Month: January 2020

We’re heading back to Nuevo Progreso, Mexico. Not wanting to get stranded as we did on our last outing, we rented a car yesterday.  Allan was happy to get a Charger.  The grey matches Bailey’s grey.

We attend our 730a stretch class, shower up and head out.  It’s about a 40m drive, we arrive at the border about 10a.

Our missions today are 1) Get a Margarita/Beer 2) Mani/Pedi 3) Lunch 4) Purchase Winter Texan jackets.  I’d like to see a dentist but Allan is still reluctant so not on this trip.

1. Margarita and Dos Equis Ambar purchased at Red Panty Bar
2. Attend Erika’s Nail Spa Being pampered while enjoying a bevvy = priceless.  Hair salon in the front, manicure chairs in the rear.
   

   

3. Lunch.  I had catfish for the first time.  Delish!
   
4. Jacket.  Allan is holding his 🙂  We could only negotiate $5 off per jacket but I got him to throw in a shot of tequila for each of us. All jobbies done we wander around for a bit then head back.
   

   Downtown Pharr coming & going, pick up and drop off of rental vehicle.

   Our new water filtration system arrived today, tomorrow will be installation day.Hot tub time, this was the sky, moon & star when we walked back.

It’s walk to Mercadome Flea Market day.

It’s a 1h 50m walk which will help our FitBit daily step requirement of 10k a day.  We are in a  weekend FB challenge which is fun.  Want to join us?  Add me!

I love #walking but there are several homes along our walk who house super vicious dogs.  Most of them are fenced, but still come lunging out at us, scaring the crap out of me. Yes, Allan giggles!We arrive #fleamarket at 1114a

First order of business?  Lunch!!

Entertainment while eating Band Some of the sights, I have to get better at location photos.

Another live band

Question is do we walk back or Uber.  We decide to have a rest while having a beer and walk back.  We enjoy a much needed hot tub when we get back!

End of the day step results,  Allan rules!​

 

Alarm goes off at 625 – we like to be at the stretch class by 7ish to walk around the ballroom (where the class happens) it is in the largest “floating ballroom floor” in Texas.  We do not know what a floating floor is, google to the rescue.  Stretch class every weekday at 730a lead by Nancy- followed by aerobics M-W-F at 815a.  Our FitBits and challenges are clearly our motivators.  Always need new FitBit friends. Add me!

Most days are OK but Fridays after the exciting Thursday are, well, challenging but yahoo we make it there. Return for a much deserved breakfast!  Allan’s breakfast tacos made with jicama shells, super delicious with just the right heat

We let it ferment a little longer but it is here orange peel/vinegar cleaner day! 

Much to my surprise it works well as a cleaner!  It removed bird poop I’ve tried to remove on our plastic table using  Dawn, Comet and much elbow grease.  Anxious to evaluate it as a bug repellent.

Sitting outdoors, look up!  It’s Woody!

Look at those legs! Good night funny

Happy, great weather!And the birds, still there.

 

 

 

A walk around the park

We went to a potluck Banana Block Party last Thursday, didn’t realize it was a weekly event.  The weekly host displays the “banana” frame to alert others where the bash is being held. Bananas are a lovely group of people who make us newcomers feel welcome.

After the bash, Thursday night means!!  Card Bingo!  We’re still having fun even though we, nor our partners win anything!

In the hot tub by 915p.  We meet 2 guys from Winnipeg who tell us about a local flea market   It’s a mere 1h50m walk. We think we’ll walk there and Uber back.

Adventure time tomorrow if it doesn’t rain.

Super dreary day, no sun and although the weather app shows 66 it feels much colder.  Not Newmarket cold so not really complaining, the oranges on the other hand have the right to complain.

Tuesday is Rock & Roll at the clubhouse, starting at noon – 11 if you want lunch.  I remember when events started at 9p. We’re not old enough for a noon start…..yet!

It’s good but not as good as last week so we bail at intermission and head to H.E.B to stock up on groceries.  NO, this time it is not code for liquor!!

Birds are ALWAYS perched on the wire outside of H.E.B.sI will not post the photo of the sidewalk under said wire!

Allan’s not looking happy,  why???He’s attempting to figure out the US tax form to get back some the 30% tax we had to pay on our slot machine winnings. The IRS doesn’t make it easy.

Enough of that to the hot tub we go….

Today’s screw search takes us to @Lowes 

First, our morning stretch class, step outside, oh boy it’s so cold.  This is the temps in both F & C.  Our Northern friends will not feel bad for us…

but this is what we have been used to since arriving in Southern Texas We have breakfast then off to Lowe’s.

Success!  We find the correct screws, Costco is next door so we pop in to exchange a pair of jeans.

Heading back we make a stop at On the Grill and I enjoy a margarita, Allan is pleased they have Michelob Ultra Amber on draft. The words behind the bar match our flag.We head back, prepare and enjoy dinner.  The hot tub didn’t work over the weekend and as it’s still chilly I suggest we walk over clothed so ensure it is heating.  Yes it is, but after walking there I decided I wasn’t up to changing and heading back.  Settle for watching TV wrapped in blankets.  

Today’s mission, cause there is always one.  Find a #10 screw to replace some corroded ones.  But first breakfast tacos made with left overs and eggs. 

Isn’t she cute from this angle?We are walking to O’Reilly Auto Parts in San Juan TX, about a 40 minute walk.  No luck finding a screw but at least have a head start on our daily steps.

Tonight’s activity, .25 a card, we splurge and get 2 each.  Games each have a different combination of patterns, small picture frames, kite, regular bingo and of course black out bingo.  The couple who sat down next to us were nice. Sounds like it should be fun, right!  Neither of us were having much fun.  We bailed on the extra last cards, returned to Bailey, put on our suits and headed to the hot tub.  It is frickin freezing!  We last about 2 minutes and retreat to Bailey.

 

We explore the grocery store, well actually we went shopping for the normal stuff and found some interesting items.  When we were in Mexico many vendors were breaking this up and packaging.  No idea what it was then but found it today.  It is a type of cactus.  Found a recipe and made cactus salad which even Allan approved of.

Next up tacos!

Again, Allan approved.  As my nephew used to say “What the heck is going on around here!”  Wish we could get this stuff at home.

Mexican string cheese, very delicious

These are next on our list to try 

Slept in 🙁 didn’t get up till 722 so missed our 730 stretch class.  Doesn’t matter because the highlight of today will be our HEB’s delivery.  Delivery is scheduled between 9 & 10a.

928a he’s here.  Allan rushes out, B2, (glitter pup) looks onThe exchange is happening…

Here’s the loot!

On the crazy weather everywhere front.  This is our son’s place in Victoria, BC

Action packed day!  Start with a 630a Wellness Check. It’s a blood test where they check for a multiple of issues.  We don’t, at least I don’t know of such a test at home.  Blood given, if there is an immediate issue they will call today or tomorrow, if not pick up results in 5 days. 

Next, morning stretch exercises.

Next, back to Bailey, complete work, shower to get ready for the day.  We have a potluck at 5p on the next street, Banana St. We are on Cherry St but are assured Cherry Pickers are welcome.

Next, realize we are almost out of small bottled water. Allan, always thinking says HEB delivers lets order for delivery all the stuff that is heavy to carry ie small water cases, big waters, beer and wine. This is our first online shopping order, place it for delivery tomorrow morning. 

Next, Dollar Tree, where everything is still $1 for a tray to take Allan’s famous wings to the potluck.

Next, walk to HEB to pick up the wings and get our 10k minimum daily steps. 

Next, back home hang out here and attempt to catch up on this blog!

AND decide we will go to the St. Pete’s race.  Allan finds us a resort (with a hot tub), books it and orders, what we hope are great tickets to the race.

Next, 4p Allan preps and Traegers the wings.

Next, we arrive at the host home at 505, everyone is there.  33 people arrived before us for a 5p event!  Drop your food on the table and set up your chairs.  It was fun, good food, met new people.  Shortest event ever, 630p we were back in Bailey and we were one of the last to leave. 

Next, Card Bingo, first time for us.  Nope, didn’t win.

Next, HOT TUB!!

Next, watch Chicago PD.

We’ll sleep well!