COLD DAYS IN THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY
Diary published weekly since 2001
Read a different version of this Diary on line Here
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Hi All: One thing none of us Snowbirds hope to experience during our southern sojourns is cold weather. But much of this week, it not only rained for the past 5-days, our daytime temps dropped to the high 40’s and low 50’s (I know this is not the sub zero temps that northern residents are coping with, but when we are used to 70’s and 80’s – it’s cold). Thankfully our cold seems to be waning a bit; today it is bright and sunny – still cool, but pretty. Sorry for my complaining and I do know it is winter, but I really want my cake and eat it too. Guess we just have to be thankful for small mercies and appreciate that it has taken till now for the temps to drop – frequently cooler days arrive in this location late Dec and stick around for several weeks or a month. Maybe all of us will be lucky and our cold weather will pass in a day or two. Enough for now
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OUR WEEK IN REVIEW
This has been a quiet few days for us. Monday we visited the VALLEY TRUCK AND VAN COLLISION CENTRE to confirm a mid February appointment to have the bottom portion of our LUXOR painted and restored Owner Ben came out to the park to give us an estimate and to assure us he can restore the Luxor to her original beauty. The paint and clear coat is peeling off on the driver’s side – mainly from wind and weather. But I blame John for polishing it too much. He does look after our beautiful 12-year old classic
We had planned to visit Mexico on Wednesday for DENTAL Work. We each need a cleaning (perfect chance to assess our chosen Dentist’s technique and overall office procedures etc) plus I need an assessment reference replacement of a permanent 4-unit bridge that broke last summer. Dentistry in Progresso, Mx is less than a ¼ the price of similar services in Canada and the USA. Service is of a very high standard because competition is high plus many of the Doctors and Dentists are trained in USA or Canada. For instance, the cleaning/exam is a mere $10.00 (lost leader); but what is attractive is one gold crown is only $100.00 (I need 4 to repair my bridge) and to replace my lost white filling (of any size) is a mere $50.00. I know that our dental insurance pays the majority of filling restorations but when it comes to crowns we users must come up with 50%. It is more appealing to shell out 50% of a $100 (times 4 units) rather a thousand per unit elsewhere. BUT we put off a Mexican visit till next week – hopefully it will be warmer. I cannot wait too long because we are only here for another 1.5 months.
As a substitute to Mexico, we attended the Free 15TH Annual WINTER TEXAN EXPO & HEALTH FAIR. (16-17 Jan). A very impressive presentation inside McAllen’s classy new Conference Centre beckoned us to visit. Numerous free medical screenings were available for attendees and just about all Valley services were represented – from diabetes, to feet, to sleep care, to heart screenings, to local pharmacists, investment opportunities and, and, and. Information and fund raising for the non-profit ‘Comfort House’ was a main feature – the Comfort House were also searching for volunteers to assist in day-to-day activities. This House is a no-cost home for those who are dying, and/or it also provides support to help families care for loved ones on their own during their final days. Several Music Stars from Branson and local Valley Dance groups entertained the crowd – even though I didn’t win the $2000.00 diamond ring or the $1000.00 shopping spree, it was an interesting outing. What we found most interesting was actually how healthy we both are – we were unaware of what most of the featured health services were, let alone suffering from them.
Thursday friends Doug and Bonnie visited – Bonnie to help me find some LOST PC FILES and Doug to assist John on installing our new FANTASTIC VENT parts. In Dec, the rain sensor on our bathroom vent kept cycling off and on during humid days – our vent motor was not working well either. Soooo we called FV – part of the RV ‘Good Guys’ – and they sent us a completely new system all at no cost. Any RVer with these amazing Vents in their RV should always call this company first for parts and a suggestion (rather than call a repair facility). In most cases if you have any problems FV will come to the rescue. Frequently they will ship new no-cost or low-cost parts to make it work. Minimal labour charges may be covered if needed, but it was easier (more fun to) to ask a friend to help rather than to call in-park service. Monday, via prepaid UPS we will ship the old parts back. For details about this outstanding & fantastic company or call 810-724-3818 or 800 512 0298. You can also visit their plant in Imlay City, Michigan en route north and south.
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PARK ACTIVITIES
On the good side of things – no matter what the weather at parks in the south, activity schedules are very busy. So the majority of snowbirds simply don a jacket and head over to the Club House to join in the fun. Some parks also attract name entertainers at evening (sometime dinner) shows. If your park does not feature this type of show, just look at the Events Calendar line-up in the weekly WINTER TEXAN News or on local TV – tickets are frequently available to visitors from other parks.
John is thoroughly enjoying is weekly billiard tournaments and I enjoy the exercise classes but other than that we frequently entertain ourselves.
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FINAL WORDS
NOTE: The address of the EXPLORER RV CLUB LUNCHEON on the 31 Jan was listed in error. CORRECT Street Address is 6013 N 10th St, McAllen, Tx. Sorry for any inconvenience. Hope all Cdn RVers in the Rio Grande can join us.
Whether RVers enjoy a quiet week or taking part in busy activities – no matter where a southern snowbird lights there will be something waiting for everyone to enjoy. Creative activities such as crafts or woodworking or stain glass or quilting or, or, or are popular - but so is sitting beside the pool with a good book. No matter where you winter, the name of a retiree’s game is to have fun and follow your wishes. Life is short, so make each day count. Those who are just heading out, or in between destinations, please travel safe. P&J
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