| |
Subject |
Author |
Date Posted |
Forum
|
 |
RE: Fuel station asking for Zip codes and we are Canadian
I am not sure if is the dealer or the credit card companies requiring zip codes. I always notify my card company when we leave home to come down here. Recently at HEB pump I was required by the message to punch the zip and it refused. I used the home one and it worked. It does alert the card company that you are in a different zip. More pumps are requiring it. A bit of a hassle but if it is for my protection, good.
|
onehorsehitcher
|
02/07/12 02:20pm |
Snowbirds
|
|
RE: Oxymoron Collection Point
I agree that the forum rules are a bit silly but it is their forum. Our only recourse is to follow the rules or not participate. It is like I was poofed for using the word 'cr(a)pshoot' which is a commonly used term meaning a toss up. I complained but was told there are some automatic rejections by their computers. It is like a booth review of a referee's call.
|
onehorsehitcher
|
01/29/12 07:40am |
Around the Campfire
|
|
RE: Number of Winter Texans at Valley RV parks drops
I believe the "younger" crowd requires more entertainment opportunities than those of us who have been coming to the RGV since the early 70s. Even then I just wanted to relax. We did the must see or do routine for a couple of years but now it is just looking forward to not missing the seemingly endless snow and cold while seeing our friends both old and new. Music is a big part of our life down here and there is plenty of all kinds of that. From the time I was 6 I had to get up and do something, go to school, work, etc. The first winter after the first retirement was spent in the valley for a period of 6 months and while I enjoyed my second career for 6 years, I couldn't wait to get back down here for the old reasons. Sure the wind blows but it isn't blowing snow. Certainly there is a lot of traffic but any large metropolitan area has the same traffic. We rarely go out to eat as we would rather eat in our own table. ( I don't have to tip the cook/waitress) It is a good thing that some are dissatisfied with the valley otherwise you couldn't find a place to stay.To each, there own! Mine is the valley.
|
onehorsehitcher
|
01/19/12 01:47pm |
Snowbirds
|
|
RE: All you Lefthanders out there
A machine attaches the tie on the bread wrapper originally and at least on the brand that we use it is twisted counter clockwise so that right handed people can turn it clockwise to open the wrapper. After opening it the first time I generally twist it clockwise to re seal the wrapper. Also on the same subject, different colored ties are used to designate the day the bread was made. That makes it easier for the bread vendor to identify old bread. I do not know if different makers of the bread use the same colors to identify the day but would assume so.
|
onehorsehitcher
|
01/18/12 07:22am |
Around the Campfire
|
|
RE: Cold front hits the RGV
I was here in '03 when we had snow on Christmas Eve that lasted until almost noon on Christmas day. I was at Padre Island National Seashore up by Corpus Cristi several years ago when the bay froze over and killed lots of fish. I have also been out pulling pumps, drilling wells and thawing water lines at minus 30 up north. This is much better.
|
onehorsehitcher
|
01/13/12 07:34am |
Snowbirds
|
|
Cold front hits the RGV
A rare (not really) cold front is passing thru the valley today but in case those of you still on your way down are disappointed, do not dis pare, another will be coming thru next week. These things happen with regularity but do not last long. My thermometer indicates 40 degrees but as I look out my window while typing this I see a few Gophers and Badgers trekking up the street without overshoes or snow shoes. My 10 mile bicycle ride was not too bad as I did have more than the usual clothes on. It is calm out but cloudy which kept the temperature from hitting the freezing mark. Back to the 80s by Monday. AND THERE IS NO SNOW!
|
onehorsehitcher
|
01/13/12 06:27am |
Snowbirds
|
|
RE: Snowbirdin'
Been retired for so long that I am running out of things not to do!
|
onehorsehitcher
|
01/12/12 12:48pm |
Snowbirds
|
|
RE: You REALLY think the wind is that bad in the RGV????
I have seen snow a couple of times in the valley but never a blizzard. I've seen some pretty strong winds in the Corpus Cristi area and a freeze in the bay. Have talked to an oldtimer some years ago up around Alice, Tx from Minnesota. Asked him how he landed there and was told that he tied a snow shovel to the roof of his car and headed south. When he finally was asked what was that thing on the roof of his car he said figured he was far enough south.
|
onehorsehitcher
|
01/11/12 05:45pm |
Snowbirds
|
|
RE: All you Lefthanders out there
Started school way back and was printing left handed. After a series of pointer blows to my left hand I followed orders from masochist to use my right hand. Must have ruined my life forever. :-) Used either hand working and threw right batted both and kicked a football (badly) with right foot. Used to be able to throw a baseball left handed well enough to play first base when right elbow was injured.
|
onehorsehitcher
|
01/11/12 04:21pm |
Around the Campfire
|
|
RE: Men's Age
I am at the stage where I have them deliver. How old would that be?
|
onehorsehitcher
|
01/03/12 07:37am |
Around the Campfire
|
|
RE: What's so special about Texas winds??
Just located it on the map. Really wouldn't be too far out of my way. It isn't in The index on my atlas but found it. May have been thru there but didn't notice it. Who would look for Utopia in Texas anyway. We have traveled all over the state in the many years we have been coming and taking back roads has always been fun. My wife, being a native Texan, is the navigator and I always do what she says. Been lost many times. But what can you say to a native Texan especially one who cooks. :-)! It has taken me about 60 years to Yankee fie her. HAPPY NEW YEARS EVERYONE.
|
onehorsehitcher
|
12/31/11 07:14pm |
Snowbirds
|
|
RE: What's so special about Texas winds??
There is no such place called Utopia.
Utopia! Sorry, had to do it :) Touche!
|
onehorsehitcher
|
12/31/11 03:31pm |
Snowbirds
|
|
RE: foul stench in Sears bill envelope
Some folks used to like 'Scratch & Sniff!!!!!
|
onehorsehitcher
|
12/31/11 03:27pm |
Around the Campfire
|
|
RE: What's so special about Texas winds??
Having been coming to south Texas for 30 plus years and that time split between Padre Island National Seashore and the RGV and spending my working years in sub zero temps, shoveling or plowing snow in the winter months making a living I certainly tolerate the breezes, an occasional frost, and occasional cane soot. Of course this area is not for everyone thankfully. There is no such place called Utopia. The changing of the valley from a sleepy citrus orchard to one of the fastest growing areas in the country is changing it allure to some. The closeness of the area to the violence in Mexico must be understood. Mexico president Calderone is correct in much of the drug problems are because of the U S demand for that product and the border is porous. That can be blamed of most of the last several administration in my opinion. I live in a Winter Texan community that is only a few miles from the border and we are not fearful of the drug trade or excessive crime. What used to be citrus groves are now used for housing for both Winter Texan and locals. Land has become too valuable to raise crops sadly. We live here for 6 months and the few days that we are not able to ride the bicycle or walk or sit outside and enjoy a book are far more than the amount of days that you can do that in the upper midwest or many other places. To each his own. If I have to make a choice of staying in one place, it would be here. There is always a windbreak. 'Black snow' doesn't need shoveling and my wife can have her own fresh tomatoes.
|
onehorsehitcher
|
12/30/11 08:41am |
Snowbirds
|
|
RE: What's so special about Texas winds??
fchammer1--You forgot to include the last line-----No snow to shovel! Not telling it as it is brings many complaints for the newcomers. Lots of positive things about the valley not limited to the following. Great people, more activities than one can do, Gonzales, H E B, and many more. Maybe those who live in compact parks miss the wind a bit, and are far enough from cane fields to avoid the black 'snow' but all those are here.I can remember when there were only a few parks and vacant land between the various towns. I think there are fewer goats now but lots more people. Most roads are paved and more services available.
|
onehorsehitcher
|
12/28/11 05:48pm |
Snowbirds
|
|
RE: What's so special about Texas winds??
The wind is pretty constant in the RGV, only the direction is different. I don't think it is as bad inland as it is on the coast but 40 mph gusts are common. My trailer is permanently facing south and the awning is on the west side. I put it out when we arrive in November and put it back in when we leave the last of April. I tie it down with dog anchors and heavy duty strapping with springs on the tie downs. I put my privacy screen out and anchor it with dog anchors and bungees. Been doing that for many years. It flops a bit when the fronts come thru and the wind shifts from south to north as the west wind blows directly toward it. A couple of years ago when we had real rain a couple of the dog anchors pulled out but normally they stay in all season. When we used to stay on the island we seldom put the awning out due to having no place to anchor it---sand is useless for that purpose. If it wasn't for the wind the bugs would be terrible. For the folks that complain about the dust, it isn't as bad as the black ash from the sugar cane burning. There is no snow to drift.
|
onehorsehitcher
|
12/27/11 07:14pm |
Snowbirds
|
|
RE: Whatever Happened to Nicknames?
Nick names were very common when I was a child. Many were because of physical looks and some were for disabilities which now is considered cruel. Others were for habits. I suppose it was because most of the sports stars were given nick names but times have changed along with the naming of children. Many of the black community seem to make up names or combine names and change spellings of others. You can call me whatever you like as long as you call me for meals.
|
onehorsehitcher
|
12/26/11 07:42am |
Around the Campfire
|
|
RE: So What do you pay per KW hour for Electricity in RV Park
KW charges in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas mostly depends on which provider is used. Magic Valley Cooperative is probably the cheapest and they raised the minimum this year. If the owner provides meters and outlets he certainly should be able to pass that cost on to the renters of the lots. If the electricity is provided in the rent many will use all they can but if they have to pay direct they will conserve. Been there, done that. If you cannot afford it, go some place else or learn to conserve. My average bill is $40/month. Just about what I pay up north for furnace, fridge and security lights.
|
onehorsehitcher
|
12/24/11 09:31am |
Snowbirds
|
|
RE: Today I got a reminder of why I like the RGV
That happened to a friend in Chicago and several vehicles stopped. Grabbed what they needed and left. ;)
|
onehorsehitcher
|
12/01/11 07:05pm |
Snowbirds
|
|
RE: Drain Home Hot Water Heater when Away?????
You can blow out any house water lines with a small compressor and use serveral methods to prevent traps from freezing. Of course by pass your water softener so that any scale is diverted to an open line rather than plugging screens in the softener. After a few days you can open the softener and use soft water. We unplug electric appliances to prevent lightening damage during early spring thunderstorms.
|
onehorsehitcher
|
11/16/11 07:46pm |
Snowbirds
|
