I was excited to be returning to South Padre Island. Last month I biked, walked, and shuttled the Island; on this adventure, I floated its waterways via a catamaran. 











It was a beautiful, sunny, 77 degree day with a slight breeze. Shots of tequila teased our appetites before the wine was served with !delicious! shrimp appetizers, tasty tacos, and fresh fruits for dessert.

Sea gulls, pelicans, and other boats enhanced our view; a breeze and guitar music added to the mood of this glorious January afternoon.

Enjoyed seeing gorillas, sharks, dinosaurs, conch shells, and bears on the exterior of this souvenir shop, but didn’t find a South Padre Island coffee cup as nice as the cup I won with my lucky number during the catamaran ride. A perfect day!!

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Hi there! – I live at Klement’s Grove located between Mission and McAllen. Yes, most llamas have brown eyes but she has blue eyes.

Saw the above llamas as this ancient Allis Chalmers tractor (last ones were manufactured in 1985) pulled our hay rack through orange and grapefruit orchards.       So, so thrilled to see Texas longhorn cattle during our visit.

Growing within Klement’s Grove are: marrs oranges (exclusive to Texas); pineapple oranges (hint of pineapple flavor; also very seedy); and red grapefruit (the official state fruit).
I happily packed a variety into my 10 pound bag to enjoy in 888.

 Pygmy goats and donkeys were also present.

The cross-shaped marking present on this donkeys' back and shoulders is said to celebrate the animal bearing Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. A very interesting and informative morning was spent at Klement's Grove.

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Harlingen, about 45 minutes from Pharr, celebrated their Market Days on this beautiful Saturday.  

Vendors lined Jackson Street with a huge variety of clothing, jewelry, food, hardware, plants, lawn decorations, dishes, etc.  Didn’t get a chance to visit some of Harlingen’s regular shops such as “Hand of Man Stained Glass Studio.” Perhaps I’ll get a chance if I attend the Harlingen and San Benito “ShopHop” later in January.