Winter Texan Times - Newshttps://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road.feed2024-03-28T19:47:54-05:00Winter Texan Timeswebmaster@wintertexantimes.comJoomla! - Open Source Content ManagementEnjoy your drive, but please come back2024-03-21T13:52:13-05:002024-03-21T13:52:13-05:00https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4748-enjoy-your-drive-but-please-come-back.htmlgraphicsgraphics@wintertexantimes.com<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/stories/2023/20240320_Wildflowers_LM_082-web.gif" width="300" height="200" alt="20240320 Wildflowers LM 082 web" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />What beautiful weather we are having. It’s time to go outdoors and enjoy our beautiful South Texas weather. Maybe it is for a game of golf or just a walk around the block, or better yet, maybe a stroll on the beach. Whatever – enjoy our beautiful Spring.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">As I sit at my desk, I often longingly look out the window at my back yard just to admire the lacey, emerald green leaves on the graceful mesquite trees. The view brings back memories of my growing up in central Texas. I knew for sure when the mesquite leafed out that Spring was just around the corner.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Now, unfortunately, for those of us who live here year-round, it means that very soon our Winter Texan friends will be packing up and heading home. We will miss you terribly as you bring such a refreshing, enriching culture to us.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">As you drive home, enjoy the scenic beauty of Texas when the wildflowers are beginning to poke their little heads above ground. Just a few weeks ago, I drove to Falfurrias, just a bit more than an hour north. Of course, the fields were ablaze with the earliest bloomers – the miniature yellow daisies that spring up in pastures. Hugging the roadsides were blankets of wild purple verbena.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4748-enjoy-your-drive-but-please-come-back.html">Read More ...</a></p><p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/stories/2023/20240320_Wildflowers_LM_082-web.gif" width="300" height="200" alt="20240320 Wildflowers LM 082 web" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />What beautiful weather we are having. It’s time to go outdoors and enjoy our beautiful South Texas weather. Maybe it is for a game of golf or just a walk around the block, or better yet, maybe a stroll on the beach. Whatever – enjoy our beautiful Spring.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">As I sit at my desk, I often longingly look out the window at my back yard just to admire the lacey, emerald green leaves on the graceful mesquite trees. The view brings back memories of my growing up in central Texas. I knew for sure when the mesquite leafed out that Spring was just around the corner.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Now, unfortunately, for those of us who live here year-round, it means that very soon our Winter Texan friends will be packing up and heading home. We will miss you terribly as you bring such a refreshing, enriching culture to us.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">As you drive home, enjoy the scenic beauty of Texas when the wildflowers are beginning to poke their little heads above ground. Just a few weeks ago, I drove to Falfurrias, just a bit more than an hour north. Of course, the fields were ablaze with the earliest bloomers – the miniature yellow daisies that spring up in pastures. Hugging the roadsides were blankets of wild purple verbena.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4748-enjoy-your-drive-but-please-come-back.html">Read More ...</a></p>Planning for next season2024-03-15T19:01:39-05:002024-03-15T19:01:39-05:00https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4725-planning-for-next-season.htmlgraphicsgraphics@wintertexantimes.com<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Goodness me – how this season has just flown by. Spring will soon be here, and I know many of you are thinking of going back to your summer homes. The phones have been busy asking about next season, especially for the Houston Quilt Festival. And yes, we already have about one third of the bus full. Departure is scheduled for October 30 with return on November 2, 2024.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Sorry, I cannot give you a definite price right now, as I am still waiting on another bid from a hotel in Houston. All I can do is estimate that it may run somewhere around $550 per person in double occupancy. A triple will be a little less, and a single is always much more as you are paying the entire cost of the room. The tour will be made by charter motor coach and that price and reservation I already have. I just need the hotel contract.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">I am delighted that a quilt aficionada has agreed to be your guide. I am not a quilter, but I very much appreciate all the beautiful quilts that my mother and grandmother gave to me. My memories go back to the time when the quilting frame was raised to the ceiling when not in use to be lowered again when the ladies met to quilt and socialize. I am quite sure that the ladies of the small farming community where I grew up were all judged by how small and delicate their stitches were just as the men were judged by how straight the rows were in the fields they plowed.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4725-planning-for-next-season.html">Read More ...</a></p><p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Goodness me – how this season has just flown by. Spring will soon be here, and I know many of you are thinking of going back to your summer homes. The phones have been busy asking about next season, especially for the Houston Quilt Festival. And yes, we already have about one third of the bus full. Departure is scheduled for October 30 with return on November 2, 2024.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Sorry, I cannot give you a definite price right now, as I am still waiting on another bid from a hotel in Houston. All I can do is estimate that it may run somewhere around $550 per person in double occupancy. A triple will be a little less, and a single is always much more as you are paying the entire cost of the room. The tour will be made by charter motor coach and that price and reservation I already have. I just need the hotel contract.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">I am delighted that a quilt aficionada has agreed to be your guide. I am not a quilter, but I very much appreciate all the beautiful quilts that my mother and grandmother gave to me. My memories go back to the time when the quilting frame was raised to the ceiling when not in use to be lowered again when the ladies met to quilt and socialize. I am quite sure that the ladies of the small farming community where I grew up were all judged by how small and delicate their stitches were just as the men were judged by how straight the rows were in the fields they plowed.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4725-planning-for-next-season.html">Read More ...</a></p>Hand wash or dishwasher2024-03-08T15:22:14-06:002024-03-08T15:22:14-06:00https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4706-hand-wash-or-dishwasher.htmlgraphicsgraphics@wintertexantimes.com<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Good morning. Or is it good afternoon? I have been looking back at some of the previous On the Road articles that I have written for you. Would you believe that just about a year ago, I told you that I felt guilty for maybe wasting water as I washed dishes. At that time even the Farmers Associations were stressing that farmers should plant more crops that used less water. Sure enough, when we did our early February Farm Tour, you could see that there were more and more crops being planted that used less water.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Just recently, the local sugar cane mill has announced that they must close. There is no longer enough sugar cane being produced to pay for the expense of operating the mill. Growing sugar cane from planting to production reportedly takes more water than any other crop that is grown in the Rio Grande Valley. I am anxious to go on the next Farm Tour and see how the crops are doing.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">All of us – from the housewife who washes dishes and does the family laundry, to the teenager who loves to take those long, exhilarating hot showers, and the farmer who doesn’t watch the border breaks when he irrigates – we all need to become more conscious of our over usage and waste of that precious commodity. And our climate changes, which affect us as well as those in Mexico, is not helping.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">As I thought about what more I could do to conserve water, I was reminded of a housekeeper from Mexico that once worked for me. She handwashed dishes differently than I did – and I think it probably did save water. Her method was to take a soap filled wet sponge and scrub each cup, saucer, and plate with the sponge before placing those soapy dishes in the sink and proceeding to rinse them with hot running water. That method probably used less water than rinsing each individual item one by one… especially if you leave the water running as you scrub each utensil. I also wonder if any studies have ever been made over which method uses more water – using an electric dishwasher or hand washing the same number of dishes and utensils.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Some of you guys out there that have an analytical mind figure that one out, will you? And let me know. My dishwasher has been broken for months and replacement parts have not been available. Shall I just continue to wash dishes by hand? After all, that is how I grew up. We didn’t have electricity, much less an electric dishwasher.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Good morning. Or is it good afternoon? I have been looking back at some of the previous On the Road articles that I have written for you. Would you believe that just about a year ago, I told you that I felt guilty for maybe wasting water as I washed dishes. At that time even the Farmers Associations were stressing that farmers should plant more crops that used less water. Sure enough, when we did our early February Farm Tour, you could see that there were more and more crops being planted that used less water.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Just recently, the local sugar cane mill has announced that they must close. There is no longer enough sugar cane being produced to pay for the expense of operating the mill. Growing sugar cane from planting to production reportedly takes more water than any other crop that is grown in the Rio Grande Valley. I am anxious to go on the next Farm Tour and see how the crops are doing.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">All of us – from the housewife who washes dishes and does the family laundry, to the teenager who loves to take those long, exhilarating hot showers, and the farmer who doesn’t watch the border breaks when he irrigates – we all need to become more conscious of our over usage and waste of that precious commodity. And our climate changes, which affect us as well as those in Mexico, is not helping.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">As I thought about what more I could do to conserve water, I was reminded of a housekeeper from Mexico that once worked for me. She handwashed dishes differently than I did – and I think it probably did save water. Her method was to take a soap filled wet sponge and scrub each cup, saucer, and plate with the sponge before placing those soapy dishes in the sink and proceeding to rinse them with hot running water. That method probably used less water than rinsing each individual item one by one… especially if you leave the water running as you scrub each utensil. I also wonder if any studies have ever been made over which method uses more water – using an electric dishwasher or hand washing the same number of dishes and utensils.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Some of you guys out there that have an analytical mind figure that one out, will you? And let me know. My dishwasher has been broken for months and replacement parts have not been available. Shall I just continue to wash dishes by hand? After all, that is how I grew up. We didn’t have electricity, much less an electric dishwasher.</span></p>Enjoy the weather, sports, and a tour2024-02-28T16:41:10-06:002024-02-28T16:41:10-06:00https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4678-enjoy-the-weather-sports-and-a-tour.htmlgraphicsgraphics@wintertexantimes.com<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/stories/2023/St-Cyril-and-Methodius-painted-church-Texas-sanctuary-interior-web.gif" width="300" height="200" alt="St Cyril and Methodius painted church Texas sanctuary interior web" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />What beautiful weather we have been having lately. After those first few days of freezing weather, the last few days have been divine as far as temperature goes. But how ferocious the wind has been. Makes me wonder what this does to the golfers. Do you have to judge the wind velocity and how it will affect your drive? What a challenge!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">As I look back over my high school and college days, I wonder why I never learned to play golf. I was active in almost every other sport that was available at the time. Softball was probably the sport I participated in the most, playing on the girl’s intramural softball team at my university. I loved all the sports – swimming, tag football, basketball, ping pong, and bowling. I even learned to play tennis at age 40. At one time, I shot quite a bit of pool.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4678-enjoy-the-weather-sports-and-a-tour.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/St-Cyril-and-Methodius-painted-church-Texas-sanctuary-interior-web.gif" width="300" height="200" alt="St Cyril and Methodius painted church Texas sanctuary interior web" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />What beautiful weather we have been having lately. After those first few days of freezing weather, the last few days have been divine as far as temperature goes. But how ferocious the wind has been. Makes me wonder what this does to the golfers. Do you have to judge the wind velocity and how it will affect your drive? What a challenge!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">As I look back over my high school and college days, I wonder why I never learned to play golf. I was active in almost every other sport that was available at the time. Softball was probably the sport I participated in the most, playing on the girl’s intramural softball team at my university. I loved all the sports – swimming, tag football, basketball, ping pong, and bowling. I even learned to play tennis at age 40. At one time, I shot quite a bit of pool.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4678-enjoy-the-weather-sports-and-a-tour.html">Read More ...</a></p>Making a difference by sharing your talents2024-02-14T15:53:15-06:002024-02-14T15:53:15-06:00https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4660-making-a-difference-by-sharing-your-talents.htmlgraphicsgraphics@wintertexantimes.com<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">You know, we are never too old to learn. And I just learned something wonderful. It’s all about love. What is love?</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">All of my adult life, I have always volunteered – as an Outreach person for my church while I was in college, as a Girl Scout Leader for over 20 years after I became a mother, and as a volunteer chairman for a money-making endeavor for my local church. When I started Go …. With Jo Tours, I wanted to make a difference. I wanted to share what I had learned while traveling to a foreign country.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">When I plan a tour for you, I try to imagine what I would want if I were buying that tour. As I plan a tour, I try to share with you the beauty, history, and culture of our world. For instance, the Monterrey Tour, the Painted Churches, or any of the tours – what can I share with you so that you too can enjoy the experience?</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">But recently, I decided I could do more. I decided to follow the example that so many of you have set for us. I wanted to contribute more. I wanted to make a difference. So, I offered my services as a one-on-one reading tutor at the Boys and Girls Club in one of the local schools. I am brand new at tutoring, but since my background is in teaching and counseling, I thought surely that I could make a difference.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4660-making-a-difference-by-sharing-your-talents.html">Read More ...</a></p><p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">You know, we are never too old to learn. And I just learned something wonderful. It’s all about love. What is love?</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">All of my adult life, I have always volunteered – as an Outreach person for my church while I was in college, as a Girl Scout Leader for over 20 years after I became a mother, and as a volunteer chairman for a money-making endeavor for my local church. When I started Go …. With Jo Tours, I wanted to make a difference. I wanted to share what I had learned while traveling to a foreign country.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">When I plan a tour for you, I try to imagine what I would want if I were buying that tour. As I plan a tour, I try to share with you the beauty, history, and culture of our world. For instance, the Monterrey Tour, the Painted Churches, or any of the tours – what can I share with you so that you too can enjoy the experience?</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">But recently, I decided I could do more. I decided to follow the example that so many of you have set for us. I wanted to contribute more. I wanted to make a difference. So, I offered my services as a one-on-one reading tutor at the Boys and Girls Club in one of the local schools. I am brand new at tutoring, but since my background is in teaching and counseling, I thought surely that I could make a difference.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4660-making-a-difference-by-sharing-your-talents.html">Read More ...</a></p>Lots to learn on a King Ranch Tour2024-02-08T14:36:56-06:002024-02-08T14:36:56-06:00https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4634-lots-to-learn-on-a-king-ranch-tour.htmlgraphicsgraphics@wintertexantimes.com<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/King-Ranch_On-the-Road_IMG_6059-web.gif" width="350" height="233" alt="King Ranch On the Road IMG 6059 web" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />Good day to y’all. Please accept my apologies if I have confused you with two different King Ranch Tours. They are similar, but they are different – let me explain. First of all, let’s talk about what is the same in both of the tours.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">You will be met at your departure point by a Go … With Jo! Guide who will stay with you from the beginning to the end of the day when you are returned to your departure point. That guide will share a lot of history of the Rio Grande Valley and will ask you to help watch for the native wildlife. You might see Rio Grande Turkey, or the elusive Nilgai and possibly some White Tail Deer or a wild hog or a javelina as you travel along in your charter coach.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Once you arrive at the King Ranch, another well versed guide will board the bus – one who is especially schooled in the history of the life of the King Ranch founder, Richard King and his wife, Henrietta. This guide might have even grown up on the ranch. Travel over a twelve-mile loop road through the ranch as you learn all about its founding. A Texas style barbecue lunch is included on both tours.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Now the tours begin to differ a bit. On the King Ranch Tour, you will visit the Henrietta Memorial Museum located in an old icehouse which was very important to the vegetable farmers of the Rio Grande Valley. Still to this day, vegetable farmers ship their produce to northern points, but now the vegetables are generally shipped in modern refrigerated trucks. The first stop to ice down the vegetables was in Kingsville at what is now the museum. If you look carefully at the brick walls of the museum, you can see remnants of salt that was used in producing the ice.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4634-lots-to-learn-on-a-king-ranch-tour.html">Read More ...</a></p><p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/King-Ranch_On-the-Road_IMG_6059-web.gif" width="350" height="233" alt="King Ranch On the Road IMG 6059 web" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />Good day to y’all. Please accept my apologies if I have confused you with two different King Ranch Tours. They are similar, but they are different – let me explain. First of all, let’s talk about what is the same in both of the tours.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">You will be met at your departure point by a Go … With Jo! Guide who will stay with you from the beginning to the end of the day when you are returned to your departure point. That guide will share a lot of history of the Rio Grande Valley and will ask you to help watch for the native wildlife. You might see Rio Grande Turkey, or the elusive Nilgai and possibly some White Tail Deer or a wild hog or a javelina as you travel along in your charter coach.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Once you arrive at the King Ranch, another well versed guide will board the bus – one who is especially schooled in the history of the life of the King Ranch founder, Richard King and his wife, Henrietta. This guide might have even grown up on the ranch. Travel over a twelve-mile loop road through the ranch as you learn all about its founding. A Texas style barbecue lunch is included on both tours.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Now the tours begin to differ a bit. On the King Ranch Tour, you will visit the Henrietta Memorial Museum located in an old icehouse which was very important to the vegetable farmers of the Rio Grande Valley. Still to this day, vegetable farmers ship their produce to northern points, but now the vegetables are generally shipped in modern refrigerated trucks. The first stop to ice down the vegetables was in Kingsville at what is now the museum. If you look carefully at the brick walls of the museum, you can see remnants of salt that was used in producing the ice.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4634-lots-to-learn-on-a-king-ranch-tour.html">Read More ...</a></p>Mexico, Butterflies, and King Ranch2024-01-31T00:06:29-06:002024-01-31T00:06:29-06:00https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4624-mexico-butterflies-and-king-ranch.htmlgraphicsgraphics@wintertexantimes.com<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/Go-With-Jo---Monarch-web.gif" width="300" height="199" alt="Go With Jo Monarch web" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />I missed seeing you at the Winter Expo. There was some misunderstanding as I generally am there in person. However, this year I decided that I would rather do a personal presentation in the parks or at the club meetings of retirees or those who are ready to travel. So, if you are interested in a personal presentation, just give me a call. A few days have already been reserved, but I am sure we can find an open date for you.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">I will be guiding some of the tours which I am really looking forward to. One of my favorites is the three-day trip to Monterrey with one already requested for the end of February. Another favorite is the Monarch Butterfly. If you are driving in the Rio Grande Valley during the month of October, you will probably recall how those beautiful little creatures smashed into your radiator and made a terrible mess. I am not sure how many of the butterflies die in that manner, but others die from pesticides and from people stepping on them as they hike the trails in Mexico.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4624-mexico-butterflies-and-king-ranch.html">Read More ...</a></p><p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/Go-With-Jo---Monarch-web.gif" width="300" height="199" alt="Go With Jo Monarch web" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />I missed seeing you at the Winter Expo. There was some misunderstanding as I generally am there in person. However, this year I decided that I would rather do a personal presentation in the parks or at the club meetings of retirees or those who are ready to travel. So, if you are interested in a personal presentation, just give me a call. A few days have already been reserved, but I am sure we can find an open date for you.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">I will be guiding some of the tours which I am really looking forward to. One of my favorites is the three-day trip to Monterrey with one already requested for the end of February. Another favorite is the Monarch Butterfly. If you are driving in the Rio Grande Valley during the month of October, you will probably recall how those beautiful little creatures smashed into your radiator and made a terrible mess. I am not sure how many of the butterflies die in that manner, but others die from pesticides and from people stepping on them as they hike the trails in Mexico.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4624-mexico-butterflies-and-king-ranch.html">Read More ...</a></p>Volunteering, travel, warmer days ahead2024-01-25T21:21:44-06:002024-01-25T21:21:44-06:00https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4616-volunteering-travel-warmer-days-ahead.htmlgraphicsgraphics@wintertexantimes.com<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">I read each publication of the Winter Texan Times from cover to cover and vicariously join all the parks in their activities. And do you ever stay active. Not only do you have so many fun things, but you somehow find the time to contribute to our communities by volunteering. I especially liked the headlines of one of the stories – “It’s better to give than receive.”</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">And how true that is. Just this past Wednesday I reported for my first tutoring session with the Boys & Girls Club at Bonita Park in Harlingen.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">The girl who was assigned to me was the younger sister of the teenager that I helped with her Christmas shopping. They young lady even came over to tell me hello. What a sweetheart! And so when I left the hour long tutoring session, I felt happy. I felt fulfilled. And yes, it is better to give than receive.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">If you have not volunteered, why not look around you – someone out there needs your help. It may be just changing a ceiling light bulb – not everyone can still climb on a ladder. It may be with sharing a recipe or taking a shut in or an ill friend a hot soup for lunch. Or it could be a child who needs an extra attention and help with reading or math.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">For those of you who are ready to travel, please continue to be patient. My e-mails into Mexico and overseas are often misdirected – both incoming and outgoing. Consequently, I do not have my hotel nor transportation costs in place. It is taking longer than usual, but hopefully the situation will improve. My local tech support person has spent almost two full days here working on my computer. We think we have the problem corrected. Just please be patient while we work through this problem.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">In the meantime, stay warm. Although our winters seem colder than usual, remember those cold snaps generally don’t stay around too long and soon the days will be more pleasant and we can all be out and about again… the beach is waiting, the golf clubs and fishing poles have been neglected. Soon it will be time to enjoy our Rio Grande Valley again.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Have Fun!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">I read each publication of the Winter Texan Times from cover to cover and vicariously join all the parks in their activities. And do you ever stay active. Not only do you have so many fun things, but you somehow find the time to contribute to our communities by volunteering. I especially liked the headlines of one of the stories – “It’s better to give than receive.”</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">And how true that is. Just this past Wednesday I reported for my first tutoring session with the Boys & Girls Club at Bonita Park in Harlingen.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">The girl who was assigned to me was the younger sister of the teenager that I helped with her Christmas shopping. They young lady even came over to tell me hello. What a sweetheart! And so when I left the hour long tutoring session, I felt happy. I felt fulfilled. And yes, it is better to give than receive.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">If you have not volunteered, why not look around you – someone out there needs your help. It may be just changing a ceiling light bulb – not everyone can still climb on a ladder. It may be with sharing a recipe or taking a shut in or an ill friend a hot soup for lunch. Or it could be a child who needs an extra attention and help with reading or math.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">For those of you who are ready to travel, please continue to be patient. My e-mails into Mexico and overseas are often misdirected – both incoming and outgoing. Consequently, I do not have my hotel nor transportation costs in place. It is taking longer than usual, but hopefully the situation will improve. My local tech support person has spent almost two full days here working on my computer. We think we have the problem corrected. Just please be patient while we work through this problem.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">In the meantime, stay warm. Although our winters seem colder than usual, remember those cold snaps generally don’t stay around too long and soon the days will be more pleasant and we can all be out and about again… the beach is waiting, the golf clubs and fishing poles have been neglected. Soon it will be time to enjoy our Rio Grande Valley again.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Have Fun!</span></p>Memories, volunteering, and tours2024-01-16T21:17:49-06:002024-01-16T21:17:49-06:00https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4591-memories-volunteering-and-tours.htmlgraphicsgraphics@wintertexantimes.com<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Hello, it is now past mid-January and my mind keeps going back to Christmas. Maybe it is because I am reminded daily of the wonderful time I had with family and friends. One half of my dining room table is covered with a thousand-piece puzzle of the nativity. And then my bedtime reading is a historical book given to me for Christmas. It is about the revolutionary women of Texas and Mexico. So many of these women organized for equality mainly in education. But also, for the right to vote and for the right to choose who they wanted to marry.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Perhaps it was this book that finally pushed me into volunteering to be a tutor for children who were having problems with reading. Or maybe it was because I had so long admired our older citizens and Winter Texans who volunteered. Truly they make a difference. So yesterday I reported for my first day as a tutor to help children who had reading problems. Surely the ability to read is one of the most important skills that we can learn.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Earlier in the school year I asked my fifth-grade nephew how he was doing in school. His reply was that he made an A+ in science and in Math, but that you could not make an F plus or an F minus, it’s just an F. He was getting an F in reading. Later in the year, those math problems became written problems and his excellent grade in Math began to drop. Fortunately, some wonderful person volunteered to serve as his tutor. Finally, the book, the example set by so many retirees and my nephew’s experience encouraged me to volunteer.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4591-memories-volunteering-and-tours.html">Read More ...</a></p><p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Hello, it is now past mid-January and my mind keeps going back to Christmas. Maybe it is because I am reminded daily of the wonderful time I had with family and friends. One half of my dining room table is covered with a thousand-piece puzzle of the nativity. And then my bedtime reading is a historical book given to me for Christmas. It is about the revolutionary women of Texas and Mexico. So many of these women organized for equality mainly in education. But also, for the right to vote and for the right to choose who they wanted to marry.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Perhaps it was this book that finally pushed me into volunteering to be a tutor for children who were having problems with reading. Or maybe it was because I had so long admired our older citizens and Winter Texans who volunteered. Truly they make a difference. So yesterday I reported for my first day as a tutor to help children who had reading problems. Surely the ability to read is one of the most important skills that we can learn.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Earlier in the school year I asked my fifth-grade nephew how he was doing in school. His reply was that he made an A+ in science and in Math, but that you could not make an F plus or an F minus, it’s just an F. He was getting an F in reading. Later in the year, those math problems became written problems and his excellent grade in Math began to drop. Fortunately, some wonderful person volunteered to serve as his tutor. Finally, the book, the example set by so many retirees and my nephew’s experience encouraged me to volunteer.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4591-memories-volunteering-and-tours.html">Read More ...</a></p>Grab a partner and come on a tour2024-01-09T20:40:07-06:002024-01-09T20:40:07-06:00https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4569-grab-a-partner-and-come-on-a-tour.htmlgraphicsgraphics@wintertexantimes.com<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Time is flying by for here it is, almost the middle of January. I am sure by now that the Christmas decorations have all been stored away. Really it makes me a little sad to realize that Christmas is now behind us. What a wonderful time we had with the entire family enjoying the Christmas festivities and the dozens of tamales that we consumed. Christmas is truly a very special time.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">But now it is time to think of 2024 and all the wonderful travels we can plan for the coming year. Just yesterday, one of our passengers came into the office to tell me what a great time she and her son had on the Christmas in Mexico tour. This passenger is new to the Rio Grande valley and very eager to learn more about this special corner of Texas. She mentioned that the King Ranch Tour had been recommended to her. It is a good tour – loaded with history and nature. I am busy scheduling and very shortly should have completed arrangements for at least two King Ranch departures in February, two more in March and possibly one in April. There will be other tours soon to be announced, so check our website as well as this weekly paper for updates. Tours are selling really well, so grab a partner and sign up soon.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Texas wildflowers are a sight to behold and are especially beautiful in the Hill Country. Bluebonnets are just one of the breath-taking displays that show off for us in the Spring. Close to home are wild verbenas, some bluebonnets, different varieties of yellow daisies and the brightly colored Indian paint brushes and wine cups with an occasional out cropping of blue bells. We can even do a one-day trip sightseeing the display of wildflowers in the Sarita and Kingsville area.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4569-grab-a-partner-and-come-on-a-tour.html">Read More ...</a></p><p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Time is flying by for here it is, almost the middle of January. I am sure by now that the Christmas decorations have all been stored away. Really it makes me a little sad to realize that Christmas is now behind us. What a wonderful time we had with the entire family enjoying the Christmas festivities and the dozens of tamales that we consumed. Christmas is truly a very special time.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">But now it is time to think of 2024 and all the wonderful travels we can plan for the coming year. Just yesterday, one of our passengers came into the office to tell me what a great time she and her son had on the Christmas in Mexico tour. This passenger is new to the Rio Grande valley and very eager to learn more about this special corner of Texas. She mentioned that the King Ranch Tour had been recommended to her. It is a good tour – loaded with history and nature. I am busy scheduling and very shortly should have completed arrangements for at least two King Ranch departures in February, two more in March and possibly one in April. There will be other tours soon to be announced, so check our website as well as this weekly paper for updates. Tours are selling really well, so grab a partner and sign up soon.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Texas wildflowers are a sight to behold and are especially beautiful in the Hill Country. Bluebonnets are just one of the breath-taking displays that show off for us in the Spring. Close to home are wild verbenas, some bluebonnets, different varieties of yellow daisies and the brightly colored Indian paint brushes and wine cups with an occasional out cropping of blue bells. We can even do a one-day trip sightseeing the display of wildflowers in the Sarita and Kingsville area.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4569-grab-a-partner-and-come-on-a-tour.html">Read More ...</a></p>Memories and resolutions2024-01-02T21:15:22-06:002024-01-02T21:15:22-06:00https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4560-memories-and-resolutions.htmlgraphicsgraphics@wintertexantimes.com<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">The Holiday Season is now behind us and what a wonderful time of the year it has been with friends and families joining together to celebrate the season. Now it is time to put away the Christmas decorations and store away the memories of this special time. On Christmas Eve we recalled some of the past Christmas celebrations.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">How about the time that the tree shoppers just couldn’t seem to find the perfect tree. Finally, they found one to their liking. But there was just one big problem…it would not fit through the back door as it was just too big. The big, beautiful tree had to be carefully wedged through the double wide front doors. Or how about the time that the Christmas tree fell over on my tiny mother-in-law. She was absolutely buried under the tree. After that we always tied the tree with fishing wire to an overhead ceiling beam.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4560-memories-and-resolutions.html">Read More ...</a></p><p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">The Holiday Season is now behind us and what a wonderful time of the year it has been with friends and families joining together to celebrate the season. Now it is time to put away the Christmas decorations and store away the memories of this special time. On Christmas Eve we recalled some of the past Christmas celebrations.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">How about the time that the tree shoppers just couldn’t seem to find the perfect tree. Finally, they found one to their liking. But there was just one big problem…it would not fit through the back door as it was just too big. The big, beautiful tree had to be carefully wedged through the double wide front doors. Or how about the time that the Christmas tree fell over on my tiny mother-in-law. She was absolutely buried under the tree. After that we always tied the tree with fishing wire to an overhead ceiling beam.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4560-memories-and-resolutions.html">Read More ...</a></p>Where do you want to go?2023-12-27T18:07:57-06:002023-12-27T18:07:57-06:00https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4544-where-do-you-want-to-go.htmlgraphicsgraphics@wintertexantimes.com<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Just a few more days and this year will be behind us. A New Year is just around the corner. I am sure all of us have a special plan, a dream that we want to make come true. What is your dream? Will it be a cruise? Travel to a distant country? Or just explore locally?</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Travel seems to be on a lot of people’s minds right now as we are receiving a great number of calls asking what we will offer in 2025.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Organizing a tour does take some time, especially into a different country. Many hotels and attractions are hesitant to commit to a contracted rate. This has always been true but now there seems to be more reluctance as the value of the dollar, the value of the euro and of the peso is so volatile. Just look at gas prices, which have dropped noticeably in the last two weeks. But will they remain lower, or will they go back up again? Just as soon as I can get commitments from hotels and transportation, I will publish the tours we are planning.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">If you are wondering about itineraries, look at our website. If a tour in the past has been successful, we generally will repeat that same itinerary. The hotels may change, because sometimes a hotel is sold, a new management takes over, and the service and quality may remain the same or it may drop in quality. When this happens, we look for other hotels, but the itinerary may continue the same with only the hotels changing.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4544-where-do-you-want-to-go.html">Read More ...</a></p><p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Just a few more days and this year will be behind us. A New Year is just around the corner. I am sure all of us have a special plan, a dream that we want to make come true. What is your dream? Will it be a cruise? Travel to a distant country? Or just explore locally?</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Travel seems to be on a lot of people’s minds right now as we are receiving a great number of calls asking what we will offer in 2025.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Organizing a tour does take some time, especially into a different country. Many hotels and attractions are hesitant to commit to a contracted rate. This has always been true but now there seems to be more reluctance as the value of the dollar, the value of the euro and of the peso is so volatile. Just look at gas prices, which have dropped noticeably in the last two weeks. But will they remain lower, or will they go back up again? Just as soon as I can get commitments from hotels and transportation, I will publish the tours we are planning.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">If you are wondering about itineraries, look at our website. If a tour in the past has been successful, we generally will repeat that same itinerary. The hotels may change, because sometimes a hotel is sold, a new management takes over, and the service and quality may remain the same or it may drop in quality. When this happens, we look for other hotels, but the itinerary may continue the same with only the hotels changing.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4544-where-do-you-want-to-go.html">Read More ...</a></p>Christmas traditions we love2023-12-22T13:32:47-06:002023-12-22T13:32:47-06:00https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4527-christmas-traditions-we-love.htmlgraphicsgraphics@wintertexantimes.com<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/stories/2023/Firefly-traditional-christmas-tree-with-decorations-39913_web.gif" width="300" height="300" alt="Firefly traditional christmas tree with decorations 39913 web" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />We are quite traditional in our family. And I bet that you too have traditions. In my family, my children just won’t let me take the easy way out. It is no trouble to pull out the artificial tree still decorated with strings of lights and glittery ornaments. Well, not in my family – my children won’t let me do it the easy way.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">The tree has to be real, and the house has to smell like Christmas.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Christmas Eve begins with the traditional homemade chili and delicious tamales. The tamales have become my responsibility. This year, I decided to try a different company – but which one? I had no idea where to begin, so I turned to the experts – my Mexican friends who know much more about tamales than I. After I narrowed down the recommendations to the top two, it was time to sample and make the final decision.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Now the only way to make that decision was to sample the goods. For several days, we were eating tamales for breakfast, lunch, and dinner as we enjoyed the different flavors of cream cheese and jalapenos, chicken and cheese, pork, and spicy pork. Oh yum – Were they good!</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4527-christmas-traditions-we-love.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/Firefly-traditional-christmas-tree-with-decorations-39913_web.gif" width="300" height="300" alt="Firefly traditional christmas tree with decorations 39913 web" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />We are quite traditional in our family. And I bet that you too have traditions. In my family, my children just won’t let me take the easy way out. It is no trouble to pull out the artificial tree still decorated with strings of lights and glittery ornaments. Well, not in my family – my children won’t let me do it the easy way.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">The tree has to be real, and the house has to smell like Christmas.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Christmas Eve begins with the traditional homemade chili and delicious tamales. The tamales have become my responsibility. This year, I decided to try a different company – but which one? I had no idea where to begin, so I turned to the experts – my Mexican friends who know much more about tamales than I. After I narrowed down the recommendations to the top two, it was time to sample and make the final decision.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Now the only way to make that decision was to sample the goods. For several days, we were eating tamales for breakfast, lunch, and dinner as we enjoyed the different flavors of cream cheese and jalapenos, chicken and cheese, pork, and spicy pork. Oh yum – Were they good!</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4527-christmas-traditions-we-love.html">Read More ...</a></p>Showing you care2023-12-05T21:53:23-06:002023-12-05T21:53:23-06:00https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4499-showing-you-care.htmlgraphicsgraphics@wintertexantimes.com<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/stories/2023/20171221_Tims_Coats_El_Valle_del_Sol_MILLER_IMG_6698_web.gif" width="251" height="350" alt="20171221 Tims Coats El Valle del Sol MILLER IMG 6698 web" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />I will have to admit that I rarely watch the news on our local television channels. If I listen at all it is generally to world news on British Broadcasting Company. I much prefer to read the news and re-read it to get a better understanding of what is really happening in our world. For local news, my source of information is generally our local newspapers.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">One of the things happening locally right now is the drive for contributions to Tim’s Coats. This is a very worthy cause. There are many needy families who could use some help in providing warm clothing for their children. Since our winters seem to be getting colder, the need for warm clothing is even more critical than it used to be.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">At one time – quite a few years ago – I taught in the Harlingen Public Schools. On the coldest of days, fewer children attended classes. I wondered why – my curious mind sought the answer. We do live in an area where there are families without enough money to provide warm clothing for their family. The answer was to keep children out of schools and in bed under the covers so that they could stay warm.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Even though many years have passed, this situation still exists … hopefully not to such a great extent but poverty is still around. Even though we should encourage those of us who are able to share and to give freely to those in need, the request for money to solve the need is somewhat disturbing. Let me give you a little history as to how what we now know as Tim’s Coats started.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">So here goes … There was a gentleman in the Upper Valley who realized there was a need. This gentleman – Bill Stocker – owned and operated Palace Cleaners, a business that was opened in 1929. Mr. Stocker’s family bought the business in 1951. Just this past year the business was closed. Bill Stocker was a man dedicated to his community. When he saw a need he found a solution.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4499-showing-you-care.html">Read More ...</a></p><p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/stories/2023/20171221_Tims_Coats_El_Valle_del_Sol_MILLER_IMG_6698_web.gif" width="251" height="350" alt="20171221 Tims Coats El Valle del Sol MILLER IMG 6698 web" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />I will have to admit that I rarely watch the news on our local television channels. If I listen at all it is generally to world news on British Broadcasting Company. I much prefer to read the news and re-read it to get a better understanding of what is really happening in our world. For local news, my source of information is generally our local newspapers.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">One of the things happening locally right now is the drive for contributions to Tim’s Coats. This is a very worthy cause. There are many needy families who could use some help in providing warm clothing for their children. Since our winters seem to be getting colder, the need for warm clothing is even more critical than it used to be.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">At one time – quite a few years ago – I taught in the Harlingen Public Schools. On the coldest of days, fewer children attended classes. I wondered why – my curious mind sought the answer. We do live in an area where there are families without enough money to provide warm clothing for their family. The answer was to keep children out of schools and in bed under the covers so that they could stay warm.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Even though many years have passed, this situation still exists … hopefully not to such a great extent but poverty is still around. Even though we should encourage those of us who are able to share and to give freely to those in need, the request for money to solve the need is somewhat disturbing. Let me give you a little history as to how what we now know as Tim’s Coats started.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">So here goes … There was a gentleman in the Upper Valley who realized there was a need. This gentleman – Bill Stocker – owned and operated Palace Cleaners, a business that was opened in 1929. Mr. Stocker’s family bought the business in 1951. Just this past year the business was closed. Bill Stocker was a man dedicated to his community. When he saw a need he found a solution.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4499-showing-you-care.html">Read More ...</a></p>Now on to the Christmas festivities2023-11-30T13:11:18-06:002023-11-30T13:11:18-06:00https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4476-now-on-to-the-christmas-festivities.htmlgraphicsgraphics@wintertexantimes.com<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/stories/2023/ON-THE-ROAD-Festival-of-Lights_TrainRides_2012-12-15_317_web.gif" width="350" height="233" alt="ON THE ROAD Festival of Lights TrainRides 2012 12 15 317 web" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />And how was your Thanksgiving? Mine was extra special with a visit from my grand nephew and his father. It is so great to have family come visit, especially when one of them is a champion at almost every cook off that he enters. So naturally, he cooked the turkey … and I had never had smoked turkey before. Since I had already cooked two turkeys for a special early celebration, I was more than glad to turn over the chore to someone else.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">However, I still wanted to do my share and contribute to the festivities. Desserts seemed to be in order along with homemade cranberry sauce. It had been a while since I had prepared that and oh it is so good – much better than the canned you buy at the grocery store. The supply chain interfered somewhat with preparation of the pecan pie – there was just no Karo syrup on the shelves at my local store. What a disappointment. For years, our family has been ordering green label Karo from Amazon – but not to find any Karo at all on the shelf, that is really unusual.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4476-now-on-to-the-christmas-festivities.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/ON-THE-ROAD-Festival-of-Lights_TrainRides_2012-12-15_317_web.gif" width="350" height="233" alt="ON THE ROAD Festival of Lights TrainRides 2012 12 15 317 web" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />And how was your Thanksgiving? Mine was extra special with a visit from my grand nephew and his father. It is so great to have family come visit, especially when one of them is a champion at almost every cook off that he enters. So naturally, he cooked the turkey … and I had never had smoked turkey before. Since I had already cooked two turkeys for a special early celebration, I was more than glad to turn over the chore to someone else.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">However, I still wanted to do my share and contribute to the festivities. Desserts seemed to be in order along with homemade cranberry sauce. It had been a while since I had prepared that and oh it is so good – much better than the canned you buy at the grocery store. The supply chain interfered somewhat with preparation of the pecan pie – there was just no Karo syrup on the shelves at my local store. What a disappointment. For years, our family has been ordering green label Karo from Amazon – but not to find any Karo at all on the shelf, that is really unusual.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4476-now-on-to-the-christmas-festivities.html">Read More ...</a></p>Sharing your talents this holiday season2023-11-22T11:53:14-06:002023-11-22T11:53:14-06:00https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4460-sharing-your-talents-this-holiday-season.htmlgraphicsgraphics@wintertexantimes.com<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/stories/2023/On-the-ROad_Kids-Quilts_web.gif" width="300" height="400" alt="On the ROad Kids Quilts web" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />Thanksgiving! It’s a time for caring. It’s a time for sharing.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">As we turn our thoughts to the Thanksgiving celebration, let us remember how much we have to be thankful for. How grateful we all should be to be living in a beautiful world. And to be able to see and enjoy the flowers and trees that surround us. How thankful we should be to be able to communicate with each other. How grateful we should be for the skills, the attributes, and the talents that we have.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">But what are we doing with our talents? Are we sharing them with other people? Do you have skills as a mechanic? Are you sharing those skills by offering to help a neighbor with a problem that he cannot fix? That he knows nothing about?</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Perhaps you were a teacher or a tutor. It’s not too late to give of your time and talent to a local school or to your church.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">So many of the Winter Texans share their skills with us. Thank you for your time and talent. Let us follow their example.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4460-sharing-your-talents-this-holiday-season.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/On-the-ROad_Kids-Quilts_web.gif" width="300" height="400" alt="On the ROad Kids Quilts web" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />Thanksgiving! It’s a time for caring. It’s a time for sharing.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">As we turn our thoughts to the Thanksgiving celebration, let us remember how much we have to be thankful for. How grateful we all should be to be living in a beautiful world. And to be able to see and enjoy the flowers and trees that surround us. How thankful we should be to be able to communicate with each other. How grateful we should be for the skills, the attributes, and the talents that we have.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">But what are we doing with our talents? Are we sharing them with other people? Do you have skills as a mechanic? Are you sharing those skills by offering to help a neighbor with a problem that he cannot fix? That he knows nothing about?</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Perhaps you were a teacher or a tutor. It’s not too late to give of your time and talent to a local school or to your church.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">So many of the Winter Texans share their skills with us. Thank you for your time and talent. Let us follow their example.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4460-sharing-your-talents-this-holiday-season.html">Read More ...</a></p>The water and rich soil of the Valley2023-11-07T22:06:09-06:002023-11-07T22:06:09-06:00https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4430-the-water-and-rich-soil-of-the-valley.htmlgraphicsgraphics@wintertexantimes.com<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/stories/2023/20181215_Riverside-Dreamer-Tour_JMB_0025_web.gif" width="350" height="233" alt="20181215 Riverside Dreamer Tour JMB 0025 web" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />Thanks to the Winter Texans, I now understand more about the game of Cricket … at least on paper. Now all I need to do is make time to go to one of their games. In fact, one way to keep up with all the happening in the Rio Grande Valley is to read the Winter Texan Times.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">And there is a lot going on. Just take your pick – there is something for everyone – music, art, dances, garages sales, cruises on the Rio Grande River or on the Laguna Madre for fishing. The Rio Grande Valley has just about all you could ever want. Sure, we are not really a Valley, and we don’t have any mountains. In fact, we are virtually at sea level.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">I live in Harlingen, where just a few miles up the road is a small town named Combes. Now old timers would call that town Combes Mountain. But why?</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">When I look up the elevation of Harlingen, my computer tells me that the average elevation of Harlingen is 46 feet. The elevation of Combes is just 39 feet. Could it be because Combes is somewhat north of Harlingen, people identified north with going up? Now I am really beginning to wonder why or how we look at things.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Residents of Harlingen have always said that downtown Harlingen is 33 feet. Since the Rio Grande River is actually higher than downtown Harlingen, it stands to reason that when the river floods, Harlingen, as well as most Rio Grande Valley cities, are going to be flooded. The natural flow of the flood waters will be from the river toward the Gulf of Mexico. Anyone living in the Rio Grande Valley in 1967 when we experienced Hurricane Beulah will remember how most of our Valley towns experienced major flooding. With excessive rain and slow drainage how can we not flood?</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4430-the-water-and-rich-soil-of-the-valley.html">Read More ...</a></p><p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/stories/2023/20181215_Riverside-Dreamer-Tour_JMB_0025_web.gif" width="350" height="233" alt="20181215 Riverside Dreamer Tour JMB 0025 web" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />Thanks to the Winter Texans, I now understand more about the game of Cricket … at least on paper. Now all I need to do is make time to go to one of their games. In fact, one way to keep up with all the happening in the Rio Grande Valley is to read the Winter Texan Times.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">And there is a lot going on. Just take your pick – there is something for everyone – music, art, dances, garages sales, cruises on the Rio Grande River or on the Laguna Madre for fishing. The Rio Grande Valley has just about all you could ever want. Sure, we are not really a Valley, and we don’t have any mountains. In fact, we are virtually at sea level.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">I live in Harlingen, where just a few miles up the road is a small town named Combes. Now old timers would call that town Combes Mountain. But why?</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">When I look up the elevation of Harlingen, my computer tells me that the average elevation of Harlingen is 46 feet. The elevation of Combes is just 39 feet. Could it be because Combes is somewhat north of Harlingen, people identified north with going up? Now I am really beginning to wonder why or how we look at things.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Residents of Harlingen have always said that downtown Harlingen is 33 feet. Since the Rio Grande River is actually higher than downtown Harlingen, it stands to reason that when the river floods, Harlingen, as well as most Rio Grande Valley cities, are going to be flooded. The natural flow of the flood waters will be from the river toward the Gulf of Mexico. Anyone living in the Rio Grande Valley in 1967 when we experienced Hurricane Beulah will remember how most of our Valley towns experienced major flooding. With excessive rain and slow drainage how can we not flood?</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4430-the-water-and-rich-soil-of-the-valley.html">Read More ...</a></p>Enjoy the great outdoors with sports2023-11-06T17:07:05-06:002023-11-06T17:07:05-06:00https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4413-enjoy-the-great-outdoors-with-sports.htmlgraphicsgraphics@wintertexantimes.com<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">November – truly a wonderful month to enjoy the great outdoors… It’s not too hot and not too cold – it’s just right. Our beautiful weather should be enticing all of us to step outside. I am sure the golfers are having a field day. Golf must be a wonderful sport. In the little farming community where I grew up, nobody knew anything about golf. Our school had a baseball diamond and a basketball court. Those were our two sports and that was it … you chose one or the other or perhaps, even both. If you learned to swim, you learned in the creek.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4413-enjoy-the-great-outdoors-with-sports.html">Read More ...</a></p><p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">November – truly a wonderful month to enjoy the great outdoors… It’s not too hot and not too cold – it’s just right. Our beautiful weather should be enticing all of us to step outside. I am sure the golfers are having a field day. Golf must be a wonderful sport. In the little farming community where I grew up, nobody knew anything about golf. Our school had a baseball diamond and a basketball court. Those were our two sports and that was it … you chose one or the other or perhaps, even both. If you learned to swim, you learned in the creek.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4413-enjoy-the-great-outdoors-with-sports.html">Read More ...</a></p>Welcome home and enjoy this paradise 2023-10-25T17:42:00-05:002023-10-25T17:42:00-05:00https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4401-welcome-home-and-enjoy-this-paradise.htmlgraphicsgraphics@wintertexantimes.com<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/stories/2023/20210202_SPI_SPI-Convention-Center_CAB_5630_web.gif" width="350" height="233" alt="20210202 SPI SPI Convention Center CAB 5630 web" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />A big, big Welcome Home! We have missed you…. And you missed a hot, hot summer. In fact, we had record-breaking heat and very little rain. When the temperature dropped below a hundred it was like a cold snap and were we ever relieved.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Now the weather is just perfect for enjoying an early morning walk or a golf outing or a game of shuffleboard with your friends. In fact, the weather is just right.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Our Winter Texans contribute so much to the Valley. I know economically. You help us out. And we appreciate that. But you offer so much, much more to us and you do it with so much love and understanding.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">You are a pleasure and a great benefit to us. We will never be able to tell you how much we appreciate your sharing your talents, your experiences, and your loving nature with us – The most wonderful thing is that you are willing to share with us. Thanks!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Some of you may drive a little slower than some of the others who are always in a hurry to get to their destination. But I drive a little slower than I used to also. You may not see as well as you used to, but then I don’t either. But why not go a little slower. Let’s enjoy this paradise.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4401-welcome-home-and-enjoy-this-paradise.html">Read More ...</a></p><p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/stories/2023/20210202_SPI_SPI-Convention-Center_CAB_5630_web.gif" width="350" height="233" alt="20210202 SPI SPI Convention Center CAB 5630 web" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />A big, big Welcome Home! We have missed you…. And you missed a hot, hot summer. In fact, we had record-breaking heat and very little rain. When the temperature dropped below a hundred it was like a cold snap and were we ever relieved.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Now the weather is just perfect for enjoying an early morning walk or a golf outing or a game of shuffleboard with your friends. In fact, the weather is just right.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Our Winter Texans contribute so much to the Valley. I know economically. You help us out. And we appreciate that. But you offer so much, much more to us and you do it with so much love and understanding.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">You are a pleasure and a great benefit to us. We will never be able to tell you how much we appreciate your sharing your talents, your experiences, and your loving nature with us – The most wonderful thing is that you are willing to share with us. Thanks!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Some of you may drive a little slower than some of the others who are always in a hurry to get to their destination. But I drive a little slower than I used to also. You may not see as well as you used to, but then I don’t either. But why not go a little slower. Let’s enjoy this paradise.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4401-welcome-home-and-enjoy-this-paradise.html">Read More ...</a></p>Quilting: Just one of the things you do2023-10-18T13:33:31-05:002023-10-18T13:33:31-05:00https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4378-quilting-just-one-of-the-things-you-do.htmlgraphicsgraphics@wintertexantimes.com<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/stories/2023/20191111_Brookridge_RGV-Quilt-Guild-Presents-Quilts-to-Veterans_CAB_0528_web.gif" width="350" height="233" alt="20191111 Brookridge RGV Quilt Guild Presents Quilts to Veterans CAB 0528 web" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />What a wonderful contribution our Senior Citizens make to the Rio Grande Valley. They are just so willing to share their talents. Some volunteer to tutor in public schools. That is a great service not just to the teachers, but what a blessing for the students who may be having trouble reading or with math.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">I think back to the time when my only grandson needed a tutor in math. He was a June baby and just a little behind in math comprehension. Today, at age 25, he is a straight A student in a prestigious law school on the East Coast. Many thanks to that tutor who was able to give her time and talents to help a child succeed.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4378-quilting-just-one-of-the-things-you-do.html">Read More ...</a></p><p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/stories/2023/20191111_Brookridge_RGV-Quilt-Guild-Presents-Quilts-to-Veterans_CAB_0528_web.gif" width="350" height="233" alt="20191111 Brookridge RGV Quilt Guild Presents Quilts to Veterans CAB 0528 web" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />What a wonderful contribution our Senior Citizens make to the Rio Grande Valley. They are just so willing to share their talents. Some volunteer to tutor in public schools. That is a great service not just to the teachers, but what a blessing for the students who may be having trouble reading or with math.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">I think back to the time when my only grandson needed a tutor in math. He was a June baby and just a little behind in math comprehension. Today, at age 25, he is a straight A student in a prestigious law school on the East Coast. Many thanks to that tutor who was able to give her time and talents to help a child succeed.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4378-quilting-just-one-of-the-things-you-do.html">Read More ...</a></p>Stop and smell the roses on your way2023-03-28T11:29:06-05:002023-03-28T11:29:06-05:00https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4257-stop-and-smell-the-roses-on-your-way.htmlgraphicsgraphics@wintertexantimes.com<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/stories/2023/Painted-church-web.gif" width="350" height="233" alt="Painted church web" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />I know many of our Winter Texans have already started home. Those who have not already left are probably thinking of packing up and closing down their winter homes. We are going to miss you and look forward to welcoming you back again in the fall. Have a wonderful summer wherever you may be.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">But now as you think about the drive home, will you stop along the way? Yes, you are anxious to be home but why not stop and enjoy a little bit more of Texas as you head home? One of your first stops could easily be at Schulenburg - located some five hours straight up North Highway 77. Schulenburg is the home of the Painted Churches and well worth a stop as you head North.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Truly, Texas has been blessed to have so many different nationalities and cultures to settle in our state. Remnants of a European culture still exist in Schulenburg where the original settlers were from Germany, Poland and Czechoslovakia.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">It was in 1848, when the German speaking countries were in revolution that so many who were seeking a democratic form of government over a monarchy decided to leave their homeland. Even so, to leave everything behind and start life anew must have been very difficult. It is no wonder that these immigrants missed the architecture of their homeland and the beautiful churches they had left behind. Farmland abounded around Schulenburg but art and materials to copy the beautiful artwork and marble found in their homeland was sadly lacking.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4257-stop-and-smell-the-roses-on-your-way.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/Painted-church-web.gif" width="350" height="233" alt="Painted church web" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />I know many of our Winter Texans have already started home. Those who have not already left are probably thinking of packing up and closing down their winter homes. We are going to miss you and look forward to welcoming you back again in the fall. Have a wonderful summer wherever you may be.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">But now as you think about the drive home, will you stop along the way? Yes, you are anxious to be home but why not stop and enjoy a little bit more of Texas as you head home? One of your first stops could easily be at Schulenburg - located some five hours straight up North Highway 77. Schulenburg is the home of the Painted Churches and well worth a stop as you head North.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Truly, Texas has been blessed to have so many different nationalities and cultures to settle in our state. Remnants of a European culture still exist in Schulenburg where the original settlers were from Germany, Poland and Czechoslovakia.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">It was in 1848, when the German speaking countries were in revolution that so many who were seeking a democratic form of government over a monarchy decided to leave their homeland. Even so, to leave everything behind and start life anew must have been very difficult. It is no wonder that these immigrants missed the architecture of their homeland and the beautiful churches they had left behind. Farmland abounded around Schulenburg but art and materials to copy the beautiful artwork and marble found in their homeland was sadly lacking.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4257-stop-and-smell-the-roses-on-your-way.html">Read More ...</a></p>Beauty and opportunity surrounds us in the RGV2023-03-23T21:36:08-05:002023-03-23T21:36:08-05:00https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4243-beauty-and-opportunity-surrounds-us-in-the-rgv.htmlgraphicsgraphics@wintertexantimes.com<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/stories/2023/20200217_Bentsen-Palm-RV-Park_Cinderella-Rescue-Donation_DAB_4468-web.gif" width="350" height="233" alt="20200217 Bentsen Palm RV Park Cinderella Rescue Donation DAB 4468 web" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />Sometimes those of us who live in the Rio Grande Valley just take for granted all the wonders that surround us. Regardless of our age, we have so many opportunities to enjoy our life.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">For the young or more active, how about canoeing down the Rio Grande River or perhaps kayaking in the Arroyo Colorado or in the Bay at nearby South Padre Island. Hiking trails and nature parks are scattered all over our semi-tropical area. Spring and Fall migrations attract many residents and visitors who want to add to their Birding Life List. For those of us who are more sedentary, river boats can take us up and down the river. Simply said, the Rio Grande Valley is virtually a natural paradise.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">There are so many opportunities for travel and exploring. How about a Sunday afternoon drive down what is now referred to as the Memorial Highway. At one time bandits on horseback rode in this area often intercepting and robbing the mail wagons that not only carried the mail but often more valuable payrolls. Later this same road became the thoroughfare for the Oblate Fathers who were the ministers of the Christian faith to the ranches scattered along the river road. Those ministers were named the Cavalry for Christ.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4243-beauty-and-opportunity-surrounds-us-in-the-rgv.html">Read More ...</a></p><p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/stories/2023/20200217_Bentsen-Palm-RV-Park_Cinderella-Rescue-Donation_DAB_4468-web.gif" width="350" height="233" alt="20200217 Bentsen Palm RV Park Cinderella Rescue Donation DAB 4468 web" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />Sometimes those of us who live in the Rio Grande Valley just take for granted all the wonders that surround us. Regardless of our age, we have so many opportunities to enjoy our life.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">For the young or more active, how about canoeing down the Rio Grande River or perhaps kayaking in the Arroyo Colorado or in the Bay at nearby South Padre Island. Hiking trails and nature parks are scattered all over our semi-tropical area. Spring and Fall migrations attract many residents and visitors who want to add to their Birding Life List. For those of us who are more sedentary, river boats can take us up and down the river. Simply said, the Rio Grande Valley is virtually a natural paradise.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">There are so many opportunities for travel and exploring. How about a Sunday afternoon drive down what is now referred to as the Memorial Highway. At one time bandits on horseback rode in this area often intercepting and robbing the mail wagons that not only carried the mail but often more valuable payrolls. Later this same road became the thoroughfare for the Oblate Fathers who were the ministers of the Christian faith to the ranches scattered along the river road. Those ministers were named the Cavalry for Christ.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4243-beauty-and-opportunity-surrounds-us-in-the-rgv.html">Read More ...</a></p>The hardy mesquite tree2023-03-14T14:27:38-05:002023-03-14T14:27:38-05:00https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4228-the-hardy-mesquite-tree.htmlgraphicsgraphics@wintertexantimes.com<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Spring is in the air! Or at least that is so in the Rio Grande Valley. But not so in parts of the United States. Some places are still feeling the chill of winter with morning temperatures of around 35 degrees while temperatures for those of us in South Texas are enjoying 70 degrees - just perfect for an early morning stroll.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">We can't rely on the ground hog to predict Spring for they just don't exist in this part of the United States. We often depend on another method to predict when Spring is in the air.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">It is generally in mid to late February when the ordinary dead looking mesquite tree begins to show signs of life. Almost overnight beautiful emerald green lacy looking foliage adorns this tree. Then we can be sure that Spring is just around the corner. Mother Nature is giving us a tried-and-true signal - Spring is in the air.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4228-the-hardy-mesquite-tree.html">Read More ...</a></p><p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">Spring is in the air! Or at least that is so in the Rio Grande Valley. But not so in parts of the United States. Some places are still feeling the chill of winter with morning temperatures of around 35 degrees while temperatures for those of us in South Texas are enjoying 70 degrees - just perfect for an early morning stroll.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">We can't rely on the ground hog to predict Spring for they just don't exist in this part of the United States. We often depend on another method to predict when Spring is in the air.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">It is generally in mid to late February when the ordinary dead looking mesquite tree begins to show signs of life. Almost overnight beautiful emerald green lacy looking foliage adorns this tree. Then we can be sure that Spring is just around the corner. Mother Nature is giving us a tried-and-true signal - Spring is in the air.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4228-the-hardy-mesquite-tree.html">Read More ...</a></p>History of Texas and the RGV2023-03-07T21:24:58-06:002023-03-07T21:24:58-06:00https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4215-history-of-texas-and-the-rgv.htmlgraphicsgraphics@wintertexantimes.com<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/stories/2023/20201111_Brownsville_Palo-Alto-Battlefield_CAB_4154-web.gif" width="350" height="233" alt="20201111 Brownsville Palo Alto Battlefield CAB 4154 web" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />Sometimes it is a good idea if the boss becomes a guide. I really enjoy being with the passengers and guiding. Even when I do have a backup guide, things can just go wrong and I get to step in and guide. And what fun that is.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">That is just what happened this past Thursday on a King Ranch Tour. My backup had covid and so I became the guide for the day. What a history we have in the King Ranch and in the formation and settling of the Rio Grande Valley. As I related the history of our area, I was again impressed with how we became the State of Texas.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4215-history-of-texas-and-the-rgv.html">Read More ...</a></p><p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/stories/2023/20201111_Brownsville_Palo-Alto-Battlefield_CAB_4154-web.gif" width="350" height="233" alt="20201111 Brownsville Palo Alto Battlefield CAB 4154 web" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />Sometimes it is a good idea if the boss becomes a guide. I really enjoy being with the passengers and guiding. Even when I do have a backup guide, things can just go wrong and I get to step in and guide. And what fun that is.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">That is just what happened this past Thursday on a King Ranch Tour. My backup had covid and so I became the guide for the day. What a history we have in the King Ranch and in the formation and settling of the Rio Grande Valley. As I related the history of our area, I was again impressed with how we became the State of Texas.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4215-history-of-texas-and-the-rgv.html">Read More ...</a></p>Uncovering the real story2023-02-21T17:51:44-06:002023-02-21T17:51:44-06:00https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4185-uncovering-the-real-story.htmlgraphicsgraphics@wintertexantimes.com<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/stories/2023/20181215_Riverside-Dreamer-Tour_JMB_0076-web.gif" width="350" height="233" alt="20181215 Riverside Dreamer Tour JMB 0076 web" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />It's a small, small world! Just last week I received an e-mail directing me to an article presented by the British Broadcasting Company. The Rio Grande Valley and the story of Rio Rico made the news all the way across the world. At first, I just could not believe it.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">The article was all about Rio Rico, a Valley town that was once in the United States but is now in Mexico. How would you like to go to sleep one night living in the United States and wake up to find that you are now in Mexico? Well, that is exactly what happened to the citizens of Rio Rico for you see it is said that the winding and curving Rio Grande River cut a new and straighter channel leaving Rio Rico in Mexico.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">This occurred back in July 2006 and all these years when guiding I have used this as an example of how strong the force of water can be. That episode was easy for me to accept for in Mexico, the Rio Grande is named the Rio Bravo del Norte or the Brave River of the North. And certainly, water can be a powerful force destroying bridges, sweeping cars off of highways that are flooding, and carrying entire houses away in their swirling currents.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4185-uncovering-the-real-story.html">Read More ...</a></p><p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;"><img src="https://wintertexantimes.com/images/stories/2023/20181215_Riverside-Dreamer-Tour_JMB_0076-web.gif" width="350" height="233" alt="20181215 Riverside Dreamer Tour JMB 0076 web" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />It's a small, small world! Just last week I received an e-mail directing me to an article presented by the British Broadcasting Company. The Rio Grande Valley and the story of Rio Rico made the news all the way across the world. At first, I just could not believe it.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">The article was all about Rio Rico, a Valley town that was once in the United States but is now in Mexico. How would you like to go to sleep one night living in the United States and wake up to find that you are now in Mexico? Well, that is exactly what happened to the citizens of Rio Rico for you see it is said that the winding and curving Rio Grande River cut a new and straighter channel leaving Rio Rico in Mexico.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: 12pt;">This occurred back in July 2006 and all these years when guiding I have used this as an example of how strong the force of water can be. That episode was easy for me to accept for in Mexico, the Rio Grande is named the Rio Bravo del Norte or the Brave River of the North. And certainly, water can be a powerful force destroying bridges, sweeping cars off of highways that are flooding, and carrying entire houses away in their swirling currents.</span></p>
<p class="feed-readmore"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wintertexantimes.com/news/column-on-the-road/4185-uncovering-the-real-story.html">Read More ...</a></p>