We arrived in Yuma on Sunday and everyday has been 90 F plus and today is no different so we will hit the pool in the afternoon. However, we first must go to the Flea Market to buy a "Zero Gravity " chair because the one Carroll laid claim to 15 years ago has just past it "Best Before Date". We picked up a nice padded chair for 50.00 as they are on sale since the Flea market will close because Snowbirds or sometime called "Suckers" are returning to the North and the venders do not want to hold their inventory until next year.
Since that task was done we hit the pool and swapped stories with those who are still here, which are getting less and less every day. We are leaving on Sunday. cheers
Saturday, 28 March 2015
Trip to St. Luis 25 March 2015
St. Luis is a MX border city 20 miles south of Yuma. This is were we got our documents before going to MX and part of getting your documents is paying 400.00 USD deposit by a VISA card which is refundable if and when you return to the USA with your car. The Mexican Gov't does not want you to leave/sell your car in MX so this is their way of making sure you don't sell it.
When we returned to he USA thru Nogales , in Feb were got a receipt saying we brought both vehicle with us. However, it is the Bank that provides the refund and I was advised that it would be refunded to my VISA card in 2 or 3 days. I thought I paid it by my TD Visa card and I did not see the refund, hence the reason we went to St. Luis today to get it straightened before we went home. It is better to do business face to face.
However, I also have a CIBC Visa card which I obtained in late Nov. (I'm sure you can see where I'm going with this). I tried to check my CIBC Visa in Feb however, I do not have access to the printout because I did not set up an "on line banking " account. I called the CIBC reference my problem and they gave me this convoluted process that I had to give up. At the time I was using my Skype phone and when the WiFi signal is not good the voice is sometimes garbled so I gave up.
So, when I got to the Immigration office in St. Luis, the clerk, who speaks fluent English phoned the head office and verified that the 400.00 was refunded to my CIBC Visa on 10 Feb. He provided a authorized number to prove it so I am now happy. All in all Carroll and I had a good walk into MX and back out.
One ironic thing was the parking at St. Luis, US as we did not drive across the border. I pulled into the parking lot and all the signs are in Spanish and there was no parking agent. I'm standing there hoping the agent would see and come out of his hiding spot because I did not want to leave my car without paying. After , what seemed like 5 minutes a stranger comes along so I ask if he had see the agent. He says there is no agent , just go to the "Go Wall" store a block away and pay the clerk there. Now, how in Hell I'm I suppose to know that... now remember this is America, in the great state of AZ where you assume English is their Mother tongue but not a word of English on the parking lot signs. Furthermore the female clerk ( age about 20 ) in the store did not speak enough English to direct us to the MX border. Unbelievable !!!!!
In the afternoon went to a Flea Market, mostly to kill time and it was announced that this was the last day which was not a surprise as about 1/2 of the Snowbirds have already left. We did not buy anything but we did stop for a Hotdog and we drummed up a conversation with a couple from Spokane, OR. Of course the conversation always gets around to where did you go this winter. When we said MX they were flabbergasted and of course we gave them our travel route. They just can't believe anyone would got to MX but this is want most Americans think. Cheers
When we returned to he USA thru Nogales , in Feb were got a receipt saying we brought both vehicle with us. However, it is the Bank that provides the refund and I was advised that it would be refunded to my VISA card in 2 or 3 days. I thought I paid it by my TD Visa card and I did not see the refund, hence the reason we went to St. Luis today to get it straightened before we went home. It is better to do business face to face.
However, I also have a CIBC Visa card which I obtained in late Nov. (I'm sure you can see where I'm going with this). I tried to check my CIBC Visa in Feb however, I do not have access to the printout because I did not set up an "on line banking " account. I called the CIBC reference my problem and they gave me this convoluted process that I had to give up. At the time I was using my Skype phone and when the WiFi signal is not good the voice is sometimes garbled so I gave up.
So, when I got to the Immigration office in St. Luis, the clerk, who speaks fluent English phoned the head office and verified that the 400.00 was refunded to my CIBC Visa on 10 Feb. He provided a authorized number to prove it so I am now happy. All in all Carroll and I had a good walk into MX and back out.
One ironic thing was the parking at St. Luis, US as we did not drive across the border. I pulled into the parking lot and all the signs are in Spanish and there was no parking agent. I'm standing there hoping the agent would see and come out of his hiding spot because I did not want to leave my car without paying. After , what seemed like 5 minutes a stranger comes along so I ask if he had see the agent. He says there is no agent , just go to the "Go Wall" store a block away and pay the clerk there. Now, how in Hell I'm I suppose to know that... now remember this is America, in the great state of AZ where you assume English is their Mother tongue but not a word of English on the parking lot signs. Furthermore the female clerk ( age about 20 ) in the store did not speak enough English to direct us to the MX border. Unbelievable !!!!!
In the afternoon went to a Flea Market, mostly to kill time and it was announced that this was the last day which was not a surprise as about 1/2 of the Snowbirds have already left. We did not buy anything but we did stop for a Hotdog and we drummed up a conversation with a couple from Spokane, OR. Of course the conversation always gets around to where did you go this winter. When we said MX they were flabbergasted and of course we gave them our travel route. They just can't believe anyone would got to MX but this is want most Americans think. Cheers
Shoes 24 March 2015
Last evening we were having coffee or maybe it was a drink of some kind with two couples and one lady just had to show the ladies here new shoes. They were " Sketchers " shoes so you know they are not " Wal-Mart" prices. Anyhow, today we (mainly Carroll ) just had to visit Sketchers to check out these fancy looking shoes because Sketchers has a special sale on which is 50 % off the second pair. Apparently we were not the only ones who could see the value of the 50% off bargain. Carroll could not find the right size or (was it the right fit) and the poor sales lady was run off her feet going back and forth to the storage area.
I also lost my patience so I meandered around the Men's shoes department and let Carroll do her own searching. I stumbled over a pair that I liked but I need a Wide shoe and Sketchers are not known for stocking many Wide shoes. However, the salesman ( I use the word loosely as they are mostly shelf stockers ) ask if he could help so I told him that I'd like to try a size 8.5; a 9; and a 9.5. He had to go to the store room as there was no "Wide With " shoes on the shelves. He delivered the 3 pair of shoes and immediately left as I assumed he thought I might be a "Pain in Ass" type customer. Actual one of the pairs fit so decided to take them even though I already own 3 pair of shoes and as you know I can only wear one pair at a time.
Now I had find another pair to get the 50% bargain. Luckily Carroll came along and helped me select the half price pair. We both walked out with 2 pair of shoes but with a lot less money in my pocket.
Since we did not need to do anymore shopping we retuned to the park, went for a swim in the pool and had Happy Hour with friends in their Air Conditioned Park model. Man !!! is it ever hot here. 90 F plus every day. I know.... quit complaining . cheers
I also lost my patience so I meandered around the Men's shoes department and let Carroll do her own searching. I stumbled over a pair that I liked but I need a Wide shoe and Sketchers are not known for stocking many Wide shoes. However, the salesman ( I use the word loosely as they are mostly shelf stockers ) ask if he could help so I told him that I'd like to try a size 8.5; a 9; and a 9.5. He had to go to the store room as there was no "Wide With " shoes on the shelves. He delivered the 3 pair of shoes and immediately left as I assumed he thought I might be a "Pain in Ass" type customer. Actual one of the pairs fit so decided to take them even though I already own 3 pair of shoes and as you know I can only wear one pair at a time.
Now I had find another pair to get the 50% bargain. Luckily Carroll came along and helped me select the half price pair. We both walked out with 2 pair of shoes but with a lot less money in my pocket.
Since we did not need to do anymore shopping we retuned to the park, went for a swim in the pool and had Happy Hour with friends in their Air Conditioned Park model. Man !!! is it ever hot here. 90 F plus every day. I know.... quit complaining . cheers
Thursday, 26 March 2015
Vehicle Wash day 23 March 2015
After driving thru 3 days of rain , mixed with road dirt, literally covered our vehicles with grime which seemed to weld itself to the vehicles, especially the tow car. When we got to Mesa I tried to wash the car at the local car wash but I barely removed the surface dirt. My plan all along was to wait until on got to Yuma where I could get " Segio " who owns a Mobile RV wash company. ( of course he and his crew are Americans of MX heritage ) . I have had his crew wash and wax the MH last year and again in Dec when we past thru on our way to MX.
Early Monday morning Carroll called Sergio to see how soon he could wash our vehicles. Luckily for us he was in our Park all day o he said he could squeeze us in around 4 PM , give or take an hour, whatever that means. I took that as sometime in the afternoon.
Anyway we had to run some errors in the morning such as a run to the RV Super store and visit AT&T reference our cell phone. When you own an RV/MH you always have to visit the RV store. I believe it is in the DNA. As for the cell phone, we originally had a monthly plan included calls to Canada but when we renewed it they did not include the " Canada " plan. Also we had to find out hour to check the remaining minutes. We are NOT cell phone savvy.
About 1 PM Carroll wanted to continue shopping but my gut feeling suggested that we better return to the Park just in case Sergio and crew where a little early. Just as we enter the Park gate we get a call on the Cell from Sergio saying we need you to close the windows on your MH so we can wash it. I just knew they would be early.
Sergio has 2 crews of 5 men ( that I know of ) and 3 of the men " swarmed" our MH starting on the roof while 2 of his men were down the street wiping down another MH. Once those 2 guys finished, they moved to our MH to help out. I also ask to the crew to wash my car which is a given anyway.
Before the crew finished our MH Sergio arrived on the scene probably to collect the money so I ask him how much I owned him and he said 40.00 . It is beyond me how he can pay 5 men to wash a MH ( they also do Park Models for the same price) and only charge 40.00 but I always tip them 10.00. Both the MH and the car look great and they did the wash job in about a 1/2 hour.
These guys work 6 days a week and they never run out of work when the snowbirds are here but Sergio said , June, July and August are very slow. cheers
Early Monday morning Carroll called Sergio to see how soon he could wash our vehicles. Luckily for us he was in our Park all day o he said he could squeeze us in around 4 PM , give or take an hour, whatever that means. I took that as sometime in the afternoon.
Anyway we had to run some errors in the morning such as a run to the RV Super store and visit AT&T reference our cell phone. When you own an RV/MH you always have to visit the RV store. I believe it is in the DNA. As for the cell phone, we originally had a monthly plan included calls to Canada but when we renewed it they did not include the " Canada " plan. Also we had to find out hour to check the remaining minutes. We are NOT cell phone savvy.
About 1 PM Carroll wanted to continue shopping but my gut feeling suggested that we better return to the Park just in case Sergio and crew where a little early. Just as we enter the Park gate we get a call on the Cell from Sergio saying we need you to close the windows on your MH so we can wash it. I just knew they would be early.
Sergio has 2 crews of 5 men ( that I know of ) and 3 of the men " swarmed" our MH starting on the roof while 2 of his men were down the street wiping down another MH. Once those 2 guys finished, they moved to our MH to help out. I also ask to the crew to wash my car which is a given anyway.
Before the crew finished our MH Sergio arrived on the scene probably to collect the money so I ask him how much I owned him and he said 40.00 . It is beyond me how he can pay 5 men to wash a MH ( they also do Park Models for the same price) and only charge 40.00 but I always tip them 10.00. Both the MH and the car look great and they did the wash job in about a 1/2 hour.
These guys work 6 days a week and they never run out of work when the snowbirds are here but Sergio said , June, July and August are very slow. cheers
Wednesday, 25 March 2015
Mesa to Yuma 22 March 2015
Mesa to Yuma is a 4 hour, causual drive so that should be a "Piece of Cake" for us experience travelers. We pulled out of Mesa Sprite RV Park and the GPS barked out " go 1 mile to Gilbert St. and take a left turn ". I said to Carroll that I would rather take Lindsay St as the both take us to Hwy 60. Wrong??? you can not exit from Lindsay onto 60 because they have not build the entrance yet and I doubt they ever will. No real problem as we know how to correct this problem with a few right /left turns and we manage to get on the Hwy 60.
As we enter onto Hwy 60 going West I again know were I'm going ( I think ). Hwy 60 is 6 lanes with a speed limit of 75 mph so it is in your best interest to know which lane is best for you. The GPS is telling us to keep 3 lanes to they left which I realize so this time I listen to it ( actual Her ). Because Carroll punched in Yuma the GPS takes us the quickest route however I am not familiar with the GPS route so I ask Carroll to quickly punch in Buckeye as I know that route. She was quick; but not quick enough so now I'm heading for Casa Grande which may or may not be a few mile out of our intend travel route. Since we did not follow the GPS in the first place, it (she ) decided to sent us another route which I had never heard of but this time we said OK lets follow it. The GPS ( for once in its' life) actually took us on a short cut to I-8 to Yuma. The GPS is now back in my good " Books" so to speak.
When we arrived in Yuma at Benito Mesa RV Park I ask for a specific site by number and the clerk checked but said it was taken. So I said get me as close as possible and she enquired why. I said because that " Ken " across from that site has WiFi and I need to use it so she gave me the site I had last year. I paid Ken 5.00 in Dec for 1 weeks use of his WiFi so I was sure I could get it again. When I ask him this time he said I could have it for no charge. What a friend !!!
As we were setting a friend from our Yorkton, Sask Days came along to say we had been invited to supper with other mutual friends from Yorkton and of course we never turn down a free meal. When we arrived for supper there were 3 other couples whom we know so we had a good chat along with the necessary beverages and great food. Cheers
As we enter onto Hwy 60 going West I again know were I'm going ( I think ). Hwy 60 is 6 lanes with a speed limit of 75 mph so it is in your best interest to know which lane is best for you. The GPS is telling us to keep 3 lanes to they left which I realize so this time I listen to it ( actual Her ). Because Carroll punched in Yuma the GPS takes us the quickest route however I am not familiar with the GPS route so I ask Carroll to quickly punch in Buckeye as I know that route. She was quick; but not quick enough so now I'm heading for Casa Grande which may or may not be a few mile out of our intend travel route. Since we did not follow the GPS in the first place, it (she ) decided to sent us another route which I had never heard of but this time we said OK lets follow it. The GPS ( for once in its' life) actually took us on a short cut to I-8 to Yuma. The GPS is now back in my good " Books" so to speak.
When we arrived in Yuma at Benito Mesa RV Park I ask for a specific site by number and the clerk checked but said it was taken. So I said get me as close as possible and she enquired why. I said because that " Ken " across from that site has WiFi and I need to use it so she gave me the site I had last year. I paid Ken 5.00 in Dec for 1 weeks use of his WiFi so I was sure I could get it again. When I ask him this time he said I could have it for no charge. What a friend !!!
As we were setting a friend from our Yorkton, Sask Days came along to say we had been invited to supper with other mutual friends from Yorkton and of course we never turn down a free meal. When we arrived for supper there were 3 other couples whom we know so we had a good chat along with the necessary beverages and great food. Cheers
Lazy Day 21 March 2015
This morning we had a date to visit friend ( Pat and Kay ) from Med Hat who winter in Leisure World park in Mesa. This is a gated subdivision where you buy a home and it is on a golf course (actually 2 , 18 hole courses ) and the homes are upper class. Pat and Kay's home is about 3000 square feet and is right on the golf course. We had breakfast with our friends and chatting about our travels and their winter activities for a few hours.
We then set out to find an AT&T store because our G.D. cell phone would not allows us to send or receive a call to Canada which we thought we paid for. Our GPS took us on a couple of "Wild Goose" chases so we gave up and stopped for lunch at Bakery/ Lunch bar. The soup and food was great and Carroll purchased another 6.00 loaf of bread that we did really need.
Since we were having supper and a "Happy Hour " with our friends ( Bob and Shirley ) at our park we headed for home. The cell phone problem can wait until we get to Yuma.
Supper was great as usual and the Happy Hour continue after supper and long past dark which I did not notice until the after effect lingered into Sunday morning. Cheers
We then set out to find an AT&T store because our G.D. cell phone would not allows us to send or receive a call to Canada which we thought we paid for. Our GPS took us on a couple of "Wild Goose" chases so we gave up and stopped for lunch at Bakery/ Lunch bar. The soup and food was great and Carroll purchased another 6.00 loaf of bread that we did really need.
Since we were having supper and a "Happy Hour " with our friends ( Bob and Shirley ) at our park we headed for home. The cell phone problem can wait until we get to Yuma.
Supper was great as usual and the Happy Hour continue after supper and long past dark which I did not notice until the after effect lingered into Sunday morning. Cheers
Finally Sunshine March 2015
20 th March: Finally, we woke up to Sunshine which is hard to imagine after being in TX. We then headed for Mesa Sprite RV Resort in Mesa. The word Resort seems to mean that they charge more than the park is worth, however the park was nearly full so us fools just pay up. We have to go thru Casa Grande in route, so we stopped at the Cracker Barrel for breakfast and we also called friends who were camped in Casa Grande but they did not answer so we continued on to Mesa. On our travels we seen gasoline at 2.99 which was extremely high for AZ as it is usually around 2.25.
We are only staying in Mesa for a two days just to see a couple of friends so as I paid the bill I noticed a 4.00 Resort fee. I said, what the hell is a resort fee. They said company charges a resort fee if you are staying lees than a month, "end of question". Although we will not stay there again, I probably know why they charge the fee and that is because you do not pay a separate "power " bill and when you stay for a month you have to pay for electricity.
After we got setup we had the proverbial beer with our friends and got the expected supper invite for tomorrow evening. Tonight we decided to go to the "Pizza Stop" along with a "zillion" other Snowbirds. This place is a Famous Haunt of the Snowbirds, not only for the delicious Pizzas, great salad bar, good desert bar and beer but also because they have an Organist playing any song the customer wants to hear. This place has a mezzanine floor and I would guess in would hold over 500 people. Many of the Snowbird stay long after they have finished their food just to listen to the music. Well, what the heck do you expect from seniors when they is good food at a reasonable price and Free music. That is the stuff the seniors live for.
We return to the park and went to the pool for an evening dip and there were about a dozen people there " all Canadian" . Apparently Americans have to be home before dark. ha ha. Cheers
We are only staying in Mesa for a two days just to see a couple of friends so as I paid the bill I noticed a 4.00 Resort fee. I said, what the hell is a resort fee. They said company charges a resort fee if you are staying lees than a month, "end of question". Although we will not stay there again, I probably know why they charge the fee and that is because you do not pay a separate "power " bill and when you stay for a month you have to pay for electricity.
After we got setup we had the proverbial beer with our friends and got the expected supper invite for tomorrow evening. Tonight we decided to go to the "Pizza Stop" along with a "zillion" other Snowbirds. This place is a Famous Haunt of the Snowbirds, not only for the delicious Pizzas, great salad bar, good desert bar and beer but also because they have an Organist playing any song the customer wants to hear. This place has a mezzanine floor and I would guess in would hold over 500 people. Many of the Snowbird stay long after they have finished their food just to listen to the music. Well, what the heck do you expect from seniors when they is good food at a reasonable price and Free music. That is the stuff the seniors live for.
We return to the park and went to the pool for an evening dip and there were about a dozen people there " all Canadian" . Apparently Americans have to be home before dark. ha ha. Cheers
Tuesday, 24 March 2015
On the road March 2015
19 March: We pulled out of the Stockton, TX Wal-Mart at "First Light " which was around 7:30 AM and we had hoped to reach the Diamond Desert casino, in Green Valley AZ about 25 miles south of Tucson. We had thought that we had run out of rain but as we awoke there was a misty rain falling but once the Sun came up, we finally, we able to give those busy wipers a rest. Our first challenge would be getting thru El Paso, TX as we would be there around noon and we expect that all 6 lanes would be crowded. The speed limit is 65 so if there are no accidents or incidents we should be able to get thru the city in about 1/2 an hour. Luckily for us it was clear sailing. El Paso is right on the border with New Mexico and once out of TX we would be back to 2 or 3 lanes of traffic on I-10. The next 6 hours would be boring as we would not encounter another city until we reach Tucson which we would be on Friday morning. Also there are two time changes between El Paso, TX and AZ, and AZ does not change time.
We arrived at the Desert Diamond casino around 5 :30 PM to a bright sunny day and by 6:30 we had a down pour. I can't believe that the rain was still following. This was the first rain this area has had in 3 weeks. Lucky for them that we came along or they could have had a drought.
We then called our friends Bob and Karen from Med Hat, who spent the winter in Green Valley where the golf and Bob plays ball and we dropped over for a visit. It was still raining when we went to bed but hopefully the Sun would win out by the morning. Cheers
We arrived at the Desert Diamond casino around 5 :30 PM to a bright sunny day and by 6:30 we had a down pour. I can't believe that the rain was still following. This was the first rain this area has had in 3 weeks. Lucky for them that we came along or they could have had a drought.
We then called our friends Bob and Karen from Med Hat, who spent the winter in Green Valley where the golf and Bob plays ball and we dropped over for a visit. It was still raining when we went to bed but hopefully the Sun would win out by the morning. Cheers
Saturday, 21 March 2015
St. Paddy's Day March 2015
17 th March: Yes ; there will be a St. Paddy's Day party tonight but first we have to start packing because tomorrow we are leaving this rain soaked part of the US in favor Sunny AZ. After packing up chairs, tables and the Bar-B-Q in the misty rain we had to return our internet modem to Time Warner in Harlingen, some 30 miles away. I usually expect a line up at these establishments as people are there complaining about the service, or a Remote or Modem that doesn't work, or I should say, that has been my experience in the past. "Eureka" there was only one customer ahead of me and since I did not owe any money I was in and out in less than 5 minutes.
Since we were in a shopping Mall we just had to do some shopping. We eventually purchased a Magic Bullet blender as our "cheap " one quit a few days ago. We then returned to the Park to finish packing so we could get an early start tomorrow.
The St. Paddy's Day party started at 5PM with a 1/2 Happy Hour of a sort , most of us telling each other when we are leaving. Then the volunteer cooking staff served up a great Cornbeef and Cabbage supper which was followed by a Dance. We decided that watching the World Curling with our Team playing Switzerland would be more of an interest to us so we returned to the MH. We also pondered our launch time for tomorrow. cheers
18 th March; Launch Day and the Satellite dish is always the last thing to be pack as we watch the news last night so it has to be pack this morning in the misty rain of course. The last thing to do is pay the power bill so I went to the office to pay it. Once people see you leaving they just have say goodbye which just delays our launch. I usually just keep working so they notice that I'm not that interested and since we have to start the diesel to pump up the air they usually get the message. Anyhow we got connected and got out of " dodge by 9:30
About one hour down the road we thought we seen a diesel sign in a Gas station that said 2.25 for diesel which is an unbelievable low price but by the time we noticed it we were past the exit. Diesel fuel is usually around 2.75 t0 2.85. We thought for that price we are going to turn around and check it out. Sure enough the diesel price was 2.25 which was less that gasoline which is unheard of anywhere in North America. Since I was at half full I filled up at the bargain price. I ask one guy if he knew why the price was down but he did not know. I can tell you that many of the truckers where filling up.
Our next "hurdle " if you can call it that, was going thru San Antonio. I usually take the Beltway but is notorisly slow with construction and stop lights and a friend told me it was quicker to follow the Interstate right thru the middle of the cities as there was no stopping and the speed limit was 65. Although it was a bit tricking staying in the correct lane so we did not end up in Dallas or Houston but we managed to get on I-10 which is then clear sailing to AZ. I think we drove about 6 hours before we got out of the rain. It rained off and on most of the day. We reached Stockton , TZ around 6 PM and then topped up the fuel before parking for the night. We were going to park in the truck stop but opted for a Wal-Mart in Stockton thinking we would be alone where it would be quiet. Where we wrong!!! there must have been 15 to 20 RV already parked in Wal-Mart and the jerk who pulled in beside me had his Generator running all night . I was going to check why he had it running after 10 PM but I assumed it might have been for medical reasons so with the windows closed it did not keep me awake. Cheers
Since we were in a shopping Mall we just had to do some shopping. We eventually purchased a Magic Bullet blender as our "cheap " one quit a few days ago. We then returned to the Park to finish packing so we could get an early start tomorrow.
The St. Paddy's Day party started at 5PM with a 1/2 Happy Hour of a sort , most of us telling each other when we are leaving. Then the volunteer cooking staff served up a great Cornbeef and Cabbage supper which was followed by a Dance. We decided that watching the World Curling with our Team playing Switzerland would be more of an interest to us so we returned to the MH. We also pondered our launch time for tomorrow. cheers
18 th March; Launch Day and the Satellite dish is always the last thing to be pack as we watch the news last night so it has to be pack this morning in the misty rain of course. The last thing to do is pay the power bill so I went to the office to pay it. Once people see you leaving they just have say goodbye which just delays our launch. I usually just keep working so they notice that I'm not that interested and since we have to start the diesel to pump up the air they usually get the message. Anyhow we got connected and got out of " dodge by 9:30
About one hour down the road we thought we seen a diesel sign in a Gas station that said 2.25 for diesel which is an unbelievable low price but by the time we noticed it we were past the exit. Diesel fuel is usually around 2.75 t0 2.85. We thought for that price we are going to turn around and check it out. Sure enough the diesel price was 2.25 which was less that gasoline which is unheard of anywhere in North America. Since I was at half full I filled up at the bargain price. I ask one guy if he knew why the price was down but he did not know. I can tell you that many of the truckers where filling up.
Our next "hurdle " if you can call it that, was going thru San Antonio. I usually take the Beltway but is notorisly slow with construction and stop lights and a friend told me it was quicker to follow the Interstate right thru the middle of the cities as there was no stopping and the speed limit was 65. Although it was a bit tricking staying in the correct lane so we did not end up in Dallas or Houston but we managed to get on I-10 which is then clear sailing to AZ. I think we drove about 6 hours before we got out of the rain. It rained off and on most of the day. We reached Stockton , TZ around 6 PM and then topped up the fuel before parking for the night. We were going to park in the truck stop but opted for a Wal-Mart in Stockton thinking we would be alone where it would be quiet. Where we wrong!!! there must have been 15 to 20 RV already parked in Wal-Mart and the jerk who pulled in beside me had his Generator running all night . I was going to check why he had it running after 10 PM but I assumed it might have been for medical reasons so with the windows closed it did not keep me awake. Cheers
Tuesday, 17 March 2015
Weslaco , TX 2015
15 March: As you may know the Women's World Curling is on in Japan and since I find it interesting I got up at 5 AM to watch our Canadian Team. So far Women are doing OK but we are no longer the Top of the class. As anyone who follows curling knows that Canadian curlers have taught the rest of the world how to curl. This year Japan, China and Russia are coached by Canadians. Curling also interrupts the " Boredom " during this terrible wet and cold weather.
On Friday evening we went to the Fish Fry with Holly and Larry so we made arrangements to have breakfast with them on Sunday, as we probably will not see them for a few years as they live in Brandon, MB.
Our friend Terry who lost her husband here in Weslaco in mid February owns a Park Model here and does not want to drive all the way from Med Hat to TX alone next year so she was looking to buy a car here. She found a vehicle so ask me to check it out for her. The car is owned by a lady in Winnipeg who can not come here due to health reasons. The car is a 97 with MB plates and has 99,000 KM and can be purchased for 1500.00. I thought it was a good buy " But " when Terry checked with the License Bureau they laid out the many hoops to jump thru. Even thought she owns a home here she needs a US Passport or a Drivers License ( which she can not obtain ) or she has to take the vehicle back to Alberta and license it there and then bring it back here. There are just too many Hoops to jump thru so she has backed away from that deal.
Since it was still raining we had tickets to a Tribute to Abba concert , cost 12.00 so we spent the evening with friends at the Abba concert.
16 March: Yes; It's raining or at least we have a steady drizzle so we packed up so we can leave here on Wed AM. We have had enough of this weather but not before we go to the St. Patrick's Day party
on Tuesday. this is the last party of the year.
Carroll "needs" another large , Mexican made flower pot so we went to the " Pot Market " and picked up 2 of Pots. . We have to "Seat Belt" them into the back seat of the car, hoping we can get them home without breaking them. We are also bringing a huge Piñata home for the Twins as their B'Day is on 15 April. Our next report will be from Mesa, AZ. Cheers
On Friday evening we went to the Fish Fry with Holly and Larry so we made arrangements to have breakfast with them on Sunday, as we probably will not see them for a few years as they live in Brandon, MB.
Our friend Terry who lost her husband here in Weslaco in mid February owns a Park Model here and does not want to drive all the way from Med Hat to TX alone next year so she was looking to buy a car here. She found a vehicle so ask me to check it out for her. The car is owned by a lady in Winnipeg who can not come here due to health reasons. The car is a 97 with MB plates and has 99,000 KM and can be purchased for 1500.00. I thought it was a good buy " But " when Terry checked with the License Bureau they laid out the many hoops to jump thru. Even thought she owns a home here she needs a US Passport or a Drivers License ( which she can not obtain ) or she has to take the vehicle back to Alberta and license it there and then bring it back here. There are just too many Hoops to jump thru so she has backed away from that deal.
Since it was still raining we had tickets to a Tribute to Abba concert , cost 12.00 so we spent the evening with friends at the Abba concert.
16 March: Yes; It's raining or at least we have a steady drizzle so we packed up so we can leave here on Wed AM. We have had enough of this weather but not before we go to the St. Patrick's Day party
on Tuesday. this is the last party of the year.
Carroll "needs" another large , Mexican made flower pot so we went to the " Pot Market " and picked up 2 of Pots. . We have to "Seat Belt" them into the back seat of the car, hoping we can get them home without breaking them. We are also bringing a huge Piñata home for the Twins as their B'Day is on 15 April. Our next report will be from Mesa, AZ. Cheers
Sunday, 15 March 2015
Pi day 14 March 2015
Yes... today is "Pi" day but first I must tell you it dam well rain during the night as we expected. However around 9AM the Sun came thru the clouds and stayed until late evening making if fairly nice day.
For those who may have skip the odd math class Pi ( 3.14) is basically the formula used to determined the circumference of a circle if you know the diameter and or the radius . The numbers 3.141592653 equates to 14 March, year 15 at 9:26,53 hour. This mathematical alignment with the calendar only happens every hundred year so if you missed it you are never going to see it again. My question is " who gives a dam " but it is all over the news.
Today at the Park is Cookout day which means that everyone brings their own meat which will be Bar-B -Q by some volunteers and for the price of $ 2.50 the park supplies the Baked Potato, cole slaw and desert. This starts with a Happy Hour from 4 to 5 PM and then followed with the Bar-B-Q. This was a great idea to get people out and to mix with folks who may not know. The turn out was over 200 so it was obviously a great party. This is probably our last party as this rain is driving us back to AZ. Cheers
For those who may have skip the odd math class Pi ( 3.14) is basically the formula used to determined the circumference of a circle if you know the diameter and or the radius . The numbers 3.141592653 equates to 14 March, year 15 at 9:26,53 hour. This mathematical alignment with the calendar only happens every hundred year so if you missed it you are never going to see it again. My question is " who gives a dam " but it is all over the news.
Today at the Park is Cookout day which means that everyone brings their own meat which will be Bar-B -Q by some volunteers and for the price of $ 2.50 the park supplies the Baked Potato, cole slaw and desert. This starts with a Happy Hour from 4 to 5 PM and then followed with the Bar-B-Q. This was a great idea to get people out and to mix with folks who may not know. The turn out was over 200 so it was obviously a great party. This is probably our last party as this rain is driving us back to AZ. Cheers
77 F... Impossible 13 March 2015
Another sunny day; who would believe that we could get 2 days of sunshine. The temperature reached 77 F so we quickly put on shorts before the weather changed. All in all it was a very nice day and everyone was taking advance of it. The Shuffle courts were busy again and even the Bocce Ball courts and Horseshoe pits dried enough for those enthusiastic " athletes" to get back to games. Euchre, Rummy and Whisk can wait for another rainy day which is not far off. I don't participate in those sports as I'm not in to Body Contact sports.
The local Legion has a Fish Fry and Karaoke music every Friday night at a cost of 8.00 and it is packed with Winter Texans. We went with our friends Holly and Larry ( friends from our days in Shilo ) and we were lucky to find 4 seats at 5:30. Carroll notice the maximum attendance sign said the limit was 150 people. There were 12 table with at least 16 to a table and this does not include the dozen or so hanging on the bar nor the staff of at least 10. I calculated the must be a little over the limit or as they say during a Med Hat Tiger's hockey game it is a "Fireman's Special".
There were several good singers during the evening but one song had most folks laughing. I never did hear the Title but the coruse goes like this; " I have a hard time kissing those Lips at night when she rides My Ass all day long".
This Legion is very active during the winter when the Winter Texans are here and the rest of the time it is only open occasionally.
After a good Fish Fry supper along with a few beers and all the racket our ears could take, we returned to Holly and Larry's place to played a board game and to have night cap of Drambuie. Cheers
The local Legion has a Fish Fry and Karaoke music every Friday night at a cost of 8.00 and it is packed with Winter Texans. We went with our friends Holly and Larry ( friends from our days in Shilo ) and we were lucky to find 4 seats at 5:30. Carroll notice the maximum attendance sign said the limit was 150 people. There were 12 table with at least 16 to a table and this does not include the dozen or so hanging on the bar nor the staff of at least 10. I calculated the must be a little over the limit or as they say during a Med Hat Tiger's hockey game it is a "Fireman's Special".
There were several good singers during the evening but one song had most folks laughing. I never did hear the Title but the coruse goes like this; " I have a hard time kissing those Lips at night when she rides My Ass all day long".
This Legion is very active during the winter when the Winter Texans are here and the rest of the time it is only open occasionally.
After a good Fish Fry supper along with a few beers and all the racket our ears could take, we returned to Holly and Larry's place to played a board game and to have night cap of Drambuie. Cheers
Sun at Last....12 March 2015
Lordy! Lordy! There is a Sun in TX. Who knew??? We have been waiting on a sunny day so we could make another trip to MX as Carroll wanted a 7.00 hair cut and we needed to visit the dentist for a teeth cleaning. Since we have not been here for 5 years we ask the neighbor if they could recommend a dentist which they did.
So off we go to Progresso , MX ( 7 miles away ) . Apparently we were not the only ones waiting for sunny weather to visit MX as the parking lot was nearly full. Anyhow we found the dentist that was recommended but there was about 12 people waiting and anyone who knows me; lining up is not my strong suite so we did not even go into the office. There are a host of dentist in Progresso so there is no need to wait for hours for a simple teeth cleaning. We went about a 100 feet and the dental office name was Maria Tuttle and I recall that she did some dental work for me about 10 years ago and there was only 3 people waiting. We went in and ask the wait time for a teeth cleaning and they said "right now" so Carroll went first and she could find a hair Salon and get her hair cut while I got my teeth cleaned. The cost for teeth cleaning is 25.00 and the best part is that you don't get a "Lecture" about flossing.
Maria Tuttle has 2 dentist and two Hygiene Tech working in her office and I was told she doesn't work full time anymore. Also interesting is that she does not live in MX she live across the border in the USA.
I have been told ( not sure if it is true ) that Dental student's tuition is paid by another Dentist and then the graduate repays the Dentist who supported them when they get a job. It does seem like a good idea so the student loan is not a Gov't responsibility.
While waiting for Carroll to get her hair cut, I checked out the local bar and drummed up a conversation with two other guys doing the same but I hope they were not driving because they we "sipping" all the Tequila in the bar.
We then did a little shopping for candy, cookies, vanilla and cinnamon and then left MX behind for this year.
Oh, I should add that we picked up 3 DVD's; Unbroken, Begin Again and The theory of Everything for 10.00. We were also told that you are not allow to bring Name Brand purse such as " Gucci " across the border. Cheers
So off we go to Progresso , MX ( 7 miles away ) . Apparently we were not the only ones waiting for sunny weather to visit MX as the parking lot was nearly full. Anyhow we found the dentist that was recommended but there was about 12 people waiting and anyone who knows me; lining up is not my strong suite so we did not even go into the office. There are a host of dentist in Progresso so there is no need to wait for hours for a simple teeth cleaning. We went about a 100 feet and the dental office name was Maria Tuttle and I recall that she did some dental work for me about 10 years ago and there was only 3 people waiting. We went in and ask the wait time for a teeth cleaning and they said "right now" so Carroll went first and she could find a hair Salon and get her hair cut while I got my teeth cleaned. The cost for teeth cleaning is 25.00 and the best part is that you don't get a "Lecture" about flossing.
Maria Tuttle has 2 dentist and two Hygiene Tech working in her office and I was told she doesn't work full time anymore. Also interesting is that she does not live in MX she live across the border in the USA.
I have been told ( not sure if it is true ) that Dental student's tuition is paid by another Dentist and then the graduate repays the Dentist who supported them when they get a job. It does seem like a good idea so the student loan is not a Gov't responsibility.
While waiting for Carroll to get her hair cut, I checked out the local bar and drummed up a conversation with two other guys doing the same but I hope they were not driving because they we "sipping" all the Tequila in the bar.
We then did a little shopping for candy, cookies, vanilla and cinnamon and then left MX behind for this year.
Oh, I should add that we picked up 3 DVD's; Unbroken, Begin Again and The theory of Everything for 10.00. We were also told that you are not allow to bring Name Brand purse such as " Gucci " across the border. Cheers
Saturday, 14 March 2015
Ridiculous Weather. March 2015
10 March: This weather is just Ridiculous! We were hoping to go to MX one more time to get our teeth cleaned but since we got another down pour on Tuesday morning that idea was quickly cancelled because the streets in Progresso would be a sea of Mud and Water.
However in the afternoon it stopped raining so we decided to frequent the local Outlet Mall since we have not done the " Mall Walk " yet. After a couple of hours of window shopping ( we actually did buy some items ) we tired of that idea so we dropped in to visit friends who, like us, were tired of being house bound.
11 March: Besides some rain , today was Soup Day. Ever Wednesday from 3 PM to 4 PM is Happy Hour at the Park meeting Hall and we also have some amateur musicians who I might add are pretty dam good. After the Happy Hour the volunteer Kitchen staff severe a Soup meal as a way to raise money to enhance the activities for the RV Park, for which the Corporate will not fund. It was a great success as there were about 200 pers and there was an All you can eat Soup at a cost of only 4.00. At least it helps to kill an afternoon, during a "Rainy Day. cheers
However in the afternoon it stopped raining so we decided to frequent the local Outlet Mall since we have not done the " Mall Walk " yet. After a couple of hours of window shopping ( we actually did buy some items ) we tired of that idea so we dropped in to visit friends who, like us, were tired of being house bound.
11 March: Besides some rain , today was Soup Day. Ever Wednesday from 3 PM to 4 PM is Happy Hour at the Park meeting Hall and we also have some amateur musicians who I might add are pretty dam good. After the Happy Hour the volunteer Kitchen staff severe a Soup meal as a way to raise money to enhance the activities for the RV Park, for which the Corporate will not fund. It was a great success as there were about 200 pers and there was an All you can eat Soup at a cost of only 4.00. At least it helps to kill an afternoon, during a "Rainy Day. cheers
I Love a Rainy Day 9 March 2015
Whoever wrote the song "I Love a Rainy Day " never spent 24 hours of rain in Weslaco, TX with us. It started to rain at 12:30 PM on Sunday and did not stop until around noon on Monday. Our neighbor says we received 3 1/2 inches of rain during that time period. However once the rain stopped the Sun did come out and it did turn out to be a nice day. But the evening sky again was indicating that we might have more rain.
This area is mainly an agriculture area and although they don't mine a few rainy days this torrential rain that we have received in March is a killer for the Sugar Cane, Vegetable crops and Orange, Grapefruit and Orange Groves.
When we left home we brought all our Pickerel fillets, which we had in the freezer, with us but when we were in MX we ate fresh fish since it was available everyday right on the beach from the fishermen. We invited friends for supper today and ask if the would like Pickerel in lieu of the proverbial Chicken or a Roast. There quick reply was, where did you get the Pickerel and yes we would like to have Pickerel. We would have like to have had supper on the patio but by 5 PM it got cloudy and was threatening rain again so we decide to eat indoors. Of course we got another shower during the night. cheers
This area is mainly an agriculture area and although they don't mine a few rainy days this torrential rain that we have received in March is a killer for the Sugar Cane, Vegetable crops and Orange, Grapefruit and Orange Groves.
When we left home we brought all our Pickerel fillets, which we had in the freezer, with us but when we were in MX we ate fresh fish since it was available everyday right on the beach from the fishermen. We invited friends for supper today and ask if the would like Pickerel in lieu of the proverbial Chicken or a Roast. There quick reply was, where did you get the Pickerel and yes we would like to have Pickerel. We would have like to have had supper on the patio but by 5 PM it got cloudy and was threatening rain again so we decide to eat indoors. Of course we got another shower during the night. cheers
Thursday, 12 March 2015
Breakfast with Friends 8 March 2015
We have met many friends over the years since we have been "On the Road" and Marlene an Herman are among our cherish friends. They were from Parry Sound ON but downsized a couple of years ago and moved to Blight, ON. We met them 2 weeks ago for a short visit and arranged to have breakfast at their Park today. I knew they had a accident on the 28 th Dec, 2 years ago on there way down to TX so I was very interested on how and why it happened and I knew they had pictures of the incident.
From their home in Parry Sound to the Border at Sarnia is a couple of hours and they had just crossed into Michigan when a light snow started to fall. The roads where snow packed so Herman realized the road was slippery so he slowed to 70 KPH. Herman did not feel anything abnormal until Marlene noticed the 32 ft 5th wheel trying to pass them. Herman then went into "recovery mode " but with a 6 ton RV in control the results were obvious and they knew it so they just went fore the ride. Luckily the weight of the RV ripped the 5th wheel out of the truck but not until it damaged the side of the truck and broke the back window. Marlene and Herman were not hurt and the truck was drivable how the 5th wheel rolled on to it's side and was a right off.
I won't bore you with more details except to say the insurance help them purchase a new RV and they got their truck repaired in less than two weeks and were on the road to TX by the 19 th Jan. It was a Bad news; Good News story.
Our next door neighbors , Bya and Roy from Dauphin, MB, who we befriended years ago, received an emergency call on Friday, 6 March from a daughter in Edmonton who was scheduled to have a operation on Friday, 13 March and wanted her parents to be at her side. So I told them we would help pack up as they would not be returning this winter. They did not know the quickest route to Edm, so we also lay ed out a trip map so they could get to Edm by Thursday as the GPS routes uses the Interstates and they go East, West, North South and of course going to Edm is at a 45 degree and we have done it more than once.
We got Roy and Bya on the road by 12:30 on Sunday, just about the time it started to rain ( Surprise Surprise) again. It continued to rain into the night. If they don't encounter any problems they should arrive in Edm by Thursday.
Carroll needs ( like a hole in the head) another large Mexican flower pot so we went to the Pot Store to find that "Special Pot" and there are at least a thousand to chose from. We have select a pot but will not pick it up until we are ready to leave here, which may be sooner that we had planned if the rain does not stop.
We then returned home to watch the final game in the Brier, which as we all know was a great game. cheers
From their home in Parry Sound to the Border at Sarnia is a couple of hours and they had just crossed into Michigan when a light snow started to fall. The roads where snow packed so Herman realized the road was slippery so he slowed to 70 KPH. Herman did not feel anything abnormal until Marlene noticed the 32 ft 5th wheel trying to pass them. Herman then went into "recovery mode " but with a 6 ton RV in control the results were obvious and they knew it so they just went fore the ride. Luckily the weight of the RV ripped the 5th wheel out of the truck but not until it damaged the side of the truck and broke the back window. Marlene and Herman were not hurt and the truck was drivable how the 5th wheel rolled on to it's side and was a right off.
I won't bore you with more details except to say the insurance help them purchase a new RV and they got their truck repaired in less than two weeks and were on the road to TX by the 19 th Jan. It was a Bad news; Good News story.
Our next door neighbors , Bya and Roy from Dauphin, MB, who we befriended years ago, received an emergency call on Friday, 6 March from a daughter in Edmonton who was scheduled to have a operation on Friday, 13 March and wanted her parents to be at her side. So I told them we would help pack up as they would not be returning this winter. They did not know the quickest route to Edm, so we also lay ed out a trip map so they could get to Edm by Thursday as the GPS routes uses the Interstates and they go East, West, North South and of course going to Edm is at a 45 degree and we have done it more than once.
We got Roy and Bya on the road by 12:30 on Sunday, just about the time it started to rain ( Surprise Surprise) again. It continued to rain into the night. If they don't encounter any problems they should arrive in Edm by Thursday.
Carroll needs ( like a hole in the head) another large Mexican flower pot so we went to the Pot Store to find that "Special Pot" and there are at least a thousand to chose from. We have select a pot but will not pick it up until we are ready to leave here, which may be sooner that we had planned if the rain does not stop.
We then returned home to watch the final game in the Brier, which as we all know was a great game. cheers
Tuesday, 10 March 2015
Flea Market Saturday 7 March 2015
Saturday morning looked promising even thought the temperature was 40 F ( 5 C ) when I got up. I'm guessing that there is no more water left in the clouds as we have it all on the ground in this part of TX. There also was a "threating" Sun above those clouds so we decided to go to the local Flea Market as I have been looking for a 12 volt light bulb for over a year and you never know what you can find at a Flea Market ,especially this one. After parking the car I was walking by a vehicle from Sask and I gave the owner a quick glance and then I thought, I know that guy from somewhere. So I walked up I said, do I know you and he said yes, so we exchanged pleasantries. I coached his son in hockey in Yorkton in 82/83. Small world.
We meandered around the Flea Market long enough that Carroll got interested in a piece of jewelry. I got bored ( in about 10 seconds ) looking at Jewelry so I wandered away and as most people know , Carroll does not carry a purse so now she had to find me. Unfortunately I went West and she thought I went East so it took some time before we bumped into each other, at which point I paid for the Jewelry. I did find a small shop selling RV parts and low and behold they had 2 bulbs so I took both of them.
We then spent an hour driving around looking for this special Hamburger Joint. Apparently the town ran out of money in the Street Sign budget because this street was not signed but we eventually found it. This joint is Family run and is located in a large house and they specialize in making one size and only one size of a Hamburger and it is huge. This makes it attractive to the always cheaper Winter Texans so they can " Share ". Once we found the place I recall that they only take cash and I checked my wallet only to find out that I had 9.00 . Well, that's not going to cut it so we will return another day. Therefore we returned home to watch curling. cheers
We meandered around the Flea Market long enough that Carroll got interested in a piece of jewelry. I got bored ( in about 10 seconds ) looking at Jewelry so I wandered away and as most people know , Carroll does not carry a purse so now she had to find me. Unfortunately I went West and she thought I went East so it took some time before we bumped into each other, at which point I paid for the Jewelry. I did find a small shop selling RV parts and low and behold they had 2 bulbs so I took both of them.
We then spent an hour driving around looking for this special Hamburger Joint. Apparently the town ran out of money in the Street Sign budget because this street was not signed but we eventually found it. This joint is Family run and is located in a large house and they specialize in making one size and only one size of a Hamburger and it is huge. This makes it attractive to the always cheaper Winter Texans so they can " Share ". Once we found the place I recall that they only take cash and I checked my wallet only to find out that I had 9.00 . Well, that's not going to cut it so we will return another day. Therefore we returned home to watch curling. cheers
Saturday, 7 March 2015
39 F 6 March 2015
I got up at 7 AM , put on the coffee pot and checked with the neighbor's thermometer and OMG it was 39 F ( about 5 C ) . Just to think that we drove 4 days south of Med Hat just so we could find weather that is colder than the temperature at home. What the heck is wrong with us Seniors. ha ha.
Well, it was too cool to go to MX ( 7 miles from our Park ) as we still need to make that trip to get our teeth clean but we will wait for warmer weather as it will eventually come. So we went to visit friends from Ontario that we originally met down here in 2009. We haven't seen them for about 4 or 5 years but I do keep in touch by email and Skype. We always have lots of stories to swap.
Then it was supper and curling to kill the day. cheers
Well, it was too cool to go to MX ( 7 miles from our Park ) as we still need to make that trip to get our teeth clean but we will wait for warmer weather as it will eventually come. So we went to visit friends from Ontario that we originally met down here in 2009. We haven't seen them for about 4 or 5 years but I do keep in touch by email and Skype. We always have lots of stories to swap.
Then it was supper and curling to kill the day. cheers
Friday, 6 March 2015
Cold and windy 5 March 2015
It was so windy during the night that I awoke about 2:30 AM and I thought for sure that my Satellite would be ripped from the ground so I got up and removed the LNB because, if it breaks I'll will not have any TV and then how will I survive. ha ha
When I got up at 7 AM, the temperature was 41 F ( 5 C ) and all the early morning "walkers" were wearing winter coats, toques and gloves. What a way to spend a winter in TX. The upside is we only got here 2 weeks ago instead of in Dec and we are leaving in 2 weeks.... we hope.
I checked my mail box and I had 4 letters from Time Warmers. One of the letters said I had prepaid my bill so I don't own them any money. Luckily me, they took it out of my VISA before they install it. Man!! they are nice people. The other 3 letters explained ( they were exactly the same letter word for word ) , in 5 paragraphs that I do not have a credit rating with them so I will have to prepay before they can install my internet. This is the same internet they installed 2 weeks ago.
Since the Time Warner office is only 20 miles away, I thought that maybe I'm missing something in the letter so we drove to Harlingen to pay them a visit and the weather is the shits so we can look thru the stores to kill the day. The clerk at Time Warner checked my account and said that I was paid
up until 19 March , which is the day we intent to leave here and to disregard the 3 letters. I wonder how many new customers get these letters that make no sense. No wonder they have to charge us customers these high prices.
We did some shopping since we were already at the Mall and Carroll bought some blouses at "bargain basement prices" of course and I got a sweater just in case it snows. ha ha
Then back home to watch the curling. cheers
When I got up at 7 AM, the temperature was 41 F ( 5 C ) and all the early morning "walkers" were wearing winter coats, toques and gloves. What a way to spend a winter in TX. The upside is we only got here 2 weeks ago instead of in Dec and we are leaving in 2 weeks.... we hope.
I checked my mail box and I had 4 letters from Time Warmers. One of the letters said I had prepaid my bill so I don't own them any money. Luckily me, they took it out of my VISA before they install it. Man!! they are nice people. The other 3 letters explained ( they were exactly the same letter word for word ) , in 5 paragraphs that I do not have a credit rating with them so I will have to prepay before they can install my internet. This is the same internet they installed 2 weeks ago.
Since the Time Warner office is only 20 miles away, I thought that maybe I'm missing something in the letter so we drove to Harlingen to pay them a visit and the weather is the shits so we can look thru the stores to kill the day. The clerk at Time Warner checked my account and said that I was paid
up until 19 March , which is the day we intent to leave here and to disregard the 3 letters. I wonder how many new customers get these letters that make no sense. No wonder they have to charge us customers these high prices.
We did some shopping since we were already at the Mall and Carroll bought some blouses at "bargain basement prices" of course and I got a sweater just in case it snows. ha ha
Then back home to watch the curling. cheers
Thursday, 5 March 2015
Luau and WiFi 4 March 2015
We have ( meaning I pay for ) Time Warner internet which means we have WiFi so we can use both computers. Either late Friday or early Saturday we lost the WiFi but we still had internet when I connected the ether cord but I paid for and I want WiFi so I called Time Warner. After a lengthy Q and A, the Tech said that my Modem was disable so he Enabled it and all was fine. Later on Saturday I lost the WiFi again and the Tech reset it again. On Sunday it happened again and this time the Tech who said that they had to replace the Modem. I said how soon assuming it would be later on Sunday or Monday. She said the soonest I had get a Tech is Wednesday. I just about lost it because I thought maybe I was talking to " Telus ". I debated or maybe I argued as to why you took my money in flash when I ask for a connection but are making me wait 4 days for service. She did not have an answer so I just waited and waited and waited until she spoke. Finally I said I don't want " sorry " I want service. My choice was Wed morning or afternoon; I chose morning. The Tech arrived around 10 AM and did some checks and then replaced the Modem. The Tech was obviously a Mexican American ( meaning born in the USA ) and we ask if he goes back to MX to visit family and he said yes but not in the last 5 years. That's what most Mexicans say when we ask them.
Today is Hawaii Luau Day with about 200 in attendance . First we ( the ladies ) had to dress our table as if we were in Hawaii and it was great but not good enough to win first place. The we all had to dress like we were attending a Hawaii Luau and I must say that some folks went all out. The lady who won for best dressed was at our table, a Canadian from MB. The Luau Happy Hour started at 3 PM which was too early for us as the supper was not served at 5:30 so we did not go until 4 PM. Our neighbor's who are 92 years old ( they don't look like it ) did not want to go until 4 so we gave they a ride over to the Hall. However, they could drink for drink with me. Of course I don't drink much. ha ha. The Luau supper was great and was over by 6:30 so back to the MH to watch Curling and Hockey. We as sure glad we got Satellite. cheers
Today is Hawaii Luau Day with about 200 in attendance . First we ( the ladies ) had to dress our table as if we were in Hawaii and it was great but not good enough to win first place. The we all had to dress like we were attending a Hawaii Luau and I must say that some folks went all out. The lady who won for best dressed was at our table, a Canadian from MB. The Luau Happy Hour started at 3 PM which was too early for us as the supper was not served at 5:30 so we did not go until 4 PM. Our neighbor's who are 92 years old ( they don't look like it ) did not want to go until 4 so we gave they a ride over to the Hall. However, they could drink for drink with me. Of course I don't drink much. ha ha. The Luau supper was great and was over by 6:30 so back to the MH to watch Curling and Hockey. We as sure glad we got Satellite. cheers
Disappointment March 2015
2 March: There is nothing left to say about this weather; So I said it; it's the shitts. Nuff said.
3 March: We had several errands to run, so today was a great day to do just that. On the way to McAllen my gas light came on so that dictates that I go to Costco for gas which is in the same parking lot as Lowe's, which is were I will be returning my Accuterite Thermometer that is definitely inaccurate.
I pulled up to the pumps and knowing Costco does not cash and only take American Express , I used my Access Card but it came up invalid so I ask the Pump Jockey; what is my next move. He volunteered to run over to the Costco store and get me a gift card if I gave him the cash and my Costco Card which I could then use for gas. I accepted his offer.
Then I went to Lowe's to return my Thermometer and this lovely lady said no problem , but where is the box. I actually expected that question so I said, I live in a MH, do you really think I can keep the box for everything I purchase? She said, well I need the bar code and I can't leave my cash so can you go and bring another one so I can give you a refund. Great, I thought but the "Returns" counter is a direct entry to the building so I had to exit the building to get a Themometer but I then realized I could not leave the building to get back into the "Returns" counter without the Buzzer going off, so I had to hand the Thermometer to someone in Returns than walkout and back in to get my refund. Is it just me or does everyone have all these encounters.
OK, now we had to go to Freightliners to pick up my ignition switch which was ordered a week ago. A young guy by the name of Ruben told me to ask for him when I come to pickup the part but this a very busy place with 6 counter people and he was not one of them when it was my turn so I took the next guy. Just when the parts guy was looking for my part , Rubin spotted me so he told the other guy to take his customer and he looked after me. I thought that was kind of neat of him.
We were not having a great day but it seems that someone else can have bad day also. While at Lowe's these 2 guys were loading their pickup with a dozen sheets of plywood, a bunch of 2 by 8's and a about a dozen 2 by 4's. They did not tie their load on and I assume the driver "goosed" it as the cross the intersection and the plywood came flying out right in the middle of the intersection. There was enough room to get around them but it sure was embarrassing.
So that's how you spend a day when the weather is against you. cheers
3 March: We had several errands to run, so today was a great day to do just that. On the way to McAllen my gas light came on so that dictates that I go to Costco for gas which is in the same parking lot as Lowe's, which is were I will be returning my Accuterite Thermometer that is definitely inaccurate.
I pulled up to the pumps and knowing Costco does not cash and only take American Express , I used my Access Card but it came up invalid so I ask the Pump Jockey; what is my next move. He volunteered to run over to the Costco store and get me a gift card if I gave him the cash and my Costco Card which I could then use for gas. I accepted his offer.
Then I went to Lowe's to return my Thermometer and this lovely lady said no problem , but where is the box. I actually expected that question so I said, I live in a MH, do you really think I can keep the box for everything I purchase? She said, well I need the bar code and I can't leave my cash so can you go and bring another one so I can give you a refund. Great, I thought but the "Returns" counter is a direct entry to the building so I had to exit the building to get a Themometer but I then realized I could not leave the building to get back into the "Returns" counter without the Buzzer going off, so I had to hand the Thermometer to someone in Returns than walkout and back in to get my refund. Is it just me or does everyone have all these encounters.
OK, now we had to go to Freightliners to pick up my ignition switch which was ordered a week ago. A young guy by the name of Ruben told me to ask for him when I come to pickup the part but this a very busy place with 6 counter people and he was not one of them when it was my turn so I took the next guy. Just when the parts guy was looking for my part , Rubin spotted me so he told the other guy to take his customer and he looked after me. I thought that was kind of neat of him.
We were not having a great day but it seems that someone else can have bad day also. While at Lowe's these 2 guys were loading their pickup with a dozen sheets of plywood, a bunch of 2 by 8's and a about a dozen 2 by 4's. They did not tie their load on and I assume the driver "goosed" it as the cross the intersection and the plywood came flying out right in the middle of the intersection. There was enough room to get around them but it sure was embarrassing.
So that's how you spend a day when the weather is against you. cheers
Wednesday, 4 March 2015
March has Arrived; 2015
1 March ; Another rainy ,cloudy, misty and foggy day. Even our 45.00 Indoor/Outdoor AccuRite Thermometer is confused as it was predicting cloudy weather ( no rain ) and to top it off it also says it is 5 degrees colder in our MH with the furnace on than it is outdoors with the rain and windy. That sucker is going back to Lowe's this week.
We had planned to go to South Padre Island today with our friends, the Meakins and Terry but we have reservation on the weather so we will delay our launch time until noon, hoping ( some folks are praying ) for a clearing skies.
Oh well, watching curling in a cozy MH isn't the worst thing that can happen to us.
Both Carroll and Shirley really wanted to go to South Padre before the Kids on March break Stampeded onto the Island which starts this week. Winter Texans are Persona Non Gratra once the March Breaker's " Take Over " the Island.
Anyhow the girls decided that we will go to the Island so we did as it is only a 1 hour drive. We have not been there for 5 years so we noticed that it has built up considerably since then and there are many more upscale Hotel built and being built since then. It is obviously an attraction to some people but it is not my cup of tea because during the winter months it is dam, and foggy most morning and you seldom see the Sun until at least noon.
They have several restaurant on the Island but our choice is one of several owned by Dirty Al's. Dirty Al also owns the fishing Fleet so he sells fish to all the restaurants he doesn't own. Apparently each of his children run one of his restaurant and of course they have different names such as "Daddy's. Most Winter Texan's go to Dirty Al's as the food is excellent. They always have Happy Hour from 4 to 7 PM and a Jug of beers is 5.00 which is attractive to the "cheap " seniors including yours truly. cheers
We had planned to go to South Padre Island today with our friends, the Meakins and Terry but we have reservation on the weather so we will delay our launch time until noon, hoping ( some folks are praying ) for a clearing skies.
Oh well, watching curling in a cozy MH isn't the worst thing that can happen to us.
Both Carroll and Shirley really wanted to go to South Padre before the Kids on March break Stampeded onto the Island which starts this week. Winter Texans are Persona Non Gratra once the March Breaker's " Take Over " the Island.
Anyhow the girls decided that we will go to the Island so we did as it is only a 1 hour drive. We have not been there for 5 years so we noticed that it has built up considerably since then and there are many more upscale Hotel built and being built since then. It is obviously an attraction to some people but it is not my cup of tea because during the winter months it is dam, and foggy most morning and you seldom see the Sun until at least noon.
They have several restaurant on the Island but our choice is one of several owned by Dirty Al's. Dirty Al also owns the fishing Fleet so he sells fish to all the restaurants he doesn't own. Apparently each of his children run one of his restaurant and of course they have different names such as "Daddy's. Most Winter Texan's go to Dirty Al's as the food is excellent. They always have Happy Hour from 4 to 7 PM and a Jug of beers is 5.00 which is attractive to the "cheap " seniors including yours truly. cheers
Monday, 2 March 2015
Rain and Cloudy Feb 2015
27 Feb : They have a new word for Sun in Tx; it called Rainy and Cloudy. We have never incurred such "shitty " weather. Even the long time Winter Texas are saying it is the worst stretch of bad weather they have ever encountered. Since we paid for a month we have to stay until 19 March but not a minute more. We thought we would tour the Hill country north of here but their weather is worst than ours, so now we have to try to find a warmer climate for about 3 weeks.
If nothing else we are enjoying some of the festivities organized by the park. One such party that is coming up is the Hawaii Laue on Wed so we had a meeting to decide how we will decorate our table of 16 pers to look like we were in Hawaii. I'm not into dressing up and looking stupid but I have agreed to wear a Hawaii shirt and a Lea. Happy Hour is 2 hours before the supper so looking stupid might be a good fit.
We are glad for the Brier because it gives us something to do during this dam weather. We even went to the hot tub tonight even thought the temp was around 60 plus with a breeze. Needless to say it wasn't crowded as we were the only ones there. cheers
28 Feb: Every Saturday is a Pancake and Sausage breakfast so we took this opportunity to join the crowd as the cost is only 3.00 and it comes with coffee and juice.
We, then went to Harlingen , some 2 miles away to visit the Texas visitors Centre to get some maps and tips on some places where we might visit. This is a huge Visitors centre and they have a movie room so I ask for a video on the production and harvesting of sugar cane. This area is a big Sugar Cane producer and it is all harvested by combines much like harvesting corn or hay. However, most the planting is done by hand. The production however is very meticulous. If you are interested I suggest you Google the Sugar Cane production.
We finished the day by watching a combination of Curling and Hockey. Cheers
If nothing else we are enjoying some of the festivities organized by the park. One such party that is coming up is the Hawaii Laue on Wed so we had a meeting to decide how we will decorate our table of 16 pers to look like we were in Hawaii. I'm not into dressing up and looking stupid but I have agreed to wear a Hawaii shirt and a Lea. Happy Hour is 2 hours before the supper so looking stupid might be a good fit.
We are glad for the Brier because it gives us something to do during this dam weather. We even went to the hot tub tonight even thought the temp was around 60 plus with a breeze. Needless to say it wasn't crowded as we were the only ones there. cheers
28 Feb: Every Saturday is a Pancake and Sausage breakfast so we took this opportunity to join the crowd as the cost is only 3.00 and it comes with coffee and juice.
We, then went to Harlingen , some 2 miles away to visit the Texas visitors Centre to get some maps and tips on some places where we might visit. This is a huge Visitors centre and they have a movie room so I ask for a video on the production and harvesting of sugar cane. This area is a big Sugar Cane producer and it is all harvested by combines much like harvesting corn or hay. However, most the planting is done by hand. The production however is very meticulous. If you are interested I suggest you Google the Sugar Cane production.
We finished the day by watching a combination of Curling and Hockey. Cheers
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