Greetings of the Season

Here's proof that Molly opened her own presents.

Christmas morning at our house.

Annie and Molly in their play yard.

We were hoping for ripe tomatoes by Christmas, but didn't quite make it.

What we are missing back in WA, photo courtesy our former neighbors.

Sand drifts on the beach. The city plows them!

Our hostess, Erlinda, cutting Dave's birthday cake (at Christmas dinner).

Rita and Jim from Kettle Falls WA.

Christmas dinner at Tropic Island RV Resort with new friends.

It's that time of year when we have Christmas, Dave's birthday, and then New Year's to celebrate. For the last ten years we've been mostly away from family at this time of year, but not every year. This year is somewhat different in that we are away from family, familiar neighbors, and winter. But we do have some new neighbors, and it is not necessary to be "alone" if you don't want to. The Christmas dinner is sponsored by the resort, but is mostly a cooperative effort in that everyone brings something to the table. We miss the family, and old friends, but we don't miss winter.

We are escaping the snow and cold, and that's a big reason for us being here. Pat got a feeling for winter a week ago as she flew to Spokane and stayed with our former neighbors, Dan & Shirley Christman. She got to shovel a lot of snow and endure temps as low as -22. When we got up this morning the temp was 70, and is now up to 80. That's why we are here.

Yesterday was Dave's 69th birthday, and our next-door neighbors, Jack and Bernie (from Illinois) took us to Corpus Christi for some shopping and dinner. We don't know yet what we'll be doing to celebrate New Year's, but I'm going to be checking around to see where there might be a fireworks display.

So, blessings to all, and our best wishes for a great 2009.

Dave & Pat

Winter break

Pat in the Tropic Island Resort hot tub
Brown Pelican greeting ferries to and from Mustang Island.

What, you've never seen a Christmas Palm Tree?

Part of the Christmas Boat Parade in Port Aransas Harbor.

Today is Saturday, December 13. Pat is in Washington for some dental appointments and a visit with former neighbors and I remain in Texas. Pat reported last night that there is already over a foot of snow on the ground with yet another foot or more yet to come. They expect a low temp this weekend of -22F! I woke up this morning to blue sky, fluffy clouds and 65 degrees. Now you know why we are here for the winter instead of back in WA, or even MN. Pat will be back next Tuesday.

The photos are just some catch-up to events in our life. Here at Tropic Island Resort there is a year-round swimming pool and hot tub. Christmas is done a little differently in that they decorate palm trees with Christmas lights, and have a parade with decorated boats. We have our own little (about 2' high) indoor tree, and have run several strings of colored lights outside, so we at least look slightly traditional for the season. But lights and decorations are only the external manifestation of the season. The real spirit of Christmas is always internal.

Let us hear from you.

Dave & Pat

Dollar Day at Texas Aquarium

Thousands of people lined up to enter Texas Aquarium on $1 day.
Some kids with Sea Turtle mascot.

Pat watching the dolphins play underwater.

The finale of the dolphin show.

450 pound dolphin leaps 12' out of water.

Touch tank for manta and sting rays.

Dave with sea turtle sculpture. USS Lexington in background.

Dollar day was a day well-spent at the Texas Aquarium on the west side of Corpus Christi Bay. The unversity has a campus on the west side, the USS Lexington is docked there, and the Texas Aquarium rounds out the area attractions. We needed the whole day at the aquarium so will have to make a second visit to tour the Lexington a/c carrier.

The aquarium is quite large and has a lot of hands-on displays that are particularly geared to school children. Of course, it's pretty neat for adults as well. As you might expect, and can see from the photo, the crowd was quite massive. After all, only a dollar for admission is quite a bargain.

Click on individual photos to make them larger. Please leave a comment, or email us direct at dwink@supersat2.net.