GORGEOUS WEATHER IN THE SUN.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!!
Newsy portion of Issue 47

Diary published weekly since 2001
Read this Diary on line on the RV Living.net forum
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Hi All: What beautiful weather we are experiencing in November in south Texas. Days are in the 80’s but on the dry side – Sometimes we need A/C mid afternoon but only for an hour or two. The best part is there are very few tourists in the area. April is much the same so if you can only get away for a short time – November and April are perfect months.
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A BIT OF HISTORY ABOUT AMERICAN THANKSGIVING

John and I have celebrated 3 Canadian Thanksgiving feasts this year, so we’ve decided to forgo the temptation to overeat in a 4th feast. However most Americans are gearing up for the biggest holiday of the year – even bigger than Christmas because no matter what your ethnic background Thanksgiving celebrations apply to everyone.

These festivities date back to 1621 when the Pilgrim Colonists celebrated the first Thanksgiving with a traditional English style feast to commemorate the harvest. Actual days of celebration have changed throughout the years until in 1941 Congress passed a resolution that Thanksgiving holiday will fall on the fourth Thursday of November. The customary turkey dinner is a reminder of the wildfowl served at the Pilgrims' celebration. Read more of this the complete story Here and Here

Most RV Parks, especially those in the south host a variety of celebrations from potlucks to formal sit down meals. The park usually supply the turkey, gravy and potatoes while attendees add their family favourites to the mix. It always promises to be a day to remember.
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BIGGEST SHOPPING DAY OF THE YEAR

My favourite time of the year!!!. For the few who do not already know - Thanksgiving weekend also begins the biggest USA shopping blitz of the year. Below list price specials are featured everywhere – many begin on Thanksgiving Day and continue on ‘Black Friday’, into Cyber Monday and beyond. Watch the Wal*mart banners for daily specials from 21 Nov to 1 Dec – simply click on the Banners and Text links for super low-cost treasures. Avoid crowded shopping malls and/or mega crowds in the stores when you shop on line. RV Living.net is an affiliate with Wal*Mart and although we receive a nominal fee from any purchases, it compensate for the time I spend on my website. The same applies for any Amazon.com links – Watch for soon to be posted details
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EXPLORER RV CLUB LUNCHEON - RIO GRANDE VALLEY

On the 29th November, John and I will be hosting the 1ST EXPLORER RV CLUB (Canada’s Answer To Good Sam) LUNCHEON FOR 2007/07 SEASON at Rudy's Country Store/ BBQ - 209 W Nolana (just west of the 281 overpass) Pharr, Texas. (956 781 8888. - Their tempting menu is posted on line). We’ll gather at 11 AM to ensure we can all sit together on the patio but we’ll not dine till 11:30. Their decadent BBQ choices – served cafeteria style – each pay for your own.

This is our first monthly event and we need your help to get the word out. It’s a great time to socialize with other Canadians. There will be a brief opening comments such as next years rally info and of course someone will win a certificate for a Club T-shirt door prize. One last point we would love to know how many expect to join us. Those who are in the valley and can join us please send me an email I will also be happy to send you a flyer to print and post in nearby parks if you wish? Everyone is ‘Welcome’ including non-members – Feel free to pass this info on.
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JOYS OF A DAY IN MEXICO

One of the advantages of being in the Rio Grande Valley is PROGRESSO, MEXICO IS A SHORT JAUNT AWAY. On Wednesday we parked on the US side and paid our .25 cents to walk the short ¼ mile new progressive style bridge. FYI for those who have never had the privilege to visit Progresso, it is not typical of what you will find in Mexico’s interior but it oozes the culture, language, shopping, ambiance plus it offers every imaginable medical service. Many of these professionals have been trained in the USA and Canada. Basically Progresso is an American community transplanted to the Mexican side of the border – it has all the perks of travel further south but with simplicity.

We shopped, I got a $5.00 classy haircut, and 1 hour pedicure overflowing with TLC for $8.00, a folding table for $4.25 and we enjoyed a formal relaxing 3-course dinner at Garcia’s (over the Canada House store) for another $8.95 each. A couple of beer added to the mix brought our filet mignon meal w/soup or salad and dessert to a whopping $21.00. Just for info the piano played in the background and we dined on linen tablecloths and napkin. Our four waiters were dressed in formal attire. Garcia’s is on of our favourites but there are several more that are equally impressive. We then paid our .30 cents this time to walk across the bridge and go through American customs. (Passports are still not a requirement till next summer - driver’s Licence and proof of US/Cdn residency is all that is needed). We stopped at the Duty Free but decided to wait till next time. Any wonder why we love it here?

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FINAL THOUGHTS – PARK EVENTS

This week’s version is a bit late because I spent a very early morning (7AM – 11AM) at the Rec Hall FLEA MARKET. I sold quite a bit of collected junk but I also bought almost as much to take home – I did have fun. As most of you know we are still in CASA DEL VALLE RV RESORT in Alamo (we used a $149.00 p/month coupon from the Tampa show). This park is similar to most Valley parks where their amenities and activity sheet are abundant. An exercise class (better for me than walking) plus 30 minutes on the exercise machines for weight training begins each day. John is enjoying the pool (billiard) room as well. With all our running around that is all we can fit in right now – but we don’t socialize much in the evening at any rate. Sooooo till next week, take care. Those on the road please travel safe – those in the cold, hope it’s not a harsh winter. P&J