'20/#6 Maybe #5 1/2 ?

Just a quick blog for those of you who follow us on the internet. I don't Facebook that much but Mary does keep me up to date on our friends, family, and other important things on Facebook. I don't use "important and Facebook" in a sentence very often. Let me get to the point I am making. I would love it if any of you would post what you think or are feeling when you read my blog. I have a couple of regular posters and I can see that I have a number of people following us on the blog. It would be really nice to see a few more comments. The web site has made it easier to comment and if you would put something in the name box for me to know who you are.It doesn't have to be your whole name or anything you wouldn't like out on the internet. Just something that lets me know who you are.

Thanks for listening, following, and hopefully commenting. Blog at you soon from our home in the Rio Grande Valley because.....

Home is where we park it,
Frank and Mary

'20/#5 Why We Do What We Do

Today was the annual Volunteer Appreciation Lunch in Texas Trails. Like many RV parks the activities are run, attended, and supported by volunteers. Whether it is a holiday dinner, the weekly dance, or in our case the weekly Chuck Wagon the volunteers make it all possible. Many of the events would never happen without our volunteers. The best part is that anyone can volunteer! There is always something to be done and something for every level of ability.

This New Years Eve party Mary and I volunteered to take charge of the decorating. There was plenty of decorations from past years and we added some new to brighten things up. When we asked for volunteers to help we got about ten people step up. We also had several more who wanted to help but were commited to a previously planned bus trip. In less than two hours the hall was decorated and ready to usher in the New Year.

Every one had a skillset to bring to the table. Some of the older ladies unpacked and fluffed up the hanging items while others taped art work to the walls. Some of the gentlemen set up the components for our photo back drop including ballons and a giant champagne bottle. I ran up and down the ladder hanging things from the ceiling while Mary kept things organized and jumped in where ever she was needed.

We don't expect our older residents to climb ladders or move tables but they can set tables, roll silverware, and assemble table decorations. There is a job for everyone and every little bit helps. If the activities in your community need volunteers try and help. Even the tiniest help is something that needed to be done. It is also a way to get to know your neighbors in this RV transient life style.

Even though the lunch was for the volunteers, almost 200 of them, we still volunteered to help serve and clean up after. That is what volunteers do! Well I will sign off from our home in Texas Trails because......

Home is where we park it,
Frank and Mary

'20/#4 Hanging On For Now

Here we are in South Texas and the weather is a bit colder than we would like. With temperatures getting down in the 30's we are hanging on down here as long as we can. We will be heading north soon enough and there will be colder weather where we are going. We and the rig will be all prepared for the road as well as the weather.

Our list to get ready is getting shorter and longer at the same time. While getting the water connection fixed we found a leak in the water heater. This was a job better suited to a professional so that was something added to the list. That was taken care of and then a rock hit the truck windshield. Another thing added to the list. When we got that taken care of we found someone who could take care of our slide topper. One thing off the list and another added. If we keep going like this the list will never end!

With only seven weeks left the list has to get done. We also have a few other commitments on the calender that have been planned all winter. Once again I ask "how did I find time for a full time job?". Even without all the volunteering we aren't doing anymore I'm sure it will come down to the wire.

It is time to get to the list and try to stay warm so I will sign off now from our home in the Rio Grande Valley because....

Home is where we park it,

Frank and Mary