Memorial Day and changing seasons...

Today is the day we remember and give thanks to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for this country.  For many, this is the official unofficial start of the summer season (with the Summer Solstice being the "official" start of summer).

There are definite seasons in the resort where we live.  December, January, and February is the Winter Texan season.  It is what brought us here years ago: escaping the frozen northland to the warmth of the Tropical Tip.  The resort is alive with planned activities, potluck dinners, and friendly seasoned citizens.

March is a transition month: the Winter Texans are heading home, Spring Break is ramping up.  Spring Break isn't a big deal on our island - compared to the rowdy party atmosphere that takes over South Padre Island.  There is an unofficial policy here about not renting to spring break revelers, but occasionally you can tell that Grandma and Grandpa let their grandkid and friends use their place.  The big issue is the traffic once you get off our island and into Port Isabel and South Padre Island.

April and May is quiet time; the winter people are gone, the summer people haven't arrived.  The northers that blow in during the winter are gone; Mother Nature is warming things daily in anticipation of summer.  No crowds.  Always a table available at our favorite restaurants.

June is the official start of Hurricane Season (June 1 through Nov 30).  It is always in the back of your mind.  The last "direct hit" we had was in 2008 when Hurricane Dolly caused extensive damage in the area.

It is also the start of the summer people season: mostly people from the Valley who rent for the summer.  It is cooler here on the coast and this place is an escape for what seems like working families.  The vibe changes: golf carts with stereos blasting (often driven by those too young to have a license, even though there are rules against that) roaring up and down the streets.  The pools are packed.  Screaming kids.  Smokey grills and more music on the patios.  It is busier and noisier on the weekends.  Over on SPI, the beach is packed, as are the restaurants and bars.  Summer is the busy season there.  Jet skis and small fishing boats roar around on the water.

It is hot and humid.  This is the generally when we get out of here.  That may not be happening this year, with the new hip.  We'll see how this all plays out.  We like being able to get to some place cooler and quieter.  Folks like us who have this as our only home consider July to be the least pleasant month, with crowds, noise, heat and humidity.  In August, the weather stays hot and humid, but the summer crowds start to diminish.

By the time September rolls around, kids are back in school and families are spending more time at their homes in the Valley than out here on the coast.  Generally, we have come back home in late September to early October.

October and November are my favorite months here: the weather is generally perfect, warm but not as humid.  The crowds are gone.  Time out on the water is blissfully quiet.  There are weekend "events" (planned to bring people to SPI) on SPI, but generally not huge crowds.

December and the anticipation of the Winter Texans arriving.  The restaurant and shop owners look forward to being busy again.  Mother Nature starts sending down northers to remind us why we left the frozen northland... while last winter was colder and windier than normal, there is generally more nice weather than northers.

Summer has started.  We saw more people and activity on Friday and Saturday than Sunday.  Although, I did holler at a kid driving a golf cart to "Slow down!" while I was out on one of my walks.  These are not the typical golf carts - they are souped-up versions with bigger wheels and faster speeds.  The general shape of a golf cart.  This time of year, often seen with kids hanging all over them, like a crowded street car in San Francisco... if that street car could jump the tracks and be driven by a 12 year old.

The restaurants change their specials and menu offerings for summer.  What was "Meatloaf Monday" during the Winter Texan season is now "Shrimp Salad and Avocado Monday"... "Fish Taco Wednesday."  It is good to know your customer base.

We sat out on our deck for a while yesterday afternoon.  It is warm, but nice shade and some breeze.  A refreshing change of pace.  Rufus enjoyed being out there with us.  Golf carts going to and from the pool area.  People out and about.  And when we want, we can go inside, close the door, and enjoy the peace and quiet.

The season has changed.  One of the things I asked the physical therapist on Friday was, "When do you think I'll be able to get down on my hands and knees to do something on the ground?"  He was noncommittal: "You'll know when you're ready."  I looked at Joan and could see that she knew I was talking about being able to do the utilities on the motorhome.  Our "escape pod."