Saturday, August 30, 2008

Common Sense Edicts

Boyoboy, do we have standing water.

If you have been following the blog for the last few weeks you are familiar with the pictures.


Water in the roads, water in the lots, under the mobiles and RV's...WATER OVER THE SEPTIC TANKS!


During our (hopefully) short term crisis there are a few things you can do to help.

Most are common sense but sometimes we just forget. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Avoid using the laundry...we are a nudist park for Heaven's sake! If necessary, either go into town to use a commercial establishment or do the smallest load you can here on site. The pay laundry is open but try to use it only if you must.

2. Short showers. The community showers are available, however, be aware they are cool for a reason...to encourage SHORT showers.



3. Don't be flush happy. And don't flush anything but acceptable toilet paper. Other paper products do not break down in the septic system...no tissues, paper towels, wipes, or feminine products.

To quote our poet laureate, Bob D. (#514)



If it's yellow, let it mellow.

If it's brown, flush it down.


4. Don't run your water thoughtlessly. For instance, do you let the water run while you brush your teeth? Or when rinsing or washing dishes?


This info is from the Maryland Cooperative Extension of the University of Maryland. Note what they advise about using septic additives.
Conserve water. Fix leaks and drips. If you replace old fixtures, install new "low flow" types.

Do not overload the system -- this is the primary cause of system failures. Early morning and bedtime are peak water use times in the bathroom. Run dishwashers and washing machines at other times of the day. Don't do all the family laundry in one day.

Do not use a garbage disposal or dump coffee grounds in the sink. Increasing the load of solids into the tank decreases the capacity and shortens the interval between pumpings.

Do not pour fats and oils down the drain. They can build up and clog the septic tank pipes.

Put paper towels, tissue, cigarette butts, disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, tampons and other material in a trash can, not the toilet.

You do NOT need to add any commercial products or yeast to your system. Additives do not improve how well your system works. There are always plenty of natural bacteria available to do the job. (They come from YOUR digestive system.) In fact, additives can damage your system by breaking up the sludge and scum layers, causing them to flush out of the tank and clog the infiltration bed. Additives that say "Never worry about pumping your septic tank again" are the worst!

Use normal amounts of detergents, bleaches, drain cleaners, household cleaners and other products. Avoid dumping solvents like dry cleaning fluid, pesticides, photographic chemicals, paint thinner, or auto products down the drain.
This is a widespread local problem. Sandpiper's management is working daily to make things better. Pumping continues and progress is being made. All the above suggestions are just that-suggestions. Any efforts you can make will be appreciated.

Friday, August 29, 2008

Library Facelift.


The Sandpipers Library/Computer Room has undergone a face lift this summer with new paint, window coverings (soon to be installed) and many more shelves for books. The existing books have all been categorized and alphabetized and placed in their appropriate spots, but there is plenty of space on those shelves for your donations.




So, if you have been hoarding some books that you are willing to share with your neighbors, but didn't want to leave them piled on the floor, bring them in. We have room! Just leave them in the basket for returned books or leave them in a box or sack and we will see to it that they are quickly put on the shelves.

And many thanks to Sue Ross, Garland & Patsy for organizing, arranging and whipping the library/computer space into shape.
+++++++++++++++
If you are interested in books, and reading
a good one, check out Sandpipers Book Club.
They meet once a month for lively conversation (and some yummy treats).


At the bottom of the main page on the
FunBuzz website is the book list for the
coming season. http://www.sprfun.com








Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Stop the Presses!

About He-who-shall-not-be-named:
Just had a quick visit from Karen with the news! After a grueling, all day long hearing full of continuances and recesses, the Justice of the Peace ruled IN FAVOR OF MRS. WILLIS!
The JP ruled that it was never because of cats, not racial discrimination, but simply a matter of not following the rules about insurance.
It's not completely over as there are matters of law to follow, but you know that light at the end of the tunnel? It's shining brightly.

The Best Weather Site I've Ever Used

This is THE COOLEST weather site ever. http://www.wunderground.com/wundermap/

Explore it! Put in your town (I've got Edinburg saved on my laptop). The controls let you zoom in or out, move east, west, north, south. Radar sweep is LIVE! Last night I watched a rain shower move up Seminary Rd. on my computer. I announced the passage to Jim, who was in the next room. "Rain at Monte Cristo...now it has reached the lake, it's about 2 minutes from the Sandpiper gate"....then whammo! Right on time it started to rain! At that he jumped up to run to my computer. "How'd you do that?", he asked.

You can zoom in close enough to Sandpipers to see cars in driveways, Rv's, can't quite make out people , tho.

You can see the orange groves around Lake Edinburg...street names, etc. It is an excellent program, and I'll bet, if you put in your own home town you'll be just as impressed.

Speaking of rain....enough already! It isn't raining all day every day....but remember the pictures from about a week after Dolly? That's what it looks like again!

We need more fish.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Food, Glorious Food!

Mary #5 reports on the Red Hat Ladies recent excursion:

Ladies Luncheon

Thursday, August 21st. the Ladies Luncheon met at Corina’s Tea room in Edinburg. We feasted our eyes on the various wall and table decorations and recalled some of our own experiences of days gone by.
Patsy mentioned a book called Pedrito’s World and asked Mariana to shed some light on “Curanderas”.
Perhaps this book needs to be added to next year’s book club list and Mariana can come and share some of her insights into the culture of the Mexican folks living here in the Valley.

Next luncheon is scheduled for Tuesday, September 9th, 2008,leaving the club house at 10:45 a.m. for PF Chang’s China Bistro at Palm’s Crossing ( Ware Road and US 83). Make plans to join us!

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Last week Lisette, Margo and I visited Kathy at Rio Grande Hospital where she is recovering from her surprise ulcer. Afterwards we lunched at Mimi's Cafe which is just next door to PF Changs China Bistro. I had never heard of it but Mimi's is a chain restaurant well worth the visit. Imaginative food at affordable prices, nice atmosphere and attentive service. I had a delicious salad full of baby lettuce, dried cranberries, walnuts and blue cheese chunks...delectable. But! The corn chowder was amazing! Had to share the recipe with you.
Corn Chowder
(Yields 2 1/2 quarts)

4 tablespoons butter or margarine
3 cups frozen corn, thawed
6 tablespoons onion, chopped
2 tablespoons sugar
3/4 cup celery, large dice
2 teaspoons salt
2 1/2 cups hot water
1 pinch white pepper
2 cups raw potato, peeled and cut in 1/2" cubes
3 tablespoons flour
1 quart Half & Half

Method
On medium heat, melt butter, then simmer onion and celery for 5 minutes until soft, but not brown.Add water, potatoes, corn and seasonings. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes or until potatoes are barely tender.Whisk the flour into 1 cup of the Half & Half, and stir into the soup. Add the remaining 3 cups of Half & Half. Simmer for about 15 minutes until the soup has thickened to a creamy consistency.Correct the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. In order to correct the consistency or the soup you may add a little milk to make it thinner. To make the soup thicker, simmer another 5-10 minutes. Bon Appetite!
++++++++++++++++++
Another place I really love is Fresco's, that New York Italian place across from HEB on 10th & Trenton. We've been there several times and enjoyed it. Although when they first opened a few years ago the service was a bit rough (Gary & Lisette walked out) they seem to have their act together now.
This is your opportunity to chime in with restaurants around the valley that you would warn about or recommend. I'd love to read about, and maybe visit, your favorites.

Monday, August 25, 2008

What's Happened to Our Weather?


Again rain. Downpours. Floods. Swarms of toads.




This is end of the world stuff , folks. Wait til I take a calming breath. Thank you.


We've had several days of on again/off again showers, a little thunder, moderate amounts of rain. Then yesterday, while Jim and I were picking up Helen M. from the Edinburg bus station, a deluge commenced. And it kept commencing all over us as we stopped for her groceries, drove thru flooded streets and returned to our Sandpiper sanctuary. As we unloaded grocery bags there was an Olympic toad breaststroke team practising around our feet. They were swimming up and down the street, into carports, up on my toes.

Our field is again on it's way to Lake status.


Cute little buggers, aren't they?

















It just poured most of the afternoon. The volleyball crazies (I am one, thank you, but I was busy today so not in the pool) continued play in rain so hard they could barely see the ball.




What do we do on a rainy (and ohmygodmuggy) afternoon? We count toads, watch them parade around the cement skirting of the mobil's. So far I am up to 354,987,087 and still counting. And that's just for the parade outside my porch window on John & Sue P's ledge. (By the way, expect them back in a week or two....John & Sue, not the parade of toads)
















They are everywhere!!!
+++++++++++++++
Sunday was my oldest's 40th birthday. Yikes, when did he get so old? And what does that say about me? It was also my Mother's birthday. She was born in 1918. Would have made her 90 years old yesterday. I wish she had made that milestone.
Today I received this timely message from Bernie (#36):

Family fun always includes birthday parties. Usually we think of it as one for our friends or our grandkids now that we have them.

This last Sunday (8-24) we had a big family birthday party for my Mom, Florence, who turned 90 August 17th. We are really lucky that we have had mom around all these years and probably will for several more as her family is like the 100's before we lose them.

We want to wish all from the park that have had another year added since we were there last winter, great tidings.

Bob & Bernie (36)
++++++++++++
I was talking to Donna & Lanny a few days ago (they too, will be back very, very soon) updating them on the park, illnesses, etc. She made a comment that has kept with me.

She said, "Make sure when you leave Sandpipers for any extended period, to REALLY hug your friends goodbye. You just never know how fast things can change." So true.
+++++++++++++++++++
Jon has the September article up on the FunBuzz site-check it out. To view the articles, you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader, which should be included automatically in your web browser. If it is not installed, you can download it from the Adobe website. http://www.sprfun.com/Articles.html
++++++++++++++++++

Don't forget about the Sept 1st LABOR DAY FESTIVITIES!
Sign up in the pavilion for our fun, jungle ball, no rules (yeah, right!) water volleyball tournament and potluck dinner in the A.C. of the community room. We are going to have music and dancing, too.
Join in!


Sunday, August 24, 2008

"Our trip to Michigan to see Miss America" by Bill & Darbi

We wanted to go to my daughter's twenty second birthday party. I have called my daughter Miss America since she was a baby! Anyway, how do I get there? I estimated cost of driving, flying and the train for about 12 days and found because of the spike in fuel prices and the effort of driving, the train was our best option. No kidding, check it out! Expensive, but flying is more expensive and remember to count the extra nights stay. If you can sleep sitting up, you do have less expensive choices. You can still eat but you would have to pay for it.


We boarded a bus in McAllen @ 11 PM @ night. We arrived in San Antonio about 4 AM, and boarded the Amtrak train @ 7:30 AM. Please excuse the blurry pictures because the train car is jumping a little.

What a ride! We stayed in the Sleeper car with the upgrade that entitles you to first class treatment!!! We received all our meals free and some of them were served in our room.
The room has a toilet and shower combo along with a small table with a separate chair.


You do have to realize that you are riding in upgraded 1970's technology. The dining car is the next car behind the sleeper and you can walk from car to car through the train. The dining car serves all meals.

The quality of these dinners is comparable to roadhouse meals except a limited number of choices.

Real Texas barbeque brisket, Trout, or blade steak, rolls and butter at all meals, drinks, appetizer, and desert like pecan pie with bourbon were some of our choices.

This was served along side of burgers and beer or a basket of hot wings if you prefer. I ordered the Tex-Mex omelet with black beans and corn for breakfast, yummy!

When did you last get this kind of good service from the airlines? We also had many wonderful conversations with other passengers. I really hope the teacher from Grand Rapids Michigan will contact us again.

Most sights are tempered with old rusting train cars left to the siding. The picture is not good but we did see the Saint Louis arch at dusk.
WOW! Along with that is the view of some people's back yards. You can't believe some people live like that!

We also rode along the Mississippi river and saw many barges. Since the tracks are owned by the freight companies such as CSX and Norfolk Southern, all Amtrak trains must wait for the right of way.

Its like, how are we ever going to get all the way to Chicago before winter!

Her party was fun but not well organized. Darbi and I were pleased to meet her boyfriend's parents, real solid people with a strong Lutheran background.

It is a relief that she found people closer to where she lives to help advise her. His mom is a positive upbeat and friendly person who always has a smile. His dad is quiet but can hold a good conversation.

You all must put seeing Lake Michigan on your Bucket List. It is the largest body of fresh water in the world. It reaches over 900 feet deep in places!
I stand corrected! I mistakenly said that the largest freshwater lake in the world was Lake Michigan. What was I thinking?? Actually Lake Baikal in southern Siberia in Russia, located between Irkutsk Oblast to the northwest and the Buryat Republic to the southeast, near the city of Irkutsk, contains more water than all the North American Great Lakes combined. Actually it isn't even the largest Great Lake! Lake Superior is the largest of the five Great Lakes of North America. It is the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area and is the world's third-largest freshwater lake by volume. Many thanks to my Michigan friends!

Water temperature in summer is in the high 60's so leave swimming to the kids but on some beaches it is a contest to see which person can get away with the best looking and skimpy swimwear.


Fresh water fish can't be beat and the boating to get them is something you got to try someday!


When we do it again we will change a few things. Since some long distance trains tend to be late, we will plan on not making connections to other trains until Amtrak makes some upgrades to the pinch points in their schedule verses the freight train lines.

For example I will plan to rent a car rather than be stranded in Chicago and have to rely on Amtrak to ferry me to Michigan because they missed the connection for the Michigan train. I will also pack bigger bags because all train personnel help getting your stuff on and off your train, so it pays to have fewer pieces to worry about.

Remember we are retired and not in a hurry, and the train is the best way to see the countryside and not have to put up with bad drivers.

The train personnel always tell you why there is a delay but the airlines say "surprise!"

Try the train! For better or worse you won't forget it. Bill & Darbi #3.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Tennis & Mini-Ten Tournament Specials

It's still summer hot here at Sandpiper's but we are already thinking cool thoughts about the season ahead. Friends will be returning, activities will pick up, weather will be milder!

There are some exciting events already in the planning stages for the 2008-2009 Winter Season. One of the first "Biggies" is the Tennis & Mini-Ten Tournament planned for Nov. 1st-10th. Sandpiper's is offering some real money saving specials to tempt your participation! Tell your friends to meet you here for some great competition or just to have some fun in the sun!

Suite Rental Special-14 nights-$725.00
RV Special-14 days-$240.00 plus electric
Oct. 29th-Nov. 11th, 2008
956-383-7589
Sandpipers Resort
Edinburg, TX

Besides some rip roaring fun with tennis and mini-ten, don't forget about petanque, card games, water volleyball....oh, the list goes on and on. Check out the FunBuzz site for a mind boggling list of activities! Click on the August article to be impressed.



We'll update with further info as the dates get closer, but for now why don't you make plans to get here by the end of October to take advantage of this great offer.

The first FunBuzz Happy Hour will be on Nov. 1st and I've got prizes to give away from the blog contests...still lot's of time to get your name on my prize list! Send me an idea for a blog topic, pictures of your summer, places you would recommend...or just leave your list of favorite movies under the Movie Mania blog. What are you waiting for?

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

48 Hour Comment Contest Winner

Times up! I love a short but sweet contest. Not too many people entered but we did get a few who were new to commenting. I ran random.org and up popped the winning number.
Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:
1
Timestamp: 2008-08-19 12:43:41 UTC
So, I go to my list of all commenters in this 48 hour period and up pops #1. Drum roll please.....It's Kathie #106. Congratulations, you have won two food tickets to spend at one of Sandpipers excellent breakfasts or lunches. I will present them to you during the FunBuzz Happy Hour Nov 1st.
Keep watching the blog. I will have random give-aways when ever the mood strikes. Who know what you might win.
Now, on to the high light of our rainy Monday.
Joann, Roy's sister has a new home. She put the cutest little park model on #515, just across the street from Bob & Bev.
Of course we all had to run out to direct in the drizzle.
Those drivers sure know how to 'turn on a dime'
There were a few ruts in the soft grass, but nothing too serious.
Joann was beaming. She has been shopping for furniture and is just about ready to move in. Wait til it stops rolling, Joann.
Now that's HAPPY!
Roy & Kathy were on site to lend a hand. Apparently Roy picked up a large 4 leaf clover in her yard.
Welcome to the neighborhood Joann. Glad to have you join our family!

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Simple Pleasures and a NEW CONTEST!

It's been HOT...hotter than hot. We are melting
down here, faster that an ice cream cone in the hands of a toddler.



Mornings start out mild and still, the best part of the day weather speaking. We are refreshed from a sound night's sleep. We can work outside without drowning in our own juices, and now that the mosquitoes are somewhat under control, we can keep most of our own blood.
Then it gets HOT!


What do you do on hot days in August?



Laze by the pool. Play water volleyball.

Drink too much beer.
Dream of cooler days ahead.









Sometimes, if we are very lucky we'll get an afternoon shower. While we are waiting...
Let's Have A Contest!


This is my 49th entry in the Sandpiper Blog, I have no other thoughts in my head, it's hot, and I feel like giving something away!
The goal is to encourage you to step outside your comfort zone and actually post a comment, and if you are a regular commenter, so much the better.
You will win TWO (2), count 'em 2, food tickets to one of Sandpiper's fabulous breakfasts or lunches. That's right...free hamburgers, free walking tacos...free omelets. Your choice of how or when to spend your tickets!!!
All you have to do is post a comment in the next 48 hours to any of the blog entries. And not anonymous either, duh! How could you win that way!
The ongoing contest is still, er, ongoing. That contest (see the sidebar) will run until the end of October, and...ta da!...if you post your comment under the Movie Mania entry you get entered into that ongoing contest and also today's short 48 hour contest.
Otherwise, any and all comments count. Yes, you can comment more than once and get lots of chances to win. If that isn't clear, send me a comment, your questions will be answered and you'll get automatically entered. How easy is that!
I will run random.org Tuesday morning to pick the winner. The lucky winner will be presented with the lucky envelope holding the lucky tickets at the Nov. 1st FunnBuzz Happy Hour.
P.S. If you have nothing to say, but want to enter the contest anyway, just leave a comment telling how much you enjoy the blog, or just say "Hi."!
Questions? Send a comment and all will be revealed.






Friday, August 15, 2008

Food for Thought

Karl & Bonnie sent me some pictures from the Olympic venue illustrating the diversity of Chinese cuisine. Got me wondering.

What is the strangest thing you've ever eaten (keep it clean!)
We are a well traveled bunch and pretty adventurous. If you have experienced other cultures I'm sure you tried some local food. Even if you've never left the U.S. I'll bet you've tried something weird, somewhere. Why don't you share it in the comment section. I'd love to read it...and to share my most weird thing, go to the bottom of the following pictures to see one of me eating something my Thai sister-in-law made especially for me.
Western visitors are lining up to sample different Chinese foods.





Now that corn does look mighty tasty!






Now, here is a picture of me eating a fried cicada. Actually, with all the garlic
and chilies all I could taste was spicy crunch.
And if you took off the legs before hand, even better.See, doesn't that look tasty?

Now...what have you eaten that can beat this?

++++++++++++

On a related note...are you aware of the U.S. phenom in swimming, Michael Phelps?

There is lots of discussion in the media about the number of calories Olympians

(namely Michael Phelps) need each day.


His typical breakfast starts with three sandwiches of fried eggs,
cheese, lettuce, tomato, fried onions, and mayonnaise;
add one omelet, a bowl of grits, and three slices of French toast with powdered sugar; then wash down with three chocolate chip pancakes.


So, if you were required to eat

8,000-10,000 calories every day, what would you eat?

Personally, there would be incredible amounts of pasta and breakfast food in my diet!
How hard is it to eat 10,000 calories? I wondered if it's a lot less food than I was imagining.

In one sitting:

6 Triple Whoppers with cheese and mayo (7500)

2 King size french fries (1200)

1 large Oreo sundae strawberry milkshake (940)

2 packets of mayonnaise for fries (160)

2 packets of ketchup for fries (20)

Total: 9820 calories


I wonder how many calories this dinner would rake in:

- rolls with butter

- creamy dip with bread

- fettucine alfredo

- garlic bread

- cheesecake

- alcohol
Not that I would ever eat like that.....