FROM MISSION TO HOUSTON

Monday, November 19 – After spending a week in the Rio Grande Valley (Leisure Valley Ranch in Mission, TX), we returned to Houston today to spend the Thanksgiving holiday with daughter, Carrie.

The Houston Elks campground is packed! We are parked on one of the end gravel sites. There are 8 FHU concrete pad sites and 2 FHU gravel sites.

We had a long but trouble free drive up from the Valley. It is 435 miles and takes about 6.5 hours to make the trip. The weather is surprisingly, much nicer here than down south. It was cloudy most of the time there, but we found sunny skies and hot temps here in Houston.

Not any statistics we wanted to see.

We had a good time during our week stay in the RGV. Busy, busy, busy. Our main objective was to surprise Angie and Rick for their 40^th Anniversary party and surprise them we did! It was a fun party, and we enjoyed getting together with many old friends.

Angie had a "thank-you" and "good bye" happy hour all rolled into one. The happy hour went on for hours. What a wonderful spread of food and drink. Thanks you two for another wonderful time in the RGV.

Anniversary girls, Angie and Marie.

We celebrated Susie and Leah's birthday also.

The "boys' had a great time visiting too.

We will be returning to the RGV after the Christmas holiday for a two-month stay. We had considered Florida for this winter but decided we preferred being a little closer to Carrie. We hope to see her frequently the next couple months and again in March before heading North.

Paul has several “housekeeping” chores he wants to perform on the 5^th wheel while here. He also plans on picking up materials for additional projects to be completed once we return to the RGV. One thing about Houston – if they make it, you can find it and buy it here!

Thanks for stopping by. Hope to see y'all back real soon. Have a great day!

THE SURPRISE WORKED!

Tuesday, November 13 – We pulled up the jacks again early Saturday morning for the long drive to Leisure Valley Ranch in Mission, TX, known by Winter Texans as the Rio Grande Valley (RGV). We drove 345 miles in 6.5 hours....these long drive days must stop!

We are here to celebrate a 40^th anniversary with dear friends, Angie and Rick, and Dave and Marie. They are having a party and dance to celebrate the glorious occasion.

We started the weekend at a Happy Hour at Susie and  Chuck's house so Marsha could spring the “Big Surprise” on Angie and Rick. Marsha and her crazy plans! It worked out well, and Angie and Rick were shocked we were in town.

Marsha and Angie

Marsha, Susie (Marsha's partner-in-crime), Angie

We then attended a dance at the club house. The Country band, Sweetwater, was performing. This is a good band, and we had a great time renewing friendships with old friends.

There's never a dull moment here at Leisure Valley Ranch. You can do something everyday if you wish. With warm weather and many old friends, we'll be busy that's for sure!

We are staying a week and will then head back to the Houston Elks to spend the holidays with Carrie, our youngest daughter. After Christmas, we'll return to the RGV for several months.

We are located on Lot 243, 2003 E. Bogey. Our site is HUGE. We have privileges to use the garage. This is where we will stay when we come back in January and February.

Not sure what Paul is doing in this picture.

We have no one directly next to us.

Looking left.

We are directly across from the Clubhouse. How convenient…we can use the hot tub everyday!

Looking right.

Thanks for stopping by. Hope to see y'all back real soon. Have a great day!

WELL…THIS ISN'T GOOD!

Sunday, November 12 – What a day! On Thursday, Paul replaced the burned-out heating element in the hot water heater. We were able to heat water with propane but not electric. This isn't a big job if you have the correct tool. Unfortunately, Paul did not have the socket wrench necessary to remove the element. After searching Lowes, Home Depot, Harbor Freight, Sears and Northern Tools, he finally took Marsha's suggestion and went to PPL, a large RV consignment dealer and parts store here in Houston. Yep, Marsha was right again, they had one, and Paul picked-up the heating element while there.

Paul had to practically take the entire front off the tank to get to the element, but he was successful. We now had hot water via electricity, which is included in our $15/night price here at the Houston Elks. (If staying a month it's only $300/month – that's $10/night!)

Wish we could say that was the end of our hot water issues! After cleaning up and putting everything away, Paul noticed water on the concrete slab. No, the element wasn't leaking. After removing panels under the kitchen sink to expose the entire hot water tank, Paul found a soaked floor and a leaking hot water tank.....DANG!

So, Saturday morning it was back to PPL to purchase a new Suburban hot water tank. Never having replaced a hot water tank, Paul was a little worried, but luckily the neighbor has done a replacement and encouraged Paul that the job is pretty straight forward. Of course, Marsha was there with plenty of encouragement also!

He started by removing the old tank which involves detaching hot and cold plumbing lines, 110 volt electric lines, 12 volt electric wires, propane lines, and exterior trailer moldings. It requires some contortionist positions under the kitchen sink as well! OUCH!

After removing the old tank, Marsha helped hold the new tank in the hole while he reconnected wires and propane lines.

The new tank slid in fairly easily, and Paul crawled back under the sink to complete the plumbing connections.

After filling the tank and finding no leaks, Paul fired up and tested the propane heating element. Finding it working correctly, he then tested the electrical heating element and was happy to see it working correctly. And most importantly, we have hot water with NO LEAKS!!! Yeah!

SIDE NOTE #1: Paul checked the service desk at PPL, and they wanted $240 for installing a hot water tank and couldn't get to it until late this week!

SIDE NOTE #2. Regardless what Marsha might tell you, Paul was not stressed-out, didn't swear, and completed the job with a smile on his face and whistling a happy tune! At least that is Paul's story, and he is sticking to it.

Happy Veterans day to all who have served our country so proudly and bravely. Thank you for your unselfish service.

Thanks for stopping by. Hope to see y'all back real soon. Have a great day!