Monday January 5, 2007

Sorry about not posting for the last couple of days. The wifi provided by Rio Valley Estates seems to be having brain farts since Saturday morning.

Here’s a quick update of what’s going on here in the RGV.

It’s cold. Yep. The same cold that is making the entire nation shiver hasn’t let us off the hook, although it didn’t actually get cool until this am. Last night we were sitting outside after dinner and it was about 74. The wind was strong but it was quite pleasant out. The Polish Prince put up our two palm trees and we have had a steady stream of folks stopping by to admire them and ask where we got them. I told Paulie we were style setters, LOL!

We finally went to Luby’s Cafeteria for Sunday dinner. Not economical by any stretch, and that surprises me as there a many seniors who eat there. I had fish almandine which was divine. Paul had fried chicken (which is almost as bad as grandpa ordering a taco at DQ instead of one of the wonderful Mexican places surrounding us…) and grandpa had fried tilapia. It was all very good, and the portions were huge. Dinner for Monday!

We watched the Bears stumble their way past the Seahawks. Gosh, I hate watching sports…I get my heart broken over and over. Yesterday was not any different until the last two minutes. Hopefully they will play well against the Saints, but I am not getting my hopes up. Later in the day, Paul and I had found another double wide mfg home in this park, Rio Valley. Don’t know how we had missed it before, (or maybe they just put it up) but was on a corner on a street towards the back of the park. My first words upon entering were “oh crap…”! We have put down money on the other place but this place was truly a better fit for us. There are two bedrooms and two baths, a huge kitchen, utility room, a living room, family room and an insulated Texas room we could park the motorhome in. Damm, why didn’t we see this one first? We agonized over several units and finally decided on the unit in Siesta Village. Crap. Crap. Crap.


Saturday was a day for flea marketing…we went to three. The last one was the Mexican market…no non-Hispanic venders at all. It was mostly junk and Spanish language CD’s. Used clothing from 50 cents some of which looked like it was hooker wear, lol. We bought some grapefruits, cilantro, limes, jalapeño peppers and some roma tomatoes to make salsa. I am eating grapefruit like I am possessed. It is wonderful…nothing like a fresh grapefruit right off the tree!

Today, grandpa went to see the other place. He really likes it. Now, since we haven’t signed any contracts, we will cancel the other deal. It remains to be seen if we get the deposit back. Paul has decided to fly back to Springfield to get grandpa’s car, some kitchen stuff from the apartment and the rest of his clothes and perhaps his photos and TV. He will fly out of Harlingen on Tuesday the 30th. We have no idea how long it will take him to drive back to the RGV. This way, grandpa can move in and we can help him get settled. I believe the place just as the other, comes fully furnished except for a couple of antiques the owners want. They are leaving a 52 inch TV in the family room, the recliners and sofa and also the stuff in the living room. I think that stuff will be given away once Paulie and I get back but it is fine for grandpa right now. We will keep everyone updated. Zack can pick up Paulie at the airport in St. Louis and drive him back to the house. He can stay the night and head back to school early the next morning.

So that’s pretty much it. We didn’t do anything much today due to the cold and rain. It was a good day to make some plans, deal with the new mail that was just delivered and talk about what we need to do.

Later from the frigid valley….

dee