Bay View RV Resort – Rockport, Texas – December 12-18, 2016

As we enter the week of Christmas we'd like to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas, with love!

This week was more of the same activities: Yoga, Wii bowling, Texas Hold ‘em, Pegs & Jokers, etc. As more folks come into the park, more folks join in. Such fun! 

Dick worked almost every day, too, but does take time out to be involved in some of the activities. Now that the pickle ball net is up, several folks have been playing. We’ve not yet taken advantage of that activity, but I know it’ll be on our agenda. (Perhaps when the weather gets warmer we will. Temps dipped to freezing last night and will continue to be cold through Tuesday… Brr!)

Last week I mentioned we decided to upgrade our camper. We are now the proud owners of a 2017 Grand Design Reflection 337RLS. LOVE IT! Dick now has a larger shower (with a seat!) and I have a kitchen with counter space! We also have a fireplace and a really large closet. Yea!! Although I’ve been working like a dog to get everything put away, there are still boxes and bags around. So, I’m taking advantage of what the internet has to offer with photos of our unit. This is exactly what our unit will look like once everything finds a home—promise!

We're thrilled with the quality and workmanship of this unit: all hardwood cabinetry and woodwork, combination microwave/convection oven (and a real oven, too), large shower with a seat and triple glass door, working fireplace (nicely heats up the room in the mornings!), large island in kitchen with a country sink, automatic leveling system and, a huge king-sized closet with lots of shelving. There are motion detector lights in strategic areas, ample storage under the queen bed, a double refrigerator/freezer and, lots of storage space. Lovin' it!

Wednesday evening was spent at the clubhouse with about 40 friends, first for happy hour and then for another one of Lynda’s wonder dinners: salad, hearty beef stew, homemade bread and, cheesecake with blueberries for dessert. YUM! As I’ve mentioned before, we do not go hungry around here!

With the impending move to our new camper, I spent most of Wednesday and Thursday packing to move into our new home. Dick has always lauded my ability to find places for things, but I’m not so sure that’s a good thing! My, oh my, we have a lot of stuff! However, that said, everything turned out quite well. 

We had dinner Thursday evening at Panjo’s with 16 of our closest friends. Sure hit the spot! Panjo’s pizza is so yummy! Afterward Dick and I played Pegs & Jokers with Bill and Carole: men: 2, women: 1. Boohoo…

Friday was moving day. We purchased our 5^th wheel from Camper Clinic here in Rockport; our salesperson Mike Franks was phenomenal to work with, and helped make our transition so easy. We pulled our Sundance adjacent to our new Reflection on their lot; a ramp was placed between the two campers and we were able to move items from one to the other without stairs, making the whole process easier. Friends David and Marihelen showed up to help. We are so grateful to them for their friendship, love and of course, their help. We completed the ordeal in less than 2 hours. While Dick and David continued to move stuff, Marihelen and I made up our bed so at least that was ready for us to fall into that night! Of course not everything was put away, but everything was in one unit! Should’ve taking a picture…

Friday was also the debut of my friend Marty and me singing with the Bay View Players, a small group of 2 guys and their guitars. We sang 4 songs with them during happy hour, so it was a full day for me! We’re not ready for “prime time” but we did have fun. Dick didn’t get videos of our performance, but we’ll be doing it again this coming Friday so he’ll try again. 

We then drove to Paradise Key just west of Rockport for dinner. Joining us were David and Marihelen (to thank them for their help), and Sharon (Bob was rehearsing with his band so wasn’t able to make it). We enjoyed grilled salmon with a  honey glaze, grilled flounder with crawfish etouffee sauce, coconut shrimp, and cheesy grits with shrimp. YUM-YUM! 

Saturday Dick worked in the park’s office; I worked in our new camper finding places for all our paraphernalia... Amazing how much I accomplished in such a short time. Our camper moved from complete chaos to organized chaos! Ha!

That evening our park was the debut venue for another band, Southern Wave Shakedown (friend Bob’s band). They played from 7-9:00 in the clubhouse, entertaining 80-100 friends. Their repertoire included country, oldies, and rock ‘n’ roll. Everyone appeared to enjoy them. Dick was asked to videotape their performance, so here are samples. I faded after about ½ hour so I went home and crashed.

Walkin' after Midnight  and  Bad Moon Rising

That evening temperatures dipped to the high 40s. Our furnace kicked in for the first time about 3 a.m. It was also the first time that the fire alarm went off, scaring us out of our wits. Apparently, the furnace was burning off some residue so it set off the alarm. We turned on the unit’s exhaust fan which cleared the smell our rather quickly. We found out the furnace worked—thankfully!!

Sunday we went to church, where we celebrated the 4^th Sunday of Advent as well as the Lord’s supper. It was such a good service with traditional Christmas music and responsive readings by Pastor Scott and the congregation. 

Breakfast followed at JJ’s Little Bay Café where we noshed on a Denver omelette, bacon and eggs, hash browns and rye toast. And, lots of hot coffee. YUMMY!

We returned home where I continued to unpack; Dick went to work. We met at the clubhouse at 2 p.m. for the ice cream social and an afternoon of Pegs & Jokers. Men: 2, women: 1. Boo…

Well, that’s it for this week. We wish for you a very happy Christmas, with family and loved ones. We’ll have another jam-packed weekend here in the park, with celebration get-togethers on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Take a moment to remember that the real reason for Christmas is more than the presents under the tree, glowing lights, stockings filled with toys hanging from the mantle and, Santa Clause. 

Jesus is the real reason; He is our gift from God. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son; that whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

Much love to you,

RJ and Gail

Bay View RV Resort – Rockport, Texas – December 5-11, 2016

Winter hit us here in Texas last week, with temperatures dipping to the low 40s at night and hitting the high 50s during the day. This, along with wind and rain…brrr… I know this seems balmy to those of you in other parts of the country but to us here along the Gulf it’s cold! This week upcoming will bring temps in the mid- to high 70s—perfect.

We’ve had some changes in our lives: we sold our Sundance camper and bought a new 35’ Grand Design 5^th wheel. We take delivery on it Friday. Now to pack up everything to transfer to the new unit… I’m hoping it’ll be an easy transition. Will let you know next week. We’re excited! The Sundance has been a good home for us for the past 5 years, so we hope our new camper will serve us as well. We'll share photos next week.

Our week was full of the usual activities: Yoga, Wii bowling, poker, Pegs & Jokers (women still rule, as we won 3 of the last 4 games we played), Pilates, etc. Dick also worked almost every day last week. Sometimes it’s like a full-time job! Dick and I also installed a pickleball net, as there are quite a few folks in the park who play. Activities abound!

We also did our share of eating out. Dick thinks I forgot how to cook! Monday it was dinner at a relatively new restaurant, The Fisherman’s Daughter, where we ate our fill of scallops and stuffed shrimp. Tuesday was dinner at the Oyster House for their $4.50 raw oyster special; of course we also had burgers and a yummy Philadelphia cheese steak sandwich and onion rings. Wednesday was dinner at the clubhouse where Chef Lynda served spaghetti and meatballs (stuffed with mozzarella), salad, garlic bread and, French silk pie—YUMMY!! Of course, we couldn’t have a week go by without pizza at Panjo’s, so that was our dinner Thursday night. Friday’s lunch was burgers at the clubhouse. (Good thing I have Yoga, Pilates, and a walking class during the week!)

Friday early evening was spent at the clubhouse celebrating the birthdays of 2 friends in the park: Ed (Wisconsin) and Marge (Michigan). Appetizers and cake were the fare and, we were entertained by the Riptones who were with us a few weeks ago (and will be back on New Year’s Eve!). Wonderful music and entertainment. Here are photos of the evening, as well as a couple of videos:

Boot Scootin’ Boogie
Luckenbach, Texas

Dick worked Saturday morning, and then took a walk around the park. Here’s what he found: American Wigeon ducks and the ever-present (and my favorites), Roseate Spoonbills.

Saturday evening we attended the Christmas choir concert at our church. What a treat! David and Marihelen joined us. Entitled, “Christmas in His Presence, the Timeless Story of His Coming,” the cantata told the story of the Savior of the world lying in a humble manger. It brought to mind the sense of childlike wonder, not through the familiar Christmas cards and gifts or decorations of the holiday, but through Jesus’ divine presence. It was 45 minutes of traditional Christmas music, narration, and special solos by some of the choir members. Here are videos of our 2 favorites: Hannah Dishongh sang Heaven’s Child and Eric Scott sang All Rise with Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty. Beautiful!

After the concert we had dinner at Moondog, a nearby restaurant on the water. Fish tacos, grilled shrimp salad, corn chowder and nachos were our choices. Good stuff!

Because of the concert Saturday evening, and again Sunday morning there was no regular church service. Instead we attended brunch at the clubhouse with about 30 of our park friends, where we were served an egg ‘n’ cheese casserole, sausage, hash browns, muffins, orange juice and coffee. Good stuff!

Then, it was off to Symphony by the Sea, our annual tradition to welcome in the holiday season. Nine friends from the park joined us. Held at the Rockport-Fulton High School, it featured the Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra and the award-winning Rockport-Fulton High School choir. Directed by guest conductor Paul Haas, we were treated to traditional Christmas music, classical selections by early composers like Tchaikovsky, Handel and Bach to more contemporary composers. There were vocal soloists as well as a teen cello soloist who was magnificent. Here are some photos and videos from the concert.

Sleigh Ride
Let It Go from "Frozen"
Hallelujah Chorus
Let There Be Peace on Earth

Then it was off to Arandas Mexican Restaurant for dinner. Enchiladas, tacos, nachos, and chicken fried steak were our choices. We did not go away hungry!

Well, that’s it for this week. Hope you enjoyed our musings. Hugs ‘n’ love,

RJ and Gail

Bay View RV Resort – November 28-December 4 2016

For some reason this was a quiet week here in the park. We did participate in our usual activities (Yoga, Wii bowling, Pegs & Jokers, Texas Hold’ em), but other than that it seemed quiet. 

Weather has been mild—that is until Friday when a cold front came through dropping temperatures from the mid-70s to the low 50s. And rain! It poured Saturday and Sunday, which was good because we really need the rain. Maybe not the cold temps, but… The rain continued through Sunday.

 

The ladies decorated the clubhouse for Christmas on Monday after Yoga—all except for the tree. We had 3 of the men do that. They did a pretty awesome job of it, too! Thanks Bob, Dick Weber, and David!

My Dick worked almost every day this week, so that made it seem quiet around the home front. During his absence I knitted; I have orders for a few sweaters and vests, so my needles are clicking away!

We enjoyed dinners out a few times this week: Tuesday was oysters and nachos at the Oyster House with 22 friends from our park; Wednesday was happy hour and dinner at the clubhouse (Lynda served a green salad, carrots, au gratin potatoes, and a lovely pork roast); and, Thursday was pizza at Panjo’s with 12 friends from the park.

  

All 22 of us at the Oyster House  on Tuesday evening. Raw oysters: $4.50 per dozen!

Dick’s walk around the park on Wednesday netted him photos of ducks, egrets, herons, a Monarch butterfly, turtles and, buzzards. He walked; I Yoga-ed.

Clockwise: Black-bellied Whistling Ducks; American Coots; Black Vulture; Great Blue Heron; Great White Egret

Thursday mornings, after our Pilates session at the clubhouse, the ladies have started walking to a video DVD. Sure gets our blood pumping! We started out slow, walking only 1 mile. We’ll be picking up that pace as the weeks go by, for sure. That evening after pizza Dick and I played Pegs & Jokers with Bill and Carole. Outcome: 3:1, women! Yippee-skippee!

Friend Marihelen needed to go into Corpus Christi on Friday, so Pam and I joined her. We made stops at Michael’s; Bed Bath and Beyond; Ross for Less; Hobby Lobby and JoAnn’s. Oh, and we did fit in a stop at BJ’s Grill and Brewhouse for lunch, where we noshed on chicken tortilla soup, California chicken club sandwich, Tuscan tomato bisque, and Mediterranean pita chicken tacos. We were full by the time we left! Yum-yum! Will definitely go back there!

Happy hour that evening was at the clubhouse. Afterward David and Marihelen served turkey enchiladas to those who were there; I supplied the chips, salsa and guacamole. Excellent!

Saturday was the monthly craft and bake sale at the clubhouse. Our park vendors displayed their wares: jewelry, hand-crafted wooden boxes, quilted items and baskets, paperback book holders, card holders, whirlygigs and books. I played the keyboard—Christmas music hoping to get everyone in the mood for shopping. I was able to take a few photos during a lull in the activities and while I was on break.

Somehow/somewhere Dick contracted a bad cold, so we didn’t attend church on Sunday; he didn’t want to infect anyone if he was contagious. He coughed and hacked through the morning, but by mid-afternoon he felt well enough to play Pegs & Jokers at the clubhouse. There were enough folks for 2 tables: 6 and 4. We played with Bill and Carole: women 3, men 1. We’re on a roll!

Thought you’d get a kick out of this shot: found this little gecko peaking out from one of the pockets on our deck chair.

That’s pretty much it for this week. We hope you’re getting in the spirit of Christmas. We certainly are. Dick will be hanging our wreath this week, once the rain stops…

Hugs,

RJ and Gail

Bay View RV Resort – Rockport, Texas – November 21-27, 2016

Hope y’all had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends. We certainly did! The week was full of eating, talking and laughing with our Bay View family. Friends from Wisconsin, Cindy and Ray, showed up here in the park, too, which was a wonderful surprise. Wish we had had more time to talk; perhaps when they come back in March we’ll have that opportunity.

Temperatures ranged between the mid-50s to the high 70s this week, with sunshine almost every day and, low humidity. Perfect!

Dick worked most every day, both in the office and at home. And, since he’s the park’s “computer doctor” he helped friends with their computer issues, too. He did a few things around the camper, as well, like sealing the area around the antenna, eliminated a squeak that had around the jacks and, got rid of a crop of mushrooms growing in the back yard. There were dozens of them!

I attended Yoga classes Monday and Wednesday and, Stitch & Bitch on Tuesday. We’re making quite a bit of progress on the “plarn” mats for the homeless, although the cutting and rolling plastic strips is going a lot faster than the crocheting. Friends Tom, Steve and Marty and I got together on Monday, again, to rehearse our chosen songs—apparently we’re singing at happy hour at the clubhouse on the 16^th. Won’t that be a hoot!

Other activities included Wii bowling on Tuesday afternoon and Texas Hold ‘em on Wednesday night. We also played Pegs & Jokers Thursday night and Sunday afternoon. Gals are falling a bit behind in the winning bracket but we refuse to give up! The guys have won 5 of the last 8 games played. Sad…

We ate out quite a bit this week, too. Monday was Mexican at Arandas here in Rockport, with friends Pam and Gary and David and Marihelen. Good stuff! Tuesday night was pizza at Panjo’s with friends Bill and Arleen, Dick and Fran, Sharon, Marge, and Dick and me. Again, good stuff! Then, Wednesday night it was on to the Oyster House for raw oysters (and other stuff from their menu) with 11 friends from the park. Good times and good music and good food! Lovin’ those oysters—can you believe it?!? (David shared his love of these delectable morsels, fixed his way: a bit of red cocktail sauce and a drop of Tabasco. YUM-YUM!! I can’t get Dick to try them—yet… Thanks, David, for getting me to try them! I’m sure Pam thanks you, too!)

Here are photos of our Thanksgiving Day feast that we shared with about 100 of our “closest” friends here in the park. The park owner provided food that Chef Lynda and her kitchen crew prepared: 12 turkeys, the stuffing and the gravy and a ham donated by a park guest. Everything else was provided by us campers: salads, sides (including tons of mashed potatoes) and desserts. Good food, good fellowship, and fun times. 

Friday, after burgers in the clubhouse, Dick and I drove to Portland, Texas to shop at Academy Sports. Their sale was pretty good. We picked up a couple of Christmas gifts and 3 fleece jackets ($9.99 each!), a pair of capris for me. Then on to Walmart for a few grocery items and to refuel the truck. By the time we returned it was time for happy hour at Pam and Gary’s—just the 4 of us. We enjoy their friendship so much.

Saturday afternoon we headed to friends Butch and Laura’s for happy hour, with about 16 friends. The weather was a bit cool, so some of us sported jackets for that hour.

Sunday morning we attended First Baptist Church of Rockport, for the first Sunday of Advent. Pastor Scott Jones continued his Christmas sermon series, “God With Us.” This week’s message was from Matthew 1:18-25, entitled, “Savior.” His 2 main points were these: 

1.     Jesus’ birth occurred to fulfill God’s ancient promise to be with us—Jesus came to be with us, right where we are. When we trust in God’s Word and what it reveals to us, we need never doubt God’s presence with us.

2.     Jesus’ birth means God’s presence accomplishes our salvation from our sin. “Jesus” or “Yahweh” means “salvation.”  Do we/you believe and trust that in Jesus Christ your sin is forgiven?

Here’s the link to his message: fbcrockport.net/sermons

Returning home for a very light breakfast, we headed to the clubhouse for a mini repeat of Thursday’s Thanksgiving dinner, with leftovers. Still good! Then it was Pegs & Jokers, during which we introduced the game to friends Mitch and Cindy. (I covered the outcomes of our games this week earlier. ‘Nuff said…)

We leave you with photos of birds taken earlier this past week—mostly ducks in our back pond. There were a lot: American Black Ducks, Black-bellied Whistling Ducks and, Northern Shovelers. Of course, there were the Roseate Spoonbills, too!

That’s it for this week. ‘til next time, we hope you have a wonderful week, happy and healthy.

Hugs,

RJ and Gail