I would like to think that Spring is just around the corner - but I know we could still have another freeze. I hope not - but our climate is changing. Or is it? I remember maybe eight or so years ago that we had ice on the highways as late as February 6. So even if you do want to start replanting, hold on - it is a little too early.
Even so we are having some beautiful weather right now. Low to mid-seventies is just the perfect time for long walks, trips to the zoo or maybe even a visit to South Padre Island. It's time to fly a kite, build a sandcastle or even join in the beach cleanup.
How blessed we are to be in the Rio Grande Valley. I check the temperature daily to have an idea of what to expect for the rest of the week. And of course, I want to see what the temperature is in San Antonio and Austin as that is where my children live. I was shocked a few days ago to see printed in bold letters COLD on the map for Amarillo. I am very glad I don't have to live in 21-degree weather.
Read more: Cool days lead to warm days
Move over Bingo, there’s a new kid in town – Yahoo (not as in yippee – yahoo is the name of the game).
“It’s really growing,” said Robert Jacques, a Canadian resident who lives at Sleepy Valley Resort in Mission with his wife from October to April and has been a Winter Texan for 16 years now. “There are ladies that arrive an hour before the game. They have their specific chair and table and toys to put on the table. They’ll bring chocolates and candies and play other things until the game starts.
“It’s really a social game.”
Read more: Yahoo card games bringing people to the table
Do angels live at Bit-O-Heaven RV and Mobile Home Resort at 1051 W Bus Hwy 83 in Donna? You will need to visit and discover for yourself.
Friendship has always been the driving force for visitors and residents at this 55 and over park which features numerous unique activities including music jams and church services/Bible study.
The country music jams each Wednesday through March from 1-3 are preceded by lunch. The jam hosts are Steve (bass guitar) and Peggy Brown (piano) who also form one-half of the stage band. The jam announcers are Judy Hagen and Betty Thomas.
Read more: BREAKING NEWS: Angels spotted at Bit-O Heaven Resort
In January, Linda and I were asked if we would like the opportunity to take a fun early morning stroll, bird watching in the Bentsen State Park with an experienced team of bird watchers known as twitchers.
So, on Saturday morning, I was up early to shave, shower, make the coffee and take the dogs for a long walk before we met this group of twitchers. But first, Linda had to do her hair.
Read more: The Twitcher
By Kathy Olivarez
During the last week of January, the Kenastons, long-time favorite entertainers among Winter Texan residents, hosted blind singer Justin Trevino as their special guest.
Trevino was born in the Valley but his parents moved to Austin so he could attend the school for the blind as a child. Once a winter he comes down to visit relatives. For the past five years he has played with the Kenastons during those visits.
Read more: Kenaston Band host blind singer Justin Trevino
Valley life wins praise
We all know why Winter Texans come to Valley. When you ask, it’s not only because of the weather, but it’s also because of the friendliness of the people in the Valley, how much there is to do, and how little you have to spend to do the things you love.
This is a reprint of an article published in the February 12, 1988, edition of the Winter Texan Times.
“Valley life wins praise in syndicated column”
Read more: Winter Texan Times: Looking back 35 years
Submitted by Sharon Bargel
For the third year, Paradise Park RV Resort in Harlingen has been overwhelmingly generous in giving to the Harlingen CISD’s Clothing Closet, operated as part of the Family and Community Engagement (FACE) program to assist school district families in need.
In winter 2020 the Clothing Closet was selected to be the beneficiary of the park’s spirit of giving holiday project when resident Sharon Bargel heard about the Clothing Closet and their need for warm coats and cold weather clothing on a local news station. That year, despite COVID restraints and fewer Winter Texans, they delivered 578 items of new clothing and new shoes to the Closet.
Read more: Paradise Park in Harlingen has spirit of giving
By Kathy Olivarez
Submitted by Larry Schmitt
Most Winter Texans are familiar with Men of A-Chord and Sweet Adeline’s. They were groups that performed in the Winter Texan parks from January through March. In recent years, the groups have changed, numbers have gone up and down as well, and so has the makeup of the groups.
