Bay View RV Resort – Rockport, Texas – February 22-28, 2016

Another week has gone by and we’re now heading toward the end of February. Time is going way too quickly. Friends are packing up, getting ready for the trip home, or further travels.

This week was filled with the usual activities for Dick: walks through the park and along Fulton Beach Road, Texas Hold ‘em, work, and Pegs & Joker. For me, there was Yoga, “Sweatin’ to the Oldies,” Pegs & Jokers, Stitch and Bitch, and Pilates. Whew! Good thing we’re retired!

Monday brought a bit of rain in the morning, but a beautiful afternoon with little humidity. Temps started out in the high 60s that morning, ending in the high 70s by mid-afternoon. We certainly cannot complain! I attended our Monday morning Yoga session with Doreen, and Dick walked and then worked a bit. That afternoon was Texas Hold’em at the clubhouse for him. I stayed home to knit. (I’m working on the 3^rd of 7 baby sweaters that I need to finish before we leave here May 1.

Early, early Tuesday morning brought a heavy deluge of rain, but it didn’t last long. By the time we got up it was just warmish and humid, with temps in the mid-60s. The sun came out and blessed us with another beautiful day here in the Coastal Bend of Texas. Dick worked for a while in the morning, while I attended Stitch and Bitch. It was off to Wii bowling in the afternoon (my team won 2 of the 3 games!), errands, and pizza at Panjo’s with friends David and Marihelen, Larry and Sue, and Bill and Arleen. 

We returned to the park by 7:00, in time to listen to Bo Rivers and his entertaining music. There were over 70 folks from the park in attendance, and a good time was had by all. We listened, danced and sang for a good 2 hours. He’s coming back in March before heading back to northern Texas for the summer. We saw Bo in Port Aransas in December, and he was more than willing to come to see us at Bay View. His wide repertoire includes oldies, rock & roll, and country. Everyone loved him! Here are a few links you might enjoy.

• Bo's website
• "Kansas City"
• "Little Red Riding Hood"
• This one is written and performed by Bo entitled, "Country Blue"

 Wednesday morning Dick walked the park. I passed on the usual Sweatin’ to the Oldies to take advantage of my Valentines gift certificate, from Dick, to go to Diamante Azul Spa for a sugar scrub and full-body massage. Oh, my… I was definitely “rubberized!” Can’t get much more relaxing that that, for sure. 

Happy hour and dinner was later in the afternoon at the clubhouse. Chef Betty prepared her signature meat loaf with mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, and peaches ‘n’ cream pie. YUMMY! Dick returned to the clubhouse later in the evening for Texas Hold ‘em. He’s not getting rich, but did come home $4 richer, so we’re making progress!

Morning temperatures had been pretty steady in the low- to mid-60s—that is until Thursday when we woke to 45 degrees. Brr! Once the sun comes out the temps warm up quickly, and the days are beautiful, but what a shock! That morning I attended Pilates, while Dick walked the park.

Afterward we attended friend Marvin’s presentation on RV maintenance. He and his family own Kamper’s Supply in Carterville, Illinois, where we usually stop on our way coming to Texas or leaving. There are a lot of pieces/parts to an RV, whether it’s a pull-behind, 5^th wheel or motor home. It’s always good to know someone in the business who you can trust. Thanks, Marvin and Shirley, for imparting a bit of your knowledge to us.

I went home after this; Dick walked Fulton Beach Road, taking more photos of birds. Then he worked for a few hours before joining me at happy hour and fish fry at Prescott and Pat’s. Between 20 and 30 folks were there to enjoy fried speckled trout and crappies, along with fried potatoes, chili con queso and chips, and fruit. Another yummy time with friends!

That evening we joined Bill and Carole, Marvin and Shirley, and Randy and Jeri at the clubhouse for Pegs & Jokers. Sadly, the women won just 1 of the 3 games we played. It’s all in the cards…

Friday’s temps were still a bit on the chilly side: 50° at 7 a.m. The sun warmed up everything, and by mid-afternoon the temps were in the high 70s. I attended Yoga in the morning; Dick walked, seeing amazing birds, both in the park and along Fulton Beach Road.

I had a burger at the clubhouse at noon. Dick, having had breakfast out that morning, did not, but joined the rest of us to chat. We were blessed that afternoon at happy hour to hear the music of Jack and Deb Stone, here in town from northern Texas. His music includes oldies but goodies, as well as gospel music. He asked the audience to join him in some of the songs (Amazing Grace and How Great Thou Art)—and I have to say, we didn’t sound all that bad!

During happy hour, we also celebrated friend Bob’s 63^rd birthday with cake and rousing rendition of Happy Birthday.

Later we joined Marvin and Shirley, and Randy and Jeri at Paradise Key for dinner. Others went to the Oyster House to continue to celebrate Bob’s birthday. As we were finishing our dinners I noticed a flock of Roseate Spoonbills out in the marsh area. Here's a video of these amazing birds.

Saturday was a work day for Dick, while I worked on the baby sweaters. Have 2 done, and started the 3^rd. That evening was happy hour followed by a potluck dinner at the clubhouse. I brought coconut cream bread pudding. NO ONE went away hungry! 

Sunday morning we attended the 8:30 a.m. service at First Baptist Church of Rockport. Pastor Jones continued his sermon series on the Israelites' exodus from Egypt and journey to the Promised Land, entitled, “A Journey of Hope and Faith.” This week he focused on failure—both the Israelites’ and ours as believers. He had 2 main points:

1. At the heart of our failures to keep our covenant with God is impatience with Him, which is rooted in the idolatry of self-centeredness, and lack of total trust in God. In our impatience we latch onto things that we hope will make us happy and help us acquire all that we desire, rather than wait for God to provide. Thus, these things become idols. Has our impatience with God and His ways caused us to make for ourselves idols, replacing Jesus in our lives?
2.  In our failure to keep our covenant with God we do have a mediator who will stand between us and God, that being the person of Jesus Christ. Because of Jesus and what he has done for us on the cross, God will never destroy us—if we believe in Him. God will never change His mind about us in spite of how often I fail to keep my covenant with God. He is always faithful even though I’m not.

Here's a link to his sermons: http://fbcrockport.net/sermons/


After church we took a little trip to nearby Portland, Texas to have lunch at Applebees, using a couple of gift cards we had.  We also stopped at Academy Sports (Dick bought t-shirts), and Walmart for a few groceries. Returning home, Dick walked the park and Fulton Beach Road, seeing ducks, a young heron, an osprey, a kingfisher and snowy egrets. Then it was time for the ice cream social and Pegs & Jokers. There were enough folks for 2 tables of 6. At the other table the ladies didn’t win at all; at ours we won 1 of the 3 games. As I said before, it’s all in the cards…

Well, that’s for this week. Hopefully we’ll have more good stuff to report on next week.

Love 'n' hugs,

RJ and Gail

Bay View RV Resort – Rockport, Texas – February 15-21, 2106

What beautiful week here in the Coastal Bend of Texas. Temps every day started out in the mid-50s to mid-60s, rising gradually to the mid- to high 70s by mid-afternoon. Humidity was low, the breezes were light, and the sun shone brightly, with just a few clouds occasionally flitting by. Perfect.

Monday morning I spent an hour doing Yoga at the clubhouse. Whew! Starting in March we’ll have 2 classes per week with an instructor, rather than just 1. We can really see how we’ve improved since our first class in January. The Yoga instructor's studio had a photo competition last week; participants were to submit photos taken during their classes. We submitted one, since many of us were wearing the same patterned “Yoga Happy Pants” (sold by friend Marihelen). We won! Here’ the photo we submitted. Left to right: Marihelen, Pam, Diane, Sharon, me. Funny!

That afternoon Dick played Texas Hold ‘em for a few hours, while I worked on the blog and knitted.

I attended Tuesday’s Stitch and Bitch session at 9 a.m. Tuesday morning. I have 5 baby sweaters on order to make before the end of April, plus 2 as gifts from me, so I’m busy knitting. So, while I knit, Dick walked through the park and along Fulton Beach Road. After that he worked for a few hours, then we met at Wii bowling for an hour of fun. What a crazy crew! Four teams of 3 played 3 games, with Dick’s team winning 2 of the 3 games.

Later that day, friend and neighbor Art had a fish fry at his place, using up just some of the fish he recently caught. We didn’t stay for the food, but did enjoy the company of friends for a while before we went to dinner with friends Jerry and Bonnie. Dinner was at Paradise Key, located just to the south of Rockport, along the water. We noshed on crab cakes, shrimp Alfredo, and chicken Alfredo. Yum-Yum! No room for dessert that night!

Wednesday morning, after I “sweated to—and with—the oldies” Dick and I went to breakfast at Whataburger on our way to do laundry. For $6.04 we can get 2 breakfast sausage, egg and cheese sandwiches and 2 senior coffees. Just the perfect size meal.

When we returned to the park, Dick took a walk through the park and along Fulton Beach Road where he saw birds, as well as oyster and shrimp boats.

That evening we attended happy hour and dinner at the clubhouse. Chef Betty served tossed salad, fried chicken, twice baked potatoes, cooked carrots, rolls, and bananas Foster. Yum! No one went away hungry!

Dick returned to the clubhouse that evening to play Texas Hold ‘em for a couple hours. I stayed home to knit.

5:30 came early Thursday morning, when we got up to get ready for our trip to Progreso, Mexico for the day. Eleven of us piled into 3 cars and headed out at 7 a.m. for the 3½ hour trip. Progreso is located just across the border from Harlingen, Texas, and is one of the safest border towns in Mexico. We stopped at Whataburger in Kingsville, Texas for breakfast, arriving to Progresso about 11 a.m.

Although you can drive into Mexico, we opt to park on the US side and walk across the bridge, crossing the Rio Grande into Mexico. For $2 the parking fee can’t be beat! There’s also a $.50 fee at the border to walk across into Mexico.

Once in Progreso, you’re greeted by locals soliciting your business, for pharmacias, dentists, and optometrists. There are dozens of pharmacies, dentists, and eye care offices lining the streets—crazy! Many folks, including Winter Texans cross into Mexico to buy their medicines there, as they’re a lot cheaper than in the US. And…no prescription is necessary. They also have their dental work done in Progreso; most of the dentists have received their training in the States, so their work is really quite good. Here again, the price is usually less than 1/3 the cost of having work done in the US.  

Shopping is the main activity of Winter Texans in Progreso. Vendors line the streets selling their wares: Mexican arts and crafts, clothing, leather goods, jewelry, pottery, glassware…the list goes on. Two “super stores” (The Canada Store and El Super Disco) are located within 2 blocks of the border, offering food, liquor, medicines, clothing, housewares, Mexican art, etc. You can usually bargain with vendors over the price, getting some good deals if you’re willing to search them out. We got some good deals on Sterling Silver pieces for gifts. Of course, we had to get the obligatory t-shirts, too. Although there’s a shopping center several blocks from the border, we haven’t ventured that far into town.

Lunch was at Arturos, a restaurant within 2 blocks of the border, and one of the most popular. The food is excellent, service is great, and prices are reasonable. They’ve been in business for over 50 years. We noshed on chips and salsas, fajita rolls, enchiladas, tacos, shrimp-stuff tomatoes, and other stuff I can’t remember. Yummy stuff! I’m told the Margaritas were pretty good, too!

Restaurants, bars, and outdoor cantinas line the streets amid the vendors. I’ve been told food from the outdoor food vendors is good, but we haven’t dared try it.

Our drive back seemed longer than 3½ hours, but we were home by 6 p.m., in time for some of our crew to play Bingo at the clubhouse. Dick and I opted to stay home and not go up to play Pegs & Jokers. We did hear that the women won all 3 games that night, though. Hoorah! 

Friday morning’s Yoga class (via DVD) was really a workout. It’s much more difficult to practice Yoga to a DVD than in an instructor-led class, but we still do it. Of course, it could be that we were tuckered out from our previous day in Mexico... Dick worked most of that day, as the park’s owner was in town. He did finish up in time to come to happy hour and chili cook off at the clubhouse at 4 p.m. 

This year there were 12 participants in the cook off; most of the entries were red or tomato-based, and some were made with venison. There were 2 white chicken chilies, too—one was mine. I won 3^rd place for the 2^nd year in a row. Friends Patty won 1^st, and Laura won 2nd. Guess Texas chili needs to be red! Quite a good time and a fabulous turnout--both participants and those that came to just eat and vote. There were almost 60 people there. Along with the chili there was cornbread and garlic bread, as well as crackers, cheese and sour cream. Good times!

Saturday I spent the day knitting, hoping to put a dent in the sweater orders (1 down, 1 almost completed, 5 to go). Dick worked, giving me uninterrupted time. I did sit outside, though, in the beautiful weather to knit.

Later, Gary and Pam invited us and a few other friends to their place for happy hour, and to meet their friends Dan and Charlene from Oregon. What a hoot! We enjoyed ourselves outdoors for about 2½ hours, and then, when the temps started dipping a bit too low to sit outside, decided to go to dinner at the Oyster House (used to be Alice Faye’s).

We were seated almost immediately, which was a surprise, as there were 10 of us. David ordered 2 dozen oysters on the half-shell, Bob ordered a rib-eye steak, Marihelen had fried shrimp, and the rest of us ordered sandwiches: French dip, grilled Reuben, burgers and grilled chicken. We had such a good time; we get together with friends, and all we do is laugh, talk, laugh, eat, laugh, laugh, laugh...well, you get the picture.

Sunday morning we attended the 8:30 a.m. service at First Baptist Church of Rockport. Pastor Jones is continuing his sermon series on the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt and journey into the Promised Land, entitled: A Journey of Hope and Life. The main point of this week’s message was on the “Old Covenant” relationship the Israelites had with God. (Exodus 19:3-8) By keeping the covenant they made with Him, they agreed to fully obey Him, and in turn God promised they would be His treasured possessions, set aside for His purpose. The Israelites were to be an example to other nations so that others would see God’s truth in them; they were to proclaim God’s truth and extend the invitation to others to experience God’s love and truth; they were to offer acceptable offerings to  God to bridge the gap between Yahweh and themselves; and, they were to hold to God’s Word and promises so anyone could also benefit from God’s divinely revealed truth. Bear in mind that at that time, blood sacrifices were required to satisfy the divide between God and man. 

When Jesus became the “New Covenant” by his death on the cross and resurrection, man was no longer required to provide a blood sacrifice—that blood sacrifice was already made for all of us through the blood of Jesus, shed on the cross. Thankfully, this isn't a work-based faith; all we need to do is accept and believe that Jesus died to pay our sin debt for us. Ephesians 2:13 explains the “New Covenant”: “But now you belong to Christ Jesus. At one time you were far away from God. Now you have been brought close to Him. Christ did this for you when He gave his blood on the cross.”  Amazing and unconditional love. Here’s the link to his sermon: fbcrockport.net/sermons/

After breakfast at home, Dick worked for a few hours before the ice cream social and Pegs & Jokers at 2 p.m. That day we played 2 tables, and women took the men 2:1 at each. Hoorah!

After dinner Dick went back to the clubhouse to play poker with a group from the park. He’s really gettin’ in to it! Although he won over $3, it’s a good thing it’s only a nickel/dime game! Ha!

Well, friends, that’s it for this week. Time is flying by, and we’re getting close to the time we say farewell to quite a few Winter Texan friends. Some are leaving the beginning of March, more toward the middle and end of the month. We’ll be here ‘til May 1.

Until next week, we send you love ‘n’ hugs.

RJ and Gail

Bay View RV Resort – Rockport, Texas - February 8-14, 2016

What a wonderful week this was, weather-wise: sunshine, light breeze most days, relatively low humidity, temps in the mid- to high 70s. Perfect!

Tuesday morning’s temps were still in the high 40s, but the sun came out, and it was a good day. I attended the weekly Stitch and Bitch session with 8 lady friends, and Dick walked the park and Fulton Beach Road. I produced knitted stitches; Dick produced photos of more birds! This day he saw ducks, a Sparrow Hawk, and a Great White Egret.

 That afternoon was another rousing game of Wii bowling. Four teams of 4 each made for a lot of cheering, booing, and downright noise! Dick's team won 2 of the 3 games we played. Afterward, we sat outside at our site reading, waiting for time to pass until we headed to Panjo’s Pizza for dinner with friends Bob and Sharon, Dick and Fran, Gary and Pam, Bill and Arleen.

Wednesday’s temps were again in the high 40s at 6:30 a.m. I attended the rescheduled Yoga class at 10 a.m., and Dick walked the park and Fulton Beach Road, seeing ducks, egrets and gulls. Then, off to work he went leaving me to wash the exterior windows of our camper. Uff-da! I’m sure it was an interesting site, me attempting to balance on uneven ground on a ladder. At least they’re clean—for a while.

That evening was happy hour and dinner at the clubhouse. For $7 each we were served roast chicken or shrimp over home-made pasta, cooked carrots, tossed salad, rolls, and a lemon jelly roll cake for dessert. Not bad! That evening Dick returned to the clubhouse for more Texas Hold ‘em, this time winning $7.

Dick decided to take the Goose Island State Park Songbird Tour on Thursday morning at 8:30. That meant a really early breakfast before he drove off, and Sharon and I went to the clubhouse for Pilates. However, once we got there we met a gal who saw us walking in with our mats; she is a Yoga instructor who was in the park for just a couple of days. She offered 2 free Yoga classes (Thursday and Friday)—we said “yes!” Again, I say Uff-da! She really worked us, but it was a good workout. The following photos are just  few of the many Dick took on the birding tour.

That evening Dick and I were invited to Illinois friends Randy and Jeri’s coach for dinner. Wow! 

Randy smokes the best ribs and freezes them before they come down. So…we had ribs, BBQ pulled pork, baked potatoes, green salad, baked beans, corn casserole, fresh fruit skewers, and cherry-chocolate cake for dessert. UFF-DA!!! Sure was good! Only wish we had remembered to take our camera for a photo of the food table. Joining us for dinner were Marvin and Shirley, Bill and Carole, of course Randy and Jeri, and Steve and Pam (friends of Marvin and Shirley).

Afterward we all headed to the clubhouse for an evening of Pegs and Jokers. Women won 2:1 over the guys. Yippee-skippee!

Friday morning was another fun-filled hour of Yoga with Cindy, the in-park visiting Yoga instructor. Although we were a bit sore from the previous day’s workout, most of us returned for another session.  While we were sweatin’ and stretchin’ Dick walked the park and Fulton Beach Road, seeing Egrets, Great Blue Herons, and White Pelicans. Then, since it was such a beautiful day he threw a leg over his motorcycle and rode to nearby Cape Velero, then came home and washed the big black truck. He saw these magnificent birds at Cape Velero.

It was LaMardi Gras time last week, so a bunch of us drove over to nearby Lamar on Friday night to celebrate. This annual celebration benefits the Lamar Volunteer Fire Department, drawing people from all over this part of Texas. Joining us this year were Bob and Sharon, Steve and Marty, Mary, Dave and Marihelen, and Bill and Arleen. We usually go on Saturday for the parade and lunch, but since there was a lot going on Saturday, we opted to go Friday night. It opened at 5 p.m. with music by Three Way Street (a country rock band; and one of the members is friend Bob’s guitar teacher.) We noshed on egg rolls, pecan shortbread, red beans and rice, BBQ brisket tacos, and much, much more! Sodas, beer and wine were available, too. All were purchased by buying tickets so no money was exchanged inside the food tent. There also was a Chinese Auction (you buy tickets, write your name and phone number on them and place them in designated boxes for the drawings); blackjack tables were set up nearby, using tickets for money with all winnings exchanged for tickets going into the auction boxes. Friend Marty ended up winning $1,200 in tickets (no money) good for 12 auction tickets. (Dang, she never received a call saying she won anything…) About 8 p.m. Whiskey Bent, another country band, started playing. We left shortly after 8:30. What a fun evening with good friends. (LaMardi Gras continued all day Saturday into the night, with more food and more bands, and vendors selling their wares. We bought 2 can cozies with the Seattle Seahawks log on them.)

Saturday morning Dick went off to work on computer projects in the office while a few of us ladies decorated the clubhouse for our annual Valentines Dinner and Dance, scheduled for that evening. Red tablecloths, pink and red plates and napkins, red carnations, candy kisses and hearts, and other heart-shaped items decorated the tables. 

After decorating, a few of us (Pam, Sharon, Lynn and I) went to Aransas Pass for February’s Market Days at the Civic Center. Vendors from all over Texas put out their wares for purchase. Everything from home decorator and kitchen items, shirts and aprons, photos and jewelry, to food was available. We all entered our names into the door prize drawings (did not have to be present to win); I won a children’s book (hmm, wonder who’ll get that…?). Got the call shortly after we returned home telling me I had won, but didn’t go to pick it up ‘til Sunday after church.

We all needed a bit of nourishment after our shopping trip, so a stop at Shempy’s, located between Aransas Pass and Rockport, was next on the list. They have fabulous lobster bisque—yup, we all had a cup. Yummy stuff! Figured that would be enough to hold us over ‘til our dinner at the clubhouse that evening.

Happy hour started at 5 p.m., with dinner at 6. Dinner’s menu was our choice of prime rib or lobster-crab cakes, baked potatoes, salad bar, and Bananas Foster for dessert. YUM-YUM! For $20 per person, you couldn’t beat the price! We all brought our beverages of choice, and had a wonderful time together. Music was brought to us by the Bay View Baysiders (formerly the Jam Session Guys).

 

Sunday, Valentine’s Day, was beautiful, with temps in the mid-60s when we greeted the day. Off to First Baptist Church of Rockport for their 8:30 a.m. service. Pastor Scott continued his sermon series from Exodus: the Israelites’ journey of hope and faith. Today’s topic was “Deliverance.” Pastor Scott asked a poignant question for our consideration: “how can we know our lives can be delivered (from sin) and changed?” Answer: God’s love changes us--our lives are valuable to Him; and, God will display His power and glory in our lives for all to see. His judgement will ultimately change the world. Our changed lives will reveal Christ’s greatness—not our imperfect lives. The only thing that will separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus is our unbelief. Here’s a link to his messages: www.fbcrockport.net/sermons/

After church we drove into Aransas Pass so I could retrieve my door prize, “The Cobweb Christmas.” It’s an Old World Tale of how uninvited guests into Tante’s house spin webs on her Christmas tree that get changed into beautiful threads of silver and gold. And that, as they say, is how tinsel came to be.

Then, it was just a short drive down the road to breakfast at The Bakery, in Aransas Pass. Dick and I each had an omelet, hash browns, and rye toast. Good food! They’re always busy, so we were pleased to find seating immediately.

We returned home for just a bit before going up to the clubhouse and gazebo for the wedding of Richard and Toni (she works in the office). A reception was held in the clubhouse, with punch and cake, just before the weekly ice cream social. The weather was beautiful, and the wedding went off “with” a hitch! Ha!

Then we had to play a few games of Pegs & Jokers with Bob and Sharon, Bill and Carole, John and Sarah, and Arleen filling in for Dick who had to go to work for a few hours. We women gave up the 2 games we played to the men, allowing them to boost their egos a bit. The year’s not over yet, and we have many more games to play, to prove the women’s prowess.

 

Just before 4 p.m. we walked over to David and Marihelen’s for happy hour.  Joining them were Pam and Gary, Bob and Sharon, John, another Dick, Bill and Arleen, Dick and me. What a fun time! We laughed and chatted for a couple hours before the chill got to us and the day’s light faded. It was the perfect end to a perfect week.

Until next week, here’s hoping y’all are safe and healthy. We look forward to sharing more fun times with you. 

Love ‘n’ hugs,

RJ and Gail