What a Yummy Day!

We just got home from the best restaurant meal we have had in Texas.  PF Changs.  I have wanted to eat at this restaurant chain since last summer.  Saw a spot on Canada AM.  Finally, today was the day.

We had wonton soup, honey chicken, pork low mein, beef and broccoli and I had spring rolls to start.  I don't normally eat wonton soup but decided to try it.  It was delicious.  Wayne said it was the best he has ever had.  The soup came in a tureen - all six cups.

Because we wanted to stretch the taste sensations out bringing home leftovers, we had to have dessert.  Banana spring rolls with coconut and pineapple ice cream.  Fabulous.

Now we are back home - pleasantly sated with enough leftovers for lunch tomorrow.

We will return next season probably for a birthday celebration.

P.S.  Maybe sooner, I picked up a takeout menu.  Yum! Yum!

Making Preparations and Counting Down

Early in the week we started organizing for our trip.

After getting permission from the office, we headed to Goodings RV to pick up the 5th wheel.  We have been storing our Everest here since purchasing the Retreat travel trailer.

Wayne checked the outside of the rig. Using our handy dandy Honda generator, he was able to fire up the air compressor to add air to the tires. Sitting around for 5 or 6 months can make the tires a bit soft. While he was busy with that, I made sure nothing would fly around inside.

Adding air to the tires

Pulling out of the storage compound

The storage compound was very reasonably priced and conveniently located.  It's only about a 10 minute drive from Chimney Park.

Almost as soon as we got set up back at Chimney Park, Wayne started cleaning off the grime - Both inside and out.  It's pretty dusty down here.

Washing the roof

We have been moving our possessions from one home to the other.  Long process, as we need to keep track of what is going where.  Next season, we will just drive down without the 5th wheel.  So there won't be enough room to pack all our worldly possessions.

Our two homes side by side and the truck.  Aren't they cute?

This final week, we will concentrate on getting the Retreat ready for the extreme summer conditions.  Friday, we will be completely moved back into the Everest and will start cleaning and prepping the trailer.  Then we're on the road again!

Banana Tree at storage place

Close up of bananas

Further to Previous Post

April Fools Day!

Texas

Upon much reflection, Wayne and I have decided not to return to Canada.  We are going to be full time Texans.

Another Week in Texas

Jackie, Wayne's cousin came to the valley for a couple of weeks.  She owns a mobile home in McAllen but has been unable to spend much time there during the last couple of seasons.  We had lots of fun, but forgot to take many pictures.  Here we are goofing around in a store called Casa Kevin.  It's like a dollar store on steroids.

John and Ruth hosted a get together last week.  John cooked supper on a unique cooking vessel called a bry.  It is a cooking method that originated in Africa.  The pan is a circular blade from some type of farm equipment.  The central hole is welded shut, then the resulting pan is heated over a hot fire.  In this case a propane flame but you can use wood or charcoal.  Veggies are cooked with a bit of water in the center and meat around the outer edges.  The meat juices roll down adding flavour to the veggies.  So yummy!

While we were enjoying ourselves, a strange group wandered by on the levee road.

Llama, donkey and burro

The neighbourhood church sponsored a group hike to a small historic chapel down the levee from us.  It was all part of Palm Sunday celebrations.  These animals were part of the parade.  We saw them on their way home.

Our newest neighbours are these goats.  They live just over the fence.  Very cute and lots of fun to watch.  I wonder however if they will smell if the wind blows the wrong way.  Glad we are at the other end of the park.

Tonight was the last legion catfish fry of the season.  We went with almost the same group of neighbours as we did the first week we were here.  Fish was just as good.

Love those hush puppies

Last but not least - close up of the hibiscus.

My favourite flower

Season Winding Down

The park is slowly emptying as Winter Texans begin migrating north. We have about 8 vacant sites beside us. Jan and February we were packed in like sardines. lol I think we will be in the last wave as we don't plan to head homeward until two thirds through April. That is if we can stand the heat. It's getting a little warm around here. Tomorrow's forecast is calling for 104 F/40 C. Ick!

The 2nd Annual Golf Cart Rodeo was a great success. Teams were composed of two people and a golf cart. The driver was blindfolded and the second team member navigated through an obstacle course. Too funny

Don't knock over the bucket of water!

Our friends, Ruth and John, have bought a park model trailer.  It was delivered just as the rodeo was winding up.  I have no doubt, that the delivery driver would have won the rally, had he entered.  These guys are good.  Zip, zip and success.

We also went to Bass Pro Shop in Harlingen with our friends Ron and Sue.  Spent several hours happily browsing the store - stocking up on some must have items - like bug repellent.  Getting ready to head north to the black flies. lol

A new friend for Wayne

We had lunch at Uncle Buck's Fish Bowl and snack bar.

Pretty neat bowling alley.

Uncle Buck and his mermaid

Our park managers - Wallena and Buddy are retiring after a five year stint.  We had a retirement party to thank them for all their hard work.

Buddy and Wallena

To finish off, I'd like to add a couple of pictures of our landscaping.  We've just started to green up our site by adding carpet grass, an hibiscus and our Mexican pots of impatiens.  Each year we will continue to work on our site, drought permitting.

Front entrance

Hibiscus - a gift from Sue and Ron with birds that Dad carved

Our Mexican pots and lizard

Catching Up

It's not everyday you get to ride a saddle. 

Back in the saddle again!

Where's the horse?  A large group of us snowbirds went to the Texas Roadhouse to celebrate several birthdays.  One of which was mine.  Neighbours John and Botts were also birthday boys.  Great food and lots of fun.  Yee haw!

There have been lots of social events the last little while.  Yesterday was the Chimney Park Farewell Party.  We had a brisket lunch, with lots of beer, wine and live rock and roll music.  Tons of fun and many, many park residents.  The party was held along the river.  Seemed to be quite a bit of  boat traffic.  Even saw the border patrol escorting a private boat to shore.  Not sure if there were illegal aliens aboard.

We've also visited Red Lobster.  No occasion this time.  Just friends out for a good time.

Wayne and I have become fans of going to the movie theatre on Cheap Seat Tuesdays.  We went to see Jack the Giant Slayer.  It was a fun movie but kind of hard to market.  It was too intense for kids but not really an adult movie either.  We liked it.  Next week, Oz.

We've also enjoyed pot lucks, barbecue and other assorted events.  I even went to a music jam to help out selling snacks.  Quite enjoyed the afternoon.

Our long awaited recliners finally arrived. Never owned real leather furniture before.  We had to sacrifice our kitchen table to make room.  It's well worth it.

So comfy

We bought a folding table to use when required.  For every day dining, Wayne and I are utilizing the bar stools at the breakfast bar. 

Kind of a mish mash of activities, but lots of fun. 

The season is winding down, with people leaving every day.  Still a few highlights to come, including a golf cart rally and a park wide patio sale.  We'll be here until mid April.

Dale gas!