And The Fun Continues

It was another great week in South Texas.  The weather has vastly  improved.

Sun sinking below the trees in Mexico

Another week - another shopping trip.  This time at Kohls.  The sales were fantastic.  I got two new tops for minimal cash.  Whoo Hoo.  And a tasty Chinese lunch to boot.  Judith and Ruth are bad influences.  Love'em.

Spotted this man sleeping in Kohls - the perfect husband to take shopping

Plans for the Ladies Luncheon are progressing nicely.  (I'm on the committee.)  I designed the posters, tickets, etc. and am selling the tickets.  It's lots of fun.

I was even organized enough to drag out my sewing machine.  Sewed a hat for the luncheon and did a few repairs and adjustments on some clothes.

Wayne has also been busy.  He touched up the paint on our shed and built me a plant frame.  We bought a bougainvillea  that needed to get into the ground. 

We have spent several happy hours sipping and snacking with friends.  Forgot to take any pictures.

Wayne and I tried a different restaurant.  Schneiders Gasthouse and Beer Garden.  It serves authentic German cuisine.  The owners are from Mainz, Germany.  The food was good and so was the beer.

My Jager Schnitzel

A happy Wayne

Neighbourhood cat wandered through the courtyard.  Looked a lot like our Indy

Today we went to a combination anniversary/birthday celebration.  Verna and Bud have been married for 65 years.  Bud is now 86.  He still plays on a men's softball team.  Way to go!

A Jam Packed Fun Filled Week

What a great week it has been.  Everyday fun and busy.

Monday was for Wayne and Ian by extension.  We ventured out to Harbour Freight in search of a motorcycle stand.  Deeply discounted - apparently.

Ian can work on his motorcycle with this gadget

Tuesday, I headed out with 8 other women.  We are planning a Ladies Luncheon in Feb.  Much shopping for supplies is required.  Shopping by committee is a lot of fun.  A tasty lunch at Chick-fila was also part of the field trip.  Lots of fun!

Wednesday we went to a travel show with John and Ruth.  We were looking for cruise information.  No luck with that, but we did have a great lunch at Cheddars Restaurant.  The restaurant was very busy and we ended up sitting at the bar.  We met a couple from Manitoba who have been wintering in the valley for 17 years.   They were very friendly and knowledgeable.  We talked and laughed for over an hour.  That's what the valley is all about.  Friendly, cheerful people looking to meet others and share the fun.

Thursday, I went shopping at the mall with a friend, Judith.  Another fun day.  I bought a new purse and a pair of pajamas.  Kathy you will like my pjs as they are covered with black and white cats.  Too cute!

Friday, I went to a luncheon and fashion show.  This is an annual event hosted by another RV park.  This year the fashions seemed to be focused on items suitable for a cruise.  There was also lots of cowgirl bling.  Great for Texas but probably over the top for Ontario. lol  Over 370 ladies attended this event which included entertainment by the valley's most popular male singer.  He's quite the ladies man.

John Sager

A few of our ladies

Luscious dessert

Saturday evening we were entertained by a Cajun Swing style duo.  They perform in Branson for most of the year and spend the winter here in the valley.  Very entertaining.  Oh yes, John Sager also works in Branson.

These performers are husband and wife.  She has a very smooth voice and he is a great fiddle player.  He also has a large repertoire of  comical Cajun stories.  What a fun night.

Other news this week - Cousins Jackie and Wayne have arrived.  We are looking forward to having fun times with them.  Always hard to keep up with Jackie.  She's an energizer bunny for sure.

Welcome 2014

Happy New Year!

We finished 2013 with horns blowing.  What a hoot! 

We danced with great abandon.  Apparently I winded and bruised Wayne as I bounced into him.  Never claimed to be a dancer. lol

The music was great.  Wide variety of songs.

Snacks were tasty and the wine flowed freely.  Maybe too freely.  Moving kind of slowly today.  It's a pj kind of day.

Hope that everybody celebrated in whatever fashion they desired. Have a healthy and happy 2014.

Let 'er rip!

Merry Christmas To All

Almost Dinner Time!  Yum!

Another festive feast at Chimney Park.  Delicious!

We hope that all our family and friends are enjoying their Christmas.  We are just kicking back and relaxing after our communal dinner.

Earlier, we celebrated with Matthew and Jovana.  They were here visiting for a few days.  We jammed in as much as we could.  The beach, Wayne's birthday, Christmas lights at Hidalgo, and an early Christmas.

Even I enjoyed a frosty brew at the South Padre Island Brewing Company.  The IPA was very tasty.

Strolling along the beach.  It wasn't sunny but it was warm.

Shopping at Jaws

Texas bbq experience at our favourite - 492 BBQ

After supper we went to Hidalgo Festival of Lights.  We rode through the town on a trolley viewing thousands of light displays.  So beautiful and festive.

It's time to open presents.

New slippers for Jovana

Wayne is tickled pink with his birthday present - a new weather station

 

Matthew and Jovana:  Hope that you enjoyed your brief visit to the Rio Grande Valley.  We sure loved having you here.  Come again any time.

Ogres, Elves and Cold Bugs

Ogres, elves and cold bugs pretty much sums up the week.

Started off enjoying a high school performance of Shrek, The Musical.  Well done, especially the dragon.

 

This is the first year of operation for Vela High School in Edinburg.  It is a beautiful facility.  The cafeteria is tiered with ramps and stairs between levels.  The stage is incorporated into the design.  Great use of space and design. 

Only one small issue.  There was no heat.  Probably an energy conservation program.  Wayne got a chill and was not feeling himself for most of the week.  Of course, just as he started to feel better, I get sick.  Thanks dear!  Also thanks to Rosemary for the delicious chicken soup. 

We also had a visit from some Chimney Park elves.

Such a Surprise

 

Later this week, Matthew and Jovana are coming to visit.  Can't wait.

Wishing everyone a happy and healthy Christmas season.

A Week or Two Of Life In Texas

 

 

This season's weather is much different than last year.  Temperatures are swinging up to 40 degrees F (22 degrees C) in less than a day.  It is also raining on a regular basis.  End result is nice green lawns and not as many poolside days.  It's all good as long as there is no white stuff.

Early morning mist on the water.

Some days the air temperatures are much less than the water.  End result - fog and mist.

Wicked wind brought down this tree

One of the benefits of our lifestyle is celebrating not one but two Thanksgiving  Days.  Here at Chimney Park we had a potluck with over 60 people attending.

Delicious!

A few of our neighbours - Texas Longhorns

Our park is changing quite a bit.  We have new managers.  In addition several residents have invested in new rigs.  Most have bought park models.  It is a lot of fun watching the delivery and set up.  We are all putting down roots in this special place beside the river.

Special Delivery

Historic chimney

Approaching Chimney RV Park, this was our first view of the old chimney which provided power to pump irrigation water from the Rio Grande.  Just a landmark now.  It adds character to our park.

Home Sweet Home

Quick check

Everything looked pretty good.  Grass is green and hibiscus thriving.  The trailer had no damage from sun, bugs or rodents. 

We didn't want to open anything up, until Kathy arrived.  She flew in to learn what was involved in opening the trailer for use.  We arrived a few hours before her.

Just as well we didn't get too involved as it poured rain over the dinner hour.  It rained so hard that water forced its way inside around the patio doors.  The next morning was much better weather for setting up.  We all spent the first night at the Holiday Inn.

Wayne just corrected me. The door didn't leak.  The rain came in as we ran in and out.

Twenty One Gun Salute

On Remembrance Day, the Legion Honour Guard came to the park for a brief ceremony.  When the rifles were fired, Kathy and I yelped in surprise.  How embarrassing.  The park also hosted a delicious dinner that night to honour all veterans. 

Veterans Day is a big deal here in Texas.  Many businesses have special offers for veterans.  We went to the Olive Garden for lunch. Turned out that all veterans ate for free - including Wayne and I. 

Lots of work being done around the park.  A couple of the roads were repaved this week.  Chimney RV is looking good.  Improved roads, green grass, trees and plants thriving throughout the park.

Wayne had a visitor

Wayne was relaxing on the patio when this little guy came by for a visit.  So odd.  Don't know where it came from but it headed for the river.  There seems to be lots of wildlife around.  Kathy was chasing an Amarillo around last week, trying to get a picture.  We also have our park mascot, Miss Chimney (a cute cat).  Almost all the park residents have dogs.  We are definitely in the minority.

After much shopping, cleaning etc., we are pretty much set up for the winter.  Kathy has been and gone.  She now knows the routine and can come and enjoy whenever she wants.  More and more residents arrive each day and activities are starting up.  Saturday morning breakfasts and Sunday afternoon ice cream come to mind.  Bingo and cards are also beginning.