Alive and Well in the RGV...

I know...you don't have to tell me...it's been a long time since I last blogged.  I could give you a lot of excuses, but, I won't.  So...all, I can say is, I just got lazy about pictures and writing.

However, with a little persuasion, I decided, I better play catch up.  So, when I last left you, we were still  hanging out in Fort Worth enjoying the

holidays with family.  Christmas was great, and...

Kinley, enjoyed her

first New Year's.

We planned to head out right after the New Year, but, Mark was determined to see the

swimming pool project at Scott and J's finished and ready for water, so we stayed home a while longer.

Finally, we were well into January and it was time to head South.  We made a stop in San Antonio for a few days to visit with Rod and Deb.  While we were there, we managed to find a couple of TV's Diner, Drive-ins, and Dives...Mark and Deb's favorite show!  First, there was

Beto's, home of the world's best empanadas.  The next day, we went to

Texas Pride Barbecue.  Both...good finds!

After spending time with great friends, it was time to say "see you later" and make our way on to the RGV.  It was nice to be back to our winter home.

And, since our return, we have kept busy...

We rented the Harley again, and joined

 

rest of the gang for a bike ride.

Greg and Bonnie led us out to La Gloria to the

home of the bloodless bull fights.

We saw some of the

matadors practicing to face off with one

of these guys.

Then, it was off to Rio Grande City for lunch at

Che's, an old haunted hotel as the story goes.

What a great day.

We also participated in the Walk Through The Village, which is an

open house for those outside our community to come see Retama.  We had a beautiful day and lots of visitors.

This past weekend, we joined in with friends and neighbors for a

cookout at the

palapa, which is located down by the

river.

Our days are warm and the nights are cool...and

I stay busy with the girls...there is our weekly Weight Watchers meetings followed by lunch.  We swim, and shop, and, just hang out.  I am looking forward to taking a mosaic class at the Stained Glass shop over the next couple of weeks.

Mark has been occupied with the guys.  They have been going to the indoor shooting range and recently attended the class where they were issued their concealed handgun license.  Of course, they also find time to have breakfast together on Fridays and do a little shopping of their own.

Then, we have started a new project of our own, thanks to Garry and Pat.  They are

redoing their patio and offered us the

old pavers.

So, Mark has been busy

cleaning them.  Tomorrow, Victor is coming to dig out the grass space behind our drive and then Mark can begin to make the 4' extension with the pavers.  Thanks Garry and Pat!

But, no matter how busy we get...there is always time for Happy Hours

and friends.

Wow..we are alive and well in the RGV!