Alamo ... The city of Two Summers

We're all settled in and had a chance to meet several of the neighbors over the past several days. Apparently these folks have stopped taking their meds as most are as full of 'it' as some say I am. Most don't realize their are supposed to be sedated or pounding out some ancient rhythm on a bingo card. They are alert, active, and some might even say normal and most don't fit what I thought would be 'retired folks'. Since we're sorta new to this retirement thing, knowing how to act is a learning process. Being a little reserved and timid I could have been fair game to these local jokesters but I quickly learned that the best defense is a good offense. Verbal sparing is an art form that is well tuned here. If this is what retirement is going to be like well let me in. I hear that laughing, smiling and having fun makes for a long life so these folks must have a lot of time ahead of them.

I had the coach cleaned top to bottom yesterday by a group of 5 locals. The old girl (the coach) hasn't shined as good in months.

One of the neat things we've learned that even though this isn't prime fruit and vegetable time, there are plenty of vendors about with all kinds of fresh stuff.

Today we unashamedly made our second trip to the 'no-name' restaurant. Mo and Di took us (Shar and Ph) there a couple of days ago and it warranted a return visit. When we first arrived there I was sure we were at the wrong place. Located in a sub-division near the town of Donna, the place shared the space with a now defunct massage parlor. Visions of some really bizarre combo meals crept into my head but were quickly extinguished by the dear wife. If you can imagine a small, unkempt commercial building with large windows in front, no signs what-so-ever and a small rat like dog guarding the front door you'll get a mental picture of this place.

Upon entering the front door we needed to find a path through the tables to the counter in back. Not exactly the Four Seasons but apparently they had something going for it as there was wall to wall people eating or waiting to be fed everywhere. I immediately thought there were giving out free drug samples as why would so many people be here but soon realized this place was the areas not so secret hot spot. Three ladies were working behind the counter. One taking orders, one prepping the meals and one cooking. Poetry in motion one could say. Feeding this steady stream of winter Texans took coordination, organization, and stamina. The menu was spartan so as not to complicate the staff. If you wanted a hot dog...too bad, chicken sandwich...too bad, salad with those cute little shrimp...too bad. If you wanted a hamburger the size of a dinner plate, with meat hanging over the bun like a overstuffed couch... this was the place. The menu options were simple...hamburger with or hamburger without, cheese. That's it. When served, on an unassuming piece of wax paper, the meat overflowed the 6 inch bun by at least two inches. Easily dinner for two, this one pound monster had what it takes to fend of any hunger pains for at least a fortnight. Lathered up with all the goodies like pickles, onions, mustard, tomatoes and mayo, making it into one's mouth was a challenge. Having accepted this gastronomic challenge, we dove in and enjoyed this king of the burgers. And what a burger it was. One would think that such a culinary delight would be of such a cost that you might have to forgo your next pedicure but alas...the paltry sum of $3.00 was the asking price. Talk about living the dream, this is my latest, newest, most favorite place.

Our next adventure took us to the weekend flea market. Throngs of winter Texans filled the aisles. From hubcaps to sunglasses (some quite fancy); t-shirts to carpets, a cornucopia of all things interesting. The market runs three days a week throughout the winter. I checked out some vendors who make custom window coverings for RV's. Got some ideas and prices so now I have to figure out if I really want them.

So a day or two has passed and our tour guides, Mo and Di , have again widen our horizons. Life is good.