March 1: More Updating

Valentine's Day was celebrated with another pot luck dinner. This year, we added some entertainment. There were jokes told, a lady played her lap harp - really pretty to listen to, Elise and Lawrence did a Burns and Allen routine, and one couple performed a Ukraine Barn Dance. It was really pretty charming and I'm sure Larry and I could demonstrate it to any of you who might wish to see it. The foot work was intricate but we're reasonably light on our feet. The highlight of the evening, in my opinion, was the Kitchen Band. I played the Kazoo and Larry played the triangle ( pie pan, hanging on a string and tapped with stick).

Then Tuesday came and Elise and Guy had to leave. They were headed for Florida to attend Daytona's Bike Week. I've been in contact with them since and they're doing well. It's cool in Florida too--they've been running the furnace.


Thursday, Feb. 19th, we drove over to Goliad, Tx to visit a beautiful old town and learn some more of Texas history. Goliad is one of the oldest municipalities in Texas. Settled in 1749 by the Spanish, they occupied this town until 1821 when Mexico won its independence from Spain. We did some antique shopping here and looked thru several boutiques (I bought a new pair of earrings).

A fort and mission just south of town, the Presidio La Bahia was part of the Goliad settlement. The first offensive action of the Texas Revolution occurred here in 1835 when Local colonists captured the fort and the town. The largest single loss of life in the cause of Texas independence happened here at this fort. Over 300 men were marched out to the walls in three groups and were shot. The Goliad Massacre inspired the rousing battle-cry, "Remember the Alamo! Remember Goliad!" Somehow the last part has gotten dropped thru the years of history. For more information about the NINE flags over Texas, go to: http://www.presidiolabahia.org/under_nine_flags.htm

Between 1846 and 1870, the Hanging Tree (now in the courtyard of Goliad) served as the site of court sessions. Death sentences were carried out immediately with a rope and a strong limb. We were really hoping to see a noose hanging from the tree for effect, but none was seen.






The local RV dealership, CCRV, had an open house, so we all caravaned down for free hot dogs and door prizes. Walked thru several 5th wheels and a couple of motor homes. None of us were interested in purchasing at this time but it's always fun to look.

Once again, we gathered up a group and went geo caching. Looked for 7 and found 6 - not bad odds for the day. Ended up at Whataburger for dinner.


















Please note that every group has to have a supervisor (or someone that's too old and too fat to climb the ditch between flat land and woods - I prefer the term supervisor).


February 25th we went to see Gran Torino and eat dinner at Golden Coral. Great movie if any of you need a recommendation.

This past Friday, we said good bye to Jim and Judy from Salina, OK - just east of Pryor. They were heading up to Canton, TX for First Monday. I'm sure we'll get to see them again - Oklahoma's not that far from Kansas.

Tomorrow we leave for Livingston, TX. There is an Escapee campground there (we stayed there last year on the way down here). We'll be there a week or two and then meander over to Louisiana. Check out that country for a couple of weeks and then head back to Texas to visit Wayne and Sharol. Then progress north to see Dean and Don (Don is back in a care home and out of the hospital).

We'll be saying goodbye to everyone right after coffee and donuts. That will be hard but we all knew this would happen at the end of the winter. All over Texas, Arizona and Florida, folks are saying goodbye to friends who have become like family. The good thing is that most of them will see each other again next winter. Since we're giving up this life style, we'll have to go to Canada to see most of the friends we've met here. We're hoping that will happen and that maybe they'll come thru Kansas on their way to and from south Texas.

I've given up my Sprint data card because the wi-fi here was excellent. I didn't see any point in paying for it for the 4 months we'd be here. Heading out for the boonies again, I'm not sure what my status will be for on-line communications. I may have to go sit in a hotel parking lot to download e-mails and update my blog.

So for now, that's it from south Texas--hope to update from Livingston and Louisiana. We'll be seeing most of you in April.