December, 2005

Now that we're parked for a long-term stay we'll have less to say about travels, and more to say about the local food. One reason why we like the Rio Grande Valley IS the food - there are many great Mexican Restaurants down here. In addition, there are a lot of ingredients in the grocery store that you do not find in other parts of the country - at least not "up North".

We're really busy. We've - get this - taken up shuffleboard! Now if you have not played this game believe me - it is highly competitive and not easy. We've been is several mixed doubles tournaments, and usually get crushed. But we're practicing, and hopefully it will come together.

Other than one cold, cloudy week, the weather here has been just great. It's quite something putting Christmas lights up in shorts and a tee shirt. Christmas eve Mary Jane's folks made a leg of lamb, and we had a great time. We grabbed some grapefruit and oranges from their trees, and had a nice batch of Sangria as well. We're busy busy busy - shuffleboard, water volleyball, dance lessons and dances, bingo, exercise classes, etc. The park is a very busy place.

We had a treat in December - we paid a visit to some Escapee friends who were staying about 80 miles West of here in Zapata, Texas. In true Escapee fashion, they had tried the McAllen area but found it too busy and too expensive, so they went West and parked in a small but friendly campground for $135/month. During our visit we pushed on about 15 more miles West and visited the small town of San Ygnacio. They were having a local celebration which included a historic home tour. It was great fun - homes (forts actually) built in 1831, and all the owners were present to greet guests. We have a great picture of the Hinman's by a hedge of wonderful Bougainvilleas. One of the towns patrons is the Martinez family. We have some pictures taken in the Martinez homes. This is great Mexican garden decorating. We love the Rio Grande Valley!