Friday, Feb 1, 2019 - Padre Island Kite Fest, Lunch at Pier 19 with friends, Hand Knee & Foot card game .... with a Treat
We left Val's at 8:00 a.m. this morning. Jack & Lynette drove their truck and we rode with them, with Steve and Diane following us to Padre Island. Steve and Diane are the couple I mentioned a few weeks ago that are also from Kansas, near Lawrence. They have been gone the past couple of weeks watching their grandchildren and just returned a few days ago. Just in time!
It's almost a two hour drive from Val's to Padre Island. We followed each other into the entrance road to the kite festival. We noticed after we turned in our Heartland friends, Nancy & Dave, Lin & Debbie and Corbin & Flora were just a few trucks ahead of us.
In the picture below you can see how sloppy, sandy wet it was. From what I've been told this has not been the norm at previous kite festivals. We had to wade through water no matter where we went and no one came prepared with shoes for walking in water. Basically it was a fairly, flat sandy area that can be driven on when the tide goes out.
Dean and I were actually at this same location last year with Dennis and Pam, when we watched the kite surfers, and while there were some small pools of water then, it was nothing like this.
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| This picture shows the water standing in the parking area. Some of it was deep enough to cover almost half of my tennis shoes. |
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| My favorite kite was this bird - it looks so real in this picture it still amazes me! |
We enjoyed watching the various kites slowly rise in the sky and then seemingly sit in the wind, barely moving from their original location, except for a few with tails streaming along behind them. I've included a few pictures. There were some amazing kites. The kite owners showed great talent when they danced their kites to music which was really amazing, many times landing on the ground precisely aligned together. Very beautiful!
I have several more pictures on my camera but I cannot download them to my Chromebook until I get the adapter later this week. I'll include them in a future post in a few days.
We left around 12:00-12:30 to eat at Pier 19. We ate here last year with Dennis and Pam, and really enjoyed it. Neither of the other couples we were with had been here before, but were excited to try it out. It was a great meal with good friends.
Another great day!
Saturday, February 2, 2019 - Park Meeting; Hidalgo Flea Market; Hand/Knee/Foot Cards and Cute Cookies
Today was a FULL day! I started my day by talking to two very special people - my sister Cindy and my daughter Misti. I love hearing from family. It was good to get caught up a bit.
A little before 9:00 Dean and I headed to the clubhouse for a park meeting. The note on the bulletin board indicated they would be discussing several things, including a price increase in the rates. Of course, that sparked everyone's interest - at least I guess it did, by the number of folks present at the meeting. We barely found a place to sit. Note to self - if there is a park meeting in the future - arrive 30 minutes early! Lol!
Fortunately, they did not beat around the bush and got right to the main item on the agenda and addressed the rate increase. This is the first time they had raised rates in 3 years, and it is only going to increase by $20/month for us (assuming we stay 3 months). We believe it is very reasonable. A variety of other items were discussed before we left the meeting a little after 10 - much earlier than we anticipated.
Jack and Lynette wanted to know if today would be a good time to visit the Hidalgo Flea Market. It worked for us so we headed out. Here are a few pictures I took while we were there.
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| It was a bit overcast so these pictures are not as clear as I would like. There are row upon row of booths (basically it's storage sheds) where individuals sell their various items from. |
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| Rugs of all kinds, shapes and sizes. |
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| Jeans, pants of all kinds. |
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| This is the main reason we went and why many others do as well. There are so many appliances here it is unreal. Instapots, Airfryers, Foodsavers, Toasterovens, etc. |
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| Bedding - including blankets, sheets, bedspreads, pillows, etc. |
This is such a small, small portion of what is on this property. Lynette managed to find a few things she wanted. We walked around for awhile before we hit the appliance area. If you decide to buy anything, you sure don't want to walk around looking while lugging appliances around with you.
Once we returned to the park, we had a quick lunch, then headed to Wal-mart. When we returned I put things away, put a load of clothes in the washer, before heading up to the office to check on our mail. I saw someone with a calendar of activities for February earlier, so I'm sure we have one in our mailbox - and we did. As I was leaving I saw Diane in the hot tub and stopped to visit with her for a little while before heading back to the RV.
After supper, I walked the trash to the dumpster and then walked to the clubhouse to play cards for the evening. Someone brought the cutest cookies - hands, knees and feet. They had a cookie cutter for the hand and feet, and used a round one with little wrinkle like marks for the knees. They were really cute and quite good!
Another wonderful day.
Sunday, February 3, 2019 - Early Morning Chores, Church, and Super Bowl Party
Today is going to be a busy day so I got started early with washing another load of clothes and steaming eggs in the instapot to make deviled eggs. By the time that was out of the way it was time to shower and get ready for church.
We decided to try the Palm Valley Church in Mission, as is wasn't too far from us. It was a really huge church. While the sermon was pretty good, we'll probably try to find one that is a little smaller, or go back to Faith Fellowship that we attended last year.
Back at the RV, after some lunch, I worked on several things before I started making the bread pudding we are taking to Nancy and Dave's for dinner tonight. They are in the park next to us, where we will be watching the Super Bowl. Once it was done we loaded up the deviled eggs, bread pudding, our chairs, something to drink and headed next door. Jack and Lynette followed. The food was absolutely delicious as usual, and we had a great time with all of our Heartland friends.
Gladys Knight did an amazing rendition of our National Anthem at the start of the game and then it began. What a game it was.....a little, no a lot boring. Dean and I really didn't have any allegiance to either team but I guess we rooted for the Rams, just because the Patriots have won so many Super Bowls in the past, but it really didn't matter to us one way or the other.
We thought the commercials were pretty poor in comparison to some of the previous years although there were a couple that were pretty good. The main thing was spending time with friends, sharing food and good times.
A busy, but very good day!
Monday, February 4, 2019 - Chiropractor Visit; Stayed close to Bentley Today; Friends having Hospital Visits
It was time for an adjustment - my neck has a tendency to get a kink in it and until I have an adjustment it just gets worse. I called last week and my appointment is at 3:45 today. Dean took me today, although I offered to drive myself. He waited in the truck for me. When I came out and told him I had another appointment for Friday of this week, he told me I could drive myself next time. He was a little bored by the time I was done. We returned to Bentley and stayed in the rest of the day.
I noticed on Facebook that one of our friends here in the Valley was at the hospital last night. I had not heard or seen anything else posted, so I sent a text to her husband to see how she was doing. She responded to let me know they were running some tests. It was good to know she was feeling well enough to text me.
I spent a good part of the day working on the summer/fall trip in between doing laundry and such, so I kept very busy. At about 9:45pm our neighbor called and said he needed help with his wife, I was getting out of my seat to run over, when there was a knock on the door. He asked if Dean could go to the front entrance and let the ambulance in, he had already called them. It wasn't too long and they arrived. After taking vitals they got her into the ambulance and headed to the hospital with our neighbor following them.
We had a little trouble falling asleep tonight thinking about them and we were praying that all was okay.
Tuesday, February 5, 2019 - Bible Study; Pulga; Neighbors Return; State of the Union
Bible Study was this morning at 9. I walked to the clubhouse, an opportunity to get a little exercise after spending a lot of time sitting the past few days while working on the trip planning. It has been a great study. I will miss it and the people I have met. We will not be meeting next week since Kim will be gone, so there is only one more for me to attend before we leave.
Once I got back Dean and I headed to Pulga (flea market) not too far from us. I was wanting to get some vegetables/fruit. We walked all over the area but I did not find the food stand that impressed me so much last year. We ended up stopping at one up front and I only bought some avocados. Dean did buy a long cord so he could charge his phone and be able to talk on it if needed. The only plug in near his chair, is too far away for him to use his phone without having to get up to do so. Sometimes he's just looking at different apps - so having the cord makes it a little more convenient for him and they were very reasonable.
Back home, I was back to the trip planning and while I was up, I went ahead and did another load of laundry just to get it out of the way. We should be good for awhile now.
We grilled outside tonight for the first time since we've been here. It's either been too cool or too windy and tonight was a pretty nice evening. Once I had everything ready I went outside to sit with Dean while he finished up our meal of salmon and grilled vegetables (cauliflower, broccoli, zucchini, yellow squash and green peppers). Shortly after that our neighbors returned home from their overnight stay in the hospital. We visited for a minute and was glad to hear everything was fine.
I realized I had not heard from our other friend so I sent her a text to see how she was doing. Fortunately she was doing well but will be staying in the hospital another night.
Dean and I settled in to watch the State of the Union Speech. Once it was over, we headed to bed.
Wednesday, February 6, 2019 - Girl Day; Golf Day for Dean; Dinner with Friends; Evening of Fun w/ Dale & Gayle
Dean played golf this morning with friends Dave and Lin. I took advantage of the time to take a couple of friends, Pam and Diane, to the Hidalgo Flea Market today. We loaded up two air fryers and an instapot - total for the three items was $90. I paid $75 for my Instapot on sale - the same one Diane bought today. Once we had taken the large items to the truck, we walked back to look in some of the smaller booths, before we left.
From there we drove to Mom's Place. I really love this little place. Both daughter and mom recognized me. I told them I was doing my best to bring them new customers. I think both Pam and Diane enjoyed it. We had a nice visit before we headed back to our respective parks.
I sent a text to my friend to see if she was going to come home from the hospital today - the one I found out about on line two nights ago. The doctor had just come in shortly before I sent the text; she told me he was releasing her later today. I know she was ready to go home and I was very thankful that all was okay with her.
I invited Jack and Lynette over for dinner tonight. I made a meatloaf and grilled vegetables, and Lynette brought a fruit salad to go with it. We ate outside since it was nice. There was a little wind, but it wasn't too bad.
Afterwards, I got things put away, and then the four of us drove to the park next door to watch a repeat performance by Dale & Gayle that we saw a week or so ago when we ate pizza. We really enjoyed their show. During the show they were explaining how they planned to go full-time in their motorhome and then decided they really didn't want to do that, so they bought a mobile home at Grand Lake in Oklahoma. Well, that perked my interest, since we too used to have a place at Grand Lake.
Towards the end of the show, they picked three couples from the group to participate in a contest. Corbin & Flora were chosen (you can't look at them without seeing the fun on their faces - I think that's why they are always picked.....lol!), along with another couple we did not know, and our friend Nancy paired with Jack since Lynette did not feel up to participating. They were each given three of those long skinny balloons which were already blown up. They were to use the balloons to make a dog. Once the dog was made, they had to attach a leash and walk their dog while the duo sang "Walking the Dog". Corbin and Flora won! Everyone there was having a great time watching this little contest.
Afterwards, Dean and I stayed a minute to visit with Dale & Gayle. I asked them where they had their mobile home at Grand Lake. They told me at a small park over by Cowskin Village and told me the name of the owners. What a small world! We used to have a mobile home near Cowskin Bridge at a place called Lakeview Village, owned by the same owners of Dale & Gayle's park, which is just across the street from where we stayed. They owned both parks when we sold our mobile there, and later sold Lakewood Village. Isn't it a small world?
Thursday, February 7, 2019 - Plans Changed; Lunch with Oswego Friends; Card Night
We had originally planned to meet with our friends Frank and Joyce this morning before we met our Oswego friends for lunch, but Frank called Dean last night to let us know Joyce was not feeling well. Hopefully, we can reschedule with them before we leave. Since we didn't have to leave so early I spent some time getting a few things done around Bentley before we left. It's about an hour drive to Harlingen where we met Fred & Pat White at La Playa. We had a really nice lunch and enjoyed visiting with them. They invited us to their park to see their RV and to see the park where they stay. We always love seeing other RVer's rigs - how they are laid out, the things they have done to make them more comfortable to them, etc. They have a beautiful unit.
We enjoyed the tour of their park. It's much larger than ours with many activities to participate in. They recently built a Veteran's Memorial Park that was very, very nice. Another couple from Southeast Kansas are also in their park. We stopped at their place to say hello. I've known Carol for years as she worked for the City of Altamont and it was good to see her and her husband Mort.
It's seems a little funny to think we drive this many miles to see folks who live so close to Oswego. However, when we are home we are busy seeing family, seeing our doctors, dentists, eye doctors, etc. and before we know it the time has flown by and we are gone again.
I fixed a sandwich for dinner and then headed to the clubhouse to play cards. Diane joined Sharon and Bev and I, for her first time tonight to learn Hand, Knee & Foot. I think she was beginning to understand it pretty well about halfway through. It takes awhile to pick up all of the details and I thought she did well.
Another great day!
Friday, February 8, 2019 - Chiropractic Visit; Early Dinner at Dirty Al's; Card Night Again!
Dean let me know he would not be going with me to the chiropractor this morning. It didn't take near as long today - but I had an early appointment. I learned a long time ago to always try to get an early morning appointment so you are not left waiting later in the day. Most of the time it works. I felt better today but still had a little soreness in my neck and my lower back doesn't really hurt but I can feel the tightness in it and my left hip. I really noticed a big difference today when I left. I imagine sitting for hours planning this trip has not been really good for me. I need to move more.
After I got back we had a very light lunch, a half avocado with some chicken salad. It was really good.
About 2 or so I sent a text to Pam, "When are you free for a trip to Dirty Al's?" She responded about 10 minutes later... Now!
Seriously? I texted back.
Pam: We were just thinking about what to do for dinner - are you free?
Me: Yes, what time?
Time agreed upon was 2:30. It was a little after 3:00 when we arrived. Dean and Dennis both had the fried shrimp and seasoned potatoes, Pam had shrimp alfredo and I had the blackened fish tacos. This is Dean's favorite place to eat here in the Valley. He was a happy guy when he found out this was where we were going!
We always enjoy our time with these two, even though Dennis teases me about my love of food and how each new place I try is always so good, or the best I've had. Lol! Makes for some good laughs.
Dean had his beloved fried shrimp and seasoned potatoes, as did Dennis, Pam selected shrimp alfredo and I chose the blackened tacos - they were delicious! Everyone enjoyed their meal!!
On the way back they pointed out a restaurant to us called Country Omelette and told us it was a really great place to eat breakfast. We have not been out to eat for breakfast since we've been here in the Valley, so it may happen soon!
Needless to say I didn't have to fix any dinner tonight! I headed to the clubhouse to play cards. The wind was really blowing and it was much cooler out, so I had to wear my heavier coat. As we arrived at the clubhouse, I watched three of the outdoor chairs scoot across the patio area by the pool as the wind really picked up. The cover for the pool is on a rack with rollers. The wind was blowing the rack toward the pool, then back towards the fence. It was pretty crazy.
Tonight I played with Mary, Mo, Denise, and Dee. Denise was a floater - playing one game with Mary and Dee and the second one with Mo and I. We had a good time, even though Mo and I lost. Sometimes you get the cards you need and sometimes you don't. It's all just fun and fellowship for me....not that I don't enjoy winning!
Saturday, February 9, 2019 - Breakfast Out; Walmart Trip; Laundry; Cleaning/Clearing my Desk Area; Working on the Blog
We decided to try Country Omelette this morning for breakfast. It was a good sized restaurant and was filling up fast when we arrived. Even though I almost ordered an omelette, at the last minute I had the kids menu of 2 eggs over medium and bacon.
After breakfast we headed to Walmart. It seems we are always running out of something. We went through our veggies last week so I needed more and of course, several other things. We spent a little time looking around, which we rarely do. I decided to look at a small three drawer container to set next to the table that will hold a lot of items to keep the table from being so cluttered. Dean was also interested in one for the basement of the rig. We only bought one today. If it will fit in his space and I don't like it he'll take it. If I do like it, and it fits where he wants it then we'll get him one next time we go to Walmart.
After putting everything away, I made another avocado/chicken salad bowl. So good! After cleaning up the lunch and breakfast dishes, I went to work cleaning the desk off and putting the storage container to work to hold various papers I have been keeping out since I am continuously working on them. It looks so much better.
I went through the mail we got earlier this week and filed it and then I set down to work on the blog. We've been very busy recently. I don't like getting behind and if I wait too long I begin to forget details.
I also changed sheets on the bed, did laundry, and made some "energy bites", a recipe my sister shared with me several years ago. The problem was - I could not find my recipe for them. I was just sure I had brought it with me. I had to call Cindy and have her send it to me. I got started right away making them. You just mix the ingredients well, roll them in balls, and put them in the refrigerator in a plastic bag or container. They are a nice healthy snack. Sometimes I need something that is good for you, besides nuts, and I'm trying not to eat fruit later in the day/evening. Once I had everything mixed up, the balls were rolled up and stored in the refrigerator; I started to clean up the mess and realized I forgot to put the vanilla in them. Oh well, they were still good!
Tonight is Karaoke at the Clubhouse but Dean had a bit of a stomach-ache today so we stayed in once we returned from Walmart, which was fine with me. It was cold and a little rainy anyway so I just enjoyed getting some things done.
Sunday, February 10, 2019 - Lunch with Dennis & Pam at Raymondville; Rio Hondo DrawBridge; Bass Pro in Harlingen; Don-Wes; Food Prep & Clean Up; Back to Blog Posting
When we were at Dirty Al's a couple of days ago, Dennis asked if they had taken us to Raymondville to eat. We had never been there so we set a date for this morning. They picked us up at 9:45 and off we went.
Dennis gave us a few magazines this morning - two Motorhome magazines and another was "Woodcarving Illustrated" from 2008. Guess who is featured in this magazine, none other than our hometown "Oswego" High School. I'll include pictures and information here.
On the way, Dennis wanted to know if we had ever seen the drawbridge in Texas, and since we had not, he took a little detour on our way to show it to us. It is at the edge of Rio Hondo. Pam made the comment that it was being built last year. I remembered when we came to visit Bob and Patty Nance last year that the bridge was being built but we did not see it as we had to come in from another direction because of the construction.
Our next stop was at Casa Blanca Restaurant just outside of Raymondville. Every Sunday they have a buffet and if you are not there early, you may be waiting in line for awhile before you make it inside, let alone to the buffet itself. It was perfect for me as there was quite a bit I could eat - lots of fruit, vegetables and meat choices. I just stayed away from things with dressings, gravies, bread, etc. I had green beans, carrots, salad, tomato, guacamole, fruit (watermelon, cantaloupe, pineapple) and a slice each of tender beef and pork roast. There were many salads that looked really great but I passed on them this time. It really was good.
On the way back, we made a quick stop at Bass Pro. I was hoping I might find a good sale on jeans or capris. Even though they had some good sales, there was nothing available in my size - always seems to be my luck!
One last stop was at Don-Wes to pick up a couple of things for my sister. A few days ago one of the knuckles on my right hand was really hurting as I was trying to work on the blog. It was getting so painful I was ready to quit. Dean said here try my magnetic bracelet and see if it helps. Within a short time the pain was gone and I was able to type until it was time to get some sleep. So I bought a necklace today - hoping it might help my upper back. Time will tell. Pam wanted to stop at the Nut House before we left - it's the last shop before you leave Don-Wes. She was showing me pecan meal and said it was great to use in place of breading if you want to fry something. I decided I would give it a try. I've heard of pecan crusted fish before so we'll see how it works for us. It was inexpensive so I thought it was worth a try.
As soon as we returned I pulled all of the vegetables out that I bought yesterday and got them cut up for easy use over the next few days - broccoli, cauliflower, celery, green peppers and all of the fixings for guacamole except adding the avocado, which I will do tomorrow for lunch. It was good to have that done and out of the way.
Other than stopping long enough to fix supper of breakfast burritoes for Dean (only the filling) in a bowl for me, and doing the dishes, I was back to working on the blog for the rest of the evening.
Nice to see you got caught up again, so easy to get behind.
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