Fall activities in Texas

After we crossed the Golden Gate Bridge (pictured below) in Arkansas, we enjoyed a few miscellaneous activities while basing in Texas without moving the trusty truck camper from our site.

Traversing a one-lane suspension bridge near our house in Arkansas on our way to Texas adventures this fall.

Halloween 2013

Halloween is an event that most of the resort users try to be back in TX to attend. We have a dance, great snacks, and costumes. At the party, when asked about how we selected our costumes, we told people the story that Daisy and I had agreed to go as an Indian couple. We just forgot to mention to each other which continent we would be representing. Daisy wanted to wear the sari she had been given as a wedding gift by our friends Ranjana and Vinod. Our friend Carol helped us make my American Indian costume. For our costumes and story, we received the prize as the best-dressed couple.

An Indian couple--East and West

From the front

Back view of Daisy's sari

Presentation of the Couple Award.   "Mine" she says.

Dancing at the Mustang Lounge

Jay and the woman he's with (for 38 years!)

Performer Ruthi is from our resort.

With Mel, Randy, Karen, and Wild Bill

1,2,3-1,2,3: We love to waltz.

Sharon's Celebration of Life Ceremony

A dear friend to many passed on in July. Sharon and I planned what she want to have as her memorial service upon the return of the resort residents for the season. In accordance with her wishes, we carried out the celebration of her life in late fall. The service included prayers, scriptures, readings, and comments from friends.

Up, up, and away

Our friend Sharon

Here is a poem that Daisy read during the balloon release.

Don't Grieve For Me For Now I'm Free

(author unknown)

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free
I'm following the path God laid for me.
I took His hand when I heard Him call;
I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way;
I found that place at the close of day.

If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss;
Ah yes, these things, I too will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life's been full, I savored much;
Good friends, good times, a loved ones touch.

Perhaps my time seems all to brief;
Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me,
God wanted me now, He set me free.

Memorial plaque at the park

Balloons filling up our RV

Welcoming drop-in visitors

Bob and Rita came to visit from Des Moines.

If it happens in Vegas it stays in Vegas, or we did take one flight.

Our home was the Las Vegas Hotel.

Palm trees, towers, and skyscrapers

Yet to open. Its name? Beats me.

Monorail

We were attending the annual Association of Career and Technical Education convention. Daisy is the official member and I am the tag-along spouse, or as I have been call by some of her close friends, her "eye candy."  That makes me smile :)

Past presidents of one division of the association

Accepting award for a student

Vegas at night

We ate out just before going to catch a musical show.

Chateau Ste. Michelle wine and chewy rolls

Show was about Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons

Another meal with Andrea, Bret, Cheryl, and Wanda

Dinner at the Lemongrass Thai restaurant

Softshell crab on fried rice

Thai beef with peppers and mushrooms

There was a Cowboy Christmas market in the convention center with boots, clothes, saddles, and trucks.

We won in Vegas...a  photo with a tall blonde cowgirl and a chance for a red truck

Meanwhile, back at the ranch in Texas: In the RV kitchen

I like to make quiche, and we have several friends who like to share it whenever we invite them.

Pete and Becky on one occasion

Pete and Linda on another

Broccoli, spinach, bell pepper, onion, and a mix of 3 shredded cheeses

Christmas 2013 and the annual Hildago Festival of Lights

Fifty of us from the resort joined together and purchased all the tickets for one seating of a sit-down dinner, trolley ride to view 3 million lights, and a musical presentation in the nearby town of Hildago. 

City courthouse, dining, and show area at dusk

Washboard Willy, a one-man band

The musical program was presented by the Estudiantina Guadalupana Potosima from San Luis Potosi, Mexico. This singing group is composed of approximately 25 boys of junior high, high school, and some elementary age with mostly excellent singing voices. 

The group had its origin in 16th century Spain and the costumes the boys wear are replicas of a student’s clothing at that time. They sang songs of the folkloric times of the 16th century as well as the traditional Christmas songs.

The above little guy stole the hearts of the audience with his energetic solos, facial expressions and showkidship personality.

Christmas sweetheart food basket auction

In order to earn funds for needy families in the area, we held an auction of snack baskets for two that were prepared by the women from the park. The baskets were created in secret and packaged so that you had no idea who had prepared the basket or what was in it.

Doug won the blind bid for Daisy's charity basket.

I knew what Daisy's food box looked like so I did not bid for it.  The one I obtained, after 5 bidding attempts, had roast beef sandwiches, green salad, vegetables with dip, lemon tarts, and wine.

 I won the bid for Judy's basket for charity. It was yummy.

In search of interesting cuisine

Rio Grande Grill is a local favorite

We are always looking for special local restaurants. We are fortunate to have friends who live yearlong in the area who love to discover great eating places as well.

Janet and Barry

Smoked fish tacos

Tortilla soup with avocado

There is one more blog to come for this year, so we will see you next time.

Thanks for sharing our adventures.