2010

This morning, we discovered a Nazarene church just about 2 miles from the campground and decided it was a good place to visit. It was a small church, only about 40 people and was very friendly. We had a beautiful view of the mountains from the parking lot and a beautiful sunny sky today. We came back to the motor home to change clothes and then went to Sisters for lunch. While we were here, Ron called and suggested we try a BBQ restaurant there in Sisters....well, when we got there, he and Kathy were waiting for us - what a nice surprise!! We had a nice lunch and visit and then walked and checked out some of the shops before they headed back to Creswell.

After the 100+ temps in ID, it got down to 57 in the coach last night!! We were glad we had changed the sheets and put the flannel ones on! Guess we will have to turn the furnace on tonight. We certainly used it this morning!

This morning, the repair business had not bothered to return Don's calls, so we stopped at another parts shop as we went through Bend and Don purchased, for $2.30, parts needed to fix the water heater bypass valve assembly. It took about 15 minutes to replace the bad parts and now we have water! No more "camping"!! And, we were able to stay here at the Sisters KOA for the 3 nights we had scheduled. Later in the day, after getting settled in the KOA, we went back to the RV parts store in Bend to get a light for the dolly and a new flasher for the coach. On the way back to the KOA we ate an early dinner at McGrath's Fish House. Bev had a seafood combo called Cioppino (fish, shrimp, clams, fettuccine, carrots, celery, potatoes, and a special tomato sauce) and Don had Bayou Chicken; both very good. We took about half home so we could have a marionberry cobbler with ice cream; VERY rich and good!

This is a very nice campground nestled in the trees about 6 miles south of Sisters. It is nice to be out of the desert and up in the pines!! Here is the view from our front window.

Moving day again...on to Burns OR. Where we had a "fun" afternoon and night. We developed a leak in the water heater bypass valves. After taking it apart 2-3 times Don discovered a major error when the coach was built. One small connecting pipe had been subjected to heat and almost melted thru; they used it anyway. The water finally broke thru the burned area; we tried to fix but not successful. Thus no water in the coach until it gets fixed. The mobile repair we found had Saturday hours and was located in Bend - already on our route to Sisters. Until then we were "camping"; water in a bucket for our needs.

Today was travel day again, moving from Brigham City to Mountain Home ID; 249 miles. The temp in Mountain Home was 102 upon our arrival at 3:15. The weatherman said that we were going to have quite a bit of wind, including 60 mph gusts. However, the strong winds never did arrive in our area so no rockin' & rolling this night!! We parked at the Mountain Home RV Park where stayed 4 years back when it was very new - a very nice park and the trees have grown up a bit since we were last there. the cold front did come through and it was much cooler the next day!! There was lots of lightening and little rain and we saw quite a forest fire in the morning when we left. They said there were several around the state.

When we got to the Bear River NWR Visitor's Center, we found that the refuge was closed due to road construction. It will be closed for the rest of the summer so we did not get very far. However, they are paving the entire road so next time it will be very nice to visit. So, we went to the Golden Spike NHS about 30 miles from Brigham City. It was a good choice since we have talked about it every time we come thru this area. There is a very nice visitor's center complete with replicas of the two engines that were at the laying of the last rails which completed the Pacific Railroad from Omaha to Sacramento. The ceremony was at noon, May 10, 1869. Now, at 4pm and 4:30pm volunteer engineers move the engines to the garage for the night. There were VERY few visitors and for the engine moving, we were the only ones at the center.

Picnic Lunch at the Golden Spike Historical Park

Sign at the park

Union Pacific Engine 119

The Central Pacific Jupiter

On the way back to the RV park, we made a stop at the ATK rocket display - they had some huge rockets there! If you look close you can see Don standing in about the middle of the picture with a blue shirt. ATK builds the booster rockets for the space shuttles.  They have a large facility away from the metropolitan area because of the dangers associated with their products.  It is about 23-24 miles west of Brigham City.

Tuesday was travel day again - from Green River to Brigham City via US-6 and I-15. We ran into a lot of construction in several places. The worst was many miles of it south of Salt Lake City. And - it seemed like it took forever to get through Salt Lake City and its suburbs - it goes on and on and on!! We finally made it to the KOA in Brigham City where we usually stay and where we would be for 2 nights. We always like to go to the Bear River Wildlife area to see the birds. We needed to run to Wal-Mart which isn't far from the RV park. After putting the Wal-Mart items in the coach, we went to the Maddox restaurant and split a delicious ground bison steak with mushrooms, onions, mashed potatoes, corn, etc. It was good to have split it because there was plenty for both of us.

Sunday, we pulled the coach in beside the house to start loading for our trip to the Northwest. Monday we finished loading and left for UT about 3 pm. We stopped at the fruit stand in Green River before going to the RV park and got a couple of cantaloupe and watermelon.....theirs are always good! We spent the night there at Shady acres RV Park. We had nice weather so ate supper out on the picnic bench beside the coach!

Well, a month has gone by - boom!! We have been home working and playing most of the time. We have been taking more dance lessons and are beginning to learn the East coast Swing. Our line dancing group here where we live is going well and we do have lots of fun. We are getting ready to head to OR for Stephanie's wedding over Labor Day weekend.

We finished reworking a couple of the websites we are updating and have started on redoing the one for the local Habitat for Humanity. This one is going to be quite a job! But - we are enjoying the work and their site is badly in need of updating. So, we will have this to work on while on our trip to the northwest. We are looking forward to our trip and seeing our kids, grandkids and great-granddaughters!!

We did take the plunge a couple of weeks ago and got a Droid Smartphone.  Now to learn how to use it!!!  The only problem is that it really is intended for one person so we will have to see how sharing it goes....we may have to get me one too.  But, hate to pay all the extra costs in having 2 cell phones...

Well...not much has happened in the past 2 weeks....we finished our remake of one website and started on another, I have been making great progress on Stephanie's wedding quilt and we have been active in the usual activities here in our neighborhood. We did find a new place to go dancing and the first week we learned the East Coast Swing and last Friday we worked on the waltz, learning some new turns. This is at a dance studio in town and on Friday nights they have an hour of group lessons and then 2 hours of dance. The next couple of weeks are Latin dances which should be fun!

Tonight I happened to look out the front door to see a gorgeous sunset!

Saturday night was the local fireworks. They shoot them off down by the river, but we have a pretty good view of them if we go out by the entrance to our village. There were several of our neighbors down there also...we all take our lawn chairs and sit along the sidewalk. It was a very pretty display and nice not to fight the traffic afterwards!!

Thursday, July 1, was the Centennial Band concert and ice cream social at the Civic Center. We were disappointed to find that the band started 1/2 hr earlier than was advertised! Good thing we arrived 15 minutes early!! Then, they only played 1 hr instead of the usual concerts' time of 1 1/2 hrs. We did have a nice evening for the concert and Jane joined us for dinner and the concert. Several of our neighbors were at the concert so we sat together.

Today was the 5K run for the Children with Hope Orphanage. The run was along a road near the Colorado National Monument - a much better place than last year when they ran on wet grass!!

Today, we decided it was time for a visit up to the southern part of Glade Park. It was a beautiful, sunny day, perfect for the trip. We packed a picnic lunch, gathered up our cameras, binoculars and left our work at home!! The flowers were not quite as plentiful as last June, but were still very pretty!! We drove about 78 miles but took all day to to it! We are so blessed to live close to the mountains!!

Today after church, we drove up to Eckert to see Cookie & Roy, stopping at the Fruitman's Reservoir to check on the birds. We saw quite a few in the distance, but did see a flock of white-faced ibis and a yellow-headed blackbird close enough to get pictures!!

We had a good dinner and a nice visit with Cookie & Roy. It seems that since they moved up there, we don't get to see them much since it is an hour away!!

We decided it was a good day to head out to see the flowers in the desert! A wet winter has made the spring flowers plentiful this year. We first went to Rabbit Valley - just a few miles west of us.

Then we took the river road to Moab looking for a spot to picnic. But - it was such a pretty day (and Saturday) all the campsite picnic areas were full! So, we ate in the car at one of the river access points. It was a gorgeous drive and nice to get out and enjoy the beauty around us!!

Our days have been full of the usual - Don gets out for his morning 3-4 mile walk/runs, coffee on Wednesdays at the clubhouse, website work, housework, bridge on Fridays for Bev, etc. I finally got started on the quilt for Stephanie & Noelan's wedding...I was waiting for her to tell me what color she wanted. Now I must work fast!!!

This morning Don was all set to run the "Mike the Headless Chicken" 5k run, but it was 49° and rain, so he decided not to go.

Now we are back to the normal day-to-day activities - computer work, relaxing with a magazine, watch TV in the evenings, etc. I do need to get busy on a wedding quilt for Stephanie and Noelan if I am going to get it done by the first part of Sept!!

Wednesday we went over to our neighborhood coffee - it was nice to see everyone again. We met some new people in the neighborhood who were just a block from us when we lived over on Saddle Rock and it was fun visiting with them. Then it was laundry time - it was kinda' nice to have it here in the hallway and not down the street :)

Monday we put things away and spent some time getting computer stuff caught up. Tuesday we had to go to Wal-Mart - our freezer and pantry were pretty empty - the total was not nice to see!!

Saturday, it was on home! I woke up with a really sore throat and feeling pretty rotten but once we got home, the coach had to be emptied out and things put away. The guys from DISH came in the afternoon and got out TV's all set up and Don got our DSL working so we were back in business. We got most of the unloading done Saturday but left the coach in the driveway overnight and finished on Sunday. We didn't try to go to church - I didn't think they would appreciate me exposing everyone to my "bug".

Thursday, April 22, we headed on to Moab for the night. Coming west out of Dove Creek, it was nice to see some trees again after so many miles in the desert! We had a pretty nice day for travel - some wind but at least some sunshine! Because of a car show in Moab, our usual campground was full (as were most of them) so we stayed north of town at Arch View. This park caters to people with ATV's etc. who want to camp rather than RV... poor WiFi and no TV. We did have a nice view from our front window of some of the arches.

Wednesday was a pretty windy day, but at least it wasn't cold! We went down to Bosque Del Apache to see what birds are there in the spring. The first one we saw near the visitors center was a pretty kingbird sitting up in the tree singing to us. Then as we entered the preserve, we saw a roadrunner! They are so cute! I had been wanting to see one ever since we got to TX and this is the first and only one! Don got some good pictures of it from the car window. We first took the farm route and were very disappointed because there were no birds out that way. Then we took the wetlands drive and saw lots of ducks. Most of them were too far away to get pictures but we could see them pretty well with the binoculars. All in all, we spotted 31 different birds on this trip. I would say that was a success!! On the way back, we stopped at the visitors center to see the cactus blooms - so pretty! Heading back to the coach, we stopped at the Owl Bar & Cafe in San Antonio (NM) for one of their famous green chili hamburgers. Good but VERY HOT!!!!

Tuesday, we had a fairly short travel day - only about 150 miles to Socorro NM because we wanted to visit the Bosque del Apache Wildlife area. We have never stopped there in the spring. We usually stay in San Antonio NM which is closer to the wildlife area but no TV and no WiFi. Socorro did have WiFi but the TV reception was bad and the pull-through sites did not have cable. The park was pretty empty this time of year! We spent the afternoon doing some computer work and relaxed a bit. We did stop in Hatch along the way to get some roasted chilis.

Monday, April 19, we headed for Las Cruces NM. About Van Horn, we ran into quite a bit of fog but it wasn't as bad as it looked at first. It only lasted about an hour and then we were back to just mostly cloudy skies. We stayed at Hacienda RV Park - a very nice park! We took advantage of the warm, but windy, weather to walk over to Wal-Mart for a few things. It was about a mile from the park so wasn't bad except that coming back was mostly into the wind!

Sunday, we attended FBC of Ft Stockton for their morning service and then lunch at Alfrados Restaurant. We had a very good lunch and would go back there again - if we stay in Ft Stockton again. We relaxed most of the day... I did some reading. Don read some also and we strolled around the park. In the evening, we played Upwords and I won both games.

Saturday, we moved on to Fort Stockton RV park for the weekend. We probably will not stay there again - the WiFi was not good at all and no TV. They did have a cafe in the park and we had a delicious supper of BBQ ribs. We played a game of Upwords and Don won.

Friday, we stayed in Kerrville, planning to go up to Fredericksburg and the hill country to see the flowers, but it was still rainy with flood warnings in the area we wanted to go, so we stayed home and rested a bit. We enjoyed a cardinal singing to us during the day - probably the last one we will hear for a long time!!  We hated to miss seeing all the wildflowers but they aren't as nice in the rain, anyway!!

Today it was time to start heading north. It was cloudy in Port A as we left about 10:30 am. By the time we got part way through Corpus Christi, it started raining and rained all the way to Kerrville! Sometimes a drizzle, sometimes a hard Texas rain. We could almost see the wildflowers along the road - they would have been beautiful on a sunny day!! But - rain has been the story of our trip this time.

Wednesday, Don did his last beach/park exercise...he will miss the beach to walk on - but not the humidity!! I spent about an hour on the telephone getting our television set up with Dish network. It was rather cloudy most of the day but with a bit of sun in the late afternoon. We took one last birding trip and we saw several spoonbills in the pond across from the post office and they were about as pink as we have ever seen them! We went on out to the birding center to see what birds were still around: Roseate Spoonbill, American Avocets, Neotropic Cormorants. Blue Winged Teals, Northern Shovelers, White Ibis, American Coots. Not very many! We also did the laundry and cleaned up the inside as much as possible getting ready to head north.

Tuesday, Don had a nice day with a mild wind so he walked around the park twice for a change in his exercise routine. More of our friends pulled out this morning. We made a last trip to the bank and Wal-Mart since we had a check to deposit and our fridge was getting rather empty. Don got us signed up get DSL at home when we get there. In the evening, we played Sequence with the Romeros and again the girls won 6-1.

Monday was time to tell Forrest & Judy goodbye until Dec. It was kinda' a quiet day. I missed our usual bridge - but most of the bridge players have left.

Sunday was cloudy and very humid...When Don returned from my beach/park walk/run, he was soaked and it took a while for him to cool off. After church, we went to the Trout Street Grill for our last lunch of calamari appetizer, sides dish of a veggie, and a baked potato. It makes a great lunch and plenty for us to eat. Then it was time to see the final sculptures at the SandFest. Click here to see pictures. Again, we parked about 3/4 miles from the center. This was not a bad walk and I did better this time wearing my sandals which got full of sand! There were many amateur sculptures several of which were quite good. Then we paid $2 each to enter the master sculpture areas. There were several that were amazing sculptures, one section done by one person and the other section done by 2 people. It is amazing what can be done with nothing but sand and water. They do use forms (round or square) to get the sand settled. They start by taking of the top form and sculpt that and then take off the next form and continue to the bottom. We came home and rested until about 5 when we went to Bernie's for a last dance with Tumble Dry Low. The played some good music and some, well.....we don't care much for their "rock" music - but we weren't the only ones there. We finished the day with a trip to Dairy Queen for a bit of ice cream and we shared a foot long chili dog. A busy day!

Saturday, Don did his beach and park walk/run since it was such a nice morning. I got up with the allergies bothering me something awful so we stayed home and took it easy. We did get our trip to the NW pretty well laid out. Also we got 3 reservation made for out trip home starting next Thursday. After grilled hamburgers, we played bingo for the last time this season. We didn't win but still had fun even though the hall was rather empty. Most of the remaining Winter Texans are leaving next week.

Friday, we finally completed the administration screens for our latest website in the morning. After lunch we went to the sand fest to see what new had been done. Most of the vendors were set up and selling this, that, and the other. They will probably do a big business since about 100,000 people are expected.!! We had to park about 3/4 mile from the center piece but it wasn't bad. We sat and watched people for a while before heading back to the car. We went to Romero's for a dinner of red chili pork enchiladas which was spicy warm but just about right. Then we played a game of Sequence and ended up tied 3-3.

Thursday, April 8, we went back down to SandFest and found several sculptures under construction and a couple finished. The vendors are getting all set up and ready for the crowds. I actually managed to get a picture of the whistling ducks that spend a lot of time on the pond at our RV park. Before we moved, we heard them fly over a couple of times a day and it is so strange to hear them :)

Wednesday, we spent the morning on the computers (where else??) and then took a picnic lunch down to the beach. We first stopped to check out the beginnings of the SandFest - some neat sculptures already beginning to take shape! Then we went down to the picnic benches by the park and ate lunch. Then we went down to the jetty to check out the birds there - saw seagulls and Caspian and sandwich terns. There was nothing happening in the channel so we then drove down to Roberts Point but it was quiet there also, so came on home. It was a cloudy, windy day, but nice to be on the beach with the temp at 74. The water is clear up to 72, so the next sunny day, Don will probably be ready to go in the water!!

Tuesday was quite warm and still windy. We have gone from 50's to upper 70's very quickly. What happened to spring?? We worked most of the morning and then met Sizelove's and Faeth's at Pelican's Landing for one more garlic fish lunch for this season! Then we went up to Aransas Pass to the bank & Walgreens, stopping at Sonic for cherry limeades (only $1.00 for 2 of them during Happy Hours). We had regular bingo at 7 and Don & I each won one game, having to split the meager winnings 2 ways as someone else won the same games. Oh well....at least we did win!! Saturday will be the last bingo for the season.

Monday, April 5, CenturyLink finally showed up and got our DSL working! Yeah! We went down to the beach in the afternoon and watched the birds and waves for a very relaxing time. There were several others there but it was not crowded like it was over the weekend. There seems to be lots of seaweed on the beach here in the spring! After dinner we played card bingo and Don won a 3-dime game for $9.60.

Easter Sunday we did not get going in time for the Sunrise Service, but heard it was very nice. We went to church at the usual time and had a good service. We then went down to the beach to take our annual Easter pictures before coming home. There was a potluck dinner here in the park at 4 so we didn't go out for our usual lunch after church. I made a spinach & strawberry salad which quickly disappeared. As usual, there was too much good food and we managed to stuff ourselves!! Later in the evening, we played Sequence with Bev & Bob and the gals won 4-3 :)

Saturday, we decided not to wait on the telephone man and went to Wal-Mart in the morning. We spent most of the afternoon on the computers. We met Sizeloves and Faeth's at Marcels for a good German supper - this is the first time we have been there - it was very good. After supper went to bingo. Don actually won one game - there isn't as much competition now that many have left for home!!

Friday Don again called Century Link and they said we were hooked up, but we have no connection. So, we had to sit here all day waiting for him to show up. We need to go to Wal-Mart and the grocery store! I had to go get breakfast at the rec center this morning because we are out of milk, eggs, and bread!! Don grilled burgers for supper and we actually ate outside on the picnic table for a change. Then we took a walk around the park and down the boardwalk to the sand. There were some nice waves again this evening - so pretty.

Thursday was moving day for us. In order to stay another 2 weeks, we have to move to a different site. We will be next door to where we will be next winter. We waited all day for the telephone man to come change our connection to the new site but he never showed up! After 4 calls and 30 minutes on the cell phone, they told Don that they ran out of time and that we would be first on tomorrow's work order. We are able to connect to the wireless from this new site, but the connection is not good.

Wednesday morning, March 31, was the last bible study for the season. We had a small group left but the study was good. We spent most of the day working on various websites. In the afternoon, I took advantage of a warm, sunny day and sat outside and read awhile and soaked up some sun. Must have sat out there longer than I realized because I noticed that evening that I was pretty red in places! After supper, I took a walk around the park and down the boardwalk toward the beach. I was wearing my sandals and didn't want to walk in the sand! But, had a nice walk and sat and watched the waves awhile.

Tuesday we met Meeders, Faeth's and Sizelove's at Pelican's Landing for their garlic fish lunch special. Yummy!! Then we had our last line dancing session in the afternoon. It has been fun! In the evening was bingo - Don didn't feel ling going this time after a busy day. I actually won one game!! Then it was time to tell Meeder's good-bye as they are leaving early tomorrow morning. Lots of people are heading home - the park is really getting empty!

Monday, like it or not, we had to do the laundry - something we never get away from! I played bridge this afternoon - we had only 5 to play but will continue as long as there are at least 4 players. While I played, Don took a nap which revived him a bit. Since it was such a nice day, we went to the beach for a while and just sat in the car out of the wind and watched the waves. We had our last potluck dinner of the season this evening and, surprisingly, there were quite a few people there - and lots of good food! After eating we played card bingo with Meeders and I won one hand for about $7.

Sunday After church we met Meeders at Fins for lunch. They will be leaving this week and we will miss our Sunday lunches together! We had our usual line dancing at 3 and had 5 besides us. Tuesday will be our last session for this season. It has been fun and we have learned one new dance to take to our group at home. That evening was the usual ice cream and pass the trash except Don came home after the ice cream and rested as his allergies are really bothering him.

Saturday, we went down to the beach to watch the skydivers for awhile and then up to Rockport to do some shopping. We stopped at the flea market but didn't find anything there. Then we went to the old section of Rockport and didn't find what I was looking for so went on to the city park and Market Day. I didn't find what I wanted there, but did find out that the Mexican vanilla is available here in Port A at the candy store! Yeah!! Now I can get Cindy some for her birthday!! We stopped at What-A-Burger for supper and then played bingo - no winnings again :(

Friday, Don did his walk/run beach thing; 1.0 mile run and 1+ miles around the park. We went down to the jetty for awhile in the morning and were able to see the dolphins leading a ship out to sea. I played bridge in the afternoon and we were supposed to have line dancing at 3 but our instructor did not show up for it. Then in the evening, we played Sequence again with Meeders and Romeros. This time the guys beat the girls 5-3.

Thursday, March 25, it had rained a bit during the night after the front came through with strong wind - again. But by 10 am it had cleared up to beautiful blue skies but continued wind. We finally cleaned the coach; it really needed it. Don did the floor and I did the dusting. It looks a whole lot better now! We made a run to the bank and Wal-Mart in the afternoon. The wildflowers up in Aransas Pass are so pretty!! We were not gone long and had virtually zero wait at the ferry both directions. A bit different than when the spring breakers were here! Then in the evening, we played Sequence again with Meeders and Romeros. This time the guys beat the girls 7-1.

Wednesday, we went to Bible study at 9:30 and then messed around in the afternoon. I did some sewing, and Don was able to make good progress on completion of the admin pages for our latest website. It has really been a challenge, for sure. After supper, we took a walk around the park. It is great to finally have some nice weather!!!

Tuesday, March 23, We worked on the computers until time for line dancing at 3:00. We had 4-5 people and I guess we will have fewer and fewer from here on. We will have only two more times to line dance. This evening was spent at the rec hall listening to bluegrass and gospel from The Lindley Creek family from MO. They were very good and it was a very enjoyable evening!

Today, Don was able to go for his walk/run on the beach and a walk around the park. I even managed a walk on the beach!! Since it was such a nice calm day, he used the roof cleaner and made the rubber roof nice and white again. He got a massive amount of gunk off the roof; buckets of very dirty water. Then he rinsed the coach sides to remove the runoff from the roof and put the Dry-Wash on all of the windows. I played bridge in the afternoon and Don rested for the remainder of the day. There was no bingo this evening because of the employees dinner in the rec hall.

Sunday, March 21, after church, we met Meeders at Moby Dick's for lunch. Good food with good friends. Before going home we went to the jetty for a few minutes but there was very little happening. We had our usual line dancing at 3 and then ice cream at 6 followed by pass the trash. This seems to be a regular activity for Sundays. Afterwards we walked around the park since it was a nice evening and virtually no wind. We have not had many evenings like this!

Saturday was a rainy day...It started raining this morning and grew steadily stronger as the day went on. We had some nasty-looking clouds! However, by late afternoon it quit and we even had a little bit of sunshine. Bingo this evening and, as usual, we had fun but did not win any games.

Friday, Don and I played bridge at 1 and had line dancing at 3. There was only one other couple at line dancing beside us. I think that we are finally starting to get our feet to understand the Blue Rose dance - maybe! This was the last burger night for the season. It seems that we are getting to the end of activities for this year. A number of folks have already left and most will be gone within the next couple of weeks. We played Sequence again with Meeders and Romeros with the girls winning most of the games.

Thursday, March 18, We took the day off from work and went to Indian Point Park near Portland. On the way, we stopped at Walgreen's, Wal-Mart, and Taco Bell. We had a beautiful day for the trip. However, the wind picked up and made it a bit cool by mid afternoon. At Indian Point we saw a number of different birds which we expected would be there. It is always fun to watch the Ruddy Turnstones walking along turning over the shells looking for a snack! We stopped at Corey's Seafood in Aransas Pass on the way back and got a couple of bowls of their gumbo to take home for supper. We had to wait a few minutes for the ferry to get off the island and upon return we waited a little over an hour to get back to Port A. We were backed up about two miles; the most that we have ever had!

Wednesday morning started out with full sunshine and clear blue skies although it was a bit cool. We made the decision to not go to the Valley this year since it seems to not be wise to go into Progresso. There has been quite a bit of violence between the military and the drug cartels along the lower Rio Grande border. So we will stay at Pioneer an extra two weeks which will allow us to see this year's Sandfest. We cannot stay in site 208 so on April 1st we will move to site 148; next door to where we will be next year. We went to Corpus Christi so I could see the specialist about my loose front tooth crown. He said it probably had some decay and needed attention. He suggested that I should go get it done when we return home since there just might not be enough time before we leave for home. Back at Pioneer, we had a St Patrick's Day dinner and danced to the Tumble Dry Low band. Good food, fellowship and good music!

Tuesday, started with a gentle rain during the night and rained for a good portion of the morning and some in the afternoon. I went to see a dentist, Dr. Binder, in Aransas Pass. He refer me to a root canal specialist, in Corpus concerning her loose crown. We got back home in time to rest a few minutes before meeting the gang at Pelican's Landing for Garlic Fish. It is SO good!!! Back home we worked computers for a while, line dancing at 3. Elaine again tried to teach us a cha cha dance which we find to be a challenge! It will just take time and practice... Then regular bingo at 7. And, as usual, no wins but an evening of entertainment.

Monday, March 15, Don was able to get out for his morning walk - in the wind. I played bridge in the afternoon and we had a potluck dinner before dime bingo.

Sunday, March 14, after church, we met Meeders at Trout Street for lunch. We split our usual: Calamari, baked potato, and veggie. Yummy!! We drove down the beach a ways after lunch and it was quite crowded with spring breakers in spite of it being a cloudy, cool day. In the evening we had the regular Sunday evening ice cream followed by pass the trash.

Saturday was the beginning of Spring Break and was a beautiful day so we decided to take advantage of it. We went to the Bird Walk, Whataburger, Charlie's Pasture, Mustang State Park, and finally the beach at MM100, Beach Access 2. We saw a number of birds but no new ones. While at the Bird Walk we looked up and saw a cloud of White Pelicans. It is so neat to watch them fly around all staying together!! We also saw some Roseate Spoonbills there - such neat birds! The beach, as far as you could see, was covered with spring breakers. We did find a spot along the beach and just sat for quite a while watching birds and people. There were many of the kids out in the water but it is cold - only 54 degrees! However, I did get in the surf all the way up to my ankles! Just couldn't resist!! After we got home I sat on the patio and read for awhile. Once, when I looked up, I saw a sundog in the sky! They are quite amazing!! It was a good day to just relax and take it easy. We did go down and play bingo in the evening - no winnings again!

Friday, March 12, we again spent the morning on the computers then I played bridge. At 3 we had couples line dancing - fun but challenging!! After that, we took a drive down to the beach since it was a sunny day and spent some time watching the birds.

Thursday was another foggy morning. We continued computer work until about 11:30, I got some more programs on my computer. Then Meeders went with us for the afternoon. The fog had mostly cleared by noon and it was a beautiful sunny day for the trip to Fulton. First we had lunch at the Big Fisherman and then on up to Rockport, Fulton, and Goose Island. We saw several birds in the bay on the way to Goose Island. Then we did find two Whooping Cranes along with a few Cattle Egrets out in the field. Not as close as when they were in the bay, but at least we got to see them again! From there we went to see the Big Tree and saw a cardinal there - we miss seeing them, they are so pretty!! The wildflowers are in bloom and so pretty!! Then we stopped at Wal-Mart for a few things and then a treat at Dairy Queen. As we were driving the causeway, we could see fog south of Port A and by the time we got a mile or so south of the city, we got into the fog and it was totally fogged in at the park. Apparently, it was foggy in the park all day but not up the coast.

Wednesday was another foggy morning. I spent the time putting programs back on my computer. Then we went to the bank and Wal-Mart after lunch. We went by the jetty for awhile to see what was happening and got this cute picture of a pelican drying his wings! This was the last spaghetti dinner for the season so I didn't have to cook! After dinner we played Sequence with Meeders and Romeros. The girls won 6 to 1 again!!!

Tuesday was a foggy day but Don did get out for a walk around the park. Then we worked most of the day on computer stuff. At least until my computer crashed!! Fortunately, Don had purchased a 500 GB hard drive when he got his new computer in September and never used it. So he put it in my computer with Windows 7 OS on it. I figured that it would be good to go ahead and put the latest OS since XP is on its way out. Now I have to learn it and get all my programs reloaded - a BIG job!!! We went down to play bingo in the evening - had to get away from the computer!!

Monday, March 8, we worked on computer stuff in the morning and played bridge in the afternoon. After supper it was dime bingo time - we could use a win because we need more dimes! But it didn't happen this week!!

The weatherman said last night that we are 4 inches ahead of normal for precipitation this year although 1/4 inch below for March! Rain, rain, rain!!! Today it was not raining so Don ran a mile on the beach with an 11.5 minute pace. Then a mile walk around the park. After church at FBC, we met Meeders at Moby Dick for a good lunch and fellowship. After a short time at the jetty we went back home and prepared for line dancing at 3. We had a couple of new people but not some of the regulars. Still there were 16 dancers. Sunday nights mean ice cream and the pass-the-trash.

Saturday, March 6, was the craft show along with a park-wide yard sale. There were many very nice craft items although there were also a few commercial tables. Many folks had tables set up at their RVs and there were a lot folks out wandering around picking up a few items. We did not buy anything; wouldn't have room for it anyway - but it was fun looking! We continued work on the website and do seem to be getting closer to being finished. In the evening, we had a great dance with the Elvis impersonator for about 2 hours and then he did his show. He does a good job and so it was a good fun evening.

Friday, as usual, more work on the computer. I went to a birthday luncheon for Carolyn Timmons at Trout Street Grill with some of the gals. Don played bridge at 1 and we had line dancing at 3. Then, after a quick supper, it was off to Sharkey's for the last gig for the Medicare band until next season. We met Red and Donna there and then Sizelove's came a little later. We had a good time - good music and good friends!

Thursday, March 4, We worked on the new website most of the morning. Gerry wanted some help on a quilt block. so I took my quilt along after lunch and worked on it for awhile while we visited and tried to get her block figured out. This is the first time I have had this quilt out since we left home - and I thought I would have plenty of time to work on it while on this trip. Ha! Ha! We had hamburgers in the rec center this evening since they will be setting up for Saturday's craft show tomorrow evening. After dinner, Meeders and Romeros played Sequence with us; men against the girls; girls won!

Wednesday, we had a rather nice day and worked on the computer in the morning and then spent some time on the beach in the afternoon. There were no park activities today.

Tuesday, We did not have line dancing as they were getting ready for the dinner/dance this evening. This dinner was for all the volunteers who worked this season and the dance was open to all. The dinner was delicious (always is when I don't have to cook!!) and well attended by all of the park volunteers. The Medicare band played for 3 hours and so we got quite a bit of dancing in as well as listening to the big band era music. We always enjoy them. By the time we got home, the wind had stopped and it was not real cold.

Monday, March 1 - already!! It was so nice out that Don did his 1 mile beach run and 1 mile park walk. It was really nice except for a light wind which got stronger and stronger all day. At least it was not the cold wind but - still wind. We hope that spring might be on its way. This morning was cleaning the coach time; it was needing it pretty bad but now is all clean for week or so. We worked on computer projects until time for bridge at 1:00. Just about the time we finished bridge, Meeder's arrived so we talked to them for a bit. Then at 5:30 we went to the regular potluck; Meeder's were with us. After potluck we played our regular card bingo with them as partners. We didn't win anything but had fun anyway. Meeder's won twice - not bad for their first time here this season!!! When we went home, the wind had gotten stronger and colder so it was time for rock and roll!

Sunday, the 28th, After church at FBC, we went to the Cancun for a delicious Mexican dinner of shrimp fajitas. The we headed for Wal-Mart in Aransas Pass for the necessary essentials. Got part way home and realized that we forgot to get a card for Don's new camera. After getting it, we stopped at Sonic and got a cherry limeade; first one in a long time. It was yummy! Then in the evening we had to go to the rec hall for Ice Cream!

Don made the 5K Beach Dash on February 27 and surprised himself by running the full 5K without stopping! He made it in 35:03 which was good for third place in his age bracket.

After a bit of rest, we went to the Port A Civic center for the Whooping Crane Trade Show. We purchased some birthday presents and a couple of pairs earrings for me (just what I need! But they are so neat!!!). I also had fun looking at all the neat things and found a tee shirt to match the Spoonbill jacket we got 2 years ago. Yeah!! Then it was off to Aransas Pass for lunch and Wal-Mart. We had a bowl of gumbo at a new restaurant, Corey's Gallery. It was very good and enough to be our big meal of the day. Then it was Wal-Mart time for those ever needed essentials. Back home after a short rest, we went to the rec hall for the Laughing Bird Comedy show. We agreed that it was ok but probably would not go to see them again. Too much showmanship for our liking.

Friday, Don's new camera arrived - his old one died and he sent it in for an estimate on repairing it and decided it was better to get a new one. So he got one like mine, only a newer version. It was hard for him being without one for several weeks!!He did get out this morning for his morning walk/run. We had bridge in the afternoon and in the evening was the Hillbilly dinner/dance. It was fun to see all the costumes!! We had a good crowd there and everyone had a good time.

Thursday we had another clear blue sky, gentle wind and 46 at 7 am. It warmed up quickly with little wind so we headed toward Goose Island to see it there were any Whooping Cranes around. On the way out of the park, we stopped at the office and made our reservations and deposit for next year here at Pioneer. We had lunch at Charlotte Plumbers in Fulton and then followed the bay up to the bay bridge and then to the area where we had seen the cranes a few weeks ago. There were eight Whooping Cranes in the bay just a couple of hundred feet from us! Quite a sight!! We watched them for quite a while and I took lots of pictures. Such beautiful birds. We got home just in time to go to the rec hall for a Colorado get-together. At 7, we met Bob and Bev Romero and they taught us to play spinners, a domino game. Had a fun evening with them!

Wednesday, February 24 ^th, first thing this morning I went to help decorate our table for the luncheon then we had to close up the coach and take it over for propane. That is kind of a pain, having to put everything away but we shouldn't have to do it again before we leave here. At noon was the ladies luncheon and fashion show. It is always nice - several of the boutiques here in Port A put on the show and always have some cute outfits. Then we went down to the beach for awhile since it was a pretty, if cool, afternoon. I did get a picture of a pretty green-winged teal in the park pond.

Tuesday was another rainy day. We did go do laundry in between showers - one of the jobs that doesn't go away! We had line dancing in the afternoon - a smaller group this time, probably because of the rain. In the evening we played bingo - no winnings this time!

Monday it was still cool - it has been running at least 10° below average most of the winter. We played bridge in the afternoon and the evening was spent playing dime bingo.

Sunday, we went to church and then to Moby Dick's for dinner. We split one of their platters and it was very good and plenty to eat! We do enjoy all the seafood down here!! Then we had line dancing at 3 pm, ice cream social at 6.

Saturday, the 20^th, was a nice day so we went down to check the birding center. We found the usual birds there although there seemed to be a large number of blue and green winged teals along with a bunch of shovelers. The wind came up so we didn't stay too long. I did get this wonderful picture of a pelican. We had a customer appreciation dinner this evening - it was very good. We got to eat first and then I helped serve and Don picked up trash as people finished eating. After the dinner was a dance. The band wasn't as good as some we have had but we had a good time.

Another cool, rainy day.... We had a nice group at the couples line dance lessons this afternoon. Some day we are going to get these learned! We just about have the waltz down pretty well - now to learn the others! We ate an early supper and then went to Sharkey's for a fun evening of dancing to the music of the Medicare band. It was our first time to Sharkey's but we will have to go back another time this winter.

Yesterday was spent working on websites. It was not a very pretty day, so was a good day to stay home and get things done. We did start the day with yummy cinnamon rolls made by some of the gals here in the park as a fund raiser for our recreation fund.

Wednesday, I went to the quilting group to hear a gal talk about hand quilting. Her method is awkward for me, but I did make smaller stitches than I usually do when I tried it. She also brought several quilts for "show & tell" and they were beautiful. It made me want to get quilting, but I can't seem to find time!! Don went down to bible study while I was at quilting. In the evening we had a spaghetti dinner down in the clubhouse and then we played Sequence with Bev & Bob and the Bev's won again!!

Tuesday, we went out to do some bird watching but it was quite cool so didn't stay long. We stopped for a garlic fish lunch, which was delicious, and got home in time for line dancing - our group was much smaller this time. Then we braved the cold breeze and went downtown to watch the annual Mardi Gras parade. It was a nice parade and seemed quite large for such a small town. After coming home and warming up, I went down to bingo but Don stayed home - said he was on the go too much for one day!!

Monday, February 15, was another cool day - didn't even get up to 50°! This certainly has been a cool winter down here - but still better than all the snow and cold at home!! The wind has really been doing a number on our poor little lighted palm tree. The plastic has been coming loose but we have been able to repair it to some extent. However, this morning, the plastic is almost totally gone for one of the fronds. We decided earlier that we could just take all of the plastic off and it would still look fine at night, sort of like our dolphin; just the outline of the fronds. But we may try taping it one more time before taking such a drastic step! We spent most of the afternoon playing bridge with the bridge group in the rec hall. Don is back to the game after not playing for 30-40 years and has discovered it does come back after a little practice! In the evening was dime bingo - fun but no winnings.

Sunday, Don was able to get out for his morning walk/run and ran 1.0 miles nonstop. After church, we went to Walmart for the usual. I need some things for a fruit salad for the Valentine's dinner this evening. And, of course, we bought a few other items. This was a beautiful warm sunny day - wish we would have more of them. This has been about the worst winter ever seen at Port A. It has been quite cold and windy along with record rainfall - they now say that nowhere in TX has drought conditions anymore! Hopefully next year will be better! We stopped at the Islander gift shop to get a couple of charms for my birthday but could not find any that I wanted. We did find items for Becca's birthday though. At 5:30, we went to the Valentine dinner and dance getting home about 10:30. The dance was over at 10 but we always stay around to help clean up and get the hall ready for tomorrow's activities. We had a delicious dinner and lots of fun dancing. We are going to miss all these dances when we get home!

Saturday was a beautiful day - sunny but cool. We cleaned the coach in the morning and shortly after lunch I e-filed our Federal taxes. We are going to get a refund this year - yeah! We participated in the Great Backyard Bird Count which is happening across the country for 4 days. For our part, we went to the jetty and "counted" the black skimmers and others. The count: 53 Double Crested Cormorants, 80 Laughing Gulls, 10 Great Tailed Grackles, 4 White Pelicans, 23 Brown Pelicans, 500 Black Skimmers, 15 Forster Terns, 3 Pigeons, 6 White Ibis. We met Faeth's and Sizelove's at the pizza place for dinner - we have been wanting to get down there all season. They have good pizza and salad buffets. Then at 7 pm we played bingo and I won a bonus game for $6.

Friday, February 12, was my birthday We played bridge with the regular group this afternoon. We did not have the couples line dance this afternoon since the rec hall was set up for the Mardi Gras dinner. Later there was a Mardi Gras "parade" of decorated golf carts. At 6 we had a Mardi Gras dinner of sloppy joes followed by a rowdy game of pass-the-trash which is always fun and noisy!

Thursday was another rainy, cool day so we spent the day on the computers. I got a lot of our tax work done.

Wednesday we stayed home most of the day but had a chili dinner after a chili cook-off. Unfortunately my chili did not win any trophies this year. After dinner, we played bridge with another couple so Don could brush up on his playing.

Tuesday, February 9, the wind howled all night and we did the rock and roll along with it. I believe that it was the windiest night yet. At 8 this morning it was 48 with 23 mph wind. We spent most of the day getting things done here at home. We had line dancing in the afternoon - had a good group there! In the evening was bingo - always fun even if we don't win!!

Monday was a busy day with bridge in the afternoon, potluck supper and then card bingo.

This morning Don went down to the beach for his morning walk/run. :) He ran 1.4 miles nonstop. It felt good but he did have to run against a mild wind for half of the run. But, he did get about 2 1/2 miles in this morning, by adding 1 mile for around the park. After church, we went to Aransas Pass and had lunch at Taqueria Guadalajara. Then to the bank in Ingleside and Walmart in Aransas Pass. That makes a nice easy circle. We decided to try Bernie's for some dancing in the evening evening. We figured since it was Super Bowl Sunday, it might not be too crowded. It was a fun evening dancing to the Tumble Dry Low band. They have been at Pioneer Park in past years.

Saturday morning Don got down to the beach for a walk/run. :) He ran 1.2 miles nonstop which is a surprise since he has not been able to get to the beach for several days. He said it felt good but he did have to run against a mild wind for half of the run. It was such a pretty day, a day to be outside. However, we did have to do laundry and got it completed before lunch. Many park folks were out and about - I think everything had cabin fever!! After lunch, we drove down to the beach and sat on the downwind side of the car for an hour or so soaking up sunshine. Then I walked on up the beach for a round trip of 1 mile! Then we went to the jetty to see what might be happening and found hundreds of Black Skimmers and Forster Terns. A good number of the terns were out in the ocean diving for fish. It is so funny to watch them dive for a fish. We stopped at Whataburger for a burger and got home in time to go play bingo. Don won once and received $18 for it. Now we have money for awhile.

Again we worked computer stuff in the morning, Friday. I played bridge in the afternoon and then we had couples line dance. I believe that we am starting to get the hang of a couple of the dances. The waltz is relatively easy since it is so similar to the singles line dance. Then burgers at 5:30 followed by 2 gospel singing groups. It was a very good evening. By the time we got home about 8:30, we were kind of tired. The sky was completely clear in the evening!

Thursday we again worked on the computers. Sometimes I wonder how we can have so much work to do!! We did take time out for a walk to the beach even though it was not a very nice day. It ended up drizzling a good portion of the day but near sunset it did clear up a bit and we had a pretty sunset. After supper we played a round of bridge so Don could brush up on it a bit. I think he is finding that it does come back even after so many years away from it!

Wednesday was another rainy day so we stayed home all day and work hard at getting some more computer work done. It seems that there is always something that needs our attention.

Tuesday - we have been having cold, windy, rainy weather and are all ready for sunshine!! We both did work on the computer a good part of the day. We had a good turnout for line dancing this afternoon and all seemed to enjoy the time. We played bingo this evening and I won once, receiving $22. We now have some to play with and not out of our pocket like it has been lately. Again we had to walk home in the windy mist. Fortunately it was in the mid 50s so not real cold.

Monday, Feb 1, I got some work around here done in the morning and then I played bridge in the afternoon while Don worked on the website. At 6 pm we had a Luau Dinner and Dance in the rec center. Delicious dinner and recorded music for a change but it worked out fine and we had a great time.

I can't believe how fast this month has gone by!!! Tomorrow is February already!!! How can that be???? Let's see....what has happened since the 22^nd??

Today, it was too cold and windy again for Don to get out for his walk/run. Hopefully, this week will warm up a bit!! We went to church and then to Fin's for lunch where we split a shrimp and oyster platter. We had a coupon for free onion rings which were delicious! We brought about half of them home - hope we can reheat them successfully! We drove down by the jetty again on the way to lunch and saw lots of skimmers again! This afternoon we had line dancing again at 3 and had about 20 people there. If we get any more, we will have to move tables to make room! This evening we went down for ice cream (had to put heavy coats & gloves on for the walk; it is only 47° with a very cold wind!!) and then we played Sequence again with Bev & Bob and we gals won again 6 games to 2. Poor guys!!!!

Saturday we went up to Rockport to the quilt show. Lots of beautiful quilts but it seemed strange to see only 3 hand-quilted projects. All the rest were machine quilted - mostly with the long arm machines. They do a beautiful job, but I still like the hand-quilted ones!! The big excitement for the afternoon was when one whole section of racks fell down like dominos!! Fortunately, no one was hurt but there were lots of quilts on the floor! Several of us pitched in and put it all back together without too much trouble and it didn't take very long once the guys got some ladders to put the frames back together. Unfortunately, the framework is not very stable. After that, we stopped at Wal-Mart, Walgreens and HEB and got home in time to fix supper and go down to bingo. We didn't win - again - but one of our friends won the final game in the allotted time for the jackpot!

Friday, I printed some more scrapbook pages - am now up to June 2009! Yeah!! In the afternoon I played bridge and then we had couples line dancing. We are having quite a challenge learning this!! But - it is fun! This evening, we just stayed home and relaxed for a change.

Thursday, Don was glad it was nice enough to get out for his morning beach walk/run. Then he bought us home-made cinnamon rolls that some of the gals here make - yum!! I went down for a Mary Kay makeover - I haven't seen the newest products and it is always fun to try new ideas. We then went to the post office to mail some packages - it is getting so expensive to mail packages!!!! One of the fishermen we know brought us some drum yesterday so I fixed it for supper tonight and it was delicious! I don't think we have ever had that before.

Wednesday, Jan 27^th, it was nice enough for Don to get out for his morning beach walk/run and had to rush breakfast and shower afterward to get to Bible Study in time! Then, after that, I took a walk down on the beach - it was a beautiful day for it! I even took my lawn chair and soaked up some sun in the afternoon - it felt so good!! That evening we had a spaghetti dinner down in the rec center. They are always good and we had a really big crowd - looks like most of the Winter Texans have arrived!! After dinner we played bridge - Don has decided to try and remember how to play and he did quite well. He says he isn't ready for the afternoon players yet, so we will try again next week for more practice games for him.

Tuesday, Don was again able to get out for his morning beach walk/run. Then since the day was rather nice, we went birding to the Birding Center where saw the usual birds; lots of blue & green winged teals, northern shovelers, black necked stilts, white & brown pelicans, coots, and moorhens. From there we went to Charlie's pasture and walked a mile or so but really did not see much. Besides, the wind started to be a bit strong and cool so we gave that up and came on home. We played bingo again in the evening - fun but no winnings again!

Monday, Don did get out for his morning walk/run but it was only 51° so not a very comfortable time! I played bridge in the afternoon while he did some computer work. Then we went down to the beach with our chairs, but found it too cold to sit very long! We then went to the jetty to see what we could find. We saw several terns and, of course, many gulls. We also spotted dolphins playing in the channel. There were quite a few of them this day and they are always fun to watch. After supper, we went down for dime bingo and Don actually won one hand, so now have dimes to keep playing awhile!

Sunday, Jan 24, Don got down to the beach early for his morning run. Then we went to church and to Trout Street Grill for a delicious lunch. We decided to go check out Paradise pond since it is kinda' sheltered from the wind - which was blowing again! - but there were hardly any birds there. A phoebe, some yellow rumped warblers and a couple of black vultures up on the poles. There were quite a few turtles out sunning on the logs, though! The evening brought the ice cream social time down in the rec center and then a game of pass the trash.

Saturday, Jan 23, we wanted to take our chairs and go sit on the beach awhile as it was supposed to get up to 78° - but it started out foggy and never got nearly as warm as it was supposed to - and no sun until late afternoon so we gave up on that idea. We worked on the website awhile and I printed some of my scrapbook pages. We went down for bingo after supper but no winnings again this time!!

This morning Don took his walk/run on the beach again and I took a shorter walk down to the beach and back. We again worked on the website awhile and then it was time for bridge. That was followed by couples line dancing - still a challenge for us! Supper was burgers down at the rec center. Then we played a game of Sequence with Bev and Bob Romero - we gals beat the guys 6 games to 2!!!

Thursday was another foggy day! It seems that it is foggy every morning. However, Don did walk around the park twice, about 2 miles. When he got home, every hair on his arms had little droplets of fog (water). We spent the morning working on the new website. Shortly before noon, the fog burned off and so it was off to Rockport! We saw several dolphin playing in the channel on the ferry ride across. We had planned to eat at Captain Benny's in Fulton but found that they do not open until 4. We drove up the road a block or two and found a restaurant that we had seen but had not stopped before; Charlotte Plummer's. We ate on the second floor deck overlooking the Fulton harbor. I had crab cakes and Don had the oysters. Both were very tasty! Since we were this north, we decided to go on up to Goose Island SP which we did but at $5/person decided to take their 20 minute (free) tour. Saw a couple of birds, a kestrel and a coopers hawk but no ducks or shore birds. So were glad we hadn't paid to get in! The lady at the park entrance said that we might see a whooping crane on eighth street (not in the park). So after our 20 minute tour we went to eighth street and did see two cranes. This is the first time we have really seen them. Once, from the Aransas WLR tower, we saw them as small birds in the distance. We stopped at Wal-Mart for a few essential items and on the way back home as we got just south of Port A we got into the fog again. Yet, the whole time in Rockport and Fulton, we had beautiful warm sunny skies. A gorgeous, warm day!

Wednesday, we attended the first bible study in the rec hall being led by Ann Stone. It was good but Don had trouble hearing her as she has a very soft voice. Then after lunch we took care of laundry. Then, we went to the Castaways restaurant with others from the park and had a good dinner for just $5 each because we got there at 5 pm. They have a special where you have a select menu that charges for the time you arrive...not large portions, but good. Then we went to DQ for dessert!!

Tuesday, Don made it down for his early walk/run on the beach despite the foggy conditions. Later we went to the beach and walked about a mile. We saw hundreds of starfish which had washed up on the beach. We really have seen VERY few starfish in past years. We picked up a few shells including 4 olives; we not had whole ones in the past.

Line dancing was real good this afternoon with 15-20 participating. We had some fun exercise and all seemed to enjoy the hour. The at 7, we played regular bingo. I split a bonus game win with 3 others and received $2. It costs $8 per night so she did not win enough to pay for this evening even with the $2 left from previous winnings. This is the first time this season that we have had to pay out our pocket to play. Time for some winnings!!

Monday, Don went for his walk/run down to the beach. What a nice place for it!! I was feeling somewhat better so went down in the afternoon for bridge. Then came home and made a salad to take to the potluck supper. We had a big crowd at the potluck and, of course, too many delicious things!

Sunday morning I woke up with stuffy sinuses and feeling generally rotten, so Don went to church without me and stopped at Cancun and brought lunch home with him. He had to do line dancing without me this week, but I am sure, managed quite well. We also missed ice cream and games in the evening.

Saturday afternoon we went down to the rec center to a Glogg (a Swedish drink) party, The drink was quite good and there were various chips and other goodies to go with it. Saturday was bingo ... However we did not win any games which means that we will have to pay out of pocket instead of winnings next time.

It actually stopped raining by the time I went down to bridge on Friday (the 15th) but the pond was clear up to the rec center! We had 3 tables of bridge again this week, which makes it more fun! Couples line dancing was a small group this week - but it gave us individual instruction - and we need it....it isn't as easy as it looks!

The dance that evening was fun (and exhausting). We always love a chance to dance!! That's one of the things we like about this RV park.

Well, it rained all night and there are lots of big puddles all around us! We have a lake beside our coach! No walk/run on the beach for Don this morning!! Looking at the radar now (11 am) it does look like it is going to taper off a bit. Sure hope so as I have bridge this afternoon followed by couples line dancing and then a dance this evening. We do have a ways to walk to the rec center and hate to get drenched getting there!! At least it isn't really cold - is 58°.

Thursday, it was nice again this morning so Don ran/walked 1.2 miles on the beach this morning and just in time because it started to drizzle again just as he got home. This morning, before his beach walk, he went to the rec hall and got our breakfast: two fresh home-made cinnamon rolls. Some of the gals here make them and they are very good! We had a short period with no rain but warm temps so we went to the jetty to check out the area. We were surprised to find the skimmers have returned. There were a few hundred of them napping. of course there were many laughing gulls and several royal terns. We did see three dolphins. We also went to the channel park but did not see much there so came home for lunch. We spent most of the afternoon on the computers. I made some cream of broccoli soup for supper - yum! The rain started in the evening along with strong winds again. They predicted a long, widespread storm with some areas getting up to 10" of rain! That is more than we get at home in a whole year!!!

Wednesday, January 13, it was about 51° again this morning so Don ran/walked 1 mile of the beach this morning. There was a bit of rain throughout the morning. In the afternoon. it was a trip to town for essentials like bank deposit, medicine, Rx, food, goodies, etc. We also purchased a new CO detector; our old one seems to have lived out its useful life. We had light rain most of the afternoon. We had our periodic spaghetti dinner at the rec hall. It was a sold out dinner, very popular get-together. We did not stay to play games but went home so that i could rest as I was getting a scratchy throat.

Tuesday, we had line dancing again in the afternoon - a smaller number than last session. We had a great time anyway and got some good exercise. Tuesday means that we played regular bingo in the evening and as normal we did not win anything. Oh well - it is fun anyway!

Monday, we put the new website online "live" and our customer seems pleased with our efforts. I played bridge in the afternoon - with more people coming in, we had enough for 3 tables instead of the 1 we have been having. In the evening was dime bingo and Don again stayed home to nurse his cough.

Sunday after church, we went to the San Juan for a good lunch; first time there this season. We spent a bit of the afternoon working the website before line dancing at 3. We are getting a good response to the dancing. There must have been about 20 there this afternoon. Back home we worked the website until time for Sunday ice cream. I stayed to play pass the trash but Don came home to rest.

Saturday, January 9, we had to pack everything up and go around the corner to get propane. This cold weather has really used it up!! Then we headed to Rockport where we had a great day at the 15th annual Rockport Gospel Festival and visiting with friends from Loveland, Carolyn & Dick Timmons. They are staying in Rockport this year instead of Port A. We left home about 11 this morning and got back about 10:30 this evening. Lots of good Gospel Music!! We went to a Chinese buffet for a good supper and then back for more music! It's a shame that we do not have this kind of opportunity at home. We find gospel concerts rather common in the south including southern CA. We love them!

Friday, It was about 28° at 7 this morning and the wind blew hard all night. It was cold enough that our water line froze. So, Don braved the bitter cold wind and got the water working again. Don worked the new website most all day. I worked it in the morning and played bridge in the afternoon followed by our first try at couples line dancing. It is definitely different that the singles line dancing that we know. This is going to take some practice! This was burger night in the clubhouse followed by a game of Pass the Trash. Don was fighting a sore throat and cough, so he didn't stay for the game.

Thursday, It was 61° at 8:30 tin the morning. However, it was raining off and on so no walk today. It started getting cooler as the day went on and was 38 when we went to bed. Also the wind started it predicted blow about mid morning and it blew and it blew all day... Strong gusts said to be over 50 mph. We really rocked and rolled! We worked very hard all day and evening on the website.

Wednesday January 5, it was 59° in the morning about 7:30 with light wind off the ocean. Don walked around the park this morning with a side trip to the beach where he ran 9/10 mile. We worked on the newest website and actually made some progress. We had a great gospel concert in the rec center in the evening with the Golden's from Tyler TX. On the way back home we took a "shortcut" by walking around the park and down the boardwalk just to the sand - then it got really dark! Temp was 61° - nice evening for a walk. We probably won't want to go out the next few days when the cold front hits!

Tuesday, the temp in the morning was 41° so Don bundled up and walked around the park. He also tried to walk on the beach but the wind made it too cold. We had a big crowd for line dancing in the afternoon - we may have to start moving some tables out of the way. In the evening was bingo. Bev won one game but had to split it so only got $2. Oh well...guess that is better than nothing!

January 4, We worked on a couple of websites and just barely had time to do laundry before lunch time. Then I played Bridge in the afternoon while Don cleaned the inside of the coach. He also fixed the indoor/outdoor thermometer so that we can know the outside temperature; not that we really want to know! In the evening, we had our regular pot luck dinner followed by Dime Bingo. We had a good time but did not win anything!

Today, we went to church, then to a new restaurant for lunch - it was OK - the shrimp was pretty good. We came home and spent some time on the computer (I had to get this updated before I get scolded!!!). Then it was time for line dancing - we are teaching it until Dorri gets down here and can take over. We will have an hour on Sundays and Tuesdays. Gotta' keep in shape!! We had 15 people there today - 13 gals and 2 guys. Then at 6 it was time for ice cream social and a game of pass the trash. We haven't played the last couple of times because we played Mexican Train.

I can't believe we have been here over a month already!! Saturday was pretty well spent working on website. I think we are beginning to get a handle on some of the things the previous webmaster had done. We did talk with Chris for about an hour - always nice to visit with our kids!! In the evening, we went down to play Bingo - no winnings this time :(

New Year's Day we were kind of lazy in the morning since it was so late getting to bed. Then we participated in Port A's traditional Meander starting at 2:10. I walked the 2010 meter meander and Don ran the 2 mile, making it in 20:36. This rate would have him running a 5K in about 31 minutes. After this, we drove down to the jetty for awhile, but there was not much going on, so returned home. Fortunately, we had a pretty nice day. After dinner, we played some Upwords...it had been awhile since we had time for that!