February 26, 2011 - "Puppy Size"

Drum roll please......................(CC Blogs)


This is an “enlightening” story, but read it, don’t just look at the pictures.

This is one of the neatest stories you will ever hear. You will know precisely what this little girl is talking about at the end. (You'll want to share this one with your loved ones and special friends!)

“Danielle keeps repeating it over and over again. We've been back to this animal shelter at least five times. It has been weeks now since we started all of this” the mother told the volunteer.

“What is it she keeps asking for?” the volunteer asked.

“Puppy size!” replied the mother.

“Well, we have plenty of puppies, if that's what she's looking for..”

“I know..... We have seen most of them” the mom said in frustration.

Just then Danielle came walking into the office. “Well, did you find one?” asked her mom.

“No, not this time” Danielle said with a sadness in her voice. “Can we come back on the weekend?”

The two women looked at each other, shook their heads and laughed

“You never know when we will get more dogs. Unfortunately, there's always a supply” the volunteer said.

Danielle took her mother by the hand and headed to the door. “Don't worry, I'll find one this weekend” she said.

Over the next few days both Mom and Dad had long conversations with her regarding a puppy. They both felt she was being too particular. “It's this weekend or we're not looking anymore” Dad finally said in frustration.

“We don't want to hear anything more about puppy size, either” Mom added.

Sure enough, they were the first ones in the shelter on Saturday morning. By now Danielle knew her way around, so she ran right for the section that housed the smaller dogs.

Tired of the routine, mom sat in the small waiting room at the end of the first row of cages. There was an observation window so you could see the animals during times when visitors weren't permitted.

Danielle walked slowly from cage to cage, kneeling periodically to take a closer look. One by one the dogs were brought out and she held each one. One by one she said, “Sorry, but you're not the one.”

It was the last cage on this last day in search of the perfect pup. The volunteer opened the cage door and the child carefully picked up the dog and held it closely. This time she took a little longer.

“Mom, that's it! I found the right puppy! He's the one! I know it!” she screamed with joy. “It's the puppy size!”

“But it's the same size as all the other puppies you held over the last few weeks” her mom said.

“No not size; the sighs. When I held him in my arms, he sighed” she said.

“Don't you remember? When I asked you one day what love is, you told me love depends on the sighs of your heart. The more you love, the bigger the sigh!”

The two women looked at each other for a moment. Mom didn't know whether to laugh or cry. As she stooped down to hug the child, she did a little of both.

“Mom, every time you hold me, I sigh. When you and Daddy come home from work and hug each other, you both sigh. I knew I would find the right puppy if it sighed when I held it in my arms” she said. Then, holding the puppy up close to her face, she said, “Mom, he loves me. I heard the sighs of his heart!”

Close your eyes for a moment and think about the love that makes you sigh. I not only find it in the arms of my loved ones, but in the caress of a sunset, the kiss of the moonlight and the gentle brush of cool air on a hot day? They are the sighs of God. Take the time to stop and listen; you will be surprised at what you hear. “Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.”

I hope your life is filled with Sighs!!!

Appreciate every single thing you have, especially your friends! Life is too short and friends are too few.

Love the people who treat you right and forget about the ones who don't.

February 12 - 20, 2011 "Produce, Music & Mexico"

Finally……………..warm weather returns to the RGV, with highs near 80 and lows in the mid 60’s. Perfecto! Well almost. It’s windy here most days, with winds of 15-20 mph gusting to 30-35. We have gotten somewhat used to it, although when it’s whipping at 35 or better, it really rocks the rig. It’s funny, on windy days we don’t have many visitors; maybe the rocking rig makes them think, “Don’t go a knocking”. Hmmmmmm…………Afternoon delight?

Which leads me to an “interesting” topic; Just what do you and your significant other use as code word(s) for a little, shall we say, “making whoopee?” Here are a few we have heard here in this “Retirement Community”. We took a nap. We read a book. And from one of the guys, “I had cake for lunch”. That one took me awhile to figure out; but they are from Quebec, so now it makes sense. (Insert mini history lesson 101 - From Marie Antoinette, “Let them eat cake”. Google it if that doesn’t jog your memory.) Now, how in the hell did I get here? Starting talking about wind, and ended up eating cake. Guess we (us guys) do have a one track mind. (CC just nudged (?) me to get on with the Blog.) OK, on to other events of the week.

CC and I both enjoy fresh produce, and one advantage of staying here in the RGV, is the plethora of fruit and vegetables available. Our usual routine is to purchase on weekends and Wednesdays, that way we always have the freshest fruit and vegetables available. The pineapples here are to die for, and are mostly from Southern Mexico, they are soooo sweet and juicy; peeled and cored $3 each or 2 for $5. CC wanted some tangerines, and after peeling and tasting one, she commented, “this tangerine taste funny”, to which I replied, “yea, that’s because you’ve never had a FRESH one before.” (As always, click on any of the pictures to enlarge.)

While shopping for veggies, we stumbled across some local talent performing, a gentleman by the name of Lynn Dvorak; a classically trained, masterful musician that has played with numerous bands throughout his career. He plays the newest Yamaha TYROS keyboard, and records every track of all the songs he plays. He has worked with many notable entertainers over the years, including such stars as Rod McKuen, Gordon MacRae, Ray Price, Freddy Fender, Mel Tillis, Johnny Paycheck, Dave Dudley, Tammy Wynette, Myron Floren and JoAnn Castle from the Lawrence Welk Show. (Turn your speakers up, and click on the following link for a sample of his music from his website.) If you like it, and would like to hear more, just click on the “Links” at the top of his website, scroll down, and click on the “Reverbnation” link. We enjoyed him so much; we’re going back this Wednesday to hear him perform again and the cost for all of this, $0.00. Yes free. I’m starting to really enjoy this lifestyle. Now if someone would just come out with a good nickel beer, I’d be in hog heaven! Hope you enjoy the music.  

http://www.lynndvorak.com/music.htm

Of course, no week would be complete without at least one trip SOTB. I’ll leave you with the following photo, because after all, a picture is worth a thousand words. Choose yours very carefully! (Keep it clean as this blog is Rated RV-13)

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

February 1 - 14, 2011 "Cold and No Fun"

That pretty much sums it up for the last two weeks here in Weslaco, TX. While the rest of the US had been experiencing blizzards, ice and snow storms, we are not immune from the residual effects of the same. We actually had an ice storm; about 1/8” on everything. I know what you’re thinking, “Fester is a SOB complaining about a few days of colder than normal weather, while the rest of us poor schmucks have been out shoveling snow every day, just trying to make it to work to pay the bills.” Yea, I guess that pretty much sums it up. Any questions? As for the SOB, well I am the Son Of a Butcher. (Grandson actually, but close enough for the acronym, because, after all, I am “Retarded”) ;-)


The next week is predicted to be, once again, sunny and warm; with highs in the 70-80’s and lows in the 50-60’s. So………………..we will be out and about, enjoying this lifestyle, and Livin’ by the 7 Second Rule. Hallelujah! Hallelujah!


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

PS Happy Valentines Day

January 24 - 31, 2011 "Going to Mexico"

A number of our friends and family have expressed concern for our trips SOTB (South of the Border), to Nuevo Progreso, MX. There have also been warnings from the State Department, that travel SOTB may not be safe. I can only speak from personal experience, and say there are certain areas of any metropolitan city in the USA that one should be careful and prudent. I dare to say that ANYONE going into East Los Angeles, at night, flashing large amounts of money, would and could be a target of unscrupulous activity. The same is true SOTB. With that being said, I thought a photo essay of the trip across the border and back might ease some of the concerns our friends and family have for our safety.


Approaching the bridge at 9:30 AM this morning showed very little traffic, pedestrian or auto, in either direction. One thing I did notice was some freshly paved asphalt about 3” thick that had been laid in the southbound lanes, with numerous sensors and cameras surrounding that area. I have heard, but not confirmed, that these sensors, beneath the asphalt can sense the density of steel in any auto or truck, and if that “number” is greater than the manufactures specs, it will trigger a vigorous inspection by Customs and Border Patrol agents, that will assume the vehicle may(?) be trying to smuggle weapons SOTB to aid the drug cartels. Any importation of weapons or ammunition is strictly prohibited, and if caught, can result in long term imprisonment for the perpetrator.


Another set of sensors imbedded can actually track US currency, via the new magnetic strip placed in the currency. It is legal to take up to $10K US SOTB, but it must be declared. Any amount in excess of $10K is strictly prohibited. This action is a joint effort by US and Mexican authorities to prevent US dollars (drug money) from entering Mexico and being turned over to the drug cartels for operational expenses and to purchase illegal weapons. There is a $2 fee for vehicles to cross the bridge. For those that choose to walk across, parking on the US side is available for $2 for an all day pass. (Click on any picture to enlarge)

Pedestrians can cross for only $0.25 by merely placing their quarter in the turnstile, and walking across. There are not inspections or special permits/visas of any kind for pedestrians. If you have the dinero, that is all that is necessary.

The walk across the Rio Grande River is about ¼ mile.

Halfway across the bridge is the “Official” International Border with this sign of recognition.

As you descend into Mexico, there are a few young children and mothers yelling for pedestrians to give them “a nickel”.  Some people do, others don’t. Most of the young children are at the bank side of the bridge and stick their baseball caps between the supports of the bridge in an effort to extrapolate a “donation”.

Upon entering the Immigration and Customs area in Mexico, pedestrians aren’t even noticed. Just walk on through with no questions asked.

Pictured below is our neighbor, Carl, here at the park, with his “Harem” Jane, Carla and CC, at the entrance to Nuevo Progreso, MX.

Within the first block after crossing the bridge, you will notice the presence of the Mexican Military, armed and almost nonchalant about the coming and goings of the gringo’s.

This is the main street of Nuevo Progreso (NP), with numerous shops; mostly dental clinics and pharmacies, general merchandise stores, and restaurants. There is no need to exchange dollars for pesos, as dollars are the preferred currency here. According to long time Winter Texans, the prices in NP are somewhat higher this year when compared to last. There is much speculation, that the increase is due to paying the Cartels to stay out, OR, that many of the businesses are actually owned by the Cartels and they have added about 10-15% to last year’s prices. When we asked a few of the business owners about these theories, they all told us the same story, “NP is too small of a town for the Cartels to be interested in.” The real truth probably lies somewhere in between these theories, but either way, we have never felt threatened in the least.

Mainstream pharmaceuticals are definitely less expensive SOTB; on average about 60-75% less than in the US. Tequila is also a real bargain, as we have seen top quality brands such as Patron Anejo or Gran Centurion Anejo, or any premium Scotch, Gin, Vodka, Canadian, or Burbon, selling for about a third to a forth of their cost north of the border. There is no sales tax in NP, so the price posted is the price paid in stores. Street vendors are, as always, willing to “deal”; and will shout out “almost free today”. Even with the $1.25 per liter the State of Texas charges to import distilled spirits, it makes them a desirable purchase, to consume, or, as we do, give as gifts. (OK, we consume a little, but that’s all).

With shopping done, it’s time for lunch. Prices at most of the restaurants are comparable to the US. The real bargains in NP are at the sidewalk taco vendors, or the smaller cafes scattered around, where two can dine for as little as $5, excluding margaritas, which can be found for as little as $1 each.

As we head north to the border, passing many stores, street vendors, and an occasional beggar, we can see the Mexican Military.

Make sure you have your quarter for the fee to cross the bridge; if not, there are attendants that will make change for you. For those of you driving, the charge for the bridge crossing is $1.95.

This afternoon, we left Mexico about 4 PM, and the foot traffic was almost non-existent.

OK, better have your passports handy as you enter Customs and Immigration, pictured below. This is the only time you will be asked for any identification. The agent will also ask what items you are bringing back that you have to declare. My advice is to be honest, as the alternative may not be pleasant; seizure of item, and/or a hefty fine for trying to smuggle items into the US illegally. I have personally witnessed some that carry liquor across in shopping bags, and do not declare it, thus saving the $1.25 per liter Texas tax. IMHO, $1.25 is not enough to risk the hassle; if you can afford $10 - $30 for a bottle of liquor, you can afford to pay the modest tax.

Well, that’s all folks. You have successfully crossed into Mexico at Nuevo Progreso, and back into the US. You are now able to find you car and drive to the destination of your choice.

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