3-29-2916 Tuesday....Service

Glen has been aware that it was close to time to have the pick up serviced; that is, oil and filter changed and tires rotated.  He was hoping to have that done in Ft. Smith, AR.

However, the "oil life" indicator showed the life was down to 12 percent.  Glen made an appointment at the GMC dealer in Rio Grande City for today.

It was a good experience.  The truck was taken in right away, and was finished in an hour.

It was a foggy, drizzly morning as we drove south.


There are at least three of these blimps in the air from Zapata south to the valley.  They are used to take real-time photos and has a range of 17 miles.  The Border Patrol can actually see illegals on the ground. The dirigibles are unmanned, but usually tethered.

I guess it was too foggy for this dirigible to be in the air (10:15 a.m). I hope you are able to see how large they are. We were 1/4 to 1/2 mile from the ground station.

Close up of the entire blimp.

March 28, 2016 Monday --PART 2--Easter

I just looked at the entries for the blog and realized I didn't describe our Easter Sunday.

In actuality Easter Sunday was very quiet.

Of course we went to worship service.  Glen sang a special--"There's Just Something About that Name!"

Seven of us went to the usual Sunday lunch restaurant, "The Holiday".  We learned there would be at least a 45 minute delay in taking orders.  In talking to other people at the front door we learned The Holiday was the only restaurant in Zapata open!  We drove down the street and that was correct.  The only other place to buy lunch was McDonalds.

We came home, changed to comfy clothes and prepared soup for lunch.

March 28, 2016 Monday Boat Ride (Remember: click on pics to enlarge)

Several of the neighbors in the 'hood own motorcycles.  Today seven motorcycles and two vehicles caravaned to Mission Texas.  There were 13 of us who drove to the "Riverside Club" at Mission. Of course we were in our pick up; Jim/Dee were in their red Cadillac convertible.

A 75-minute boat (open sided, pontoon style) tour is offered by the Riverside Club.  Eleven of us went on the boat. We went down the Rio Grande River to the Mexican city of Reynosa, turned around and returned.

Reynosa has a population of 750,000 approx.

Here are a few pictures taken today.

 Mexican side of river: privately owned recreation area-picnicking, grilling, pool

 Mexican side: business owned for rentals, parties, celebrations. We had a pre-conceived picture of what the Mexican side would look like---poor, depressed.  Obviously not all of Mexico is poor or depressed.

 Mexican side: pontoon similar to what we were riding on, owned by a company

Mexican side: a large recreation area

 US Side: two Texas Highway Patrol boats, armed with M-60 machine guns.  Our captain commented the guns were used to return gunfire, not to initiate gun fights.

 Reynosa, Mexico, city park

Reynosa city park

 Anzaldua International Dam, across Rio Grande River.  A diversion dam used for agriculture and flood control.

 US Flag on left/north side of dam; Mexico flag on right/south side

 Anzalduas International Dam, Reynosa (Mexico)

 The long wall reaching left to right, is a "border wall"; 1.5 miles long.  It took ten years to build.

 Texas Highway Patrol boat in action: 5 m-60 machine guns, 3-300HP (each) Yamaha motors

Smaller Texas Highway Patrol boat: two 300 HP motors

Don't get worried about us!! We do read or hear once in a while about a gun battle with the cartel, but the battles are always across the river on the Mexico side.  We read about huge quantities of drugs--marijuana or cocaine-- being found/seized on the highway or at a bridge crossing, but nothing in Zapata.  We are SAFE!

After the boat tour we enjoyed lunch at a local Mexican (what else?) restaurant!    From there the group separated and went in various directions.

We followed Rick on his motorcycle back to Zapata.  Some went shopping, some went to Nuevo Progreso (Mexico) for shopping.

I am trying to remember some facts the boat captain shared.  From Mission where we departed it is appx 50 miles to the Gulf of Mexico; the Rio Grande River is appx 1250 miles long.

It was a fun day.  Weather was great--high of 79 degrees, partly sunny.

March 24, 2016 Wednesday and Thursday

A few things so you will know we are still here!

We drove to Rio Grande city, about 50 miles to the south, yesterday.  We enjoyed lunch at Casa Adobe, a great restaurant in a restored old brick building.

There was then a stop at WalMart for a few items.

On the way home in the midst of Roma, about ten miles north of Rio Grande City, we met at least 20 oncoming-- at a rapid rate of speed,sirens, lights flashing-- law enforcement vehicles.  There was a mix of Border Patrol, Highway Patrol, and unmarked cars.  I have searched several tv stations' websites looking for what may have been going on.  No luck.  Don't have a clue as to whether it was a huge drug bust, human trafficing, vehicle accident, or a shooting/death/murder type of situation.  Inquiring minds want to know!

Today, Glen,,,,are you ready for this,,,,,cleaned out, organized, vacuumed, threw away items, in all of the basement storage bins on the left side of the motor home.  It is impressive!

I was 'straw boss' for the project, offering my organizing skills, suggestions on what to trash or move.  Somehow, none of it was needed.  Glen was in control of the entire project.

March 23, 2016 Early Morning

I read there was supposed to be a lunar eclipse this morning.  It was not to be a total eclipse, just a tiny sliver.

The moon was beautiful, but it must have been a eensy-weenie, tiny eclipse, because I can't see even a sliver.

This feller has been running around the neighborhood!

 Greater roadrunner!

He doesn't say "beep, beep!"

The recent rains have "greened up" the growing things, including the 'weeds/grass' in our yard.  Glen mowed Monday.  It does improve the looks of our surroundings.

Sunday night there was a combined music service between FBC and the mission Spanish speaking Nueva Vida church.  Each congregation presented some songs.  Glen selected some songs for a quartet from our church, then Glen sang "A Wonderful Time Up There!" as a solo.

After music Nueva Vida hosted a sandwich and chips meal.  Dessert was provided by FBC.

Enjoy the rest of the week.

March 16-17--18-19 (2016) Check List

Get It Done List--before time to head north--List

We won't be heading north until April 6, but don't want to have a lot of things to do just before we leave.

Glen has been caulking in and around the outdoor kitchen area, attempting to keep out geckos and other invasive varmits--spiders and bugs.  We leave sticky traps out which takes care of most of the varmits.

Strong winds can also move dust around and into every nook and cranny.  We cover the appliances and cabinets.  Still, there is cleaning to be done when we return in the winter.

Most kitchen items have migrated from the motorhome kitchen to the outdoor kitchen.  I have been carrying items back to the motorhome each time I make a trip.  There's baking items, seasonings, bowls, utensils.  You get the picture.

Today the biggest item to get marked off the list.....ta da, ta da...
preparing and completing income tax return.  It isn't a complicated procedure, just must get finished.  Today it was stick-a-fork-in-it ...it's done.

There was rain last night.  Temperatures today were nearly 20 degrees cooler.  High today ws 67 degrees.

March, 13, 14, 15 Sunday, Monday and Tuesday (Still in Zapata TX)

Sunday was a busy day.
Following worship service there was a brisket lunch for the members.  Two church members smoked over mesquite coals several briskets.  I thought they were delicious.  Glen has had other brisket that he liked better.

There was enough time to go home, change into more casual clothes, and go to a Gospel Jam at 2 o'clock.

The Jam lasted two hours.  Glen and Evelyn did a wonderful job, as usual.

Monday
Gary and Evelyn are counting down the days until they leave Wednesday morning.  
Glen cooked crappie and potatoes for lunch.  I prepared hush puppies which were then fried in the hot fish oil.  Oh, man, what a good lunch.

Neighbors/friends Jim and Cris stopped during the evening for a good visit.

Tuesday
Gary had some concerns about getting the pick up under the fifth wheel jack.  This morning he backed under without any problems.

He also had concerns if there was enough room to back down the driveway and out the gates without getting in the mud.  There was enough room/space for everything.

Since they were out the gates and on the road, they said their good-byes and headed north toward Missouri.

Only one day early!

I managed to get three out four loads of laundry finished.  It then was too warm  hot to be outdoors.

The past three days the highs have been 98, 97, and 96 degrees.  I can only imagine what it feels like here in July and August.

Tonight was the last Tuesday night Jam Session for this winter season.  There were nine on stage; oops! make that ten as the bass player came in late.

It was fitting that Dairy Queen had free small ice cream cones all day.  The gang that goes after the Jam Session enjoyed the ice cream.

03-12-16 "The Best Little Fair in Texas"

It was a great day for a parade.  This is the final week end of the "best little fair in Texas".  The crowds lined the street, the floats were beautifully decorated, the kids anxiously awaited the goodies thrown from the parade entries.  Don't forget you can click on the photos to enlarge.  

Every good parade has...

veterans

the high school band

flag routines

royalty

costumes

law enforcement--Laredo police department

School was dismissed this past Thursday and Friday so the students could participate in the Zapata County Fair.

Jeff and Marcella left yesterday morning, heading north.  They planned stops near Austin TX, Arkansas for hiking, Springfield MO for seeing friends, and ultimately Cape Girardeau MO to see family.

Rain totals for Tuesday through Friday were 2.8" of rain!  The Texas bluebonnets should be beautiful in the next 7-10 days.

Just realized there is more to tell!

Tuesday Jim and Dee hosted a gathering for lunch and games.  I sat at a table to learn the game "Texas 42".  This is played with double six dominoes.  It was interesting.  I would like to learn more and play again.

Wednesday the six of us--Jeff and Marcella, Gary and Evelyn, Glen and me--went to "the Valley".  There was a stop at the Don-Wes Flea Market; then on to Nuevo Progreso, Mexico.

We enjoyed lunch at the "Red Snapper"; Evelyn bought a pair of cowboy boots.  It is an all-day trip no matter how early we leave!

3/7/2016 (Monday Night) Finally--pictures--and--Today's report

Finally....pictures from Sunday, February 28, which was the surprise adventure. We went to the "Bloodless Bull Fights" about 90 minutes south and east of Zapata.  The bulls weren't injured during the four "fights"/sessions with two fighters.

 This is the announcer inside the arena in LaGloria, TX, for the Bloodless Bull Fights before the action began.

 These are two riders on beautiful horses.  Both have ridden in the Rose Bowl Parade at various times.

 Yes, even tricks.

This bull fighter, not a matador, but a "matadora", a 19-year old girl. 'Ole!

The matadora was injured by the bull during the session after intermission.  There was contact between the bull's horns and the side of her face.  She was dazed and was unable to continue the fight.

This is Jeff and Marcella on each side of the matadora at intermission time.  The costume weighs many pounds.

Back to Real Time!
Tonight was the final Monday night Jam Session!  Fred and Gay are headed back to Oklahoma Wednesday morning.

There were eight musicians tonight!
****

Do you remember when we were on South Padre Island a week or so ago?  We visited "Texas Gold", processing and sales of wild caught shrimp.  We bought and brought enough shrimp with us for a shrimp boil.

Today at lunch was Shrimp Boil!  Glen and Jeff prepared six pounds of shrimp for eight of us--Fred and Gay were here, also.  It was the Best Shrimp Ever!

During the tour of Texas Gold we learned the secret to boiling shrimp.

Bring a large pot of water to boil.  Add one Cap-ful of Zatarain's Shrimp Boil to the boiling water.  Do not follow the directions on the bottle.

Add 4-5 pounds of shrimp.  Bring back to almost boiling...just as the bubbles are beginning to form.  The shrimp should turn pink on the outside and white under the shell... ..About 1 minute.  Remove immediately and place in iced water to immediately cool to stop the cooking.  No salt needed in the boiling water.

Commercial: look for wild caught shrimp (from USA), not Farm-Raised shrimp.  End of commercial!!!

3/5/16 Last Sunday update Apology.... and More

It has been so busy here that I haven't taken the time to get the pictures transferred from the emails to the photo location.  It will be a case of "better late than never."

Jeff has volunteered to assist me with the transition but it seems as if we are not inside the motorhome until bedtime.

I will leave you hanging once again until I get the pictures transferred.

Each day of this week has been a grand day.  The weather has been marvelous.  We have spent all day outside.

Even Thursday which had a high of 102 degree!
It has been in the upper 80's to the mid 90/s except Thursday as mentioned.

Friday it was the annual neighborhood lunch at our location.  We invited eight other couples (plus our six) but three couples had conflicts with the schedule.

The menu was delicious: oven cooked prime rib, baked potatoes plus butter/sour cream, corn, green beans, creamy cucumbers, a veggie tray, homemade bread, and Granny's cake and Key lime pie (all homemade).

No one was in a hurry to leave and there was lots of visiting and catching up with everyone!.

Today we particiapted in a Marathon!  No, no! not what you are thinking!  There was no running involved.

We had four episodes of "The Amazing Race" recorded.  We watched all four episodes!  Plus, three "Jeopardy" sessions.

Tonight we taught Gary and Evelyn, and Marcella and Jeff how to play "Skip Bo".  Have you ever played "Spite and Malice" on the computer?  It is like that except "Skip Bo" is with cards.

Jeff and Marcella are making plans to head north next Friday, March 11.  Gary and Evelyn will then leave March 16.

These winter months are rapidly coming to a close.
We will be heading north by April 1.