IT'S SPRING IN TEXAS

As we drive around McAllen and walk through our park it is obvious that spring is here, at least in Texas. 

I know it may not feel like it at home, but it definitely is just around the corner.  . 

I'm starting to miss home now, but I want it to be spring like this when I get home and I know that is not going to happen.

 

So, I will enjoy the spring in Texas for the time being and not think about the Manitoba weather until we get there.

 

 

 

IT IS SO PRETTY HERE RIGHT NOW I'M GOING TO HATE TO LEAVE WHEN THE TIME COMES

 

 

WE ARE STILL HERE AND STILL HAVING FUN

We went out Dancing again last night. We went to see a group called "The Agency', which we had heard was really good. So, a group of six of us went to  Magic Valley Park. It was good music and we had a good time.  Going out Dancing all the time is my favorite pastime, here in Texas.  We come for the weather, but you can have the golf that a lot of people like, as far as I am concerned, the Dancing is where it's at.  Dan was saying last night, "If they want to know how come people are living longer all they have to do is look around here, all these seniors are sure getting their exercise, moving and shaking, up on the dance floor." 

 

AND TO TOP IT ALL OFF, I WON $50.00 ON THE 50/50 DRAW

 

And on another note.                                          As I have been purchasing all of my patio furniture, Dan has been saying, "You'll never get all that furniture into that shed when we leave.". So now, Dan has purchased an extra shelving unit and a bar fridge and put it in the shed. Well that gets me off the hook. If everything doesn't fit into the shed, I can just say it's not my fault, it's your fridge that is taking up all the room. 

 

THE FUN CONTINUES

 

 

THE END OF OUR SECOND MONTH



Today marks the end on our second month in Texas. We made it here in time for Sharon's Boxing Day Party, (lots of fun) and the New Yeats Dance so things started off well.

Early January was a little cool and we both got sick,




but then things improved health wise and weather wise, and the rest of January and February turned out great, and very busy.








The hi-lites for me, of this year so far, over and above the Dances and Dinners were..................


 



              
    THE KITES OF SOUTH PADRE ISLAND

               AND SMOKIN ON THE RIO

                        

IT'S AMAZING HOW TIME FLIES WHEN YOU'RE HAVING FUN. 

 

 

 

 



A SELF PORTRAIT

Nothing much is going on here.  Just a lazy day in the sun.  So, I thought I'd include a self portrait of me sitting, relaxing and enjoying my Patio and a nice cool drink.  


I wouldn't want to be in northern Texas the last 2 days,  but it's fine here. 


It was really windy yesterday, but today it has calmed right down so it will be hot and still, I think I will have to hit the pool later. 


BEING RETIRED IS GREAT!!

SMOKIN ON THE RIO

Today we went to "Smokin on the Rio", with our boating friends Sharon & Casey.  It was held at the rodeo grounds in Mercedes. 

 
This event is a Bar-B-Qing competition.  When we arrived there was so much smoke hanging in the air, that I thought I would choke.  But, thanks to the Texas breezes it soon cleared off, then we could breath and see. 

Now how this worked is, that teams come from all over with there Bar-B-Q equipment.  They set up and start Bar-B-Qing Chicken, Pork, Beef, types of Sausage etc.  When done they turn their finished product in to the judges for assessment.  Of course they do make extra that they offer to everyone that is wandering through, to sample.  There were other foods to sample as well.  We tried, beans, an onion blossom, beef brisket , chicken, ice cream and a Salsa dip that was so hot my mouth burned for an hour.  We also saw booths with smashed potatoes, macaroni, fajitas, etc. etc. etc.  There certainly was plenty to sample. 

Now these Bar-B-Qers not only bring their Bar-B-Qs which are very elaborate.  All built onto trailers for travelling from one compitition to another.  They also bring travel trailers to stay in and extensive staging to put up around their site.   This particular team on the right was called "Up in Smoke". 

Then this set up on the left and below, that we had lots of fun with,  was set up on the site of      "Da Smoke Boys". 

These guys sure put a lot of effort into their site.  It was neat. 

 

There was even a Manitoba Bar-B-Q team entered.  Flying a big Canadian flag. 

So, how do these teams win this competition?  Well, any time you want.  You can go into the judges pavilion, sit down and relax.  They will start handing you small samples of all of the food that the teams have turned in.  Of course all of these samples are only identified by numbers and you get to rate them and that's how the teams get their scores.  So it's the patrons that are the judges, and the judges keep changing throughout the day.  That's a great way to do it.  A real blind taste test. 




 

 So we carried on viewing and tasting as we went.  It was flavourful and interesting.  

 

The beans were flavourful.

And the Chicken was interesting. 

 And you really have to give a competitor credit for a sense of humour. 

SO, THAT WAS "SMOKIN ON THE RIO". 

 

 

 

 

 

OUR SOUTHERN SOJOURN IS HALF OVER

It's hard to believe, but our stay in Texas is more than half over already.  

We have been here  at Pardise Park http://paradiseparkinc.com/     over a month and a half. 


It's like they say, time flies when your having fun. 

I'm already starting to think about, the high-lite for me, of my stay down here.  "ST. PATRICK'S DAY".  I've dug out my decorations and supplies to see what I have left over and how much I have to add for this years party. 

 

 

IT'S LESS THAN A MONTH AWAY.  IT'S TIME TO START PLANNING!

 

 

 

 



LEARNING TO PLAY SHUFFLE BOARD

We have taken up a new form of entertainment.

Yea, we are learning to play Shuffle Board. 

We have found a group that don't take it all that seriously. 

So we are all having fun learning how. 

 

THAT'S THE KIND OF SPORTS I LIKE.  WHEN NOBODY CARES WHO WINS OR LOOSES. 

 

JUST HAVE FUN.