Another busy day in the life of retired RVer's!
We were....well, at least I was....excited to try out our new bikes on our first "ride" in Bensten RGV State Park. We rode 3.44 miles. We were nearing our last full mile when we met a couple we had stopped to visit with several days ago. I thought I had included that initial visit in the blog, however I could not find it, so I'll start at the beginning. We had said hello to each other several times, as we passed, but several days ago they stopped and asked if we were from Kansas, and once we said yes, where in Kansas? They had noticed the tag on the truck and told us they are also from Kansas and live in Andover, east of Wichita. We visited with them for maybe 10 minutes or so. At the time we didn't even exchange names, but we enjoyed visiting with them.
This morning they were at the park. We met them once early into our ride but we just waved and passed each other. On the last leg of our ride, we met them again and we stopped to visit. They were glad to see we had purchased bicycles and they offered some tips on a few things that we appreciated. We exchanged names today - they are Hoot (nickname) & Helen. We also discussed RV parks here in the valley, Helen told me about a great area to shop in downtown Mission (around 10th Street) where they have many, many stores with various products - clothing, purses, jewelry and that it is very, very cheap. She had purchased biking shorts/pants there at 3 pairs/$10. So, you see how it works? You meet someone and find out about something new to see or do, and you add it to your calendar. That's why we stay so busy? Lol!
We must have visited with them for 20 minutes or longer, before I told Dean we probably needed to head back. Our SKP Chapter is having a luncheon at 11 today for members who are in the Valley, and we need to get ready. I'm sure we'll run in to them again, however we both know what RV Park each of us are staying in.
We hurried back to Bentley, ate a light breakfast, showered and we were gathering up our things when Pam knocked on the door. Dennis and Pam picked us up to make the drive to Gatti's in McAllen. We arrived a little early so we set in the car waiting for them to open. We saw Pete and pulled in next to him, and visited outside until 11. Once inside, we discovered Raymond and Carolyn were already here. Those attending were Dennis and Pam, Dean and I, Raymond and Carolyn, Dean and Carolann, Don, and Pete.
Gatti's is a pizza, spaghetti venue with a large game room for kids to play. They have several meeting rooms, but our group was small enough we just pulled a few tables together for our time there. They have a wonderful salad bar (where I started). They have a pizza buffet with a large selection of different types of pizza, in addition to garlic bread with and without cheese, and to finish it off dessert pizzas and cinnamon rolls. Senior price is $5.99 and it includes a drink. The food was really good and we made plans to return in March before we all head back home. There were several that could not make it today but hopefully they will be able to attend the next one.
I think everyone enjoyed having the opportunity to catch up with each other. It's just like attending a family reunion. I'm not sure how long we were there but surely it was an hour and a half, maybe a little more.
Pam and I both wanted to stop at Breadsmith. I used the last two pieces of our bread this morning, so I was in definite need!! Today I remembered to take a few pictures to share with you.
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| Bins of the various kinds of bread, rolls, coffee cakes, brownies, etc. |
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| Bread slicing machine. |
We headed back towards home and as we passed through downtown Mission at 10th Street I shared with Pam about the stores Helen had mentioned to us. We could tell we were in the right area, so this will be on our list of places to visit soon.
After Dennis and Pam dropped us off, I made a list of a few things I needed from Walmart. The Heartland group is having a meal tonight. Three of the couples are leaving toward the end of this week to head back home. The weather is not looking too good for the rest of the week so tonight's the night! Once we returned I made bread pudding. I prefer to do it in a few steps. First, cut up the bread and then let it soak in the milk/cream/egg mixture for about an hour. While that was happening, I started cutting up potatoes in bite size cubes. We are going to grill these potatoes with onion, seasoning salt, parsley flakes and butter for about an hour. I made two packets. The bread pudding went in the oven about the time the potatoes went on the grill and fortunately both finished near the same time. We packed the food up and headed next door. Mike wanted to make spatchcock chicken on the grill. He grilled two and Nancy grilled one. The chicken was wonderful, very tender and flavorful. Of course we had all kinds of great food - as usual. Flora made this neat corn dish - she had seen at the market. She had a large pan of cooked corn. She put some of the corn in a small cup, added mayo, cheese, and a seasoning she purchased at the market. I believe it was chili and lime. I tried Dean's and it was so good I had to make one for myself. Another thing I love about these group meals, we discover so many great foods and recipes. Of course, we had a great time visiting. Several of the group are going to travel together later this year and will be in several states to the north and west. That's a trip we want to do in 2019, so hopefully they will have lots of tips to share with us.
It was beginning to get a little cool, so about 7:30 or so we headed back home. Once things were put away, I worked on the blog for awhile before we headed to bed.
Sounds like you had an awesome day! Can't get over the bread, it looks so fresh, I'll bet the smell was amazing!
ReplyDeleteEvery day has been awesome - having good friends here really helps. They are great to share things to do and see, and invite us to participate. The bread is amazing - to eat and smell!!
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