Vol. 1, Edition 10
Busy, busy, busy! There is something going on every minute of every day around here. As of February 13th, our population stood at 854, down from 863 the week before. We all know what that means – the season is winding down already.
In the last week alone, starting with Sunday, February 10th, we had the 50th anniversary party, trip to King Ranch, the Craft Show, Symphonic Band Concert, the meeting, the Pet Parade, the Riverside bus trip, and the Variety Show last night. That's in addition to the computer classes, ceramic classes, quilting and sewing classes, beanbag, pickleball and water volleyball! Oh, and don't forget all the card games, Bingo, and dominoes. And that's just one week!
On Saturday, February 9th, the bus took about 30 lucky people to Ol D's Soda Shop and Restaurant in Harlingen, where a wild time was had by all.
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| The Double Decker |
This double decker burger was $9.95, with the promise of $1.00 back if you could eat the whole thing. Several of the men ate the whole thing. There was also a triple decker offered, but I don't think anyone tried it. Jack and I had the barbecue buffet and thought it was delicious. Prices were very reasonable, and beer and wine was available for those who wanted it. (I did, Jack didn't, in case you were wondering!)
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| Elvis |
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| The Chicken Dance |
Elvis and Bobby Doo Wop entertained in grand fashion. Everyone got out and did the chicken dance. There were young children present for a birthday party and they showed the old folks how to shake their tail feathers! If another trip here is offered, get signed up fast, cuz most everyone who went wants to go again.
Janet and Paul Wilson hosted another successful 50th anniversary celebration on February 10th. You can find a full report of this on the WR Blog. Mary Benfield does a wonderful job with many great pictures.
www.winterranchactivities.blogspot.com
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| Bathing Beauties |
February Ladies Luncheon was a big hit. The catering service does a good job, serving delicious food. Unfortunately no one has signed up to be co-chairs of the luncheons next year, so there won't be luncheons next year if no one steps up; (demonstrating once again how important volunteers are to all the activities!) These lovely “ladies” were our entertainment at the luncheon. They were promoting their cities. Miss Alamo (Rex Humke), Miss San Juan (Gerry Rezac), Miss Pharr (Bubba Nickerson), and the lovely Miss Weslaco (Bob Crow). Nancy Crow commented that if Miss Weslaco had gray hair she would have been the spitting imagine of Nancy's motherin-law. Thanks to these brave souls for making us all laugh.
Here are a few of the sweethearts in the pet parade on Valentine's Day. Mary Hardesty was the moving force behind organizing this event. Not sure if any of the animals were dyed pink or not. I tried to get some of the pictures off the blog, but couldn't make it work. Valentine's Day also featured a Sweethearts Dance with music by Jealous Heart. Over 200 people attended and had a wonderful time. Again, check out the pictures on the blog. www.winterranchactivities.blogspot.com
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| Full House at the Variety Show |
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| Full House at the Variety Show |
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| Winter Ranch Tappers |
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| Mary Rita |
Ron Jensen and Ron Berg did a very funny comedy routine.
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| John Becanic amused us all with Mississippi Squirrel. |
Friday, February 15, was the variety show. This event was held earlier this year because so many people were gone by March last year and missed it. This year, Lee Clement took charge and was an organizational wiz. He made sure we had programs listing all the performers and what they did. Lee added some extras this year, so a free-will offering was taken to help defray expenses. The first year there was a variety show, only a handful of people bothered to show up. Each year since, as word has spread throughout the park, the crowd has gotten bigger. We left home about 6 p.m., and were lucky to find a place to sit. As usual, our talented residents entertained us royally, with much laughter and good-natured ribbing from the Master of Ceremonies, Gerry Rezac. The 12 Weeks of Winter Ranch by the Illinois group had the audience in stitches, starting with a sewer hose that “simply will not drain”, going through golf, pickleball, dirty laundry, dog walking, and ending with being all lathered up in the shower and having the water go off - all done to the tune of 12 Days of Christmas.
Check out more pictures on the blog. www.winterranchactivities.blogspot.com
Not pictured are singers Carol Earley, Dave Herring, John Caster, Penny Vollrath, Doug Elkins, Karen Timko, Gail Field, Darlene Peters and Marlene Miska. Donna Campbell added some "couth" with a piano piece, Prelude by Bach, and the WR line dancers did the Line Dance Boogie. All in all a very enjoyable evening here at Winter Ranch. Lee Clement says they are working on getting some CDs produced, but as of right now doesn't know if that will happen or how much it will cost. He will keep us posted.
Next week, February 18 to 23 is another full week.
Choir Program is Monday, February 18th at 7 PM. Tuesday, February 19th is the Veteran's Bus trip to the various resources in the Valley. That leaves at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday is the park meeting, biscuits and gravy breakfast (be sure to sign up) and the Can-Am Golf Tournament. Looks like Thursday is just the normal events, and on Friday is the yard sale from 8 to noon. Sale items need to be brought to the hall as outside people will not be allowed to wander the park.
Margarita party is Monday, February 25th, starting at 4 p.m. Wear your Mexican finery because prizes will be awarded. This was tons of fun last year, so be prepared to have a great time.
Memorial Service will be Tuesday, February 26th starting at 1:30 p.m. Take this opportunity to remember some of our Winter Ranch friends and neighbors who have passed away in 2012. In deference to the occasion water volleyball will be from 3 to 5 p.m.
Flag Day will be on February 27th before the meeting. I think more flag bearers are needed, so be sure to see Cathy in the office if you would be interested in carrying a flag.
Mary and Greg Hanson stopped at the San Antonio Grill Saturday (behind El Dorado). They wanted to share that the food was excellent and very reasonably priced. They also offer a bucket of beer (6 big bottles) for $10. They were told that the grill has the NFL channel, and several TVs, so might be a good alternative for watching your favorite teams next fall. Hansons had been to the Alamo Appreciation Day on Thursday and were given coupons to pass out for the San Antonio Grill. I think I've seen a poster for this place in the big hall with a menu and prices.
REMINDERS:
Don't forget to leave mailing labels for mail forwarding when you leave. Clean up your lot and make sure nothing is left that could blow away and cause damage. You would be surprised at what a Texas summer storm can stir up!
Ballots for the Activity Board have been in mailboxes and should be returned by Friday, February 22.
Rates are not yet received for the next season.
Brownsville Channel boat trip is Monday, February 18.
One more symphony concert on March 26.
Alamo Parade is March 2. The theme is Disney and we have a group working on our entry. Line up at 10 a.m.
Shuffleboard will be played on Monday nights at 6:30 p.m.
Winter Ranch Appreciation Day is Monday, March 28 at 7 p.m. Pans of Steel will be entertaining, with ice cream following the entertainment.
Ralph Olson won the GPS in the raffle the Women's Luncheon Committee was holding for a fund-raiser.
In keeping with our "western" theme, Tuesday social hours have been renamed The Round-up.
On a personal note, I would like to let everyone know that the Computer Group is a dedicated, highly motivated group of people. I volunteered to help input the directory information. The screw-up with the phone numbers was totally mine. Please don't blame anyone in the Computer Group for this rookie mistake. I was surprised to see how aggravated some people got with having to scratch out a wrong number and write in the correct one. I'll be glad to relinquish this job to anyone who wants it. Just let me know. I think the directories will be ready for sale this Wednesday after the meeting.
WINTER TEXAN AWARD
We are so happy and pleased that one of our own was selected to receive the Winter Texan Of The Year Award from the Alamo Chamber of Commerce this year.
Barb DeGaramo has been a Winter Rancher since 2000. She has been in charge of Quilting for the Needy for several years. Thousands of WInter Ranch quilts have been donated to various organizations including Easter Seals, Veterans, ARISE and other City of Alamo organizations.
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| Our Managers, Cathy and Larry Chapin, with Barb DeGaramo holding her plaque at the January 31st Alamo Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet. CONGRATULATIONS, BARB! |
I was informed that my grapefruit was really an orange. And I noticed that it is gone from that little tree now. Hope Francis and Jane enjoyed eating it.
Until next time - Be safe, Be kind, Be well. For those of you on your way back north, drive carefully and we'll look forward to seeing you next year.
Next newsletter will be around March 5th.
Donna Hulsey
Wrangler Editor
