Flight of the butterfly

  Yesterday we had wave after wave of small brown butterflies come by. Today must be yellow day as a consistent stream of yellow ones are fluttering by. Certainly something we do not normally see. When you travel, one never knows the wonders that you will experience.

Right place, wrong time

We went out exploring a little today. First stop was a butterfly center. The place looked questionable and only had two cars. Decided to save my $20. Knew that a state park was nearby so went to check it out. Thanks to my yearly pass we were in for free. This park is built for bird watchers, a BIG pastime here in the valley. Prime birding season starts in October so we will be back. Also will bring our bikes to get around in as no cars allowed

 A very poor picture of a chachalaca....no I did not type it wrong, look it up! Noisy rascals they are.

 Just a pretty bloom that the humming birds liked. Of course they got camera shy

 You always hear/have heard about all the produce grown in the valley. It is true but would not be were it not for an extensive network of canals diverting water. This diversion, plus that of Mexico and cities up stream is part of the reason the Rio Grande barely reaches the gulf.

  All that is left when the mighty Rio Grande reaches the Gulf of Mexico. A lot of the time in dry season it does not even make it.

  Down here cities all run together, sort of like the metro mess of DFW. Having said that, Edinburg is more agrarian, and older smaller homes. Mission on the other hand is newer and decidedly more upscale. For example how about we get a spot HERE ? Built in spot for Maggie!


Maybe a trip to Mexico tomorrow. Tuesday finds us leaving Maggie here and us driving the jeep to Mansfield. Quick DR visit Wednesday then we drive back down here, about 500 miles each way. Repeat the trip the following week. Probably nothing, but then again not something we felt like we could ignore.



Life is short, play hard!

Fun facts

 For those like Ms T who were expecting loads of pictures we apologize. We have yet to venture far afield. Multiple reasons for this but mostly contentment and laziness. Will try and do better but the next two weeks include doctors visits which cut into our fun.

 This resort has free wifi which works great until everyone else arrives. Mary is able to search for dead relatives with out worrying about data usage. Happy wife, happy life. They also have a low power radio station playing a good mix of music. No ads, no wanna be comedians, just good music.

 They play a fun version of water volleyball here. A regulation game happens on Saturdays. On other days the rules are different. No limit to number of hits, catch the ball if need to, just fun. If you get in pool at start, be prepared to still be in pool two hours later. Have played more volleyball in a couple of days than I had all summer. Volleyball, bike rides, sunset walks, dips in the pool, you get the routine...


  Have I mentioned we REALLY like it here...





carpe diem.......we dang sure are!

New year, new food

  If you remember last year we went on a crab cake and pork ribs binge. This year we will overdose on tamales. Ever down this way stop at Delia's for some killer tamales. Cold Lone Star longneck is a good thing to have with them.

Bliss

 Thought you might like a view of our home for next two months. Pretty quiet now but winter Texans will begin arriving in October. By the time we leave in November it will be considerably busier.

Edinburg

 After a uneventfull 200 miles we are in Edinburg. Rest of day will be setting up our stuff and relaxing. We have a shady spot and there is a nice breeze. Now time to do what we enjoy most. Not for everyone, but works for us.

Hell week part deaux, Goliad part two

 We did survive hell week, the first week of classes. Our expectations of a slow last week proved to be wrong. The crazies came out in force, both students and company. You wish all students success but when they have yet to buy their books by the second week...Add in a obvious lack of dedication you want to tell them just go home, you will fail. Can not abide a student that out and out lies. It was all Mary could do to not slap the stupid out of one in particular. Grrrr...

 Now add in a late change in procedure that had us working late. This is not the first rush, procedures should be set in stone. Not afraid of hard work but broken processes that cause rework, or needless work really piss me off. By the end of the week our return was in real jeopardy. Sure, we are contract labor and get paid for our time. But neither of us can tolerate a lot of needless BS. Will probably calm down and return in January, but still grumbling about it.


  Faithful readers will remember that we visited Goliad state park in February. On that trip we focused on Mission Espirtu Santo and Presidio la Bahia. For Goliad part two I bring you historic county courthouse and the square.

  If you come to a tree in the middle of the road, turn. The tree has seniority! Many different occurrences of this in Goliad.

 You gotta love live oaks and old courthouses...

 The tree shown in picture above has served a useful purpose...

  And any self respecting marketing person could not pass up that opportunity!

 Maggie in her element...

  Coming attractions preview. While we will be parked the next two months in one spot, we will not be idle. Sure we plan to spend plenty of time in the pool and working on our tans. Day trips will take us to South Padre Island, historic sites in the valley and into Mexico. We came prepared with passports this time. Check back from time to time to see what mischief we are into.




carpe diem