Friday, December 30, 2011

2011 In Review

While I was glancing back through all the photos of the past year for this post I realized that there were just too many places and events that I wanted to share.

We had an extremely busy and very successful year for MASA. January, February and to the middle of March we held about 45 information seminars in as many different RV Parks and Resorts. The seminars include a nice chicken dinner catered by Church’s. We fed about 2800 members and guests in that 2-1/2 months.

As the season was winding down for us we had more time for our favorite pastime. Surfing the internet – we are both internet junkies! The Cowboy reads and participates in quite a few RV forums and I follow quite a few Photography and RV blogs as well as web sites like Pioneer Woman.

We were also half heartedly researching a newer motorhome when we found one that caught our attention. After a phone call confirming that it was still for sale we set out for a 4 hour trek to San Antonio. A few days later we were the proud owners of our Phaeton and OH! our Bounder too!

DSC_0011

We re-set our jello plans and decided to drive the Phaeton back to Ontario. We didn’t rush but we were anxious to get the Bounder back to Canada in order to hit the spring season – prime time for selling RV’s. We arrived back safe and sound and within the next few days The Cowboy caught a flight back to Texas and retraced our tracks back home with the Bounder.

P1160410

After shining the Bounder up a bit it sold quickly to a couple who really love it. They have kept in touch and their last email to us was in the form of a Thank You note – for selling them the motorhome. They really enjoyed their summer with a few short trips and spending the rest of their time in a seasonal park.

We also chose a seasonal park this past summer, having ‘mooch-docked’ for the past 6 years at The Cowboys’ Dad’s place.

DSC_0020

Trillium Court is located on the north shore of Lake Erie. Long Point Bay is a very popular spot for many fishing and boating enthusiasts.

 

P1170134 P1170175

DSC_0024

DSC_0043 DSC_0044

DSC_0031

 

 

We enjoyed lots of fun family get-togethers.

 

 

DSC_0029

DSC_0039 DSC_0082 DSC_0040

DSC_0010-1

DSC_0073

 

Met some wonderful new friends.

 

 

 

Re-united with several other friends:

DSC_0050 DSC_0053
Jean & Ken renamed file-235 DSC_0288

Partied with some old ones Winking smile

Reunited with some long lost cousins too:

DSC_0005 DSC_0006

Yes, of course there was golfing . . .

DSC_0085

And Car shows . . .

DSC_0062 DSC_0064

We took a few side trips:

P1170198

I also took a few pictures!

DSC_0094DSC_0052

P1170188

DSC_0103

That takes us up to about September. You can read about the rest of our year in our Archives on the right side of this page.

There’s also some really good reading in the blogs that I follow. Just click away!

I couldn’t include everyone here or all of the fun things that we did so if you feel slighted in the least because your pic wasn’t here . . . just become a follower or leave a comment and I will make sure to do a special post featuring You!

To all of our friends and family out there – Thank You So Much for being a wonderful part of our lives and we wish you all the best . . .Love, Health and Happiness in 2012!

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Wishing You Big Hearts

 

Christmas isn’t just a date or a season.

It’s a state of mind and the feeling in your heart.

And about that mess in your living room after the gifts have been opened . . .

don’t be too quick to clean it up.

Merry Christmas

from our hearts to yours!

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Hidalgo Festival of Lights

This being our 5th winter down here in the Valley we’ve developed some of our own Christmas traditions. One of our favorites is the Magical Light Display at Higalgo.

Hidalgo is a small village about 20 minutes south of Pharr and the City Hall Plaza is the setting for more than 3,000,000 lights and 900 displays

 

DSCF7026

This is one of those events that is much more fun when you can share it with friends.

Here are Canadians Ken & Marg standing in front of the World’s Largest Killer Bee:

DSCF6968

We first met this crazy couple from Saskatchewan during our first year down here and altho’ they’ve not been back to Texas since we still keep in touch with them.

DSCF6982

We opted for the Horse Drawn Wagon Tour (which was an experience in itself) for $6 per person. They also offer Trolley, Tram or Hayrides at $3 each.

P1140340

Another year we got to share with Jack & Bonnie.

P1140293

This is one of our many favorites. The detail in these pieces of art is simply amazing!

P1140294

That sculpture is actually made up of these tiny bottles filled with colored liquid.

There is one whole block dedicated to the theme of a A Partridge in a Pear Tree:

DSCF6998 DSCF7001

Can you see the 3 French Hens and 8 Maids a Milking?

DSCF7004

DSCF7002

P1140295 P1140296

This little village goes all out for this incredible display.

Much to the delight of young and old, Santa and his reindeer are also on hand:

P1140316

P1140300

The last couple of years they have been offering a wonderful roast beef dinner at a very reasonable price served on the City Hall’s spacious front entrance.

P1140303

P1160478

 

 

Derek & Phyllis joined us last year.

They are another Canadian couple from Alberta that we’ve had some fun times with. They are spending this winter in California.

 

 

 

Several local school and church choirs provide awesome entertainment. Their wonderful music can be heard through most of the plaza.

P1140323

This year the weather has been cool and damp and  that’s what the forecast looks like for the next few days so I posted some shots that we’ve taken on our previous visits. We are still planning on visiting Hidalgo but probably not until after Christmas.

P1140305

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?