TV Channels

by Keith

Do you understand all there is to know about TV these days —stuff like HD, converter box, channel 3.1, digital antenna, and so forth?

I didn't think so. Me neither.

But I learned something from Tom the other night. (Stick with Tom. He can teach you about 1015 onions, TV channels, and who knows what else!)

We have a digital TV in our trailer, as do many of you. What does that mean? Well, for one thing, it means that you can receive High Definition pictures. They're the wide ones. The width to length ratio is 16 to 9, while the "old' TV pictures are 4 to 3. But they are also broadcast in much higher definition!

In order to get ABC (channel 3 here) in HD, we were having to switch from cable to antenna to receive the HD version.

Then Tom told mentioned the "high channels." I tried it and learned that channel 98.1 is ABC in HD! CBS in HD is also up there somewhere! And others, too.

On our set (your mileage may vary), we normally could punch in 98, then push "channel up" to get 98.1. But that doesn't work, at least at the moment. We just push 98, then wait and it goes to 98.1 automatically. Also, normally one can get to the "point channels" by pushing "98" "minus sign" "1".

Of course that discovery generated curiosity so I went exploring. I found dozens of channels of music on channel 70.xx. For example, channel 70.33 is Classical Masterpieces. There are three channels of country music and goodness knows how many channels of rock "music." Take a tour and discover your favorite!

Thanks, Tom. What's the subject of the next learning experience?

Comment!

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Baked Potato and Soup Supper

by Keith

Happy diners!

Last night the park hosted another one of those wonderful evening meals. You know—good food, good friends, good conversation!

Janet (R) and Pat Cleaning Up

Every successful event depends on effective leadership. Here, we see Janet, the chairman, and Pat, helper to the chairman, engaged in tasks which they were unable to delegate, apparently.

Rather than commenting on each picture, I'll just go ahead and post them below. You probably know most people in them and what's going on anyway.

If you don't, come to Rockport 35 RV Park and be part of the fun!

A great crowd attended the baked potato and soup supper.

Jim, Bob, Keith

Movers and shakers from 5th Street

Betsy, Dianne, Sarah, and Elaine

Pam and Geoff arrived just a couple of days ago.

After eating and visiting, several adjourned to the game rooms for cards or pool.

Pool room monitors: Cleo, Geoff, and Dick

The usual group and the back table.

Kendall and Sheila in a tough game of "101"

There you have it, folks! Another fun evening at the park in a few words and lots of pictures!

Comment!

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To Market -- Two Markets

by Dianne, with info from Connie

Just a little reminder, if you're not doing anything on Saturday mornings, you can always go to the Fulton or Rockport Market.

The Fulton Market is on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th (if there is one) Saturdays down by Paws and Taws. Currently it is scheduled from 9 am to 2 pm.

The Rockport Market is the 4th Saturday of each month from 10 am to 5 pm. It is down by the Rockport Beach at Little Bay. You'll see it set up in the big grassy area.

The Market offers an assortment of homemade edibles (I like the free samples), arts/crafts, in-season veggies and fruits, etc. Last time we were there we bought some homemade BBQ sauce with a little kick to it.

If you do go, please stop and say hello to our own Rockport 35 RV Park friends Ron and Connie Perkins. Connie creates a wonderful assortment of greeting cards with beautiful pictures from their travels and from the local area. Inside you'll find biblical scriptures that are fitting for a variety of occasions. Ron and Connie just love having friends stop by to chit/chat too.

So, maybe we'll see you there this Saturday.


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Painless

by Dianne

As I look around the park I've noticed, and you probably have too, that there is a bunch of us who are getting older. It seems inevitable that as we age we tend to have more aches and pains anywhere from our necks, back, shoulders, hips, knees and/or feet. Well, the other morning I read something in one of those cute little emails that I want to share. It made me smile and feel grateful for life's little blessing. It said, " Aren't you glad wrinkles don't hurt?"

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57 Years Ago Today----

---Mary and Norman were married!

I don't know how they celebrated the other 56 anniversaries but they celebrated this one with a bowl of ice cream at the park!

Norman and Mary Sherman
Married 57 Years Ago Today!

Actually, there was more to it than that. They celebrated yesterday, too, by attending the movie Red Tails and dining with Virgil and Joy. (Virgil and Norman are cousins.)

Since their wedding, they've lived in four towns, in about 20 different houses, and had 7 or 8 cars and 2 airplanes.

They have two sons and four grandchildren.

Norman and Mary live in Coldwater, Kansas. They've spent several winters here at Rockport 35 RV Park. This year, they just arrived last week because Norman was busy driving the school bus.

Congratulations, friends!

Comment!

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I Was Wrong About the Onion

by Keith

The other day, Tom asked, "Why is the 1015 onion named the 1015?"

Having been to Mission and believing myself to be all-knowing regarding the question, I volunteered my answer: "It is named "1015" because it is grown alongside highway 1015 in the McAllen/Mission area."

I was wrong. Again.

Here's information on the 1015, including why it is called the 1015 and how it came to be.

http://www.sweetonionsource.com/varieties/texassweets.html

But for the record, here's Tom's and, apparently, the correct answer: The optimum date for planting this onion is October 15, thus the "1015" name.

You won again, Tom!

Comment!

Comment:

Leave it to an Aggie - 1015 -- so they don't forget when to plant it!

Now that should start a war between TX A&M and the Univ of TX!!

Helen

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Experimenting

by Keith

I was just experimenting with Connie's telephoto lens. It worked, to say the least.

Here's one result, looking up third Street:

Shinny Trucks on Third Street

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A Must-Do Event

by Keith

Have you ever been to a belt sander race?

Don't worry, here's your chance:

Saturday, January 21, 2PM

Pickled Pelican 

(that's about the first bar on the left

 as you head into town)

If you've never seen one, you really owe it to yourself to attend, at least once. Your education will be incomplete without it!

Comment!

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Events and Non-events

by Keith

No Friendship Dinner Tonight. 

The published calendar shows that there will be a dinner tonight. The board by the office shows there will be a dinner tonight.

The schedule has changed; there won't be one.

Here's another way to look at it: The schedule shows that next week, there will be no Friendship Dinner. This non-event has been moved forward one week!

Patriotic Concert

The annual patriotic concert by the Rockport-Fulton High School Music Department will be held Monday evening at 7PM. That's January 23.

The band and chorus will perform—that's about 200 students on stage doing there best!


Over the years, we've found that this is a very good concert; one not to be missed if you like band or chorus music with a generous dose of patriotism thrown in.


Go. Go early. Turn right at Jalisco Restaurant. The auditorium is the first big building on the right. The one with all the cars around it.


Admission is free. A free-will collection will be taken as you exit. Proceeds support music activities at the school.

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"Gittin"

by Keith

Step 1: Git in line

Step 2: Git yur burger

Remaining steps not pictured; too busy building my burger and enjoying eating it to take pictures.

Enjoying the Sun!

by Keith

It's a beautiful day here in Rockport! Lots of folks are outside, many just sitting in their lawn chairs, others sitting on picnic tables—all enjoying the sunshine with no wind!

Gary, Donna, and "family" enjoying Rockport sunshine!

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Eating ----and more eating!

by Keith

Speaking of eating, there's breakfast served right here "on base" each Saturday morning from 7 to 9.

It's ably served by several unmanaged (inside joke!) volunteer cooks who live right here among us.

There's always great and plentiful food, plus the ability to visit with good friends and meet new ones.

Breakfast: $4.00

Friendships: Priceless

We won't gather again to eat until this evening at 6, when it's the 2012 Build-a-Burger event!

Comment!

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Matt's Cherry Cobbler

by Keith

We who choose to spend the winter in Rockport, and especially those of us at Rockport 35 RV Park, eat well!

Last evening the four of us (Tom, Dianne, Pat, Keith) went up the road (north) to Stevie Lew's BBQ. The Carls had not been there before, so this was a special outing for them. Here they are, at the ordering counter. They're helped by Carrie, the "mom" of this mom and pop establishment.

Carrie waits on hungry guests from Rockport 35 RV Park

But it's not just a mom and pop place. It is really a mom and pop and four kids place! And therein lies a large part of the joy of going there—watching the kids. They all work there, and appear happy to do so!

Enjoying Matt's Cherry Cobbler
at
Stevie Lew's BBQ

This week, our "prize" goes to Matt, the son. We learned that he's responsible for the delicious cherry cobbler dessert!

Way to go, Matt!


Was it good? You bet! (or if you speak Minnesotan, "Yea, you betcha!")

The dining room has been rearranged and redecorated this year and is very attractive. And it's close! They're open 10:00 to 7:00 Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

These folks understand customer service. Their smiles show it!

Comment!

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International Look

by Keith

The park took on a decidedly international look today when recent arrivals Bob and Marie displayed the Canadian and American flags.

Here we see four of our friends from Canada enjoying the nice Texas weather and hospitality.

Marvin and Jean from Manitoba
 Bob and Marie from Ontario

Comment!

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Scaredy Cats, I Mean Dogs

by Dianne

Don't know why, but our two dogs, Buddy and Bandit, do not like it when I use my Pampered Chef Slap Chopper in the RV. I use it all the time at home but I'm always in the kitchen and they are usually in another room. Didn't realize it was such big deal to them.

Well, today when prepping food for our Friendship Dinner tonight I had to use the chopper and this was the results. Buddy was first and just a couple more chops Bandit followed. They're mighty brave when confronted in the park by a small dog but just get out the chopper and they run for protection from Daddy. Had to coax them from Rick's lap.




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Bev's Hardware

by Dianne

Last November there was a short article on Bev Nagelkerke's successful surgery to remove a screw from a previous back surgery she had in '08 which was pressing on a nerve and causing pain in her right leg. I guess there was more to it than just one little screw as shown in this picture.






I've heard of athletes bragging about their "hardware" (usually referring to a trophy or medal they've won) but when Bev offers to show you her hardware, she is talking about the real thing. These are the actual screws and other miscellaneous parts taken from her back - the culprit of her leg pain. Bev said there is another set just like this one still in place and, hopefully, will not give her any problems down the road. Amazing!!



Those of us who have returned to Rockport 35 RV Park know that Bev is doing great. Her leg pain is gone and she has returned to most of her previous activities. Although she is not ready to lead the morning stretch group yet, she is taking advantage of the pool to help strengthen her muscles as she continues to heal.

Bev, we are happy your surgery was a success and that you and Marv are back in the park. We so enjoy your company and friendship.

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"Official" Rainfall Report

by Keith

9:10:  Just Under 1/2"

12:30: About 1.1 inches!

Comment!

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Can't Wait To Share This Info!

by Keith (of course ---Dianne would never publish anything like this)

I can't wait until the next time I go to early morning coffee, even if it is next Monday, to share this new-found information with someone! Therefore, you are the lucky recipient of this new-found knowledge!

Did you ever wonder what size "A4" paper is, and why it is that size? (A4 is the standard size of the typical sheet of paper used in an office in Europe, as a "letter" size is used in the States. The A4 is a bit smaller than our      8 1/2 X 11 sheet.)

The scheme is pretty simple—once you see it explained, especially if the explanation includes a drawing.

Here's how it works:

• Start with a piece of paper one meter square. That's size A0.
• Fold it in half and cut. That gives you two size A1 sheets.
• Fold one A1 sheet in half and cut it. Now you have two A2 sheets.
• Fold one A2 sheet in half and cut it. Now you have two A3 sheets.
• Fold one A3 sheet in half and cut it. Now you have two A4 sheets.

This process continues at least through A7 size.

The A4 sheet is 1/16 of a square meter (but is not square.)

Want to learn even more? OK, but I'll pass it along anyway.

There are also "B" sizes. The same principles apply, but the starting sheet isn't one square meter. It is one meter on one edge, and 1.414 (the square root of 2) on the other edge. B sizes are often used for posters.

If you get asked questions to which the answer is here and you win millions, please remember that you saw it here first!

Comment!

Comment January 7:

Thanks for the info! Very interesting!

Sandy

Background: 

We met Sandy and Gene four or five (?) years ago at a CoE campground near Potosi, WI. As it turned out, they were from the Cedar Rapids area and Gene and I both worked for the same company, although did not know each other there. (We each had about 6,000 coworkers.)

We both are members of Escapees. Each summer, Gene and Sandy run a computer workshop in Winterset, Iowa, (John Wayne's birthplace) which brings a dozen or two folks from all over the country to Iowa to expand their computer knowledge and skills.

I find it interesting that Sandy reads the blog for Rockport 35 RV Park! That is one example of the reach of the internet!

And I was amazed—and pleased!—that she found it interesting!!!

And finally, very thankful that she commented on it!

Comment January 10, by Dianne:

Keith, honestly, I’ve never wondered about A4 paper size. I suppose it could be an interesting topic, but it’s just never come up in a conversation or in anything I’ve read.  However, it did peak my interest enough to do a little research and this is what I found.  “By 1977, A4 was the standard letter format in 88 of 148 countries. Today the standard has been adopted by all countries in the world except the United States and Canada.”

PS  Thanks for sharing.

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Signs Seldom Seen

by Keith

This sign was near Wales West RV Park, where we were in Alabama. I watched carefully for the other kind of hills, but never did see one.

It still is not clear to me what the real intent of this sign was.

That wasn't the only thing in Alabama which mystified me. Highway route numbers was another one.

As even a poor engineer can tell you, engineering is generally considered an exact science.

But this is ridiculous!

This sign was near New Orleans.

Finally, here's one you won't see many places! It's a mile marker along I-10, shot shortly after we entered Texas.

In the same general area, there was a sign "El Paso 847."

Texas is big. And interesting. We like it.

Because I just thought of it and like it, I'll quote Gov. Rick Perry, made while referring to The Current Occupant (as Garrison Keillor referred to George W. Bush):

"He's all hat and no cattle."

Sounds like a true Texan to me!

Comment!

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Celebrating the End of 2011

by Keith; photos by  Dianne and Keith

The hats said "Happy New Year" and it was billed as a New Year's Eve party. It was, indeed, held on the eve of the new year. But what we really celebrated was the end of the old year, 2011.

I say this because by the time 2011 rolled past our time zone, the clubhouse was dark and all the revelers were tucked soundly in their beds so they would be refreshed and ready to greet the New Year this morning.

Regardless of what we were celebrating, we had a good time! The evening started by enjoying the fellowship of good friends (some long-time, some recent) and a pizza dinner with salad and cookies. And more conversation!

Joan organized (?) five tables (20 people) of the card game The Friendship Game. It's a multi-handed "tournament" in which the rules for each hand are different. It's a team game, but partners change with every hand.

Because of these factors, skill at cards has relatively little to do with winning—as last night's winner demonstrated. Getting a skilled partner for the those hands offering high-scores (+100 points, +300, +500, etc.) seems far more important.

Once again, it was an evening of good food and great fellowship at Rockport 35 RV Park!

Comment!


PS: Here's where some of the pictures came from:

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