La Feria, TX

Our own little grapefruit tree behind the trailer, wonder if anyone would miss a couple?

We packed up this morning in a mist and were on the road at 10:15, lots of rain driving, arrived at the CG park at 12:15., a short 90 mile drive. Ron and Bill were standing at the corner waving us in as we were a little lost in all the construction and metro traffic. The CG is cozy but well maintained and the price is right. After I got the trailer backed in (way too many tries) Bill handed me a cool adult beverage. After solving the problems of the US , and a few more beverages, all six of us (Ron & Lois, Bill & Judye, plus us) went out for a nice Mexican supper, well, except for Lois who had a burger and fries. It was a beautiful afternoon, 75 at least and all sun with a good breeze. We are looking forward to more beautiful weather.

Riviera, TX

Well, the second morning is a row getting up to no power, this time no water either. The lack of power was easily overcome by the RVs batteries like yesterday. Our fresh water tank was empty but we filled up from Ann & Tom's water connection as they had water. A water line on our side of the road had broken. Power was back on about 10am. We went with Tom & Ann for brunch at a pancake house in Kingsville. When we got back it was such a nice day we decided to stay here rather than go to the King Ranch museum as we had planned. Judy played cards at the clubhouse while I stayed home. I managed to get my baby sister on the phone so I know now that she's not lost. This evening we went to the ice cream social and then Ann & Tom taught us how to play Mexican Train. It's a domino's game that all of us really enjoyed.

Riviera, TX

You can click on the pictures to blown them up, especially if you want to read the sign about the King Ranch.

When we got up this morning the park had no power. The RV was nice as the fridge, water heater, and furnace were all working on gas and battery power. A/C did come back on about 10am. We drove to Kingsville but the Texas A&M campus museum was closed for the MLK holiday weekend. We went to the King Ranch, 825,000 acres and larger than Rhode Island. They farm grain, cotton, sorghum; have 25,000 to 38,000 cattle; 300 horses; sell hunting parties access to some land; have their own dedicated John Deere dealership; and a school and church for ranch hands in their own community. We saw an armadillo crossing the road, a calf that was born in the past hour by the fence line plus deer and turkeys (no different than Michigan) while on a ranch bus tour. Not bad considering Captain King (boat captain) had only 8 month of schooling.

We walked around the park and then went to supper with Tom & Ann at a nice local joint that had good food. We knew it was Saturday night as the cowboys came into the restaurant carrying their own beers. No rain today, 50s, all blue sky and sunshine.

Riviera, TX

Houston, TX in the rain

Well, we finally made it out of Livingston! Left at 9:20 and arrived at SeaWinds RV Park (Riviera, TX) on the Baffin Bay on the Gulf of Mexico; about 320 miles. We drove in and out of rain all day. It is cold (43) and raining and very windy right now. It feels much colder. I know this will not draw and sympathy from those of you up north!

When we were 7 miles from the park my phone rang and it was Tom Ahlgrim telling me we were very close to the park! He passed us going the other way. When we arrived at the park Ann greeted us at the office! Good surprise!! We were next to them in Gulf Breeze and were on the way to see them.

BJ.....where oh where are you?????? Zero for two calling you.

Livingston, TX

Well, yesterday was not our last day here. We were almost finished packing up when I went to lower the new satellite dish. It decided to stay up. Turns out the controller died and wouldn't power up to lower the dish. A replacement was installed by 1pm but that was too late to leave so we'll go tomorrow. Judy went to Curves while I waited for a new control box to be installed. The sun came out mid afternoon but it was still a rather cool day, I kept looking for the thermostat to turn the temp up.

Livingston, TX

Last day. It rained starting yesterday afternoon until mid morning today. Judy went to Curves and the grocery store this morning while I stayed here. This afternoon we had a satellite TV dish installed on the roof, the purpose for our staying so long. I am impressed with the picture quality and we didn't get HD either. So many channels, so little time. We started packing up this afternoon so we can depart in the morning for south Texas. We want to visit Tom and Ann in Riviera for a couple days and then head for La Feria on the Mexican border for a week or two, we will find Ron & Lois and Bill & Judye there.

Livingston, TX Sunday, Monday & Tuesday

Judy's knee continues to improve, she's walking fine but doesn't want to overdo it. We went to the ice cream and cake social then Sunday night vespers at the Escapee Care center. Monday Judy went to Curves and then we went to Lowes to get some plastic to make covers for the screen door to allow light in but keep some of the chill out. We ate lunch Bodacious BBQ, Judy said it was OK but Sedalia, MO was better. I washed and waxed the trailer front cap. Monday evening Judy played pinochle and I played poker. I might have won 50 cents in 3 hours. Tuesday Judy did Curves while I returned to Lowes to have 3 inches cut off one of the plastic screen door covers. Good thing they cut it too long rather than short huh? We ate lunch downtown at the Whistle Stop then found an old movie theater in downtown Livingston & went to the matinee to see Charlie Wilson's War then did the laundry. It's been in the 60s daytime and high 30s or 40s at night. Exciting huh?