Winter Texan Times - Newshttps://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats.feed2024-03-28T09:17:48-05:00Winter Texan Timeswebmaster@wintertexantimes.comJoomla! - Open Source Content ManagementSkills needed for successful shuffleboard2024-02-14T15:59:00-06:002024-02-14T15:59:00-06:00https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/4662-skills-needed-for-successful-shuffleboard.htmlgraphicsgraphics@wintertexantimes.com<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/stories/2023/Shuffleboard-01-web.gif" width="350" height="308" alt="Shuffleboard 01 web" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />There’s a variety of skills needed to be successful at shuffleboard. Not all of them require great math skills and knowing angles – but that probably doesn’t hurt.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">They need hand-eye coordination, to be able to communicate in double without communicating – sort of like a pitcher and catcher in baseball. A deft touch, with a willingness to be aggressive as well is good too.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Having played for years – better known as gaining experience – usually helps too.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">That was the only box not checked by Tropic Star’s Ellie and Tom Chadwick as they captured the amateur mixed doubles title Monday during the City of McAllen’s Golden Age Olympics.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/4662-skills-needed-for-successful-shuffleboard.html">Read More ...</a></p><p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/stories/2023/Shuffleboard-01-web.gif" width="350" height="308" alt="Shuffleboard 01 web" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />There’s a variety of skills needed to be successful at shuffleboard. Not all of them require great math skills and knowing angles – but that probably doesn’t hurt.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">They need hand-eye coordination, to be able to communicate in double without communicating – sort of like a pitcher and catcher in baseball. A deft touch, with a willingness to be aggressive as well is good too.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Having played for years – better known as gaining experience – usually helps too.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">That was the only box not checked by Tropic Star’s Ellie and Tom Chadwick as they captured the amateur mixed doubles title Monday during the City of McAllen’s Golden Age Olympics.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/4662-skills-needed-for-successful-shuffleboard.html">Read More ...</a></p>Still shufflin’ at 1022024-02-02T19:39:53-06:002024-02-02T19:39:53-06:00https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/4627-still-shufflin-at-102.htmlgraphicsgraphics@wintertexantimes.com<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/20240131_Venus-Miller_shuffleboard-web.gif" width="225" height="300" alt="20240131 Venus Miller shuffleboard web" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />As Venus Hall and I walked over to some bleachers away from the competitors to sit for this interview, the native “Okie” just climbed up to the top row as if he was 40 years old, younger than me, more stable on his feet and the only shuffling coming when he’s shuffle boarding either at Snow to Sun Park or during the current Golden Age Olympics with his wife Betty.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">As we took our seats, I sat one row below while he easily took a spot on the top row, the first thing I asked him was if the rumors were true that he was 102 years old.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">“January 13, 1922,” he quickly replied.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">From the Army, to living and working on a ranch “for a whole big $4 per day” to turning a crappie pole into a shuffleboard stick, Hall was as fascinating to talk to as it was to watch his wife Bettie play shuffleboard – winning a state championship twice and an international title once.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">“Man, she’s just won about everything,” Venus said. The couple met in Missouri and Betty needed to wait six years before she could retire. After that, some friends invited them to come check out life as Winter Texans. They came to visit and are now going on their 26th year at Snow to Sun.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/4627-still-shufflin-at-102.html">Read More ...</a></p><p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/20240131_Venus-Miller_shuffleboard-web.gif" width="225" height="300" alt="20240131 Venus Miller shuffleboard web" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />As Venus Hall and I walked over to some bleachers away from the competitors to sit for this interview, the native “Okie” just climbed up to the top row as if he was 40 years old, younger than me, more stable on his feet and the only shuffling coming when he’s shuffle boarding either at Snow to Sun Park or during the current Golden Age Olympics with his wife Betty.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">As we took our seats, I sat one row below while he easily took a spot on the top row, the first thing I asked him was if the rumors were true that he was 102 years old.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">“January 13, 1922,” he quickly replied.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">From the Army, to living and working on a ranch “for a whole big $4 per day” to turning a crappie pole into a shuffleboard stick, Hall was as fascinating to talk to as it was to watch his wife Bettie play shuffleboard – winning a state championship twice and an international title once.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">“Man, she’s just won about everything,” Venus said. The couple met in Missouri and Betty needed to wait six years before she could retire. After that, some friends invited them to come check out life as Winter Texans. They came to visit and are now going on their 26th year at Snow to Sun.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/4627-still-shufflin-at-102.html">Read More ...</a></p>Bringing football to the 500 table2024-01-25T21:14:39-06:002024-01-25T21:14:39-06:00https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/4613-bringing-football-to-the-500-table.htmlgraphicsgraphics@wintertexantimes.com<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/1T4A8023_web.gif" width="300" height="200" alt="1T4A8023 web" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />The colorful jackets displayed the loyalty of NFL fans across the country during the city of McAllen’s Golden Age Olympics cards tournament at the Palmview Community Center recently.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">The annual Olympics is a multi-week event with several competitions – from bird watching, to cards to pickleball, shuffleboard and more. While Winter Texans and their parks comprise most of the competitors, residents from across the Valley who meet the criteria can also participate.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">500 or Five Hundred is a trick-taking game developed in the United States from Euchre, another card tournament that will take place in February. Most games are played with four players – two against two.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings, Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills fans, among others wore their team colors proudly. Ironically missing was any Dallas Cowboys garb, maybe because by this time they were also missing from the playoffs – eliminated by the “Pack.”</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/4613-bringing-football-to-the-500-table.html">Read More ...</a></p><p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/1T4A8023_web.gif" width="300" height="200" alt="1T4A8023 web" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />The colorful jackets displayed the loyalty of NFL fans across the country during the city of McAllen’s Golden Age Olympics cards tournament at the Palmview Community Center recently.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">The annual Olympics is a multi-week event with several competitions – from bird watching, to cards to pickleball, shuffleboard and more. While Winter Texans and their parks comprise most of the competitors, residents from across the Valley who meet the criteria can also participate.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">500 or Five Hundred is a trick-taking game developed in the United States from Euchre, another card tournament that will take place in February. Most games are played with four players – two against two.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings, Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills fans, among others wore their team colors proudly. Ironically missing was any Dallas Cowboys garb, maybe because by this time they were also missing from the playoffs – eliminated by the “Pack.”</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/4613-bringing-football-to-the-500-table.html">Read More ...</a></p>Cooler weather makes good for a round of cards2024-01-16T21:15:56-06:002024-01-16T21:15:56-06:00https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/4590-cooler-weather-makes-good-for-a-round-of-cards.htmlgraphicsgraphics@wintertexantimes.com<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/Hearts_GAO_03_web.gif" width="300" height="225" alt="Hearts GAO 03 web" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />Rick Light is a competitor.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Whether he’s playing cards online or in person, hitting the pickleball courts on a regular basis, or riding his bike daily, he thrives in and around competition.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">“Today is the first day I haven’t ridden my bike,” the St. Paul, Minn. native said during a break from the City of McAllen’s Golden Age Olympics “hearts” </span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">competition at Lark Community Center. “I rode it up here last year. I was going to do it today.”</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/4590-cooler-weather-makes-good-for-a-round-of-cards.html">Read More ...</a></p><p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/Hearts_GAO_03_web.gif" width="300" height="225" alt="Hearts GAO 03 web" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />Rick Light is a competitor.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Whether he’s playing cards online or in person, hitting the pickleball courts on a regular basis, or riding his bike daily, he thrives in and around competition.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">“Today is the first day I haven’t ridden my bike,” the St. Paul, Minn. native said during a break from the City of McAllen’s Golden Age Olympics “hearts” </span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">competition at Lark Community Center. “I rode it up here last year. I was going to do it today.”</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/4590-cooler-weather-makes-good-for-a-round-of-cards.html">Read More ...</a></p>Yahoo card games bringing people to the table2023-01-31T23:34:39-06:002023-01-31T23:34:39-06:00https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/4124-yahoo-card-games-bringing-people-to-the-table.htmlgraphicsgraphics@wintertexantimes.com<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/stories/2023/20230201_Cheap-Seats_Yahoo_Courtesy_03-web.png" width="350" height="262" alt="20230201 Cheap Seats Yahoo Courtesy 03 web" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />Move over Bingo, there’s a new kid in town – Yahoo (not as in yippee – yahoo is the name of the game).</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">“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.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">“It’s really a social game.”</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/4124-yahoo-card-games-bringing-people-to-the-table.html">Read More ...</a></p><p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/stories/2023/20230201_Cheap-Seats_Yahoo_Courtesy_03-web.png" width="350" height="262" alt="20230201 Cheap Seats Yahoo Courtesy 03 web" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />Move over Bingo, there’s a new kid in town – Yahoo (not as in yippee – yahoo is the name of the game).</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">“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.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">“It’s really a social game.”</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/4124-yahoo-card-games-bringing-people-to-the-table.html">Read More ...</a></p>Hearts: Run ‘em or right ‘em2023-01-27T18:21:02-06:002023-01-27T18:21:02-06:00https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/4096-hearts-run-em-or-right-em.htmlgraphicsgraphics@wintertexantimes.com<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/stories/2023/20230120_GAO_Hearts_HMiller_01-web.png" width="350" height="467" alt="20230120 GAO Hearts HMiller 01 web" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />The card game “Hearts” has been around since the 1800s and took center stage last week at the City of McAllen Golden Age Olympics.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">The Golden Age Olympics runs through Feb. 25 and there are dozens of active, and passive, events to compete in. From table tennis, golf and volleyball to card games, cheer, and walking, there are plenty of options for senior citizens to compete in.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">“I’m surprised there aren’t more locals participating,” Darrell Paul said. “We definitely want to take advantage of so many fun things the City of McAllen provides.”</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Twenty participants broke up into five tables of four to see who this year’s champion would be, using trickery, reading each other’s moves and hoping to shoot the moon.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Darrell Paul and his wife Barbara are hearts veterans who also plan to compete in other GAO events including euchre, pinochle and 500. Barbara is a three-time champ at 500.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">“I’ve only got a bronze so far,” said Darrell. “My wife has played a lot more than I have but I’m hoping to get one this year.”</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">The Paul’s have been coming to the Valley for 15 years, skipping out on the four nastiest months back in Davenport, Iowa. When they’re here, they keep extremely busy.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/4096-hearts-run-em-or-right-em.html">Read More ...</a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/stories/2023/20230120_GAO_Hearts_HMiller_01-web.png" width="350" height="467" alt="20230120 GAO Hearts HMiller 01 web" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />The card game “Hearts” has been around since the 1800s and took center stage last week at the City of McAllen Golden Age Olympics.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">The Golden Age Olympics runs through Feb. 25 and there are dozens of active, and passive, events to compete in. From table tennis, golf and volleyball to card games, cheer, and walking, there are plenty of options for senior citizens to compete in.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">“I’m surprised there aren’t more locals participating,” Darrell Paul said. “We definitely want to take advantage of so many fun things the City of McAllen provides.”</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Twenty participants broke up into five tables of four to see who this year’s champion would be, using trickery, reading each other’s moves and hoping to shoot the moon.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Darrell Paul and his wife Barbara are hearts veterans who also plan to compete in other GAO events including euchre, pinochle and 500. Barbara is a three-time champ at 500.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">“I’ve only got a bronze so far,” said Darrell. “My wife has played a lot more than I have but I’m hoping to get one this year.”</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">The Paul’s have been coming to the Valley for 15 years, skipping out on the four nastiest months back in Davenport, Iowa. When they’re here, they keep extremely busy.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/4096-hearts-run-em-or-right-em.html">Read More ...</a></p>Winter Texans enjoy some competitive 8-ball2023-01-18T11:06:52-06:002023-01-18T11:06:52-06:00https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/4081-winter-texans-enjoy-some-competitive-8-ball.htmlgraphicsgraphics@wintertexantimes.com<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/20230118_GAO_Pool_IMG_7123-web.png" alt="20230118_GAO_Pool_IMG_7123-web.png" style="float: left; margin: 5px;" />Maurice Parent’s father died while he was in school and his mother worked to provide for the family.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">While his friends were being paid allowances, Maurice wasn’t. Well, that’s not totally true. More often than not, Maurice won some of his friends’ allowances, beating them on one of 15 or 16 pool tables, actually snooker tables, set in the basement of a game hall.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">“I let them win sometimes,” Maurice joked prior to the McAllen Parks and Recreation 43rd annual Golden Age Olympics men’s 8-ball competition at Fast Eddies in McAllen. “I didn’t get an allowance so I would take theirs.”</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Maurice started coming to the Valley in 2006 and resides at Citrus Valley RV Park in McAllen. When he was in high school “earning” his allowance, they played snooker, a game similar to billiards but played with 22 balls, including a cue ball, 15 red balls and six other balls, called the "colours."</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/4081-winter-texans-enjoy-some-competitive-8-ball.html">Read More ...</a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/20230118_GAO_Pool_IMG_7123-web.png" alt="20230118_GAO_Pool_IMG_7123-web.png" style="float: left; margin: 5px;" />Maurice Parent’s father died while he was in school and his mother worked to provide for the family.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">While his friends were being paid allowances, Maurice wasn’t. Well, that’s not totally true. More often than not, Maurice won some of his friends’ allowances, beating them on one of 15 or 16 pool tables, actually snooker tables, set in the basement of a game hall.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">“I let them win sometimes,” Maurice joked prior to the McAllen Parks and Recreation 43rd annual Golden Age Olympics men’s 8-ball competition at Fast Eddies in McAllen. “I didn’t get an allowance so I would take theirs.”</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Maurice started coming to the Valley in 2006 and resides at Citrus Valley RV Park in McAllen. When he was in high school “earning” his allowance, they played snooker, a game similar to billiards but played with 22 balls, including a cue ball, 15 red balls and six other balls, called the "colours."</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/4081-winter-texans-enjoy-some-competitive-8-ball.html">Read More ...</a></p>January 11, 2022 - From the Cheap Seats2023-01-11T15:14:27-06:002023-01-11T15:14:27-06:00https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/4056-january-11-2022-from-the-cheap-seats.htmlgraphicsgraphics@wintertexantimes.com<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 18pt;"><strong><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/stories/2022/20230111_Winter-Texan-Bowling_HMiller_IMG_7089-web.png" width="350" height="233" alt="20230111 Winter Texan Bowling HMiller IMG 7089 web" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />Winter Texans clash in local alleys</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Stan Hawkins has bowled for 18 years. Wearing his “Flintstones” bright orange team uniform, designed by teammate Rich Michelena, the “Bowling Stones” and “Pin Pals” were two of several teams who hit the lane at Flamingo Bowl in McAllen for league play.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">The lanes were dotted on this day with several neon-colored jerseys from different Winter Texan Parks. Hawkins is a Bentsen Grove resident.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/4056-january-11-2022-from-the-cheap-seats.html">Read More ...</a></p><p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 18pt;"><strong><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/stories/2022/20230111_Winter-Texan-Bowling_HMiller_IMG_7089-web.png" width="350" height="233" alt="20230111 Winter Texan Bowling HMiller IMG 7089 web" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />Winter Texans clash in local alleys</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Stan Hawkins has bowled for 18 years. Wearing his “Flintstones” bright orange team uniform, designed by teammate Rich Michelena, the “Bowling Stones” and “Pin Pals” were two of several teams who hit the lane at Flamingo Bowl in McAllen for league play.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">The lanes were dotted on this day with several neon-colored jerseys from different Winter Texan Parks. Hawkins is a Bentsen Grove resident.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/4056-january-11-2022-from-the-cheap-seats.html">Read More ...</a></p>January 4, 2023 - From the Cheap Seats2023-01-03T22:18:10-06:002023-01-03T22:18:10-06:00https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/4029-january-4-2023-from-the-cheap-seats.htmlgraphicsgraphics@wintertexantimes.com<p><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/stories/2022/20230104_Shuffleboard-1_web.png" width="300" height="282" alt="20230104 Shuffleboard 1 web" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />Shufflers are shufflin’ again</span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">It wasn’t very long ago that shuffleboard was shuffling itself in the wrong direction, not just in the Valley, but around the country.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Not only were fewer Winter Texans taking part in the long-loved sport, but COVID-19 added to its rapid slow-down.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">But shufflers are shuffling again, and new shufflers are coming in at a rate not seen in many years.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/4029-january-4-2023-from-the-cheap-seats.html">Read More ...</a></p><p><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/stories/2022/20230104_Shuffleboard-1_web.png" width="300" height="282" alt="20230104 Shuffleboard 1 web" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />Shufflers are shufflin’ again</span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">It wasn’t very long ago that shuffleboard was shuffling itself in the wrong direction, not just in the Valley, but around the country.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Not only were fewer Winter Texans taking part in the long-loved sport, but COVID-19 added to its rapid slow-down.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">But shufflers are shuffling again, and new shufflers are coming in at a rate not seen in many years.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/4029-january-4-2023-from-the-cheap-seats.html">Read More ...</a></p>Taco Tuesday – A Sleepy Valley Tradition 2022-11-01T15:23:08-05:002022-11-01T15:23:08-05:00https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/3852-taco-tuesday-a-sleepy-valley-tradition.htmlgraphicsgraphics@wintertexantimes.com<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/stories/2022/20221102_Tacos-2_web.jpg" width="350" height="467" alt="20221102 Tacos 2 web" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />Kent Taylor is a quiet man.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">His charro beans, however, speak volumes. Not the way, though, you might be thinking.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Made from a recipe simply titled “Janet Lee’s Charro Beans,” their smell wafts through the air every Tuesday at Sleep Valley RV Park for Taco Tuesday, a tradition at the park since close to a decade ago.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/3852-taco-tuesday-a-sleepy-valley-tradition.html">Read More ...</a></p><p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/stories/2022/20221102_Tacos-2_web.jpg" width="350" height="467" alt="20221102 Tacos 2 web" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />Kent Taylor is a quiet man.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">His charro beans, however, speak volumes. Not the way, though, you might be thinking.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Made from a recipe simply titled “Janet Lee’s Charro Beans,” their smell wafts through the air every Tuesday at Sleep Valley RV Park for Taco Tuesday, a tradition at the park since close to a decade ago.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/3852-taco-tuesday-a-sleepy-valley-tradition.html">Read More ...</a></p>Square Dancing: A symphony for the floor2022-01-11T19:15:26-06:002022-01-11T19:15:26-06:00https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/3531-square-dancing-a-symphony-for-the-floor.htmlCarina Brunsoncarina@wintertexantimes.com<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/stories/2022/20220107_SquareDancing_MissionBell_HMiller_03_WEB.jpg" width="350" height="525" alt="20220107 SquareDancing MissionBell HMiller 03 WEB" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />A revival may be coming for those interested in square dancing.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Lessons and square dances are popping up at Winter Texan parks across the Valley. More importantly, both veterans and “newbies” are finding a keen interest in taking part.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">A few couples attended recently at Mission Bell RV Park in Mission, where Robert Ferguson teaches a weekly class Friday afternoons.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Chuck Berry, not to be confused with the rock 'n roll Chuck Berry, and his wife Phyllis are part of the newbie group.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/3531-square-dancing-a-symphony-for-the-floor.html">Read More ...</a></p><p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/stories/2022/20220107_SquareDancing_MissionBell_HMiller_03_WEB.jpg" width="350" height="525" alt="20220107 SquareDancing MissionBell HMiller 03 WEB" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />A revival may be coming for those interested in square dancing.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Lessons and square dances are popping up at Winter Texan parks across the Valley. More importantly, both veterans and “newbies” are finding a keen interest in taking part.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">A few couples attended recently at Mission Bell RV Park in Mission, where Robert Ferguson teaches a weekly class Friday afternoons.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Chuck Berry, not to be confused with the rock 'n roll Chuck Berry, and his wife Phyllis are part of the newbie group.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/3531-square-dancing-a-symphony-for-the-floor.html">Read More ...</a></p>Pickleball fun at Casa Del Valle2021-12-21T14:11:31-06:002021-12-21T14:11:31-06:00https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/3506-pickleball-fun-at-casa-del-valle.htmlgraphicsgraphics@wintertexantimes.com<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/stories/2021/pickleball_IMG_4841_web.jpg" width="450" height="261" alt="pickleball IMG 4841 web" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />Dawn Hardy is a self-described fierce competitor.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Watching her play confirms that unless you're watching the non-stop smile on her face when she's playing.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">A former college athlete who has played volleyball, softball, and numerous other sports, it only took her a couple pickleball games back home in Topeka, Kansas to fire up those competitive engines.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">“I love it,” said Hardy during the weekly pickleball mixer at Casa Del Valle in Alamo. “I especially love the friendships.”</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/3506-pickleball-fun-at-casa-del-valle.html">Read More ...</a></p><p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/stories/2021/pickleball_IMG_4841_web.jpg" width="450" height="261" alt="pickleball IMG 4841 web" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />Dawn Hardy is a self-described fierce competitor.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Watching her play confirms that unless you're watching the non-stop smile on her face when she's playing.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">A former college athlete who has played volleyball, softball, and numerous other sports, it only took her a couple pickleball games back home in Topeka, Kansas to fire up those competitive engines.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">“I love it,” said Hardy during the weekly pickleball mixer at Casa Del Valle in Alamo. “I especially love the friendships.”</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/3506-pickleball-fun-at-casa-del-valle.html">Read More ...</a></p>San Benito lights up2021-12-07T11:00:08-06:002021-12-07T11:00:08-06:00https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/3461-san-benito-lights-up.htmlgraphicsgraphics@wintertexantimes.com<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/San-Benito-Christmas_HMiller_01_web.jpg" width="300" height="400" alt="San Benito Christmas HMiller 01 web" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />SAN BENITO – One year ago, children were studying from home, adults were working from home and a new hybrid way of life was taking shape as COVID-19 left an unbridled path of both fear and devastation around the world.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Even Santa stayed begrudgingly cuddled up in his North Pole home along with the Missus, the elves, and the reindeer, knowing full well that all rooftops and chimneys had become off limits, even if he wore a mask.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Last week, however, a much-needed spirit lifter and highly anticipated Christmas tree lighting in San Benito brought nearby and surrounding communities together to Heavin Park in droves. The annual event welcomed more than an estimated 1,000 people, many of whom were excited to return and take part in an activity that was just another step toward reaching normalcy, whatever their normal might be.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/3461-san-benito-lights-up.html">Read More ...</a></p><p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/San-Benito-Christmas_HMiller_01_web.jpg" width="300" height="400" alt="San Benito Christmas HMiller 01 web" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />SAN BENITO – One year ago, children were studying from home, adults were working from home and a new hybrid way of life was taking shape as COVID-19 left an unbridled path of both fear and devastation around the world.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Even Santa stayed begrudgingly cuddled up in his North Pole home along with the Missus, the elves, and the reindeer, knowing full well that all rooftops and chimneys had become off limits, even if he wore a mask.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Last week, however, a much-needed spirit lifter and highly anticipated Christmas tree lighting in San Benito brought nearby and surrounding communities together to Heavin Park in droves. The annual event welcomed more than an estimated 1,000 people, many of whom were excited to return and take part in an activity that was just another step toward reaching normalcy, whatever their normal might be.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/3461-san-benito-lights-up.html">Read More ...</a></p>Jams are back in session2021-11-08T16:40:37-06:002021-11-08T16:40:37-06:00https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/3383-jams-are-back-in-session.htmlgraphicsgraphics@wintertexantimes.com<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/stories/2021/20211105_McAllen-Mobile-Jam_HMiller_05_web.jpg" width="450" height="338" alt="20211105 McAllen Mobile Jam HMiller 05 web" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />Maybe the single greatest sign of a return to normalcy happened last week at McAllen Mobile Park for the first “Opry” jam of the Winter Texan season.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Yet, the biggest sign was that the word that has dominated conversations around the world wasn't even mentioned. In fact, nothing about the year that was put on hold was heard.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">That will stay that way too, at least for this article, because on this date, Friday, Nov. 5, everything seemed as it should.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/3383-jams-are-back-in-session.html">Read More ...</a></p><p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/stories/2021/20211105_McAllen-Mobile-Jam_HMiller_05_web.jpg" width="450" height="338" alt="20211105 McAllen Mobile Jam HMiller 05 web" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />Maybe the single greatest sign of a return to normalcy happened last week at McAllen Mobile Park for the first “Opry” jam of the Winter Texan season.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Yet, the biggest sign was that the word that has dominated conversations around the world wasn't even mentioned. In fact, nothing about the year that was put on hold was heard.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">That will stay that way too, at least for this article, because on this date, Friday, Nov. 5, everything seemed as it should.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/3383-jams-are-back-in-session.html">Read More ...</a></p>Swinging, searching and talking: A perfect day on any golf course2021-10-19T10:39:56-05:002021-10-19T10:39:56-05:00https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/3318-swinging-searching-and-talking-a-perfect-day-on-any-golf-course.htmlgraphicsgraphics@wintertexantimes.com<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/from-the-cheap-seats/2021-1015_GOLF_Winter-Texan-Group_HMiller_01_web.jpg" width="400" height="281" alt="2021 1015 GOLF Winter Texan Group HMiller 01 web" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />It didn’t take long for Larry Riesselman and I to strike up a conversation. After all, we were on a golf course and, as everyone knows, other than swinging, and looking for your ball, the time is spent telling tales and reminiscing about days gone by.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">I happened to run into Larry, his wife Pat and Steve Glass on Palm View Golf Course in McAllen. Larry has been golfing since he was in his 20s and, well, since he’s a Winter Texan (who lives here 6.5 months a year now while back in Minnesota for 5.5 months), that means he’s done a lot of swinging (he has two holes-in-one!), a lot of looking for golf balls and a ton of conversing on the courses.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/3318-swinging-searching-and-talking-a-perfect-day-on-any-golf-course.html">Read More ...</a></p><p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/from-the-cheap-seats/2021-1015_GOLF_Winter-Texan-Group_HMiller_01_web.jpg" width="400" height="281" alt="2021 1015 GOLF Winter Texan Group HMiller 01 web" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />It didn’t take long for Larry Riesselman and I to strike up a conversation. After all, we were on a golf course and, as everyone knows, other than swinging, and looking for your ball, the time is spent telling tales and reminiscing about days gone by.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">I happened to run into Larry, his wife Pat and Steve Glass on Palm View Golf Course in McAllen. Larry has been golfing since he was in his 20s and, well, since he’s a Winter Texan (who lives here 6.5 months a year now while back in Minnesota for 5.5 months), that means he’s done a lot of swinging (he has two holes-in-one!), a lot of looking for golf balls and a ton of conversing on the courses.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/3318-swinging-searching-and-talking-a-perfect-day-on-any-golf-course.html">Read More ...</a></p>R/C racing reminiscent of NASCAR2021-03-02T13:59:26-06:002021-03-02T13:59:26-06:00https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/3170-r-c-racing-reminiscent-of-nascar.htmlgraphicsgraphics@wintertexantimes.com<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/from-the-cheap-seats/20210227_Alamo-Rec-RC-Open-House_Henry_IMG_3526_600px.png" width="600" height="400" alt="20210227 Alamo Rec RC Open House Henry IMG 3526 600px" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />“No, no he didn’t slam you, he didn’t bump you, he didn’t nudge you… he rubbed you. And rubbin’ son is racin’.” -- Robert Duvall as Harry Hoggie in the hit movie “Days of Thunder.”</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Cars blazed down the front-stretch, at one point hitting three and four wide on the cement track similar to the NASCAR venue in Dover, Delaware. The biggest difference here, however, was that sometimes when the cars were three and four wide, they weren’t all going in the same direction.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/3170-r-c-racing-reminiscent-of-nascar.html">Read More ...</a></p><p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/from-the-cheap-seats/20210227_Alamo-Rec-RC-Open-House_Henry_IMG_3526_600px.png" width="600" height="400" alt="20210227 Alamo Rec RC Open House Henry IMG 3526 600px" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />“No, no he didn’t slam you, he didn’t bump you, he didn’t nudge you… he rubbed you. And rubbin’ son is racin’.” -- Robert Duvall as Harry Hoggie in the hit movie “Days of Thunder.”</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Cars blazed down the front-stretch, at one point hitting three and four wide on the cement track similar to the NASCAR venue in Dover, Delaware. The biggest difference here, however, was that sometimes when the cars were three and four wide, they weren’t all going in the same direction.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/3170-r-c-racing-reminiscent-of-nascar.html">Read More ...</a></p>Olympics, chili, and cornbread2021-02-02T14:25:19-06:002021-02-02T14:25:19-06:00https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/3090-olympics-chili-and-cornbread.htmlgraphicsgraphics@wintertexantimes.com<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/from-the-cheap-seats/20210203_cheap_3326_600px.jpg" width="600" height="400" alt="20210203 cheap 3326 600px" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />Sport climbing, surfing, skateboarding, karate, baseball, and softball are all new sports for the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics (baseball and softball making a return).</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Maybe the International Olympics Committee should consider chili and cornbread cookoffs as well for future games. With McAllen Mobile Park giving a super-small sampling, if the results are anywhere near as tasty, it will surely be a hit and a long-standing event where winners will fiercely battle for the gold medal.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/3090-olympics-chili-and-cornbread.html">Read More ...</a></p><p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/from-the-cheap-seats/20210203_cheap_3326_600px.jpg" width="600" height="400" alt="20210203 cheap 3326 600px" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />Sport climbing, surfing, skateboarding, karate, baseball, and softball are all new sports for the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics (baseball and softball making a return).</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Maybe the International Olympics Committee should consider chili and cornbread cookoffs as well for future games. With McAllen Mobile Park giving a super-small sampling, if the results are anywhere near as tasty, it will surely be a hit and a long-standing event where winners will fiercely battle for the gold medal.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/3090-olympics-chili-and-cornbread.html">Read More ...</a></p>Softball: Camaraderie and Fun2021-01-26T14:53:25-06:002021-01-26T14:53:25-06:00https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/3075-softball-camaraderie-and-fun.htmlgraphicsgraphics@wintertexantimes.com<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/from-the-cheap-seats/cheap_3255_600px.jpg" width="600" height="310" alt="cheap 3255 600px" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />Patrick Neel heard all the motivation he needed as he rounded the bases. </span><br /><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">“Run faster, run faster,” the frantic voice of his wife Darlene echoed from the stands.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">“I'm running as fast as I can,” Neel laughed.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">In the end, Neel went into the scorebook as hitting a grand slam. It was during the Winter Texans U.S. versus Canada game that signals the end of the Winter Texan softball season.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/3075-softball-camaraderie-and-fun.html">Read More ...</a></p><p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/from-the-cheap-seats/cheap_3255_600px.jpg" width="600" height="310" alt="cheap 3255 600px" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />Patrick Neel heard all the motivation he needed as he rounded the bases. </span><br /><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">“Run faster, run faster,” the frantic voice of his wife Darlene echoed from the stands.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">“I'm running as fast as I can,” Neel laughed.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">In the end, Neel went into the scorebook as hitting a grand slam. It was during the Winter Texans U.S. versus Canada game that signals the end of the Winter Texan softball season.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/3075-softball-camaraderie-and-fun.html">Read More ...</a></p>R/C racing still going strong2021-01-19T13:40:24-06:002021-01-19T13:40:24-06:00https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/3049-r-c-racing-still-going-strong.htmlgraphicsgraphics@wintertexantimes.com<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/from-the-cheap-seats/cheap_3024_600px.jpg" width="600" height="400" alt="cheap 3024 600px" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />DONNA – The remote-control race car scene is in full swing in the Rio Grande Valley's Winter Texan parks.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">At least one park has also opened their doors for more than just winter visitors to compete as well.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/3049-r-c-racing-still-going-strong.html">Read More ...</a></p><p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/from-the-cheap-seats/cheap_3024_600px.jpg" width="600" height="400" alt="cheap 3024 600px" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />DONNA – The remote-control race car scene is in full swing in the Rio Grande Valley's Winter Texan parks.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">At least one park has also opened their doors for more than just winter visitors to compete as well.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/3049-r-c-racing-still-going-strong.html">Read More ...</a></p>Bicycling2020-12-08T13:57:37-06:002020-12-08T13:57:37-06:00https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/2964-bicycling.htmlgraphicsgraphics@wintertexantimes.com<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/from-the-cheap-seats/20201209_cheap_600px.jpg" width="600" height="418" alt="20201209 cheap 600px" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />Helen Wright found a Schwinn bike back in Michigan for $20 and bought it, figuring she may want to ride after she arrived at Bentsen Palm RV Park in Mission.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">She did not realize at the time how much she would be using it. </span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/2964-bicycling.html">Read More ...</a></p><p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/from-the-cheap-seats/20201209_cheap_600px.jpg" width="600" height="418" alt="20201209 cheap 600px" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />Helen Wright found a Schwinn bike back in Michigan for $20 and bought it, figuring she may want to ride after she arrived at Bentsen Palm RV Park in Mission.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">She did not realize at the time how much she would be using it. </span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/2964-bicycling.html">Read More ...</a></p>Texas Trails Golf Bingo2020-12-01T15:54:19-06:002020-12-01T15:54:19-06:00https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/2952-texas-trails-golf-bingo.htmlgraphicsgraphics@wintertexantimes.com<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/from-the-cheap-seats/tx-trails_golf-bingo_img_2382-2.jpg" width="600" height="400" alt="tx trails golf bingo img 2382 2" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />“Golfers” sat in their carts and patiently waited. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Wait, these aren’t golfers.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">“B7,” a voice called out over a speaker. Those waiting went into action, looking down at their “scorecards,” which weren’t scorecards at all — just like they weren’t golfers.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/2952-texas-trails-golf-bingo.html">Read More ...</a></p><p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/from-the-cheap-seats/tx-trails_golf-bingo_img_2382-2.jpg" width="600" height="400" alt="tx trails golf bingo img 2382 2" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />“Golfers” sat in their carts and patiently waited. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Wait, these aren’t golfers.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">“B7,” a voice called out over a speaker. Those waiting went into action, looking down at their “scorecards,” which weren’t scorecards at all — just like they weren’t golfers.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/2952-texas-trails-golf-bingo.html">Read More ...</a></p>Enjoy an intense game of table tennis2020-11-17T14:05:49-06:002020-11-17T14:05:49-06:00https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/2931-enjoy-an-intense-game-of-table-tennis.htmlgraphicsgraphics@wintertexantimes.com<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/from-the-cheap-seats/cheap_table-tennis_2416-3.jpg" width="450" height="327" alt="cheap table tennis 2416 3" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />Jan Easton was looking for something active to do so she took a shot at table tennis.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Now, she's playing three to four times a week (probably more when nobody's looking) in the craft building at Victoria Palms RV Park in Donna.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/2931-enjoy-an-intense-game-of-table-tennis.html">Read More ...</a></p><p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/from-the-cheap-seats/cheap_table-tennis_2416-3.jpg" width="450" height="327" alt="cheap table tennis 2416 3" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />Jan Easton was looking for something active to do so she took a shot at table tennis.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Now, she's playing three to four times a week (probably more when nobody's looking) in the craft building at Victoria Palms RV Park in Donna.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/2931-enjoy-an-intense-game-of-table-tennis.html">Read More ...</a></p>Halloween and the spirit of Winter Texans2020-11-03T16:13:03-06:002020-11-03T16:13:03-06:00https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/2923-halloween-and-the-spirit-of-winter-texans.htmlgraphicsgraphics@wintertexantimes.com<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/from-the-cheap-seats/03_cheap.jpg" width="450" height="338" alt="03 cheap" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />Ghouls, goblins and ghosts – and a whole bunch more – didn't wait for the stillness of night to make their scary presence seen and heard around Texas Trails RV Park in Pharr.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/2923-halloween-and-the-spirit-of-winter-texans.html">Read More ...</a></p><p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/from-the-cheap-seats/03_cheap.jpg" width="450" height="338" alt="03 cheap" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />Ghouls, goblins and ghosts – and a whole bunch more – didn't wait for the stillness of night to make their scary presence seen and heard around Texas Trails RV Park in Pharr.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/2923-halloween-and-the-spirit-of-winter-texans.html">Read More ...</a></p>From the Cheap Seats2020-10-21T11:22:28-05:002020-10-21T11:22:28-05:00https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/2894-from-the-cheap-seats.htmlgraphicsgraphics@wintertexantimes.com<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/from-the-cheap-seats/20201021_cheap_img_2250.jpg" width="600" height="400" alt="20201021 cheap img 2250" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />Tripp Wright was watching the cars race around the oval when he was told he needed to “pick a driver.”</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">He didn't know much about NASCAR at the time, but he knew which car he liked.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/2894-from-the-cheap-seats.html">Read More ...</a></p><p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/from-the-cheap-seats/20201021_cheap_img_2250.jpg" width="600" height="400" alt="20201021 cheap img 2250" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />Tripp Wright was watching the cars race around the oval when he was told he needed to “pick a driver.”</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">He didn't know much about NASCAR at the time, but he knew which car he liked.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/2894-from-the-cheap-seats.html">Read More ...</a></p>A leaner is worth two points – just not in Texas2020-03-11T10:09:17-05:002020-03-11T10:09:17-05:00https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/2743-a-leaner-is-worth-two-points-just-not-in-texas.htmlgraphicsgraphics@wintertexantimes.com<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/from-the-cheap-seats/20200311_cheap_01.jpg" width="450" height="338" alt="20200311 cheap 01" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />I remember my dad and my neighbor, Jim Brewer, used to go out back with some wooden stakes, drive one into the ground and then spend the next 15 minutes arguing over how far to place the other stake.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">My dad was 6-foot-4 and Mr. Brewer, as I would call him, was probably 5-foot-9. They would mark off the stakes 13 strides apart. My dad, being tall and strong, would make sure his 13 strides were stretched out and Mr. Brewer, well, he didn't particularly care for that strategic move. </span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/2743-a-leaner-is-worth-two-points-just-not-in-texas.html">Read More ...</a></p><p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/from-the-cheap-seats/20200311_cheap_01.jpg" width="450" height="338" alt="20200311 cheap 01" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />I remember my dad and my neighbor, Jim Brewer, used to go out back with some wooden stakes, drive one into the ground and then spend the next 15 minutes arguing over how far to place the other stake.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">My dad was 6-foot-4 and Mr. Brewer, as I would call him, was probably 5-foot-9. They would mark off the stakes 13 strides apart. My dad, being tall and strong, would make sure his 13 strides were stretched out and Mr. Brewer, well, he didn't particularly care for that strategic move. </span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-from-the-cheap-seats/2743-a-leaner-is-worth-two-points-just-not-in-texas.html">Read More ...</a></p>