Tuesday, March 17, 2015

• Light breeze, cloudy, warm, temp: 66, high: 76.
• Early, Jim & Diane drove up to McAllen to see the PT doctor for a wrap-up on the physical therapy and to get any ongoing instructions.
• While Jim & Diane went to the doctor and in the cool calm of the morning, I did my daily 3 mile bike ride around the park.
• After Jim & Diane got home, Phil, Jim & I departed for the Livestock Show in Mercedes, TX, about 25 miles East of us.
• Livestock show had lots of cattle, pigs, some goats & sheep. It includes some current and some antique machinery. See pictures below.
• D&C and J&D and I had supper at Wendy's as we're in the process of packing the house for the trip on Thursday.
• After supper, J&D joined D&C for the last evening of cards as we'll need to go to bed early tomorrow night as we plan on leaving Thursday morning at about 3 AM. 
• Will be meeting Dave at Jim's between 1 & 4 Friday afternoon and back at RidgePointe by 5 or 6 PM depending on Dave's schedule.
• And tonight I have lots of pictures taken at the Livestock show in Mercedes, TX. Most were taken on "machinery hill". Enjoy!

Monday, March 16, 2015

• Drizzle, light breeze, cool, temp: 60, high: 70.
• Enjoyed our last Canadian breakfast with 7 others at Taco Fiesta. And Gil bought all the coffee. Thanks, Gil.
• Quiet morning. Starting to get stuff packed up. Pro'ly about half done. But got all day Wednesday to finish. (Goin' to the Livestock show tomorrow in Mercedes)
• Guess I better get my bike ride in today.
• Pleasant afternoon for my 3 mile bike ride around The Plantation.
• This evening the gang drove up to Paradise Park in McAllen for Bingo.
• Only got one picture from today. Enjoy!

Thursday, March 5, 2015

• High clouds, very windy, almost cold, temp: 45, high: 44. Cold day. Dramatic change from yesterday's 85.
• People are starting to head back North. At our men's breakfast this morning, we only had about 20 guys when we usually have 25 to 30.
• And with the high being less than 50 degrees, I'm gonna miss another day of biking. Ugh!
• Except for Jim, we had lunch at Joe's Crab Shack. Jim is not 100% from his fishing trip and has a PT appointment at 2 this afternoon and wanted to get rested for it.
• Upon our return Randy & Denise shopped at the local pawn shop.
• This evening we were invited to a Volunteer Appreciation Dinner with about 300 other guests.
• This evening Randy, Denise, & Nolan & Jim went to play shuffleboard since it was the kids last night.
• The picture below is of Denise at Joe's Crab Shack where she's about to eat crab legs. Yum - yum. And of my bike ride yesterday. And I'll tell you about my new Microsoft Band tomorrow.

My bike ride route of yesterday 

Friday, February 27, 2015

• Breezy, cool, high clouds, temp: 46, high: 60.
• After men's coffee at the Hall, we determined we did not have to set up chairs today.
• Jim drove to PT.
• Shortly after his return, we drove to Harlingen airport to pickup Denise, Randy, & Nolan after which we went up to the Longhorn Cattle Company for an afternoon sandwich.
• Upon arrival home, Nolan had to go for a bike ride on this Texas bike. So Jim & I followed. Short ride. But nice.
• After checking Denise family into their trailer, they all went over to McAllen Paradise Park for Bingo.

Here we all are last night at Dirty Al's Bayou Grill, helping Dan & Candy to celebrate selling their trailer

Here are Jim & Diane in the foreground with Denise, Randy, & Nolan at the top of the escalator.

Here's a nice picture of Randy, Denise, & Nolan in front of a beautiful tree at the Longhorn Cattle Company grounds.

At Wednesday's jam, here Keith has handed off the lead to the steel guitar player. I like that instrument.

Thursday, February 26, 2015

• Clear, calm, cool morning, temp: 44, high: 72.
• Jim & Diane were up at 5:30 this morning to help the crew with blood draws for blood tests offered here a couple times a season.
• We joined about 25 guys for Men's breakfast at Taco Fiesta.
• I have been closely watching the Smartwatch market, specifically the Band from Microsoft. It's been out of stock for several months, but recently I had heard, they were available. So mid morning I drove over to the La Plaza Mall, found the Microsoft store, and purchased the Band. So far, it's an impressive watch.
• Went biking with my new Band and posted my 4 mile ride on Facebook.
• A neighbor, Jan, stopped by to ask if I could fix her TV Remote that quit working. After fiddling with no directions, I finally got it working.
• Kathy called me after lunch and I got caught up on news from her family. Her big news is her car is worn out - needs expensive repair. So guess what they're doing this weekend. Thanks for the call, Kath.
• Late afternoon, Dave called to tell me about the MRI on his back he just had done at the VA. Don't know the results yet. He also caught me up on his family news. Thanks, Dave, for the call.
• Candy & Dan treated us all for supper at Dirty Al's Bayou Grill in McAllen as they just sold their trailer (They'll be moving into Irene's as soon as she moves to the nursing home).
• The video today was shot at the beginning of the Wednesday Jam at our Hall with the semi-professional players. It does get worse when the amateurs perform. The first soloist is Keith Ross who plays a blue violin.

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

• Light mist, cloudy, calm, warming, temp: 42, high: 70. By 9 o'clock, the sun was shining bright.
• Jim went off with some guys to a polka jam
• I helped several guys setup the Hall for the afternoon jam. But it's already over 50, so I should be able to get in my bike ride today.
• Diane went for lunch with the girls. Jim & I ate jam food.
• and then went to the jam til Jim had to leave for PT.
• I left when the amateurs started to perform. But our maintenance guy, Martin, found me & asked that I go up to the Office to help solve a computer problem them had.
• I did and I did.
• At 3 o'clock, temp is 63 . . . mucho better. Guess I'll go for my bike ride. Yippee.
• Beautiful afternoon for a bike ride. Temp: 64. Sunny, light breeze, nice.
• This evening's entertainment: Dave & Daphne who were very entertaining. Daphne has a beautiful, well trained soprano voice. And Dave is probably the best guitarist we've seen in the valley. Enjoyed them muchly.
• And I have some special pictures/vids for tonight. But they take about a half hour to setup/load. So I'll have to send them over several days. Then you'll have something to look forward to. :-)

Dave & Daphne

Saturday, February 21, 2015

• Still windy, clear, warm, temp: 67, high: 86.
• First off, we went to the pancake breakfast at the Hall. And we never got home from it until mid afternoon as we had to start the setup for the Minnesota Get-together.
• The MN Get-together seemed to be a rousing success. We received many compliments. We had about 105 attendees. A pot luck meal was served. Candy was the MC. To start the show, she asked me to read, "You might live in Minnesota if . . ." (below)
• The gathering lasted till about 1:30 and then we had to cleanup the mess. 
• Afterward I returned for a much needed nap.
• Late afternoon, D&C, J&D, and Irene drove up to Pharr South for an evening supper and Bingo. I relaxed at home.
• With the high heat (87 degrees) & high winds, I waited till 6 o'clock to do my 2 miles bike ride around the park. Didn't feel too bad after my  last 10 miles ride.
• Below are pictures of the gathering as well as the "You might live in Minnesota if . . ."

Jeff Foxworthy on Minnesota OR You might live in Minnesota if, you might live in Minnesota.

If you consider it a sport to gather your food by drilling through 28 inches of ice and sitting there all day hoping that the food will swim by, you might live in Minnesota.

If you're proud that your state makes the national news 96 nights each year because International Falls is the coldest spot in the nation, you might live in Minnesota.

If you have ever refused to buy something because it's "too spendy", you might live in Minnesota.

If you’re local Dairy Queen is closed from November through March, you might live in Minnesota.

If someone in a store offers you assistance, and they don't work there, you might live in Minnesota.

If your dad's suntan stops at a line curving around the middle of his forehead, you might live in Minnesota.

If you have worn shorts and a parka at the same time, you might live in Minnesota.

If your town has an equal number of bars and churches, you might live in Minnesota.

If you know how to say...Wayzata. ..Mahtomedi. .Cloquet . Edina ..and Shakopee, you might live in Minnesota.

If you think that ketchup is a little too spicy, you might live in Minnesota.

If vacation means going "up north" for the weekend, you might live in Minnesota.

If you measure distance in hours, you might live in Minnesota.

If you know several people, who have hit deer more than once, you might live in Minnesota.

If you often switch from "Heat" to "A/C" in the same day and back again, you might live in Minnesota.

If you can drive 65 mph through 2 feet of snow during a raging blizzard without flinching, you might live in Minnesota.

If you see people wearing hunting clothes at social events, you might live in Minnesota.

If you install security lights on your house and garage and leave both unlocked, you might live in Minnesota.

If you think of the major food groups as beer, fish, and Venison, you might live in Minnesota.

If you carry jumper cables in your car, and your girlfriend knows how to use them, you might live in Minnesota.

If there are 7 empty cars running in the parking lot at Mill's Fleet Farm at any given time , you might live in Minnesota.

If you design your kid's Halloween costume to fit over a snowsuit, you might live in Minnesota.

If driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled with snow, you might live in Minnesota.

If you know all 4 seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter, and of course, road construction, you might live in Minnesota.

If you can identify a southern or eastern accent, you might live in Minnesota.

If your idea of creative landscaping is a plastic deer next to your blue spruce, you might live in Minnesota.

If "Down South" to you means Iowa, you might live in Minnesota.

If you know "a brat" is something you eat, you might live in Minnesota.

If you find -10 degrees "a little chilly", you might live in Minnesota.

If you actually understand these jokes, and you forward them to all your Minnesota friends, you might live in Minnesota.

Saturday, February 14, 2015 (Valentine's Day)

• Another nice morning, high, broken clouds, calm, warm starlit, temp: 62, high: 78.
• Had a nice pancake breakfast consisting of Biscuits & Gravy at the Hall with the whole tribe.
• Biked 2 1/2 miles over through The Plantation about mid morning.
• Late morning Beth cut Jim's hair in the driveway (see picture below). Later Amy wanted to be in the blog, so we took a "selfie".
• Lunch was a celebrations lunch for Dan & Candy's 28th wedding anniversary at the Crab Schack.
• Then we drove directly for there to Don-Wes flea market where we spent most of the afternoon.
• Late afternoon, we left for Pharr South for supper, followed by Bingo. 
• While playing Bingo, Jim got a call from a Paradise resident re some problem. Jim asked me to go see her in case it was an emergency. Her stove oven pilot had gone out for whatever reason. After talking to Jim on the phone, we decided he could fix it after Bingo.
• Really busy day.

Friday, February 6, 2015

• Warming trend continues, high clouds, light breeze, temp: 52, high: 65. Today is the last day for a week with a high less than 70. Yippee! And only 4 days of remaining February with the high less than 70.
• Diane & Jim left early this morning with Wendy, taking her to the Harlingen airport as she's returning to Minnesota today.
• J&D and D&C drove over to Pharr South for a craft sale. They really went for Jim to get Biscuits & Gravy which they sell during the craft sale.
• I drove Jim to PT for his 10:30 appointment. Lasted almost 2 hours.
• After lunch with them temperature over 60, I biked my 2 1/4 miles routes around the park.
• This afternoon, Jim received some papers that needed his signature and returned to sender. The scan capability on his computer had never been used/tested. So 3 hours later I got the driver installed, the documents scanned, & returned to the original sender. But what a job.
• Late afternoon, I called Dave for an update on his family. He's still having back pain, but has an appointment at the VA to work the problem. Thanks Dave, for the update.
• This evening J&D are going to another park with the Sasse's to play Bingo. I'm going to a gospel show at the Hall entitled Kieth Ross Gospel Show. It was just so, so. It included 6 performers: Keith Ross, Jay & Tammy, Lafayette & Vada.
• And now for my pictures.
• Lots of people, mostly men, should know what this is a picture of & where it was taken & about the year it was taken.

• I'll give you the answer tomorrow.

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

• Warming, drying trend, high fog, breezy, temp: 49, high: 68. Rain filled streets from last night have drained.
• Early this morning, Jim left with a carload of guys to go to a Polka Jam in a park in Mission.
• Mid morning I helped the setup crew set chairs & tables in the Hall for our afternoon jam.
• About 10:30, temperature got above 50, so that I could make my daily (oops, haven't been doing it daily, what with rain & cold) 2 mile bike ride around the park.
• Diane & Wendy left for their Wednesday ladies luncheon.
• After lunch I drove us to South Padre Island. Wendy got to walk on the sand and stick her toes in the surf. (Dan, we got lost coming home unlike your excellent navigation when we went that back route.) Eventually, the sun even came out.
• As we drove across the causeway bridge, we noticed a very large oil platform setting on the mainland. So on our way home we went looking to see how close we could get to it. We got close. It was named the Noble Driller. Pictures tomorrow.
• The evening entertainment was a bluegrass group call Cross Strung. They were one of best entertainers to come to the park. Most enjoyable.
• Today I have a mystery picture for you to guess who the 2 cute children are in the picture. If you can guess, send me their initials in the comments or an email. If you can guess that, then tell me where the picture was taken and in what year.

• I'll give you a clue: they are related to me, but they are not my siblings.

Friday, January 30, 2015

• Quiet morning, high fog, calm, temp: 62, high: 73
• Diane took Jim to PT for his 9 AM appointment.
• Took a early afternoon nap.
• Went biking for 2 1/2 miles mid afternoon.
• I helped Jim fix the lights on Jan's golf cart.
• This evening we attended a Black & White dinner at the hall. Social hour was followed by a stuffed pork dinner. Ralph Kuster performed a Sinatra theme during both dinner and the 2 hour show following dinner. Enjoyable.
• After the dinner, we drive up to Harlingen airport to pick up Diane's sister who's staying with us for the next several days.
• Below are pictures from last night. First 2 are taken at the Texas Roadhouse where we had delicious steaks. The last 2 are taken at Candy & Dan's where we gathered for birthday cake and ice cream.

Thursday, January 29, 2015

• Quiet morning, with fog, calm, pleasant morning, temp: 58, high: 79
• 30 at men's breakfast at Taco Fiesta
• Late morning I made my daily 2 mile bike ride around the park.
• I went with Diane to H-E-B to buy a birthday card for my grandson, Garth, who turned 23 on Monday. Doesn't seem possible he's that old. Happy birthday, Garth. My card is on it's way.
• Had a quick lunch at Burger King.
• At 2 PM, temp is 76. Nice.
• At 3:30, we're invited to help celebrate Irene's birthday who is 88 at Texas Roadhouse. It was a delicious steak & a good time was had by all. I'll post pictures tomorrow.
• Dave called in the evening. He caught me up on all his family news. He's having health problems and can't seem to get much resolution out of VA. But he's workin' the problem.
• On January 16th, I made the following draft entry:
• After breakfast today, Jim & Diane, walked over to Irene's to take delivery on a purchase we made: Irene's golf cart. As she won't need it in her new home that she moves to on February 1st. So now Jim & Diane & Roger own a golf cart.
• Diane drove Jim to PT while I printed out the golf cart manual.
• On the E-Z-Go website, I registered our new golf cart and sent registration info to both Jim & Diane. 
• You may ask why we didn't post this on January 16. The reason: Jim & Diane wanted it be a surprise for the boys when they came down. So now that that is done . . .
• Below are pictures of our toys. We have 3 bicycles and a golf cart that I bought into with Jim.

The rear seat replaces golf bag holders. That's what we installed yesterday.

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

• Nice morning, high fog, breezy, warm, temp: 63, high: 76
• This morning, Jim went to a Polka Jam while Diane & I went to H-E-B to buy groceries.
• I watched a webinar on Windows 10, a Surface Hub, & Holographic Computing & was late to the Paradise Park Jam today.
• I did my 2 mile bike ride with temp at 76 while Diane took Jim to PT. He was warned not to wear his sling any more.
• Supper consisted of steaks at Dan & Candy's.
• Then we picked up Trevor & Seth at the McAllen Airport.
• Our regular Wednesday entertainer this week is John Sager. But we were picking up the boys, so we didn't go.
• Below are pictures Dan sent me of Reno NV where he & Dawn are attending a rail fan convention after spending several days with Mike & Mary at Lake Tahoe.

 If I remember, this is a chair lift from the city of South Lake Tahoe to the Heavenly Valley ski area.

 I think this is downtown South Lake Tahoe.

 Dan & Dawn waiting somewhere.

Mike & Mary waiting somewhere.

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

• Cool, calm, clear, starlit morning, temp: 46, high: 81.
• Today I have a question for our Minnesota readers. "Why does 46 degrees feel so cool to us Winter Texans, but feels so warm to you Minnesota readers." Is it because our blood gets thin when we're down here for an extended period of time?
• Jim's arm is getting sorer, so this morning at 8 o'clock, he has an appointment with the doctor who will be calling the Minnesota surgeon to assess what to do next. 
• Jim came home with his sling off. The consensus was that he'd heal best without the sling. While his arm is weak, he's sure glad to be without that sling.
• In fact, he felt so good that he wanted to go play Mini golf when we got home. So J&D, D&C, and I played this morning at the Zone Action Park. Candy won with 5 hole in ones.
• After golfing, we all came home for a nap
• Later I went for my 2 mile bike ride; temp: 81 at 2PM
• Then Ruth had asked Jim to mount a new outside light for her. As his arm is still weak, I did the physical mounting taking detail directions from Jim.
• Beautiful day today. Bright sun, completely clear sky, calm, temp reached 83. Sure felt good.
• Below are some beautiful scenic pictures taken by Dan & Dawn as they toured Lake Tahoe with Mike & Mary. Thanks Dan, for sending those great shots.

Monday, January 19, 2015

• Another pleasant morning, calm, high clouds, temp: 55, high: 72.
• Had regular Monday breakfast with Canadian friends at Taco Fiesta. Had 11 this morning.
• Dan & Dawn made it to Reno this morning. I tracked them all the way through the mountains. Amtrak was on schedule. Hope they send me more pictures today.
• J&D and C&D drove up to Bertha's Salon to get their haircuts. I stayed home to research a project since I had one recently.
• Biked over to Dollar General to get something, stopping at Burger King on my way home for lunch
• I drove Jim to PT at 3 PM
• Got my 2 mile bike ride in at 4:30 on a lovely evening: clear, calm, bright sun, temp: 68. Perfecto!
• Here's some pictures from Dan sent from Reno. Thanks for the pictures, Dan & Dawn. Say hello from us to Mike & Mary.

Don't know who this belongs to nor the significance

Mike & Mary in the woods (probably near their Lake Tahoe home)

Mary & Mike (clowning)

Beautiful mountain peak

Sunday, January 18, 2015

• Pleasant morning: light breeze, high clouds, temp: 59, high: 69.
• Dan & Dawn are traveling by train on the California Zephyr to Reno to visit Mike & Mary and to attend a rail fan convention. They flew to Chicago early yesterday morning. This morning I'm tracking them coming into Denver and West.
• Jim & Diane attended the service this morning. Looks like a beautiful day.
• Bike ride: 2 miles
• Ran up to Walmart for printer cartridges.
• Napped.
• And I'm mostly packed for my trip to see Margaret in Phoenix. Now I've got 3 days to figure out what I forgot.
• Ice cream social at 5 o'clock. Everybody left to watch the end of the Green Bay vs Seattle overtime ending.
• Movie tonight is The Hundred-Foot Journey. More about it later.
• On their way to Reno, from the train, Dan and Dawn sent me several very interesting pictures.

This is the Denver Union Station

Scenery coming in Denver

Scenery nearer the mountains

Nearing Grand Junction CO

Along the Colorado River, West of Grand Junction,
nearing Utah

• a

Friday, January 16, 2015

• Calm, moonlit, high clouds, cool morning, temp: 45, high: 63 (that's almost 10 degrees warmer than yesterday).
• Beautiful day today. At noon, temp is 60 and sun is shining bright with only light breeze.
• Mid afternoon, I finally got in my 2 mile bike ride for the first time in several days. Rain & cold kept off the bike.
• Late afternoon, we drove up to Pharr South for their fish fry. It was very good. Bingo followed.
• And to continue my Christmas parade of pictures, when Dan & Dawn were here over Christmas, they wanted to go view & photograph the Christmas lights at the Hidalgo Festival of Lights. But of course they had to do that after dark. So it was 9 or 10 o'clock when they'd leave. I was just too tired to go out that late. So I'd stay home. But they brought me lots of pictures, some of which are shown below. (These photos were also taken Christmas night.) Thanks Dan & Dawn for the great memories.