Mission TX March 13-21

We've been trying to see some of the local sights and restaurants before we head north. On Sunday 3/13 the boys took us out to dinner at Hayashi Hibachi Japanese steakhouse.  It was a first for Joe and Nancy.   They had excellent pomegranate and cucumber martinis! We were all stuffed when we got done- after salads, rice, grilled veggies and meats.

We saw a great gospel show at the park, Faith's Journey.  Deana and Jonathon are staying in the park and we've met them at the pool several times. Starting in April they will be playing in Branson at the God and Country Theater with the rest of their group.  Wonderful performers!!  www.faithsjourneytrio.com

We took a trip west of Mission with Deb and Bill one day- we stopped in Rio Grande City, an old town with several sights including a huge grotto built in the 1920's by a German priest.

We also toured the LaBorde House, a mansion built in the 1880's and later restored into a hotel/restaurant.  It had a tunnel that went to the Rio Grande River, which was closed off in the 50's. May have been some illegal activities going on, especially during Prohibition. They are still renting out rooms, we got to see them all, and most had a clawfoot bathtub in the room.  Very interesting!

We had lunch at Case de Adobe, which was a restored house and I tried chicken fried steak for the first time. Don't have to have it again!  We drove west of town to Falcon Lake State Park, which is a huge reservoir on the Rio Grande.  We drove through the campground- there were quite a few people camped there since it was spring break week.  Lots of fishing going on!

That night after we got back we went to the rodeo in Mercedes, east of Mission.  There were tons of families there, it took a long time to get into the parking lot, stand in line for tickets (twice) and food.  The night we went they had PRCA Bull Riding and mutton busting (little kids trying to ride on the back of sheep).  We left at 9:30 to avoid the crowds getting out and besides, it was past our bedtime!

On St. Patrick's day they had a golf cart parade in the park- since we don't have carts we decorated our vehicles and campsites and set up chairs to watch when the parade came by. Kirk and Bill handed out shots of Jamison's whiskey to the people going by.  A few neighbors stopped by and stayed, so we ended up sharing Deb's corned beef and cabbage dinner with them.  Had a great time- Ken brought his banjo and guitar over so he and Nancy played for us again.

Buddy and Charlie kept their hats on for hours!

On Saturday we went to a "Redneck Party" at Larry and Marilyn's house.  Everyone was dressed up and they had fun games. It was a great time!

On Sunday after church we went to Edinburg (north of here) to visit the Museum of South Texas History. The displays were very well done and included sound effects. We spent a couple of hours there and would definitely recommend it.