Last Sunday was rather nice - in the 70's. It was friend Karen's birthday and so we headed to South Padre Island for the day. We checked out the visitor's center for the sand castles not realizing that there were a plethora of castles all up and down the road. A small one was at the visitor's center, then a very large one was outside. It was sprayed with something in order to keep it from weathering, especially in the rain. As we drove along the road, there were many smaller ones at various businesses.
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| this smaller one was inside the visitor's center |
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| this largest one took 500 hours to compete |
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| almost impossible to notice every detail |
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| love the dragon |
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| a realistic pelican
We drove to the northern most part of the island (at least as far as a car can drive) and noticed the sand drifted into the roadway - some places there was one way traffic. There were people camping along as well as many kite fliers. Seeing that the weather had not been good for awhile, a lot of people were out enjoying themselves.
 
kite fliers enjoying the warm breeze
We stopped at the turtle rescue center as we had often seen it and decided that this was the day! It is truly amazing - turtles are rescued, brought back to health, and then either released or kept in the center. Many have been there many years - some too used to people that they cannot be sent back to their natural environment, some were badly injured as a result of other sea animal attacks, or even tangled in fish lines. Some had broken shells and could not survive on their own - one even had no back feet or tail (lost in a battle of some sort), so a man made rudder was attached to his shell. He swam beautifully. It was very interesting and fun to see all the different species and sizes of turtles.
this turtle was HUGE and loved to swim towards the window to show off his beauty
smaller turtles almost ready to be returned to their natural habitat
he was colored so uniquely
We did have to stop on the beach to feed the sea gulls. Karen brought along a half loaf of bread which they begged for ever so nosily. We walked a bit on the beach where I found some interesting pieces of coral. We were told that the star fish were washed up on shore but we did not see any - although a few people were carrying some.
even though the waves were pretty high some people were surfing
feeding 5000 with 1/2 loaf of bread!!!
they were so patiently waiting for food - so cute
waiting to take some crumbs from my hand
After all this excitement we headed to Port Isabelle to Penguin Station (a division of Dirty Al's on the Island) to enjoy the best fresh shrimp ever. I do not eat shrimp anywhere else, so usually only have it once or twice at the most a year. We had a lovely view from our table - when all of a sudden a wind blow in, dropping the temps 20 degrees from when we went in to eat. Cannot believe we had the heater on in the car on the way home.
view from our table - some times the dolphins swim into the cove
Karen's birthday brownie gift from the restaurant
our fantastic waiter took the picture for us -
Now comes the Sunday blessings - last Sunday Chaplain Bill and Ali had their daughter and family visiting from California - (the weather did not cooperate for them, though). They and their 5 children are missionaries for Campus Crusade for Christ (CRU). What an amazing family - Steve, the father, gave our message on Sunday. Daughter Addie played the piano while other daughter Ellie sang a beautiful solo. It was so wonderful to see a family so tuned into God and His work. We are so blessed at the Church @ Alamo Rec Veh to have talented musicians, a great choir , and a Chaplain who shares his family with us.
Elli seems so very relaxed as she sings for us
Addie is a very accomplished pianist
Chaplain Bill leading us in prayer
Steve Michaelin delivering the message
The park manager sponsored a wild boar meal this last week. The owner of our park owns a ranch and donated 5 wild boars to smoke so the men really got into the swing of it. There were three different types of smoking with 3 different marinades. Of course, we could choose to eat smoked turkey instead, which I choose. Fred choose the wild boar and was able to sample all three choices as well as pork loin. The meal included the meat, coleslaw, raw veggies, beans, bread, dessert, and a beverage. It was a festive time as nearly 250 people filled the hall in anticipation of a new taste. The boar meat was really very good (I sampled a bit of Fred's) and the company was awesome!!!
As we begin another week full of activities, high and low points, and even some great disappointments, look to the Lord for strength, talk to Him often, asking for forgiveness, forgiving others and glorifying His
Holy name,
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