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Grab a partner and come on a tour

Time is flying by for here it is, almost the middle of January. I am sure by now that the Christmas decorations have all been stored away. Really it makes me a little sad to realize that Christmas is now behind us. What a wonderful time we had with the entire family enjoying the Christmas festivities and the dozens of tamales that we consumed. Christmas is truly a very special time.

But now it is time to think of 2024 and all the wonderful travels we can plan for the coming year. Just yesterday, one of our passengers came into the office to tell me what a great time she and her son had on the Christmas in Mexico tour. This passenger is new to the Rio Grande valley and very eager to learn more about this special corner of Texas. She mentioned that the King Ranch Tour had been recommended to her. It is a good tour – loaded with history and nature. I am busy scheduling and very shortly should have completed arrangements for at least two King Ranch departures in February, two more in March and possibly one in April. There will be other tours soon to be announced, so check our website as well as this weekly paper for updates. Tours are selling really well, so grab a partner and sign up soon.

Texas wildflowers are a sight to behold and are especially beautiful in the Hill Country. Bluebonnets are just one of the breath-taking displays that show off for us in the Spring. Close to home are wild verbenas, some bluebonnets, different varieties of yellow daisies and the brightly colored Indian paint brushes and wine cups with an occasional out cropping of blue bells. We can even do a one-day trip sightseeing the display of wildflowers in the Sarita and Kingsville area.

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January 10, 2024 - Rina's Ramblings

Just about halfway through the month of January already. All of our favorite events are approaching fast. And we are already halfway through our season. Thirteen issues have been published, including this one, eleven issues are left. We still have so much to do and cover for you.

Again, we look forward to this time of year. It’s when we get busy attending events, going to dances and entertainment, and hanging out with you more. It doesn’t always feel like work when we are having fun enjoying time with you and seeing all the things that you do around the Valley.

Speaking of things to do in the Valley, have you checked out our Visitors Guide? If you haven’t yet, you should be able to find some copies at the Texas Travel Information Center in Harlingen, our office, or you can also find it on our website, www.wintertexantimes.com. It’s amazing the multitude of things this beautiful Valley has to offer.

Read more: January 10, 2024 - Rina's Ramblings

Five day Pickleball event planned

20200213 Casa Del Valle Pickleball Ribbon Cutting DAB 0021 webPickleball is a growing sport, not just nationally, but also in the Rio Grande Valley. Pickleball is a sport similar to tennis, but the court is only half the size and a whiffle ball reduces the speed a bit in the back-and-forth volleying.

The growth of pickleball is evident by how many city parks and recreation departments have pickleball courts, or are in the works of getting some in. If you look online, you can also find many Rio Grande Valley pickleball groups that have regular games.

When we covered a pickleball event in 2019, one Winter Texan said it’s the perfect game for retirees because of its combination of learning a new skill, getting good exercise, and the social aspect of meeting new people. The attraction, he said, over tennis is less movement is required, and the cost is minimal to play.

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Ron Hoover hosts annual open house

20220113 Ron Hoover Open House HMoering DSC 0920 webRon Hoover will host their 17th Annual Open House next week, Thursday, January 11 and Friday, January 12. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on both days. The annual open house has become a popular event in the Rio Grande Valley, drawing thousands of people each year.

Dustin Hoover said the cool thing about this event is that it’s the largest attended dealer open house in the nation, in the RV or marine industries. Previous events have seen as many as 10,000 people come through the doors.

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Memories and resolutions

The Holiday Season is now behind us and what a wonderful time of the year it has been with friends and families joining together to celebrate the season. Now it is time to put away the Christmas decorations and store away the memories of this special time. On Christmas Eve we recalled some of the past Christmas celebrations.

How about the time that the tree shoppers just couldn’t seem to find the perfect tree. Finally, they found one to their liking. But there was just one big problem…it would not fit through the back door as it was just too big. The big, beautiful tree had to be carefully wedged through the double wide front doors. Or how about the time that the Christmas tree fell over on my tiny mother-in-law. She was absolutely buried under the tree. After that we always tied the tree with fishing wire to an overhead ceiling beam.

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Heritage Square hosts jams all year round

20240103 Heritage Square Jam stage band webEach Wednesday from 1 to 3 p.m., there is a variety jam (country, gospel, and rock/roll music) led by master of ceremonies and outstanding bass guitarist Don McGhghy. This is one of three parks in the lower RGV that provides a place for area musicians to perform all 52 weeks of the year in their recreation hall.

During the November 2023 jam, I was welcomed by President Bruce Wright who provided me an overview of the park community and residents who live in mobile homes covering 35 acres. Heritage Square opened its doors to the seniors in 1979 and incorporated it in 1981.

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Alamo Rose plans quilt show

Ice CAstles webSubmitted by Marilynn Kimmel

Alamo Rose RV Resort will hold their annual quilt show on Wednesday, January 14 from noon to 3 p.m. Quilters from the park will raffle off their opportunity quilt, titled “Ice Castles.”

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14th Annual Quilt Show planned

Lalno Grande quilt 2024 webSubmitted by Michele Eastwood

Save the date for the Llano Grande Quilting Bee’s Quilt Show, Fabulous Fiesta of Quilts. The show will be held Tuesday, January 30, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Llano Grande Event Center, 2215 East West Blvd. (off Mile 2 West) in Mercedes.

The Bee’s Opportunity Quilt is a fiesta rainbow of colors set off by a black background. The quilt has wool batting and measures 105 x 105. Tickets to win this quilt can be purchased from any Bee member or at the Show. The drawing will be held at the end of the show, and you do not need to be present to win.

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Festival of Tables to be held

IMG 7449 webThe Rio Grande Valley Red Hat Queens Council presents the Festival of Tables. The event will be held on Tuesday, February 6. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. Ticket are $25 each and sales close on January 15.

The event will be held at the Victoria Palms Resort, 3309 E. Interstate 2, in Donna. Lunch will be held at noon and will consist of sliced roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans almondine, and a tossed salad. Dessert will be cupcakes with strawberry filling. Entertainment will be provided by the Marshall Garcia Duo. There will be door prizes and a silent auction.

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Farmers Market debuts in Mission This weekend

New Farmers Market in Mission webBuena Vida 77 Farmer’s Market will debut this weekend on Sunday, January 7, at Bannworth Park Pavilion in Mission. The market will be held from 2 to 4:30 p.m. and will continue every Sunday thereafter. Bannworth Park is located at 1822 N. Shary Rd.

While many vendors have already registered, there is still an opportunity for interested vendors to join. The market aspires to grow continuously, welcoming vendors at any time. More importantly, community members are urged to attend and demonstrate support – admission is free.

Read more: Farmers Market debuts in Mission This weekend

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