Dear Kristi, 

Thank you for the opportunity to go see the RGV Dorados Monday night!  First, let me say, this is the first time I have seen any type of Arena football played. I am usually headed back to Minnesota by May 1st, however this year I decided to extend my stay and leave on June 1st.  My wife, some friends and I at 7 :00 pm for the game at 7:30 pm game, RGV Dorados Vs Amarillo.   I got to my seats and I started to have skepticism.   The field is 50 yards long, instead of a 100 yard football field.   All my life, I have been used to a 100 yard field.  I have watched many Minnesota Vikings and high school football games, and this just did not seem right - such a short field.  And the Dorados had only 8 players on the field - another shock, as I have see 9 man ball at the high school level! 

I will tell you, it took me about ½ the game before my mind wrapped around 8 man football.  That is when I started to enjoy the game, It is FAST FAST football. I would say about 5 minutes a possession. So the scoring is usually high, but the skill level is great.  I am going to tell your readers some facts, so they don’t have to go through a period of adjustment like I did. ONE:  There are four 15 minutes periods, TWO:  there is a lot of passing, THREE: The chain crews leave the arena field during each possession kick-off, until the referee marks the 1st down.  

After I got over my bias, I think Arena Football is great.  There is definitely a lot of action, and the Dorados had a great 1/2 time show - The Dorados cheerleaders Vs the Hooter girls in a powder puff football game! The Dorados won the game 66-25. I suggest that anyone that is here in the Valley after May 1st go see the Dorados and experience a great time. 

Wayne Halverson

June 3, 2009 (McAllen, Texas)-  Some talk… some act... others lead.   Clark Chevrolet in McAllen has teamed up with Akzo Nobel and Apex Automotive Coatings to become an environmental ambassador for the collision repair industry in the Rio Grande Valley. 

Kristi's notes:  I've had three cars come from Clark Chevrolet in McAllen.  They really do treat you like family!  And if and when you need it - the service department can't be beat!  Clark Chevrolet is Welcome Home approved.

Cheddar's that is!  Saying cheese for the camera was quite fitting for our Thirsty Thursday dinner group tonight!  We had over 30 Tip O Texas residents with us tonight at Cheddar's, located near the McAllen Convention Center off Ware Road.  We were surprised to see a group from Tropic Star, Tip's sister park there, too!  What a meal!  I had a chicken salad with candied pecans that was to die for!  As I went from table to table, I saw delicious fried shrimp, burgers, chicken strips, quesadillas (off the appetizer menu - that will be my next choice) - and what sides to choose from!  Sarah had a baked potato that I almost fought her for!  Fresh broccoli, carrots, green beans, mashed potatoes and red beans and rice were others on the side menu.  Food portions were HUGE, we all either did or should have taken to go boxes with us.  Margaritas were good, but a little pricey.  The margaritas at Tico's last week were only $1.50, not quite as big, but just as good.  Next week will find us at Joe's Crab Shack - where General Manager Noe knows we like to have a good time.  If you want to join us, give me a call 956-655-1812 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with a group count and we'll be waiting for you!

Hope to see you soon,

Kristi

by Cactus Willie

Being retired means having fun, enjoying life and seeking out adventures. That's why so many of us travel the roads in our RV’s, fifth wheels and tag along trailers. You need not go far while in the Rio Grande Valley to find a true adventure just a few miles away. Let Breakaway Cruises help you experience the wonders of the Gulf of Mexico. Recently my wife and I with a couple friends took one of the Laguna Madre cruises they offer. They have a special meal deal (a fish and shrimp basket) going with Dirty Al’s (which is next door) combined with the cruise. They offer two trips a day Monday through Friday with this special arrangement. Each cruise trip lasts four hours with one leaving at 11 am and the other at noon. The regular price is $35 and I am sure they can work out a special rate with large groups.

The morning we left Winterhaven Resort had coordinated such a special deal for their park.  On the trip you will learn about the Port of Brownsville, Shrimp Basin and many other interesting facts about the area. One concern of note is that you are not to take pictures while in the actual port area. But bring your camera because there is so much more to see and take pictures of. I could write pages about the AMFELS oil rig building facility which is truly remarkable and the many reclamation yards that exist around the port area. The trip is truly informative and no detail seems to be left out about the past, present and future prospects for the area. We saw dolphins play and sea birds everywhere. Captain Frank Knuckles guided the Gateway along the route with the help of some young deck hands.  After the cruise we were ready for the meal at Dirty Al’s. If you have never dined there you will be pleasantly surprised at the huge wonderful shrimp and great tasting fish they serve. Your meal is served in a basket with fries and your drink is included. I have known Al for a few years now and he will treat you real good.  So if you are looking for an adventure, do yourself a favor and check out Breakaway Cruises located at Padre Blvd., Sea Ranch Marina on South Padre Island. Note they also have Eco Tours as well. Brad Burrows is the general manager, and he will make sure that your concerns are taken care of.  You can call (956)761-2212 or go online to www.breakwaycruises.com to arrange your trip. Cactus Willie says this is a must do thing while in the valley and gives it a two thumbs up all the way around. 

By: Cactus Willie

Grapefruit in the Rio Grande Valley is a common item and rating them is a tuff thing to do. To be an honorable mention would mean that despite the abundance of really good grapefruit in the Valley you would have to have a significant wow factor. I recently came across what I thought was the best I have ever tasted.  We were sent a box of gift fruit from Red Cooper and it was fantastic!  There was plenty to share so we did some field testing. After all, the competition is great and I wanted to be sure I was right. Here are some comments that my friends told me:

"The Ruby Red Grapefruit that we tried from the fruit shipper was sweet, juicy, flavorful and solid, not a wimpy Grapefruit! I peeled it and ate it like an orange! Yummy!"

Another friend simply said "Fantastic! Got more??"

I have received many other comments, too many to share, that back up my opinion that Red Cooper has the best Ruby Red Grapefruit in the Rio Grande Valley.

Here is a little bit of history and insight about the business.

Red Cooper has been in the citrus business for well over 30 years and is devoted to providing the best quality citrus and expert services to all of his customers. Things have changed quite a bit since the beginning. Red started out as a small citrus farmer in South Texas fulfilling a few orders of grapefruit and since has become a major shipper of quality fruits and other specialty foods to thousands of customers all over the country. Red and his friendly customer service staff have many years of experience in the business and are dedicated to providing only the best products and services to each and every customer. It has taken many years of hard work and dedication and Red prides himself with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Today customers across the country are ordering Red Cooper's sweet grapefruit, oranges, sweet onions, peaches, plums and other unique specialties delivered right to the front door for pure, farm-fresh enjoyment.

Red Cooper will ship anywhere in the lower 48 states. You can get them simply by going online at www.redcooper.com or call toll free (800)876-4733. For your convenience they accept Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, Discover/NOVUS and American Express.

Cactus Willie says:  Send some sunshine home to the ones you love!

For more printable coupons CLICK HERE. 

Dear Kristi, 

Thanks again for the gift certificate to Joe's Crab Shack for winning the "Top Ten Reasons" contest.  We arrived at Joe's at 4:00 pm. before the crowd showed up. It may be the best time to go, if you want to get great service, like we got.

Right off the bat, we were welcomed by Mr. Noe Lozano, the General Manager. The server we had was the best server in the city, as far as I am concerned!  He was at our table several times, asking if everything was OK.  I saw that there was Clam Chowder on the menu, and just love it, ever since I had my first real good bowl in San Diego, California. The Clam chowder at Joe's Crab Shack matched my San Diego experience. Fantastic!  I also had a fish sandwich and my wife had the steak platter. These were excellent choices on our part. After our meal, Mr. Lozano checked on us to see how we found the food. I told him it was great. I urge your readers to give Joe's Crab Shack a try, and to go about 4:00 pm to beat the rush. 

Wayne Halverson, Hidden Valley Ranch 

Kristi’s notes:  Joe's is a personal favorite, head on over for some great food and tell Noe that Kristi sent you!