Day 58-Wed, 25 Feb 09-S. Padre Island

We've had a busy couple of days....one on the beach and one visiting with old friends. Yesterday was so beautiful here that once we'd had breakfast, we were ready for the beach.
By 09:30 we were perched in our chairs, umbrella up, watching the bulldozers that had moved further down the beach. We read, roamed, and napped until one of us realized that we'd been there a couple of hours, and despite generous globs of sunscreen, needed to put t-shirts back on.
We are staying so close to the beach that by lunchtime, Wayne lost the toss and got to go back to the condo to make us a sandwhich and bring it back to the beach. While we were eating we noticed a woman on the beach who was flying kites, but she would anchor them to the ground and then set up another. Within an hour, she had 16 kites, all different sizes, colours, and shapes, flying along one stretch of the beach. I took some photos but they don't do a lick of justice to how wonderful it was to sit and watch them. Unforgetable!
There was just enough of a light breeze that made sitting in the sun far too comfortable and before we realized it, the time had crept to 3 pm and we forced ourselves to pack up and walk back to the condo. A good shower got the sand out and it was time for supper.
Every year on Shrove Tuesday, Wayne laments that his grandmother always made pancakes for them. I'm always determined to do it but usually forget and have burgers made by the time he reminds me. However, this year the pancake mix was sitting on the counter and there was no excuse so he got his pancakes.
My friend Dianne and hubby Wil are currently in Walesco, about an hour from here. We'd met up with them in San Antonio end-January and after a few days, both of us came here for a couple of days before they headed out to Florida but came back this way a few weeks ago. Via Facebook, we made arrangements to get together today as they are leaving for home (Wpg) in a few days. They drove down this afternoon and we had a fabulous re-union, supper and a walk on the beach. We both have decided we love Texas and because they have already made their reservation for next year in Walesco, and we will be coming back here, the chances are pretty good than we'll be able to spend some time with each other again next year. Dianne and I met through work...me in Ottawa and her in Winnipeg. We worked for the same organization and probably talked to each other on the phone every other day. After our first face-to-face meeting, we knew we had lots in common and subsequent meetings at conferences resulted in the two of us taking a few holidays together when the conference ended. They are lots of fun and have become wonderful friends. We are all retired now and it's such a terrific, and amazing thing, that we can meet in Texas vice Canada.
There's a heat wave going through and we will take advantage of it by going to the beach. As long as the breeze isn't too much (it makes the sand blow), I expect we'll spend a bit of time just lounging but won't stay out as long as yesterday. You have to be very careful here not to lose track of time sitting in the sun!
Dianne said it's going down to -32 in Winnipeg tonight! Hope you aren't dealing with that kind of cold. Until next time, love and hugs to all. xx