...Just another wonderful week in paradise, albeit quiet and
relaxing. As I wrote and published last week’s blog, Dick walked along Fulton
Beach Road for about an hour, capturing photos of egrets, herons and pelicans.
They’re enjoying the beautiful weather, too! Here are some of our favorite
photos of these lovely creatures.
Tuesday, Dick worked at the office with the park’s owner for
a few hours in the morning before heading to the airport in Corpus Christi to
retrieve friends Connie and Jim; they had just been on a 10-day cruise to the
Panama Canal. That evening we gathered our troops together and headed to Panjo
Pizza for dinner. Joining us were Bob and Sharon, Pam and Gary, and Bill and
Arlene. What a fun evening. Seems as though we never run out of things to talk
or laugh about.
About noon on Wednesday, we gathered up Gary and went to see
Hunger Games, Mockingjay Part 2. The last in this series, it provided an ending
that was fitting for the story. In this last episode, Katniss Everdeen prepares
to win the war against President Snow and the tyrannical Capitol. However,
Katniss uncovers the hidden agenda of President Coin, the leader of District 13
and the rebellion; an agenda that could jeopardize Katniss’ life, and the
future of Panem.
Temperatures have been hovering in the mid-50s to mid-60s,
but the sun has been shining, making it perfect for walking along the
waterfront. Dick and I walked for about an hour along Fulton Beach Road, where
we saw pelicans, herons and egrets. (Haven’t seen any spoonbills yet, but I’m
sure they’ll show up eventually.)
Returning to the park, we gathered up our tableware and
headed to the clubhouse for happy hour and Wednesday night’s dinner. That
night, Chef Betty served stuffed cabbage rolls, mashed potatoes, glazed
carrots, spinach-strawberry salad, rolls and butter. Oh, and for dessert she
had prepared a luscious apple and pear crisp, served with a scoop of vanilla
bean ice cream. YUM-YUM! We’re so blessed to have her and her team serving us
again this year!
After dinner we had a quick game of Pegs & Jokers
(unusual for a Wednesday night), to teach to new friends Dave and Marihelen.
Joining us in the game were Bob and Sharon, Gary and Pam. Sadly, the guys won
the one game we played.
Thursday morning was a bit chilly, with temps in the 40s.
Brr! We had mentioned, earlier in the week, how warm the days feel when the sun
is shining, even with temps in the 60s, but how cool they are when it’s
overcast. The cool temps didn’t deter Dick from getting on his motorcycle and
riding 85 miles that day. He rode to Port Angeles, taking the ferry from the
mainland to Mustang Island, seeing oil tankers, barges, and a huge oil platform
stored until oil prices increase.
That evening we played Pegs & Jokers with friends Bill
and Carol and Gary and Pam. (Sharon plays Bingo at the clubhouse Wednesday
nights, and Bob joins guys from the park in a jam session, so they don’t play
with us.) The gals made up for our loss Wednesday night, but winning 2:1 over
the guys. Woot-woot!
Friday morning I joined a few other women at the clubhouse,
where we were treated to a cooking class presented by Terry Thompson Anderson,
a fellow camper here in the park, and a published cookbook author. This class
was on preparing food in a food processor, but included so much more! Terry
intertwined tips and tricks with food prep, making it a totally enjoyable 2+
hours—all for just $5.00! Terry prepared baguettes, cilantro dressing for a
mixed greens salad, a jalapeño remoulade for spicy boiled shrimp, and a rustic
apple tart with moscato wine. The best part was that we got to eat what she
prepared! Along with all this she served a lovely chilled Chardonnay. Next
week’s class is on cooking with fresh herbs. Looking forward to that one!
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| Terry is in front, preparing the baguettes for us. |
The class lasted for a bit over 2 hours, cutting into
Friday’s hamburger lunch. Dick and I had planned to have a burger, but because
of the food from the cooking class, we shared one. Also served at the burger
lunch were potato salad, broccoli cheddar soup, and brownies. We do not go
hungry here!
After that we walked along Fulton Beach Road for about an
hour. What a gorgeous day! Still no spoonbills, but there were egrets, herons,
and pelicans.
Saturday morning was the first craft sale of the season, at
the clubhouse, where they also served fresh warm cinnamon rolls and coffee.
Before Dick went to the office to work, we had our breakfast there. Yum! Vendors
at this year’s craft sale offered jewelry, hand knit and crocheted sweaters,
hats and slippers; quilted bags and placemats; walking sticks decorative sea
shell items—the list goes on and on.
Dick worked until about 12:30, after which we went into town with
Gary and Pam, Bob and Sharon, and Arlene, for Rockport’s “2015 Tropical
Christmas” celebration. This year’s celebration was pirate-themed, with vendors
galore, food, live music, a Christmas tree decorating competition, dancers, a
parade, the town’s tree lighting, and fireworks. It was a full day of fun and
entertainment for us!
Our favorite of the day was that of “Cast in Bronze,” a
wonderfully creative musical performance of carillons. The carillon consists of
35 bells weighing a total of 4 tons, mounted on a wheeled cart. It’s the only
musical act of its kind in the world, played by a silent and masked “spirit of
the bells.” Here’s a link to the
website, for more information. http://www.castinbronze.net/?page_id=2 We chatted with the performer (Frank Della Penna from Pennsylvania)
after his performance. He shared that the carillon “keyboard” is like that of a
piano keyboard, but is played quite differently, obviously. Amazing… We thought you'd like to hear him, so here's a video for your enjoyment.
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| The ending to a perfect day -- fireworks over Little Bay in Rockport! |
Sunday we woke to a slightly overcast but beautiful day. We
attended First Baptist Church of Rockport for the 2nd Sunday of
Advent service. Pastor Scott Jones’ message was on the different perspectives
of Mary and Joseph as they were told of the impending birth of Jesus by the
angel Gabriel. Scripture was taken from Luke 1:26-28 (Mary) and Matthew 1:18-25
(Joseph). Even though God’s plans may appear to be a disaster for those
involved, faith is the key to trust that God will bring about the perfect
resolution—just as He did with Mary and Joseph. Here’s a link to Pastor Jones’message, entitled, “Nativity Scenes Revisited.”
Returning home, we had breakfast and then Dick went off to
work at the office for a few hours before the ice cream social at 2:00 and Pegs
& Jokers. We had enough people for 2 tables of Pegs & Jokers, and the
women did not disappoint: combined scores put the women up 3:2. We rock!
The day was beautiful, so happy hour at Bob and Sharon’s was
next on the day’s agenda. Dick walked on Fulton Beach Road for about an hour; I
joined the gang for snacks and adult beverages. Joining us were Bob and Sharon
(of course), Gary and Pam, Dave and Marihelen, Bill and Arlene, Steve and
Karen, and Dick and me. We sat outdoors for a couple of hours, watching the
reflected sunset in the popcorn clouds overhead, sharing stories, laughing and
talking. Such good friends, and such good times.
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| Happy Hour at Bob and Sharon's. Clockwise: the gals left to right: Marihelen, Pam, me, Sharon, and Arlene; the guys, left to right: Gary, Bill, Bob and Dave (missing are Karen and Steve, who went home to eat steak, and of course Dick the photographer); the gilded sunset; Shane and Furbie, who so desperately wanted to join in the fun... |
Until next week, we send hugs and blessings your way.
RJ and Gail
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