Saturday, March 24, 2018

Friday March 23rd

Today was last practice day in Mexico for the Quince.

Katie and I parked the car as usual on the US side and walked over the bridge. We were supposed to get picked up by the family at 5:30, but oh oh we forgot they are on "Mexican Time". So 20 minutes later after standing on the street, with the wind swirling, and very large Semi-Trailer trucks with large trailers going by and causing more dust...Livario and Karelly picked us up.

After a short wait at the casa, we went to the Hall where the reception for the Quince will be held. It was totally shuttered. More "Mexican Time" as we waited outside for another 15 minutes for someone with keys to come.

The hall had many tables and 8 chairs to a table, but not in very good shape. Erika and a couple of her friends brought in large plastic bags full of table clothes and satin type covers for the chairs. Now all of the table and chairs had to be decorated and the satin clothes for the chairs tied at the back...a lot of work.

I dug in and put the covers over while Katie did the tying. Hmmm, seems like I am the ONLY man helping. Another Mexican thing I guess. We managed to get it all done, but it was very hot in there, no air conditioning on. A little worried that is going to be the same scenario on Saturday.

More "Mexican Time" Jorge the choreographer was about an hour late. That was ok though as we had to get all the tables and chairs decorated.

The practice started then, but Livario went somewhere so he wasn't there to start off his dance routine with Karelly, so Jorge had to fill in. During the practice, I got to go about three times, as Jorge wanted to run it through in full. Livario came back after and got a couple of practices in, but we think he got one section scrubbed, that he was having trouble with.

We had a necklace which we had engraved from us...we gave that to Karelly tonight along with her card...after she read the card and a message for her, she was in tears. Our friend Anne bought her a bracelet which Karelly will open with the rest of the gifts tomorrow.

So here is a teaser video again, and you will appreciate the difference tomorrow in full dress.




Watch at the end of my part, how that bully Katie...drags me off the dance floor!

After the practice was over we got a ride from one of  Erika's friends to the bridge. We walked over the bridge and to our car. Not very far away, there was a car with some extra curricular actives going on...one would think they could find somewhere more secluded.

and so ends another great day in the Valley

more later...

Friday, March 23, 2018

Thursday 23rd

Today was puttering around day.

Painted the stairs outside, while Katie "the tool time" fixed the freezer with our new fan assembly.

not much more happening

some tv at night

and so ends another great day in the Valley...

practice at the hall tomorrow for the Quince

more later...

Thursday, March 22, 2018

Wednesday March 21st

Katie and I had a couple of errands to do, and we went to Best Buy to get a tripod so that Katie can still watch all the dancing at the Quince and film at the same time.

We then went to a large Flea Market in Hildago. Wow, unreal the items being sold, and lots of  "Ropa". In a previous year Katie and I went to a huge "Ropa"[clothes] warehouse, where there were mounds and mounds of clothes almost to ceiling, where they move the clothes with front end loaders and sell by the pound.












We walked around for awhile, but many of the stalls were starting to close for the day. Here are some shots of what happens here.

We bought an air fryer for $20. The guy plugged it in for us to show us it worked. The original tag was $100.

This is "The Wall" between Mexico and the US



We were hungry so we went to Church's Chicken, but it was filthy, so we moved on. We ended up going to "Raising Cane's for chicken fingers. It was a good choice, they were really good and tender and the place was very clean.

Then home for some relaxation for the rest of the day

and so ends another great day in the valley...

more later...







Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Tuesday March 20th

Cool in the morning, so I got busy and cleaned around the roof of the carport, which was very dirty and black looking. Also the roof of the car port which looked the same in spots. Made a large difference so was happy with that.

We walked down to the park post office to get our new motor for the fridge, and a couple of timers where you can just press one button and it will charge a phone or tablet etc. for 1 hour, 2,3,4 etc. It is much better not to overcharge these types of electronic batteries, they will last longer.

We went to get some vegetables, again near the post office, from "Joe" who comes to the park every Tuesday with his truck and large trailer. The vegetables are good and the price is as well. Joe also has a large spot at Don Wes Flea Market to sell his vegetables.

At night we watched the Jets win again, but sadly we saw Laine get hurt. What a way to end a scoring streak. Hope he is not out too long.

and so ends another great day in the Valley...

more later...

Tuesday, March 20, 2018

Monday March 19th

Our trailer insurance was due, so we drove to Baldwin Trailers the broker and got that looked after.

It was lunch time so we decided to go to Rudy's BBQ one of our favorite spots. They have a great smoked turkey sandwich. To go with it, potato salad and cole slaw. Excellent! Nope...not the sissy barbeque sauce!



Then it was on to HEB for some groceries.

some chores and relaxation for the rest of the day

and so ends another great day in the valley

more later...

Monday, March 19, 2018

Sunday March 18th

I did the waterless wash and wax on the car yesterday...looks great! Katie vacuumed the inside and did a great job.

In the afternoon, we were invited to happy hour at friend's Sandy and Bill's. Fun afternoon with old and new friends, food was great, and fun was had by all.

We left Sandy and Bill's around 7 and came home to watch the Jets game. Yay they won, and Laine continues his goal scoring tear. Too bad Trouba got hurt, hope it is not too serious.

We went to the pool and hot tub around 9:15, they were basically empty. One man from Illinois was there by himself, and said he was glad we came, as it is not that good to be in a hot tub by yourself.
We had a nice chat with him.

Had a nice swim, the water felt great after such a hot day. Left around 10:15.



and so ends another great day in the Valley

more later...

Sunday, March 18, 2018

Saturday March 17th

Not too much happening today...Katie and I went and hit golf balls. We both did well. Then we went and washed the car at a $1.25 car wash. It was great, good pressure and long timer. Cost $2.50 to do the whole car well.

Did some grocery shopping.

Puttering and relaxation rest of the day...very hot

and so ends another great day in the valley

more later...

Saturday, March 17, 2018

Friday March 16th

Today was a day to finish off what Katie needed for her new dress for the Quince. We started off at JCPenny, SCORE...attractive and comfortabile pair of shoes...40 percent off. They tried to charge us full price, but I took the girl to the sign and we got them for the 40 percent off.


For accessories at Penny's....some possibilities, then on to Macy's...no luck, on to Dilliards...you know our favorite store...not. nothing there either.

Back to Penny's closer look at necklaces and ear rings, and Katie got what she wanted.

We went to Cracker Barrell for lupper (lunch and supper). We both had Haddock and it was very good. Then it was off to Walmart for some groceries.

Hot yesterday around 92 degrees, so we were ready for home. Relaxing and some TV for the rest of the day.

and so ends another great day in the Valley

more later...

Friday, March 16, 2018

Thursday March 15th

My friend Al picked me up at 8:30 and then we picked up Bill Davis, and on to El Compadres restaurant for the $5 all you can eat breakfast buffet. Turns out there were about 10 of us retired cops, who enjoyed stories and the food. Good to see everyone again. We were also serenaded by members of a Mariachi Band.

Katie and I left for Mexico to meet Sister Maureen around 1:30. We sat on a bench by the parking lot to wait for her, as she was going to drop us off at Erika's after she finished her rounds, and we needed to have our car by the bridge.

She came along to pick us up with her trusty helpers Ken and Vickey. It was good to see then again. We hoped in the semi back seat and off we went. It was all about timing to try and see the most kids after they got out from school. We went to see Dayla who is being sponsored by our friend Arlene, but there was no one home there, so we left what we had for her from Arlene and a few things we added with Sister Maureen, as we did not want to have to explain anything to customs when we went back across the bridge.

We went to see Michelle who my brother and sister-in-law sponsors, and she got her gifts and we noticed that although she is still tiny, she is growing, and always has a big smile on her face. We also noticed that the water that was threatening their casa last year, had totally dried up and virtually looked like a desert.

We went to see Lupe and her mom at "the store" where Sister Maureen takes all sorts of donations which they then distribute to those who need them. We sat and talked there for awhile. Lupe was making eggs and filling them with confetti for Easter and her mom was crocheting. Some random pictures that Katie took.



We then went to see "the twins" who we had met last year. Mom is a single mother, has the twins and an older girl and two boys. She makes Pinatas as basically her only source of income. She lives in a shack with no roof, and an open fire to cook food. She could hardly wait to show me the Pinatas that she was working on for Easter...she is so proud. She certainly is talented. We gave the kids some stuffed animals we got from our Dentist's assistant Kathleen, and Katie always gives every child she sees some candy. Sister Maureen knows when Katie can give out her candy to the most kids at one time.





Then we went to see Vicky the very first girl we sponsored who is now 11. She is so pretty, but no longer comes out, jumps up in my arms and hugs hard and does not want to let go. Just get a regular hug now. We gave her the gifts we brought for her, and Katie gave candy to her and her brothers and sisters.



Then it was off to Erika's house. Erika was not there, but her sister Katty was there along with her 7 month old Derrick. He is very cute and is a very good baby. Livy was holding him, but as we found out virtually everyone in the family is sick with the flu. We didn't leave until close to 10 PM so it will be a miracle if Katie and I don't get sick.

Jim and Happy Derrick
Karelly came home from school and Eric was sleeping quite awhile, but soon, everyone was in full motion. Erika is still making items for the Qunice and does a great job at that. She could easily do that on the side for people.

Jorge, was late to start the dance practice(Mexican time), so Katie and I got tired of waiting and started the song, and Karelly and I practiced. It went well.

Jorge finally arrived and Karelly and I got to practice once again, and that went well. Erika and Katty made tacos and a very delicious dessert after all the practice was over, which was around 9:30. Katie and I were thinking that maybe Jorge should not be adding what appeared to be new steps, this close to the Quince.

Next Friday, we will have the final practice at the hall, and the area is much bigger and the music has to be synced with the movements.

We had finished our supper and had some more fun with Livy and Eric, and then it was off to the Bridge to go home. As usual Livy and Eric walked us part way, and then it was big hugs and waves goodbye.

Katie and I got home and as a way to unwind, we watched the first period of the Jets game...wow...5 to 1 for the Jets. Then it was off to bed

and so ends another great day in the Valley and Mexico

more later...













Thursday, March 15, 2018

Wednesday March 14th

Katie and I went to a meeting in the Rec Center this morning, where a representative from Spectrum, which provides TV for the park as well as internet individually was there to answer question about Spectrum's move to supply digital TV instead of Analog cable. They are late to the party I would say, but better late than never.

The man they sent really wasn't well prepared to answer all the questions. It seems that those that have called Spectrum all get different answers.

This move required everyone to have a Digital Receiver. Spectrum has one store and one only in Mcallen to pick them up. This usually results in a large time standing in line.

I managed to find a link online from Spectrum to order it online and have it sent within 4 to 5 business days for no cost...so I did. Too bad the guy who was at the meeting didn't tell us that.

Later on we went to Don-Wes Flea Market. A yearly trek, Katie gets a certain type of glass nail file, and I was looking for a certain usb cable I had forgotten. Successful on both. Not much has changed there. On the way home we passed the other hugh flea market, which is mostly a Mexican flea market, and is always packed. But we didn't feel like doing more walking up and down the rows.



A walk, and relaxation for the rest of the day

and so ends another great day in the Vally

Mexico tomorrow

more later...




Wednesday, March 14, 2018

Tuesday March 13

Today was a continuation of the dress search for Katie for the Quinceanera. We decided to go downtown McAllen to the Mall.

We started off at JCPenny and found one possibility. We continued on to Macy's, lots of dresses for lots of money, and Katie didn't really like any of them.

Last stop was Dillard's another very large Department Store. After trying on a few Katie found one she really like and a couple that were also pretty good. The one she liked the best though was $197, and Katie noticed a small snag near the top when she was trying it on.

We decided to take it, even though I told Katie I would have to starve for a week or two to pay for it. Hmmm...that would actually do me some good.

We asked the girl at the till if we could get something off because of the flaw. She said that is not Dillard's policy, that they won't sell damaged dresses. I asked them what they would do with it and she said ship it back. That didn't sound like a good choice to me, so I asked to speak to her manager.
Shortly, the manager came who looked like she was 12. Same story. I said look beside you...there is a rack of dresses that are 65% off and another with 40% off. I said we are not even looking for that, we simply don't want to pay full price for a dress that is not perfect. I asked her what she would do with the dress if we didn't take it, and she hesitated, and finally said she would pull it and send it back. I doubted that...my guess? back on the rack and hope no one notices.

So I asked to speak to her boss, she went and said she spoke to the store manager, and same story. I asked her if we could buy it...she said yes if you really want it...I said you do realize how ridiculous that is don't you? Your policy is not to sell damaged dresses, but you will sell it to us for the full price rather than give a small discount. She looked sheepish, but continued her sheep like manner to follow the policy to its Nth degree...no flexibility at all.

Now Katie started to browse the 65% off rack, found a nice dress which she liked, tried it on, and said she was happy with it and would take its. How much? $42 marked down 65%. No flaws.

So we bought it, and said to the girl at the till, how silly Dillard's was being and that they just lost a fair amount of money. She said "No, not Dillard's...me" I asked why, and she said they are required to sell one dress per hour or no commission. She also told us she had a bad year last year, due to lack of customers. Hmmm...Could it be because of their policies, and not giving their employees the ability of doing the right thing at the right time? Even if they don't want them giving discounts as they might give them to all their friends...then make it so there has to be two signatures.

So off we went, Katie happy with her new dress, and me knowing I was going to eat well.

And just to prove that Katie and I went for pizza.

We watched the Jets game at night...knowing that they were likely going to lost, due to the end of a six game road trip and a ton of injuries. Sure enough a rested Nashville team poured in on in the first period and it was 3 nothing in no time. Jets took a bunch of stupid penalties. But just when many teams would have quit...the Jets did not, and came roaring back in the 2nd and 3rd periods. They didn't win of course, but I have to give them credit for a great attempt against all odds. They also decided they were going to make Nashville at least pay, and bumped them around pretty well.

and so ends another great day in the Valley

more later...

Tuesday, March 13, 2018

Monday March 12th

Quite a bit cooler today, and still windy, but very nice really.

I finished putting up the rest of the shutters, they look really good.

Also fixed an eavetrough that came down in a wind.

Katie the tool time...took the freezer apart to make the fan quieter while we
are waiting for the new part. She did a great job, it is a lot quieter!

We unpacked our clubs and went and hit golf balls at our course next door.
Katie as usual hit the ball really well, despite the fact she has not played since
last year, here.

I got better the more I hit.

Watched the Jets game last night, glad the Jets got a point, but they are not
good at all in overtime in any game. Pretty rough game, and lost another player
to injury. Don't expect them to win tonight in back to back games and at the end
of a tiring road trip, and with all our injuries.

off to bed later...

and so ends another great day in the valley


Monday, March 12, 2018

Sunday March 11th

Very hot today...93 F large wind as well which was blowing dust all over

I put up two of the newly painted shutters in the front...it was hot with
the sun beating down, but they look very good.

Katie decided to try putting the new fan in the freezer, but we discovered that
both ends were female ends...no good. We thought about getting the part rewired
or trying to find an adapter, but decided in the end we would order the correct
one, they are not that expensive, so we are back to a noisy fan.

Went shopping and seeing as we were out decided to check what kind of dresses
are available for Katie for the Quince. Not really as much selection as we
thought, so no luck.

We wanted to go out for supper so we went to the Grand China Buffet. Big mistake,
as we were eating we said to ourselves that none of this food is good for us...likely
full of msg, virtually everything is deep fried..so we vowed not to return.

Watched some TV at night...then off to bed.

And so ends another great day in the Valley.

more later...