Kathy's Visit - The Conclusion

Mardi Gras was celebrated here in the park with a parade and taco salad lunch.  It was a much bigger deal than I thought it would be.  Kathy and I were recruited to be in the Pots and Pan Band.  Tons of fun.

Golf carts lining up before the parade

Ready to Go with our pots and pans

And we're off

 We had to keep stopping along the parade route so that the portable bar float could sell its wares to the spectators.  Parades are thirsty work.

Lining up for delicious taco salad.  Yum Yum

No trip to south Texas is complete without a side trip to Mexico.  In this part of the state that means Progresso, a small tourist town with a population under 500.  You can drive across the bridge, but most walk across - us included.

We walked, shopped and stopped to eat.  We found a few good bargains and lots of touristy stuff.  Kathy bought a pretty straw sunhat.

Before we went across the border, we stopped at a pot vendor.  Because who wants to carry heavy pots through the long line at the border?  The pot place was just in front of some kind of agricultural plant.  I think it was a seed coating plant.  There were thousands of red winged blackbirds massing on the trees.  The noise was deafening.  Shades of Hitchcock's "The Birds."

Tree full of birds

But no birds on the cactus

Lots and lots of pots

Wayne and Kathy each bought an iguana.  Next year I'm going to buy a chiminea for our patio.

Back at the park, Kathy and I went to the knitting club.  She beaded while I knitted.  Kate designed a Texas flag bracelet and made me a beautiful bracelet that matches my new bathing suit.  Thanks Kathy.

Our knitting group

On Valentine's Day we hosted a Happy Hour on our patio.  Under the new screens and awnings.  So nice to be out of the sun while sipping our drinkies. lol

A Happy Hour on Valentine's Day

Check out our new shed in the background.  Stores all the outdoor gear, tools, chairs etc.

We had a great time with Kathy.  It is so nice to have the extra bedroom and powder room.  Cuts down on the commotion, especially during the morning.  By her next trip we will have recliners providing more comfortable seating for us all.

Kathy's room waiting patiently for here return.

So ends 17 great days of wining, dining and fun. 

Kathy's Visit or Shopping and Eating Our Way Across South Texas - Part 2

The Beach at South Padre Island and Port Isabel

We decided that to fully enjoy the beach experience, we needed to stay overnight.  OK, we're off to the South Padre Garden Hilton.  Nice Hotel.

Heading to Beach

Lots of Waves

Flat sand as far as the eye can see

Wayne and Kathy heading into the mist

Great pool and hot tubs at Hilton

Kathy and her new bathing suit

Click on the arrow to see and hear the beach.  Not as good as being there, but gives a feel.

We were at the beach on Amy's birthday.  While talking to her on the phone, we decided to start a tradition to be on a beach for her birthday.  (with or without her - preferably with).  Last year we celebrated her birthday in Cuba - with dolphins as I remember.

Happy Anniversary Ian and Amy!  I know it's late.

I know that I won't be at the beach for my birthday as it falls during Spring Break.  South Padre is a zoo at that time.  I heard that it can take up to 3 hours to travel across the bridge and up island - a trip that normally takes about 20 minutes.  No way is that going to happen in our universe.

After beach time, a swim in the pool and soak in the hot tub, we dined at the hotel, complete with live music to entertain us.  The next morning, we headed out with a stop at Yummies Bistro for a great breakfast and grapefruit pie.  Truly a yummy treat.

Next stop was Port Isabel, just over the bridge.

We discovered that Monday was not a good day to visit Port Isabel.  Many of the shops were closed.  Wayne however, thought this was a good thing.  Pretty little port town, complete with a pirate ship.  I would love to take a ride on this boat but both Wayne and Kathy get seasick - so no go.  Please someone else come and visit.  We'll go for a ride.


Next stop Bobz World part way home in the middle of nowhere.  You might remember pics of this place in a previous blog.  I waited for Kate before checking out the inside.  It's a huge souvenir tourist trap.  Kind of old fashioned - just like the ones we visited as kids in Florida.  Basically kids would love this place,  but adults not so much.

Entrance to Bobz World

Still more trip to cover.  Stay tuned for Part 3.

Kathy's Visit or Shopping and Eating Our Way Across South Texas - Part 1

It's been awhile since we posted.  Busy, busy with Kathy.  But alas, she has gone home.  The time flew by in a fog of shopping, eating and drinking.

Kathy needed to outfit her bedroom and powder room.  We somehow managed to do this without ever stepping foot in the mall.  Next year.

It was a great two weeks.  We did some walking.  Not enough, but some.  Kathy and I walked along the levee road to visit an old chapel - La Lomita.  It is quite beautiful and still in use today for weddings etc.

La Lomita

This area is a prime route of illegal aliens.  We saw abandoned piles of clothes along the canal.  People swim across the Rio Grande River and then change into dry clothes, leaving the wet ones behind.  This is why we have the Border Patrol stationed in our park.  They rent the boat launch and patrol the river in large zodiac boats.  Helicopters and ATVs also patrol the area.

Abandoned clothes beside the canal

Texas longhorn

We finally installed our awning and screens.  It's so nice to sit outside out of the sun.

Home Sweet Home

Vacuuming our patio carpet

Kathy and I splurged and had manicures.  Lots of nail bling. lol

Glittery rhinestones and sparkly hearts

After an unsuccessful search for bead stores, we consoled ourselves with BBQ for lunch.

Fall off the bone ribs - yummy

Thus concludes the first few days of Kathy's visit.  To be continued...

Waiting For Kathy

Kathy is winging her way south.  She left very early this am.  We will pick her up mid afternoon.  The airport in McAllen is only 15 minutes away from us.  Can't wait to see her.  Let the good times roll.

A couple of events this past week.  First was the annual Ladies Luncheon.  This year's theme was a nostalgic look back to Grandma's southern kitchen.  An elaborate set depicting a kitchen from about the 1930's was set up on the stage.  Antiques were scattered around the dining room and we were served family style in vintage bowls and plates.  Wayne was one of the servers.  We dined on pot roast, roast veggies, biscuits, corn bread and peach clobber.  Very yummy.

Before lunch pictures were taken in front of the old fashioned kitchen.  We were all wearing aprons.  Such a wide variety of aprons.  Great event.  Lots of fun.

Wallena (park manager) in disguise

Our volunteer servers

Gramma's kitchen

Friend Sue and me

We also attended a musical event this past week.  John Saeger, an entertainer from Branson, Mo, spends the winter here in the valley entertaining us all.  He is a very personable guy who likes to get up close and personal with his audience.  Lots of audience participation.  He even has groupies who follow him concert to concert.

John Saeger

YMCA audience participation