Mission TX Feb 29 to March 12

On 2/29 we went to South Padre Island with Bill and Deb. Although it was nice when we left Mission, by the time we got there it was 69 and raining.  We paid $10 to park at the beach but did not stay due to the wind and rain. A few brave souls were walking the beach. We drove to the north end where the road ends. The sand dunes were blowing over the road and they were pushing the sand back.  We went to lunch at Blackbeard's and enjoyed the fresh fish, bought a few souvenirs and went back to Mission.  We'll have to go back after the spring breaks are over to walk the beach.
Checking out restaurants-we had lunch at Rudy's, a BBQ place that has very good ribs, smoked turkey, ribs, brisket, etc. in a picnic atmosphere. Lots of locals there which is a very good sign. We also went for pancakes at Cracker Barrel one morning to support the USO.
Kirk celebrated his 65th birthday on March 5. We had Tres Leches cake that a local at Wal-Mart recommended- very moist cake with fresh fruit on top.

It's been pretty hot here, 80's and 90's and even some days in the 100's.  There is usually a breeze.  The citrus trees are blooming now- the orange blossoms smell wonderful! We had two days of rain, the first since we arrived!  The cacti should be blooming soon too. We've been cooking outside a lot.  On 3/6 we went to our street's block party, which was well attended.  We invited a neighbor to play his guitar/keyboard and that was a hit, as was our LP campfire. On Friday 3/11 we had a fish fry, and several neighbors stopped by to check it out and try Kirk's Old Fashions.

We went to Progreso, Mexico one day- three blocks full of dentists, pharmacies, and souvenir shops.  Kirk, Deb and Bill had their teeth cleaned for $20.  

We've all been playing pickleball and using the pool almost daily.  There are fewer people in the park, lots have left for home already.  We plan to leave on April 5 and head to Texas hill country for a week before returning home.  Having a great time!