A big, big WELCOME HOME! We are so glad that you are back in Texas - especially in the Rio Grande Valley where the skies are blue, and the temperature is mild - except when it is hot, or we have a blue norther. Our heat is mainly in the summertime. This time of the year when the temperature is mild is one of the most enjoyable times to be in the Rio Grande Valley. Another special time is in the Spring when the trees are leafing out and grassy slopes are covered with bluebonnets and other Spring flowers. Thanks for choosing Texas for your winter home and most of all thanks for choosing the Rio Grande Valley.

You have set a beautiful example for me to follow. You give so much - donating warm winter clothes for our more unfortunate families. You give of your time to schools and hospitals to help out. Thanks so much. I decided it was time to volunteer some of my time and so now I am tutoring reading in one of our public schools. Thank you for giving me a little nudge to do more for my community...to make a difference.

My students who are anywhere from six to twelve years old call me "that fun teacher." Most of the students come from homes where only Spanish is spoken. Generally, both mother and father must work to support the many children. When the parents arrive home, they are tired and unfortunately too many of those children do not receive the attention they need. We can all fill in that gap with the attention that we give them. It is such a pleasure to know that as retirees, we can make a difference. Again, I thank you for showing me the way.

Now it is time for me to share with you. There will be some winter days when you will want to stay inside and maybe read or watch television. I prefer reading and the most entertaining Texas book that I have read in a long time is Stories from Texas written by W.F. Strong who is a Texas native, a writer and a radio commentator. This book will keep you entertained for hours. He even states that some of his stories are true. He truly has the well-known Texas gift of gab and will even teach you how to talk Texas.

I was just sure I didn't have the usual slow Texas drawl. In his book Mr. Strong will give you a sentence to read out loud to check your own speech. I just knew that I didn't talk that way. Guess what? I sure do! I talk Texas. I invite you to join us since you enjoy our slow, relaxed way of life you might as well pick up our way of speaking which is slow and relaxed - almost lazy.

But if one wants to hurry up and get to the point, our speech will sometimes be frustrating. But never mind. Read the book and WELCOME TO TEXAS!