2007 IS ALMOST OVER!!!!

2007 IS ALMOST OVER!!!! Newsy Portion - Issue 52+1

Diary published weekly since 2001
Read a different version of the Diary HERE

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HAPPY NEW YEAR ALL!!! May 2008 be a super year for everyone. (Forgive the Issue number but I lost weekly count somewhere the last part of the year). It is sad to see 2007 fade away for John and I because this has been a super busy year for us – but it has been so enjoyable as well. Last summer we ventured west via the USA to BC and returned through Canada; south to Michigan for a family reunion and then east to Ottawa for a Navy Reunion. Although we added considerable enjoyable miles to the LUXOR, it too received several upgrades in 2007. In a word – RV life has been good for us McDonalds.

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OUR BUSY WEEK IN REVIEW

I am happy to say I FINALLY completed posting ALL my FALL pictures as well as 6-albums relaying to CHRISTMAS events – many photos relaying to activities mentioned below are also featured. Sorry it took me so long to post them. Go HERE to see the complete selection.http://picasaweb.google.com/rv.lifetstyle.consultantsBest to view these as a Slideshow – just hit the ‘X’ at end of each show/gallery and click on the next one.

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CELEBRATIONS LEADING UP TO CHRISTMAS CONTINUE…

Monday our Nova Scotia friends Dave and Betty hosted 20-Valley Snowbird Canucks for a LUNCHEON at their site in nearby Casa del Valle RV Park. Daughter Debbie created and cooked this entire feast - she is spending time with Mom and Dad this winter. So much tasty gourmet style food was on the table. Even Mother Nature smiled because the cool morning warmed up beautifully. Debbie loves to cook and create high-class meals – we sure enjoyed eating it – many thanks. Debbie has a lot of practice because she owns and operates DEAR COUNTRY HIDEAWAY in Upper Stewiacke, Nova Scotia.

John and I had to run to another commitment a few hours later – I had volunteered to provide TABLE DECORATIONS for the Park Christmas Dinner. Although I was not sure how the decorations would unfold – I grabbed a bunch of Christmas ribbon, flowers etc. from my collection – (some of it was on display in my motorhome) and headed to the Club House. I’m happy to say I, along with our tablemates, were pleased with the results.

John and I managed fit in a traditional Christmas Eve Church Service at the nearby Zion Lutheran Church. What a wonderful way to lead up to Christmas Day.

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25TH ARRIVED & EVEN SANTA FOUND US -

CHRISTMAS DINNER FOLLOWED

I am a kid at heart and simply love it when Santa visits. Although John and I need very little (when we want something we usually buy it) but both of us found a selection of things to help SANTA out. It’s so exciting to see the pretty gift wrap parcels, plus opening these surprises Christmas morning is awesome. After breakfast, John, Katie and I had a ball. At 11:30, many park residents met at the well-decorated Rec Hall for a TYPICAL CHRISTMAS FEAST – In the USA, Ham is the choice meat for Christmas although many Cdn’s are more familiar with holiday Turkey. At 6-PM our table mates gathered at our hosts house to continue socializing for tasty ‘leftovers’ but eating one meal of appetizing (higher calorie) food I shouldn’t have had in the first place was enough for me – so John and I begged off that commitment, From all reports the evening was a huge success and a fun way to close to the day.

Of course I had to get up early to shop on the 26th, but I didn’t find much in the after Christmas sales. Not because the choice was not there – simply because I didn’t need much, (The 26th is not as big a Sale Day in the USA as Boxing Day is in Canada).

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DECEMBER EXPLORER RV CLUB LUNCHEON IN MEXICO

The DECEMBER LUNCHEON on the 27th was another huge success. Although we did have 14 more people than had indicated that they were coming (total that attended was 50 when we expected only 36 - it is so important we know a number of who is joining us). Our unexpected attendees did strain the waiter staff but Garcia’s crew ran off their feet to accommodate us. I was pleased to see that our members went with the flow and seemed to be happy just to be together. Service was slower than we had expected but when we looked around the room, attendees seemed to be having a super time. Conversation was animated and vibrant - when all was done it also seemed that no one wanted to leave. We send a big thanks to everyone who joined us. Those that participated, we hope you will return to Garcia’s next time you are across the border - it really is a classy restaurant with excellent service that is second to none,

Our next luncheon will be the last Thursday in Jan (31st). John and I are in the process of searching for a restaurant where we will have a separate room. (We prefer a local restaurant rather than an RV park venue) Attendance numbers in January could reach upwards of 100+ (all Club Members and their guests will always be Welcome) so our choice restaurant hopefully will be a Buffet establishment. This way there will be no need for waiters to write individual orders. Stay tuned – we should know where January’s event will be held by next week. Flyers to the parks should follow soon after.

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FINAL THOUGHTS

I cannot believe another year has passed. The last winter that John and I were in the Rio Grande Valley was 2003/2004 – so much has changed; yet everything has stayed the same. The Rio Grande Valley is much more modern these days – on both sides of the border, than it was on our first visit in 1986, but it still oozes incredible hospitality in every aspect. It remains one of the most economical places to winter. We loved our last 3-years in Florida (climate over the winter may be a bit warmer there than here) but this place grows on you big time. Right now we are thinking of a rare return visit to Alamo Palms next winter. We generally do not repeat destinations, but it feels good to be back in familiar territory. Enjoy your New Years Celebrations everyone – stay safe. John and I send warm wishes to ALL. Have an extremely prosperous 2008. Those heading south in January please travel safe – may the storms stay away from your path. Take care P&J