Corpus Christi, Texas – Day 4

The motorhome is parked at the Eagles Club #2249. We expect to depart here later this morning.

Yesterday was a laundry, do repairs and odds and ends day. The cold windy weather we’ve been experiencing for the last several days is finally starting to break. We actually saw the sun for a while yesterday and the long-range forecast is for sun and moderate temperatures. At Last!

Since I knew I wouldn’t have any photos for today, I saved three photos of the USS Lexington that I took from Ocean Drive the day before yesterday. In these photos, I think she resembles her nickname…The Blue Ghost. She got that nickname because the Japanese referred to Lexington as a “ghost” ship for her tendency to reappear after reportedly being sunk. This, coupled with the ship’s dark blue camouflage scheme, led the crew to refer to her as “The Blue Ghost”.

What do you think???

As always you may left click upon an image to see an enlarged view and then click once again to see an even larger view…

Enjoying old naval warships is another joy of the full-time RVing lifestyle!!!

The red dot on the below map shows our approximate location in the State of Texas. You may double left-click the map to make it larger…(look closely on the Texas coast…)

Enjoying 65-75 degree temperatures most of the year is a primary joy in the RVing lifestyle!

“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving”…Albert Einstein

If you have not checked out my Ramblin Man’s Photos Blog, you can do so by clicking this link…
http://ramblinmanphotos.wordpress.com/

All original material Copyright – Jim Jaillet 2013
For more information about my three books, click this link:
http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/panamaorbust

Kingsville, Texas

Yesterday we drove the motorhome the about 120 miles from Brownsville to Kingsville, Texas.

As always you may left click upon an image to see an enlarged view and then click once again to see an even larger view…

About 75 miles North of Brownsville we passed through a Border Patrol Station with no problems…

Kingsville is the headquarters of the famous King Ranch which you can read about by clicking their website link…
http://www.king-ranch.com/legacy_overview.html

Here’s a Wikipedia link about King Ranch…
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_Ranch

Upon arrival we went to the King Ranch Museum…

The King Ranch Museum is one of those museums that I give a GREAT BIG BOO too because they do not allow photography. Once again and as always, I saw nothing in the museum that would make the World stop turning if a few photos were taken. Most uncommon for me, I did not care for this museum for I saw it as shamelessly flaunting its wealth which I have never cared about. It seems so funny for me to be saying I didn’t enjoy a museum.

After the museum we went to Elks Club #1926 where we parked for the night. The folks there were very friendly…

They suggested a location where we could plug into electricity so we ended up with this very colorful view from our dinette window…

Enjoying interesting museums that don’t flaunt their wealth is another joy of the full-time RVing lifestyle!!!

The red dot on the below map shows our approximate location in the State of Texas. You may double left-click the map to make it larger…

Enjoying 65-75 degree temperatures most of the year is a primary joy in the RVing lifestyle!

The weather here in South Texas has been erratic lately. First it’s too hot like in the mid-80′s with high humidity and then it’s too cold with highs in the mid-50′s and mid-30′s at night with the wind …which seldom stops blowing…providing a really chilly wind factor. Like yesterday at 6:00 AM it was 78 degrees and this morning at the same time it was 54 degrees. Crazy!!!

“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving”…Albert Einstein

If you have not checked out my Ramblin Man’s Photos Blog, you can do so by clicking this link…
http://ramblinmanphotos.wordpress.com/

All original material Copyright – Jim Jaillet 2013
For more information about my three books, click this link:
http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/panamaorbust

ROAD TO TEXAS

To fly from Murphys to Texas takes two days. I first drive to my daughter’s house near Sacramento, spend the night, and get a ride to the Sacramento Airport for my 6:10 a.m.flight to meet Jim in Harlingen, Texas. I flew from Sac to Los Angeles to San Antonio, to Harlingen. The flight was delayed 20 minutes because of ice and sleet on the runways in San Antonio. A bit bumpy from San Antonio on through.

I know Jim missed me. He had champagne waiting and HE, THE GRINCH HIMSELF, cooked me dinner. But, alas, the pictures are still in the camera. I brought two cameras and two cables with me but, not the correct cable to unload pictures from the Sony.

I shared two legs of the trip with a delightful lady named Rosa. I took her picture and several others. I told her to look for her picture on the blog. My apologies Rosa, if you see this.

And, after allowing my computer to sit for 6 months, it was not happy about my return. It wants everything updated, and cleaned up. My security had expired and I downloaded and installed another program before I did anything else.. Well, you know how it goes.

It is colder here than in Murphys. Remember, this is weather- wimp territory. But, Jim assures me it will be back in the 80′s by Monday. I’m looking forward to getting my rambling life back after the accident. I’ll be doing therapy for quite a some time yet while on the road. We’ll be moving a bit slower than normal, for awhile. But I’m happy in Texas.

THICK RAIN

Yesterday was a day of thick rain. It got thicker and thicker as the day wore on and eventually left an inch of slush on my deck. The kind of day you use to snuggle in, and read or sew. I did paperwork and made progress on my self assigned tasks.

Late in the day, the slush melted off. Brother Clark came by and helped me fix my greenhouse. Two of the glass panels had slid to the ground and he pushed them back up, replaced the trim board and tightened the screws.

The battery gave out on my makita, so it turned into a hand job. I am ever so grateful to have several brothers who often step in to help me out with chores around my place.

Later in the  evening, I finished a book I had started, sort of an omniscient book. A fun and unusual read.

I welcome a quiet, slow day on occasion. I have a friend who loves the weather here and comments that she got tired of the unchanging weather, the unrelenting sunshine of  living in Southern California for most of her life. The poet was right. Home is where the heart is and I do enjoy home between my rambles with Jim. Even if it means a day of thick rain.

AFTER THE CABALGATA

After the Cabalgata, we followed the locals to the park where the smell of cooking food attracted hungry celebrants like us. The family walking in front of us are obviously from El Paso, Texas. We expect they have a father who rides in the Cabalgata.

Food booths surrounded the  park.  We passed on the chili burgers and found something delicious, without a name.

There was no sign, but the woman was filling some type of dough pocket with a filling of potatoes, onion, meat and peppers. Then adding fresh tomatoes, lettuce and red pepper sauce. They were delcious, but we only sampled. Later we bought a chili relleno burrito for me and a rojo  burrito for Jim. We went back for seconds. Lunch for the two of us, without drinks, $8.00, all home made. Can’t be beat.

The band set up and began to play music.

Young folklorico dancers giggled while they waited their turn.

While they dance, the younger girls watch and wait for their turn.

The faces are worried. For some of them their first time “on stage”, perhaps.

Light weight costumes barely protect them from the wind.

Then they realize how much fun it is. Click the short video below to watch them dance:

http://youtu.be/cuKO4uHE5MQ

Now that it is over, they are relaxed and smiling and have coats to keep them warm.

Next on the program a youthful mariachi band.

For a short video of the mariachi players, click the link below:
MVI_3433.MOVMariachi

We especially enjoyed the cute kids like this future cabalgata rider.

And, a budding cabalgata queen.

It was bitterly cold the day of the ride. Locals said the weather was unusual for the time of year.  Jim is bundled up and talking to Dr. Linda McCoy,  a fellow engineer and Viet Nam Vet. She hails from Las Cruces, NM and came for the Cabalgata. I took this picture because I’ve never seen Jim this bundled up against the cold. And, Linda was an interesting woman.

Yesterday, we arrived at Rock Hound State Park. And, I leave New Mexico for home tomorrow. It has been an interesting two months.

COLD, GOLD DAY

Weather, these last weeks, has been shirt-sleeve summer.  Every day, we see  beautiful winter sunrises and sunsets at odds with warm days. Sqaw winter makes you crave the natural order of things; to do right by the trees, and grasses, and critters. Bears hanging low, refusing to hibernate. Birds haven’t a proper signal to  migrate. It’s all wrong.

Weather so dry I’ve had to water the yard lightly, so I decided its time to go gold hunting. It never takes much convincing to get Jan and Brian out looking for gold.  We arrived at what was a dry creek in the fall of  2010. Brian commented that we hadn’t considered the snow melt with this warm weather.

Not to be deterred, I took off my shoes and socks, rolled up my pants, crossed over to a  promising area of gravel and loaded the bucket. The gravel was so wet and heavy, and I expect the bucket a bit weak,  the bottom fell out. I ended up washing the spill on the riffles of a rock. Not a smidge of color.

Jan spotted some old tailings. We checked the topography and found a spot where water had once gushed down this hill and filled a crevice with gravel. I went in with my trowel and reached for the gravel. Water invisibly clean and clear I didn’t even see until I touched it.  Beautiful gravel and good muck.

We brought three buckets. This time, I made sure I didn’t fill the bucket.

We drove around for several hours, stopping at various spots. At this place someone had placed a board to sit on and left a crevice tool and a linoleum slide. It was wet and tough to work.

We went to a popular panning spot under a bridge. The property owner had built a rock dam to catch  the gold before it ever got to the bridge. He built a dam, but it takes a tri-dam to be effective. Then he fenced it and posted no trespassing signs. What the owner probably knows is that no one owns a river. As long as you don’t walk above the high water mark, you aren’t trespassing. The signs discourage rubes, which we aren’t.

By this time, I was wet and cold. The gold eluded us but we got a taste of winter. On the way home we reflected on how the early miners slogged through creeks and winter melts and cursed their lot but never gave it up. They survived on the fever. We’re pikers.

Happy New Year – 2012!

(Sparkling glasses courtesy of glittergraphicsnow.com)

Here’s wishing you a very happy and prosperous new year!

As we begin another new year, I frequently like to reflect on what a lucky guy I am! I’m blessed with a great family, wonderfully good health, many good friends, being a full-time RVer of 17 years and have a delightful life-partner. I’m not a particular believer in astrology. However when Mary and I met in 2008, I was curious what the stars had to say about our (at that time) potential relationship.

Here’s what it had to say. I’m most pleased to tell you that it very accurately describes our current relationship. How lucky we are! She’s a Libra and I’m a Sagittarius.
——————————————————————————————————————-
Compatibility Tools

Monday, October 20, 2008 | Provided by Astrology.com

Libra & Sagittarius

The merging of Libra and Sagittarius can be paradise found for both Signs; this combination is a harmonious one, to say the least. Signs that are two positions apart in the Zodiac tend to have a very deep, special connection and understanding of one another. Sagittarius, the journeyer, is constantly in search of wisdom. Libra has a mind keen for art, beauty and aesthetics; Libra makes a stimulating companion for Sagittarius on their travels and adds much to Sagittarius’s experience. The relationship always feels new because these two keep it exciting — and yet their natural understanding of one another makes them feel like intimates from the beginning. Together they will reach new horizons in love and in life.

Libra and Sagittarius make great friends as well as lovers. They share a certain fresh-faced optimism in the world; they’re both enthusiastic about finding truth and beauty in their experiences. Problems rarely occur. Occasionally Sagittarius may hurt sensitive Libra’s feelings by speaking without thinking; conversely, Libra can sometimes be a bit too emotionally controlling for Sagittarius. Since Libra is a born diplomat who abhors conflict, they’ll be able to smooth over any ruffled feathers. These two have the gift of forgiving and forgetting quickly.

Libra is ruled by Venus (Love) and Sagittarius is ruled by Jupiter (Luck and Philosophy). Venus’s femininity and Jupiter’s masculinity make these Signs compatible and balanced. Sagittarius is constantly on a quest for knowledge of the big things — the truth, the meaning of life and death — and whenever Libra comes up with a new idea (as they are wont to do) Sagittarius is eager to go along with their partner and become familiar with this new concept.

Libra is an Air Sign and Sagittarius is a Fire Sign. This partnership is full of kinetic energy. As air spreads fire and makes it grow exponentially, this relationship is heated and arduous. Sagittarius thinks they’re steering the rudder, but Libra controls the flow of events with a quieter hand. These two are energetic in the extreme and can run together far and wide. The relationship runs most smoothly when Sagittarius can feel they have plenty of freedom and independence within the relationship.

Libra is a Cardinal Sign and Sagittarius is a Mutable Sign. Libra is an initiator; they think up new ideas and new places to go — but can change their minds at a moment’s notice. Sagittarius is flexible and adaptable, amenable to any changes Libra wants to make in plans.

What’s the best aspect of an Libra-Sagittarius relationship? Their mutual interest in cultivating knowledge and utilizing intellect. They are well-matched and will go far together, both emotionally and geographically!
——————————————————————————————————————-
And here we are, now in our fourth year together…the lucky couple!

HAPPY NEW YEAR, SWEETHEART!

In other news…

Did you stay up and party hearty and welcome in the New Year? Not me. I could have went to my local VFW with lots of noise and smoke. Instead I watched a movie called El Notre (The North…in Spanish) about a young brother and sister who flee from an impoverished Guatemala through Mexico into the United States. Much to their sadness they find the streets are not paved in gold and how difficult life is as an illegal alien. A sad but true movie and another reminder of because of an accident of birth how lucky we are.

I hit the sack around my normal usual time…8:30 PM. When I awoke at 12:23 AM for a pee…all was quiet. I feel great this morning!

The weather here continues to be great. Here’s a photo taken this morning off of my computer…

All original material Copyright – Jim Jaillet 2012
For more information about my three books, click this link:
http://www.panamaorbus

My Current Location Near Yuma, Arizona…

About 12 miles north of Yuma, Arizona is a small parcel…about 5 acres…of BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land where RVers can park for free while visiting the Yuma area. Yuma has dozens of RV parks where one can stay for 35+ dollars a day…but free is good.

My ex-Singles RV group has parked here for a number of years during the Christmas/New Year’s Day period. They are here now so I’ve had a chance to see some old friends even though I’ve elected not to join their gathering. Another reason RVers like this spot is because, daily, the VFW has a band from 2 to 6 PM, that plays good old country and western music that draws a good crowd. In addition, on Christmas Day, the VFW hosted a great meal of ham and all the fixings for only a $5 donation or for free if you brought a dish. I paid the $5 because I do not like to cook. They also have a similar meal on New Year’s Day.

The weather this year has been a little cool…in the 60′s. But, starting today, the long-range forecast is in the 70′s. New Year’s Day current forecast is for sunny and 75 degrees. Right on!…says the Weather Wimp…that’s me according to my life-partner Mary. She’s currently at home enjoying the holidays with her family. She’s scheduled to join me once again in about three weeks.

Here’s what the place looks like…

First a Google Earth view looking from above. This image was taken on September 30, 2006 so the lot appears empty but for three RV’s. The little round spots with a dot in the middle are creosote bushes…found everywhere in the desert southwest.

I’ve identified the adjacent VFW location. I stay a lot at VFW’s but I’m told county regulations do not allow it at this location. I’ve also identified my location with an “x”. Also identified  are where I took below photo’s 1,2 and 3. In these photos I’ve highlighted my location with a yellow marker. You can see enlarged views by clicking on the photos and an even larger view by clicking on the photo once again…

In photo #1, the entrance is just to the left of the stop sign. I’m located along the southerly fence line…tends to be quieter here…

Photos #2 and 3 were taken from atop a small rise…probably about 25 feet above the site elevation which is about 288 feet above sea level…

Here’s a panorama shot…

Like many places I travel these days…the number of RV’s is less. A few years back…this site would be crammed with more than twice as many as there is now. You’d be lucky to find a spot if you came in today, years ago. A long-time friend from the singles group told me 10 years ago they would draw about 150 RV’s. This year they have 58 registered. Quite a difference.

I’ve never particularly liked this location. It tends to be crowded, windy, dusty and noisy because of the vehicle traffic on Highway 95 and the railroad on the other side of the highway. The BLM regulations allow a 14 day stay before one has to move along. At 35+ dollars a day in an RV park…that comes to around $500. Despite the negatives here as identified above…free is good!

Here’s a photo from my location about one hour before sunrise…

and the same shot about five minutes after the sun dipped below the horizon with the VFW in the foreground…

All original material Copyright – Jim Jaillet 2011
For more information about my three books, click this link:
http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/panamaorbust

The Beautiful 70 Degree Days Have Departed…

Since our arrival at Mary’s home on October 10th…the weather has been delightful. Essentially sunny days in the mid 70′s, sunny with a gentle breeze. Perfect for doing a thorough cleaning job on the motorhome and Bronco. But alas…the nice weather appears to be gone for this year. Yesterday managed to only make it to 60 degrees with rain during the night. 33 degrees this morning at 5:00 AM…with a wind chill factor making it feel like 29 degrees. Forecast high for today is 49 and cloudy with showers around. Forecast for the next several days is for low 50′s…partly sunny/cloudy. 24 days until I depart for the sunny and warmer south land.

Yesterday was kind of an odds and end day. With the major cleaning of the motorhome finally completed…I move the motorhome away from the house to its normal parking spot…

Once there…I decided to have a good lock around on the inside of the engine compartment…

I wanted to make sure everything in there looked okay…

Other than being a little dusty/dirty…everything appeared fine.

Mary and I then made the bed . Afterwards I got familiar with our new flat screen HDTV and remote…making sure it was functioning properly. Helped Mary move something things. Did some computer work and read. Kind of a funky/lazy day to match the weather.

I’m still dealing with a very itchy palm on my right hand…apparently from several spider bites I got about four days ago. No matter what I put on them…they itch doesn’t retreat for long before it returns.

Our current plans call for me to depart November 28th. Mary will met me in Phoenix, AZ on January 10th. We plan to spend most of 2012 exploring New Mexico.

All original material Copyright – Jim Jaillet 2011
For more information about my three books, click this link:
http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/panamaorbust

WONDEROUS CALIFORNIA AUTUMN

I’d forgotten about Halloween until I saw the date on my computer. On our rural road, a trick-or-treater is a rarity. In 33 years, I’ve had six kids, three one year, and three another year, begging for treats. School parties are popular and safer anyway. But, those people living in a house-to-house neighborhood enjoy the fun. This weight guessing contest was set up at our local grocery store. I noticed yesterday it had been moved. I’ll have to go into town and see if I won the guess.

Happy Halloween to you and yours.  In its celebrated form in the USA, it has transformed to a  purely North American fun night without it’s original pagan dark side. My youngest daughter was an exchange student to France during her high school years and enjoyed teaching her French family how to carve a  jack-o-lantern.  With youngsters still at home, the carving, decorating, costuming and begging treats has become, for all of my grandkids, their second favorite holiday.

Yesterday, I spent time in the yard, enjoying the soon to be gone sunny days.

This fuji was past prime  by the time I got off the road. Some cling, looking soft and rotten.

This heritage  Northern Spy, is crisp and good. Keeping in tune with the autumn days, sunny and warm with cold nights.

Foraging in my neighbors garden, some fresh basil, tomatoes, one zucchini, and an eggplant. Enjoying what we can as long as it lasts.

I harvested my walnuts for the first time in seven years. A balance of nature took all the squirrels away. I expect red tail hawks got everyone. In the past, a woman asked me what was growing on my trees. She had never seen walnuts grow. They have a husk, which dries out and the nuts free fall to the ground.

Some primal feeling of comfort envelopes me when I harvest these portions of my own food.