I think this about sums it all up!
I don't know about you, but I am so thankful to be in the Rio Grande Valley right about now. I have to admit, I've only seen snow once. When I was in the eighth grade (my daughter's age) - I went on a skiing trip with my church youth group to Colorado. I still get the chills just thinking about it. For those of you who don't know me, I'm not the most coordinated person in the world, so after day one I had had enough of trying to stay upright on skis. I remember that trip so vividly. Wearing SO MANY CLOTHES. Sweating underneath them all, having an itch you couldn't scratch because you really couldn't maneuver. I was only gone a week, in March ~ and that was enough for me to decide that snow was over rated.
Fast forward almost 30 years and I wonder how in the world you all did it. It's enough for me to balance working, cooking, cleaning, laundry and carting my teenager around town - I can't even imagine adding shoveling snow into the mix. It's no wonder that you all flock to our area each winter to avoid snow shovels, wind chills, snow tires, frost bite and who knows what else. "Been there, done that" is a phrase I've heard often from many of you. I'm sure a lot of your friends and family wonder what in the world you are going to do down here for months on end, and I bet you chuckle to yourself as you pack your bathing suits, shorts, flip flops and tropical (short sleeved) shirts.
Well, I know your secret ~ the Rio Grande Valley is a wonderful place to be, especially this time of year. Here in Texas, we want you here. We value all that you bring us, and you have truly become part of who we are, a part of our culture. I think you realize that, as you see Welcome Home Winter Texan signs just about everywhere you go. This holiday, I hope you'll help me spread my message, that the Rio Grande Valley is a wonderful place to call home. With all the gloom and doom in the news about the Rio Grande Valley these days, I would like to ask you to help me spread good cheer to those who may doubt us.
All I ask for this holiday is a quick note as to why you chose Texas, why we're different than Florida and Arizona (I already know - because we love you!). You can get your message to us by email kristi@welcomehomergv.com, regular mail Kristi Collier, 221 Nolana Suite A, McAllen, TX 78504 or drop it off at our booth at the Don Wes. And I almost forgot, the best entry will receive a $50 gift card to Chili's.
Happy holidays, and for those of who who are en route - safe travels.
Kristi
Kristi Collier is the owner of Welcome Home, Rio Grande Valley. She can be reached at kristi@welcomehomergv.com or at 956-687-5115. Visit her website at www.welcomehomergv.com.