2009 is about over!

Soon 2009 will be History! It went very fast for me.  How about you? This is our 3RD winter down here in the Rio Grande Valley in South Texas near McAllen. It has also been our coolest. Not that it's real cold, just Wet, Cloudy, Foggy and plain Dreary. We had another 3.5 inches of rain this week and every morning it is extremely Foggy and it's mid morning or noon before it burns off and then it is still quite cloudy. The Sun has peaked out a few times but not near enough to satisfy me.

However, from what I hear it's been that way a lot of places. This wet cold is the worst.....seems a lot colder here at 45-50 deg than it is in AZ or SD at the same temp. It reminds me of Florida. I always said I got as cold in Florida as I ever did back home in Nebraska. But to look at the good side, we never did have to scoop any snow in Florida, nor have we had to here in South Texas. I've sure scooped my share in Nebraska!!

Cool, Cold, Foggy or what ever, we still manage to get in our "walk in the park". Every morning at 6:30 we head out in the Black Dark Fog to do our 1 hour 4 mile walk in the Bentsen Rio Grande State Park, about 2 blocks form where we live.  Almost every morning we see several Javelina's. I have some pictures below:

They like to eat the food that the birds waste out of the bird feeders.......

 They let us get fairly close, as they are used to people.  Cute little guy, isn't he?

We have seen as many as 13 in a group. One morning we saw 2 tiny little babies.  They were following their "momma" and getting breakfast when ever she stopped for a moment.

Remember this couple? I showed you a picture of them way back in 2007 when we first started walking this Park every morning. This is Red and Louise, Winter Texans from Michigan. They have been coming down to the Rio Grande Valley for over 25 years. They come to the park every morning and arrive at 6:00 am. They are professional "Bird Watchers".They know their birds! Much of the time they carry a large spot light.. What a lovely couple they are!! We have gotten to know them quite well. They seldom ever miss a morning. Rain, shine, cold or warm, they will be here. They are both 85 + and walk several miles every morning.

Each year when we come back we always ask each other, "Will Red and Louise be here"? Back in Jan of 2007 when I took this picture it was super cold.  We were all bundled up and still freezing to death but Red and Louise were still out there. They started out years ago in an RV but have now downsized to a Park Model.  However, they are still very active and a great inspiration and idol to Pat and I. We sure enjoy them.

I'm hoping it will clear off enough that we can get get on the Harley for a little ride this morning. It's still real dark out there, but I went out and walked around, it looks promising. Although there is no place to go here and absolutely nothing to see, I still love to ride.

We don't send out paper Christmas Cards anymore but here's a special card for all our readers.  Just click on this link:                    

 MERRY CHRISTMAS

It was a GREAT WEEK!!!

Thanks for stopping by.   

Mike

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