Holidays in the RGV (and Omaha-KC)

It felt nice coming to our winter home for the first time this year, and not having to book reservations a year in advance. Last year we had rented an RV lot that had a casita on the property, in our current community. We weren’t planning on purchasing a property, however, somehow, when the opportunity became available, we knew it was the right thing for us. It didn’t take long for us to get settled and resume some of our favorite activities, birding and biking. I was thrilled to get a new library card for online books from our local library; as most states require you to own property in a state before issuing a card (which doesn’t work if you full-time RV). We also were able to find a local shop to reupholster our RV couch, and they completed it in less than two days! Thanksgiving was a quiet event, without much cooking, even though we had a full size oven for the first time in five years. I did really enjoy making the family Christmas cookie recipe in our coach house oven though.

The holidays started out very festive. McAllen, Texas is known as the “South Pole of Texas, and has lots of fun activities. The Illumination festival was full of lights and is a delight to children, and the young at heart. We especially enjoyed the Illumina Fest at Quinta Mazatlán. The festival is at a wonderful birding center and has dancing, singing, shows, lights and 2500 luminarias along the forest trails. Unfortunately, in mid-December, we got the news that Mike’s mother Rita was seriously ill. We hopped on a plane to Omaha to be with her. It was a very moving experiencing to have all Mike’s siblings and many family and friends with in for her last week. She was able to communicate, knew how very much she was loved and enjoyed her children managing to have some light times together, even in their sorrow. I was able to make a short trip to Kansas City to stay with my mom and have a little Christmas cheer with her and two of my siblings. Fortunately our children were able to come to the funeral, as well as most of their cousins. Rita would have been pleased with the celebration of her life. I was even able to take a road trip with my daughter to Dallas after the funeral, and we found a lovely waterfall, Turner Falls, in Oklahoma. The beauty in nature makes everything better!

Next stop in the RV, South Padre Island for some relaxation and time with family and the beach.