

Next stop, we are moving to South Padre Island for Spring Break Week. Since CC and I never took a trip to the beach for Spring Break during our college days, it is on our "Bucket List", and it was a natural choice considering we are so close.

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