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Sunday thru Saturday, February 4-10—A Life Bird and Yo-Yo Weather, Ugh!

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After not seeing the Painted Bunting at the National Butterfly Center, I returned Sunday about noon. Several other birds posed for photographs, including a Yellow-rumped Warble, a Long-billed Thrasher, and a Clay-colored Thrush.
Yellow-rumped Warbler 
Long-billed Thrasher
Clay-colored Thrush
Also, a Mexican Bluewing butterfly posed in both closed and open positions.
Mexican Bluewing on a bait log
Mexican Bluewing
I wandered around the area where the Painted Bunting had been previously spotted, but had no luck. After an hour, a fellow photographer chasing the same bird motioned that he had it spotted, and I was able to “shoot” a couple of photos of this remarkable creature—a lifer for me. The rest of the day was rather anti-climatic.
Painted Bunting
We were up really early Monday morning, 4:15 am, in order for Kay to transport Sharon Crawford to the airport for her return to Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, after which Kay played golf, and continues to improve;  how she does it without practicing is beyond me.
She and I returned to the golf course, Palm View, Tuesday afternoon, despite high winds as yet another cold front makes its way into the Valley. I squeezed out a decent back nine, and feel my game is returning to “normal”, whatever that is.
Wednesday and Thursday were inside/shopping days as temperatures fell and it rained.
On Friday morning, Kay solicited and picked up donations for the CanAm golf tournament scheduled Valentines Day. I drove to Mexico after lunch for another visit to the dentist to be fitted for a crown. The verdict is still out on Mexican dental work, but after this crown is installed next week, it will likely be my last visit.
I joined five other guys Saturday afternoon for golf at Palm View. It was so slow (three hours for first nine) that two guys dropped out. Once again, I had a high score for the front nine, and a decent score for the back side.

While late November and early December, 2017, were beautiful, weather-wise, here in the Valley, since Christmas, the weather has been up and down, limiting outdoor activities; it has not been our most fun winter!

Sunday thru Saturday, January 28-February 3—Better Weather and a Busy Week

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Though not up to the standards of the last two years, the weather forecast in the Valley has improved for this week.
The Bentsen Palm RV Resort Sixth Annual Derby Days took place Sunday afternoon with 6 “races”. Kay did not “run” this year, a first for her; I assisted Dale Short in preparing Mint Juleps, though I have never drunk one! If only our kids and grandkids could see us now!
Kay played golf Monday morning with several ladies from the resort, and had some good shots and some not so good.
I played golf Tuesday at Palm View, and like Kay yesterday, had some good shots and some not so good.
Along with Charlie McCutcheons, a great birder and fellow Arkansan, I traveled to Salineno and Falcon Lake Wednesday for some spectacular birding, always marveling at the many Altamira Orioles that feed there. And, we saw several Audubon’s Orioles, as well as Clay Colored Thrush, Cardinals, Long-billed Thrasher (brown legs and feet compared to black legs and feet for the Curved-billed Thrasher), Black-crested Titmouse, and lots of Doves and Red-winged Blackbirds. We then traveled to Falcon Lake and saw several other species including American Pipit, Great Egret, and Crested Caracara. All totaled, we observed 50 species. In the early evening, we celebrated Sharon Crawford’s birthday at the palapa.
White-winged Dove
Long-billed Thrasher (note brown legs and feet)
Female Ladder-backed Woodpecker
Savannah Sparrow ?
Audubon’s Oriole
Clay-colored Thrush
Altamira Oriole
Black-crested Titmouse
Crested Caracara
Great Egret
Golf at Shary Golf Club was on the schedule for Thursday while Kay modeled for the sold-out Ladies’ Luncheon and Fashion Show. One of the resort guests from Canada sponsored a keg party at the palapa with both dark and light beer he himself brewed. It was well attended (free beer), and the beer was very good.
We were off to Mexico on Friday for dental work; I had two cavities filled and a tooth prepared for a crown. Though significantly less expensive than in the US, the verdict is still out as far as I’m concerned, as I experienced a  lot of soreness, etc.
Kay was scheduled to go to the South Padre Island Kite Festival, but the ladies who were to join her backed out, and though I offered to go, she opted not to. We spent a relatively quite day at the resort, though I did go to the National Butterfly Center to photograph a few birds.
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Long-billed Thrasher

One other item of note is that I’ve had a headache since returning to the Valley after Christmas; it’s probably caused by stress, but it is a nuisance, and can’t go away soon enough.

Sunday thru Saturday, January 21-27—More Culture

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After church and a quick lunch on Sunday, we drove to University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) in Edinburg to enjoy a performance of several mariachi groups. Two high school groups from Edinburg High School (Mariachi Primer Orgullo) and Edinburg North High School Mariachi Oro) opened the concert, and were quite good. A young lady from Edinburg North played a violin solo that was as good as any we had ever heard. Following the high school groups was Mariachi Juvenil Aztlan from the college (this group consisted mostly of freshmen and sophomore students at UTRGV) followed by Mariachi Aztlan, the “A” team at UTRGV. Ballet Folklorico, a Mexican cultural dance team, accompanied several of the songs.
Edinburg High School Mariachi Band
Edinburg North High School Mariachi Band
UTRGV 2nd Team and Ballet Folklorico
UTRGV 2nd Team and Ballet Folklorico
UTRGV 1st Team and Ballet Folklorico
Kay played golf Monday morning, and I played (quite poorly) Tuesday while Kay shopped and tried on clothes for the Ladies Fashion Show at Bentsen Palm Village RV Resort. She joined Sharon Crawford for bridge in the evening. 
I traveled to Mexico, in a light rain, on Wednesday morning to Dr. Veronica Munoz for what I though would be a crown. After a detailed examination, she said two teeth were cracked and advised not doing anything, same as Dr. Lane advised in Arkansas! Temperatures again plunged to the mid-40s, cold for here.
Progresso in Mexico
Kay and I played golf Thursday afternoon despite heavy misting and wet fairways at Palm View Golf Course. Kay handsome good shots and some not so good; I had a decent front nine and a terrible back nine.
The internet went down this morning, Friday, and Verizon phone and data service is poor. It’s going to be a long weekend!  Kay, accompanied by Sharon Crawford, “solicited” donations for the CanAm golf tournament and I attended a photo club meeting at Retama Village since my golf game was cancelled due to dense fog and a light mist.
Sophomore who played Millie
We really enjoy the culture and entertainment here in the Rio Grande Valley. The high schools are great to include Winter Texans in their audiences for concerts and plays. In this regard, we attended our 5th musical at Nikki Rowe High School, Thoroughly Modern Millie. It was awesome, almost as good as Off Broadway, including a live orchestra; and the three lead singers were only sophomores—incredible to say the least!
As has been written in these blogs, the weather in the Valley this year has not been good, relatively speaking. That makes three out of six seasons here with relatively poor weather—not too good for outdoor activities.

Sunday thru Saturday, January 14-20—Cold, Dreary Weather

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Another long church service occurred Sunday morning. Fortunately, we really like the praise and worship music and Pastor Bill Duke’s messages, so time passes quickly. After lunch, Kay and I practiced our putting and short golf game, and  then spent time on the driving range—not a great practice for me! My golf has been woeful this winter season.
We both played golf on Monday; Kay played with the ladies at Mission West, having a so so game. I played with Tim, Eddie, and Alan at Palmview, having a decent game, the first in a couple of months, despite winds gusting to near 20 mph. We played court whist in the evening, and I won for the first time ever. With high winds and rapidly dropping temperatures, another cold front is on the way.

We awoke to light rain, followed by falling ice pellets and snow Tuesday morning. Kay and I both visited her stylist, and the haircuts were really short. The rest of the day was spent trying to keep warm!

Kay had lunch and watched a movie with Sharon and Sue on Wednesday, yet another less than perfect weather day.


Thursday and Friday were again cold and wet. On Thursday, Kay drove to UTRGV to pick up a putter and purchase tickets to the mariachi concert on Sunday.

Finally, some decent weather arrived on Saturday. I managed a great bicycle ride—my longest of this new year—including a visit to historic La Lomita Mission, despite the wind.

Historic La Lomita Mission
Historic La Lomita Mission
Historic La Lomita Mission

Sunday thru Saturday, January 7-14—Golf and Medical Appointments

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Lin and Tom attended church with us on Sunday, the first Sunday of the month, therefore communion, and the first Sunday of 2018. It was a great service, though somewhat long. Afterwards, Tom, Kay, and I played nine holes of golf at Palmview, while Lin just rode. Lunch at Ranch House II (best hamburger joint in the Valley). While dropping them off at their rental, Kay picked an orange from a tree near their parking pad. It was sweet and low acid, the best orange either of us had ever eaten.
Having not ridden for several days, I did a relatively long bicycle ride, over 19 miles, late Monday, not returning until near dark, despite cool temperatures and winds of about 15 mph. Many roads in the Valley are coarse chip and seal, resulting in a rough ride and chipped windshields!

Rough chip and seal road and bicycle lane

While riding, a couple of Border Patrol incidents were happening. The first photo shows 9 vehicles surrounding 3 illegals. The second photo shows a number of agents on foot searching for illegals adjacent to the path I ride.

There are 9 vehicles, one is behind all the others. Three illegals were sitting on the curb.

Foot searching for illegals near Mission Park

Tom and I played golf again on Tuesday, this time at Los Lagos in Edinburg. As one of my favorite courses in the Valley, it was disappointing to see the loss of parts of some greens, and a deep second cut of rough; the rough was so deep it was virtually impossible to find golf balls, even if just off the green.

Wednesday began a round of medical appointments. Kay returned to Dr. Giraldo’s office for a cardiac stress test, returning Thursday for the results—no problem, but he advised more activity and losing weight!
On Friday, Kay and I traveled to Progresso in Mexico for dental cleanings. It was a bit disappointing, and we didn’t feel as comfortable compared to our hygienist in Calico Rock. The dentist, Dr. Veronica Munoz, recommended two crowns and a filling for me, so I’ll get that done in the next few weeks. I really liked her and she did great work for Kay last year. A porcelain crown is $250 compared to near $1200 in the US.

Saturday was a catchup day—including nap time, we slept for almost 12 hours each.

Monday thru Saturday, January 1-6, 2018—Not an Auspicious Start of the New Year

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Our weather was once again below average on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday with temperatures some 15° below normal, keeping us inside.
Finally, on Thursday, January 4, it warmed up to the mid 60s. In the resort, when it warms up after a few days of cold and/or wet weather, one sees many folks outside scurrying about on bicycles, walking, or otherwise enjoying the outdoors. Although a short trip, I did a bicycle ride of just over 10 miles, while Kay spent some time exploring shops and stores in the Valley.


A cousin, Lin Hagedorn, and her husband arrived in the Valley for a 10-day stay, lodging in a park just up the road from us. We are looking forward to golf and spending time together for the first time in several years.

Sue Mercer and Sharon Crawford arrived Friday afternoon, via plane, from Ontario, Canada. Kay picked them up at the airport. Sue was returning from Christmas holiday, and Sharon was coming back after a absence last year. Both are now widows, and their husbands were dear friends of ours.

On Saturday, I played golf with Tim and John at Palm Creek. We had a 1 PM tee time, but in the Valley it is not uncommon for groups of 5 or even 6 to play,, causing us to start late and finish late. It was a bit humorous though, in that on the 18th hole, we were playing in the complete dark, finding our balls by instinct and/or sound. Surprisingly, no one lost a ball on the tree-lined par 5, even in the dark.

Tuesday thru Sunday, December 26-31—Cold, Wet, and End of 2017

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We departed home for the Rio Grande Valley near 7 AM, arriving at our motorhome about 8 PM–700 miles in 13+ hours—driving through a light rain and cold temperatures most of the way. It remained like that, cold and wet, for the rest of the week, finally breaking near the weekend. After looking at Christmas photos, I decided it was past time to DIET!

Before the rain began…

Early evening on New Year’s Eve, Kay and I joined some 20+ neighbors for dinner at Republic of the Rio Grande, a really good restaurant in McAllen; Kay had shrimp kabobs and I had grilled fish and both were outstanding.

Back at the resort, we attended the New Year’s Eve party, sharing a table with Dale and Donna Short, Rudy and Sherry, and Paul and Steve. The rock and roll band was much too loud and we left after only a couple of hours. What a way to end a great year!

Friday thru Monday, December 15-25—Christmas at Home

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After driving most of the day, I arrived home to cold temperatures mid-afternoon Friday. Kay attended a dress-up Christmas dinner party at Diamante Country Club for our Care Zone at church. In as much as I had not intended to be home for another week and tired from driving, I did not attend.
On Saturday, we attended a memorial sera for cousin Walker Dunn at our childhood church in Bradford, Arkansas. While a sad and somber occasion, it was great seeing many cousins.
Overlooking #9 at Balboa

We slept late on Sunday, and therefore did not attend church. Kay drove to Maumelle for an overnight visit with Karyn and her family, and a date day with Ridge on Monday. I played golf with Don Atchley at Balboa Golf Club, enjoying one of the Village’s great golf courses, but not the cool temps. Don and I played again on Monday, this time at Desoto Golf Club, and Kay returned home late in the afternoon.

Thursday, December 21, Kay and I drove to Memphis to spend all day with Jenny, Harper, and Brian; we had not seen them since late September.

My two beautiful girls!

Christmas Eve was our big Christmas holiday celebration. The morning saw us at the Adams’ with Ron, Cheryl, Kaden, Karyn, Matt, and the kids—not as chaotic as I remember.

The matriarch and her husband
Ron and Cheryl

Karyn and Kaden
Aker









Ridge















Kay and I attended Christmas Eve Candlelight and Communion service at COHUMC; this is a tradition we have honored since the beginning of our relationship some 18 years ago. Following the service we had Christmas Eve dinner at the Morris’ with Jim and Jackie, Jackie’s sister and her husband, Pam Williams, and Don Atchley. This is a new tradition that I really enjoy; reminds me of Christmas when I was growing up, absent the kids!


Back home, Kay and I exchanged gifts; this was quite humorous. We had been ordering gifts for each other since late November, having them shipped to friend’s houses, to our house in the Village, and to our RV site in the Rio Grande Valley. Consequently when all these were collected, we had forgotten to whom each belonged. We opted not to wrap them, instead leaving them in their Amazon Prime boxes. Each of us would begin opening a gift until we could identify it as belonging to one or the other, then passing off the gifts that belonged to the other. It was a hoot, and possibly a new tradition. That pretty much ended our Christmas holiday celebration.

Amazon Prime did our gift wrapping

With all the hoopla out of the way, we were able to celebrate Christmas day in a more serious and somber mood. We deconstructed decorations, boxing them up and storing them in the crawl space for next year. We attended a potluck Christmas Dinner at our church, Christ of the Hills United Methodist Church during mid-afternoon; regretfully, or perhaps thankfully, most of the food was gone by the time I made it through the buffet line. I did manage to get a piece of pecan pie and ate it BEFORE the meal; good, but not up to Mom’s or Kay’s standard by any stretch of the imagination.

Sunday thru Thursday, December 10-14—All About The Book Club

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The weather here in the Valley has turned a bit chilly, at least by RGV standards, limiting outside activities.
Kay’s friend since kindergarten, Sue Srozynski, visited Kay in Hot Springs Village Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, to assist in decorating, view the Christmas lights at Garvan Woodland Gardens, and spend a little money at the slots at Oaklawn Casino.
Garvan Woodland Gardens
On Wednesday, I did a short afternoon bicycle ride, despite the chill and wind; was opting for a longer ride but thought that rear tire was losing air.

Thursday was the big day for The Book Club Party; all had a great time.

Too much wine…



I departed for home in Hot Springs Village after playing golf with Tim, Sue, and John at Palm Creek in the afternoon, stopping for the night at Hotel Texas in Hallettsville.

Monday thru Saturday, December 4-9—Settling In

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During Kay’s visit to the ER on November 12 (before we left for the Rio Grande Valley), an EKG indicated that she had a right bundle branch block (RBBB), a heart block in the electrical conduction system. During a RBBB, the right ventricle is not directly activated by impulses traveling through the right bundle branch. Consequently, as a follow-up, this Monday she visited Dr. Giraldo, my cardiologist here in the RGV. He did not find anything seriously wrong, but ordered a stress test be done after the holidays. Seems like all we do these days is play golf and go to medical appointments!
On Friday, we received word that my cousin, Walker Dunn, passed after a 4-year struggle with multiple myeloma. Walkie, as we called him, was quite an interesting and unique individual, and had 4 beautiful/good looking children. Fortunately, Walkie and I had rekindled our friendship after many years of going different directions. Late in the day, Kay and I were driving around the area and spotted these birds completely covering the road for several hundred feet before scattering to this area.

Kay is hosting The Book Club Christmas meeting this year at our house in Hot Springs Village.  Consequently, she flew home on Saturday to decorate the house, complete Christmas shopping, and attend several social functions.