JOURNAL OF TININTHEWIND

     In reading the title of this blog, know that I am speaking to and referring to myself.  I used to pride myself on paying particular attention to the little things, not making a lot of foolish errors, and generally, being ahead of the game.  Since reaching the well seasoned age over about 60, little errors would gradually begin to occur more often than I liked. When happening, I was likely to lash out verbally to whom ever was in hearing distance, (Kathleen) with the usual tirade of "It's the _ _ _ _ _ to get old", and other colorful complaints.  Usually falling on deaf ears but at least I felt better for getting it off my chest.  Within minutes I was usually back to thinking I was infallible and impervious to imperfection.

     Today was the height of Stupid.  On preparation for leaving Lo De Marcos I filled our on board water tank with that "not so pure and questionable" Mexican water, but added enough bleach to sanitize the system as we traveled to the States.  We could use it for showering and flushing the toilet but would drink bottled water as needed.  By having that concentration of bleach in the system and lines I could drain the tank on arrival and fill with fresh water at our Texas destination.

     It was the perfect day for it.  I discretely opened the valve and slowly began draining the tank early in the day.  It was windy enough that hardly a puddle showed below the coach and after several hours the huge tank was empty.  I closed the valve, shifting it to allow for the fresh water to now refill the tank and went inside to do other chores.  It should take about 30 minutes maximum to fill the tank.  Sitting at this computer, some four hours later my aged brain cells kick in and I realize I forgot to turn the water off.  Yes, there is an overflow tube, so no damage to the "tininthewind", but on exiting in a hurry, I missed the step to the ground and went "_ _ _ over tea kettle", rolling several times through a rather large puddle.  I am none the worse for wear except for a possible cracked rib and a bruised arm.

     This whole section of the park now knows from my verbal loud exclamation that "It's the _ _ _ _ _ to get old".  I guess I am not telling them anything they don't already know as from an age standpoint we are all in the same boat.  No pun intended.

Posted by George at 06:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Adiós Mexico

     On Wednesday afternoon and evening 02/25/09 we said good-by to our neighbors, new friends, friends from the previous year and prepared for a good nights sleep. 

     This retired and RV life-style of ours is pleasantly different from the work-a-day and fixed bricks and sticks life-style in many ways, with the one most pleasant element being that of having the time and circumstances of meeting so many different people from different cultures and establishing friendships that will last long in to the future.  We had such warm friendly neighbors in Gilles, Diane, Bob, and Judy that it was difficult to say good-by, but with hope, our paths may cross again in the future. 

     Our stay in Lo De Marcos, Mexico for the winter of 2008/2009 was just shy of 4 months.  It was a beautiful RV park with very elegant surrounding, numerous restaurants near by with a very good one as part of the complex.  The Pacific Ocean beach, two swimming pools, and weather that at times was boring (85 to 90 and sunny every day).  What not to like, Well, to be fair there were a couple of negatives.  The on again, off again WiFi INTERNET left a lot to be desired, the extremely high humidity, and refried beans for every meal took its toll and thus we left a couple weeks earlier than planned.

     We left at 6:30 a.m. Thursday morning with our very good friend Allan opening the gate and wishing us safe travels.  Alan and Jean will especially be missed.  We have been fortunate to have established a close relationship with two very special Canadians.  The 'truck driver' in me took over, with good roads, and my trusty map reading partner we were within striking distance of the Mexico/Texas border after our first day.  Friday morning it was an easy drive and with no hassles crossing the border at Los Indios, just north of Brownsville Texas we were parked in our new stop of Victoria Palms RV Park in Donna, Texas by 2:00 p.m.  This is one of those infamous 'Snow Bird' parks of the Rio Grand Valley with 1200 RV sites and on our arrival this early the park has very few open sites.  It will take us several days to get re-acclimated to U.S. soil and facilities but already we have found a meal or two without re-fried beans.

     We are looking forward to about 3 weeks to explore the Rio Grand Valley and the entire gulf coast of Texas before turning our heading North for our favorite RV stop of 'Sunshine Acres' near Waukon, Iowa.

     To all of our friends left behind:  May your travels home be safe and to your liking.  We will miss you all.

Posted by George at 10:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

     I know I haven't blogged for some time but we have been experiencing a visit from both our sons and their families here in Mexico and I just did not want to take even one minute from their visit.  To spend quality time with our grandkids and their moms and dads was our focus and from my assesment, quality time we had.  Pictured above are Bill and Heidi, Mason and Maddie.

     As I looked through our picture file from their visit I saw literally hundreds of quality pictures that will make one heck of an album but for the moment I wanted to deal more with the arrival and departure aspect of the visit because for so long we waited patiently for their arrival and all too soon it was departure time.  Four photo's jumped out at me and they are shown to start this piece and end this piece.

     There is one other photo that I think is important to include here.  In showing it I don't want to imply that my grandsons are not important to me because for sure they are.  Kathleen and I had two boys, and I knew I would not have girls until daughter-in-laws came along.  Two of those I now have and I couldn't be happier.  The two little granddaughters that you see in my lap in the following pictures----well their pretty special too.

     Bill, Heidi, Mason and Maddie stayed a week.  Scott, Angela, Ellie and Zak were here for about 3 weeks and we all had a great time.  I will be sorting through some great photo's for some time to come.  The memories from these visits will linger with all for years and years.  Having the memories does not make the parting and departure any easier though.  It is quiet and lonely around our pad here in Lo De Marcos Mexico at the moment.  Pictured below are Scott and Angela, Zak and Ellie just hours before their leaving for the states.

     We too will soon be saying good-by to Lo De Marcos, the fabulous weather, and those terific sunsets.

Posted by George at 08:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)