Skip to main content

Learning about the old ways

Image
By
I made mention of a recent experience on RGV Life Podcast #16 that I want to share in writing as well. I had the recent opportunity to walk 5 miles from the north of Mission to Madero, which is a part of Mission on the south side. The trek was around 2pm in full daylight. During the hot season in the Rio Grande Valley, residents suffer through high humidity. It doesn't matter if the day is sunny or overcast, the humidity will have you sweating like a cheese if you exert youself in any way.

So there I was, walking around town and it dawned on me, I could sure use a handkerchief to wipe my brow. I realized why young people do not use handkerchiefs like people of previous generations did. We are accustomed to driving everywhere and often with air conditioning. We no longer have perspiration on our brows to wipe, so we no longer need handkerchiefs. So, the articles used to be a necessity rather than a fashion accessory. People of previous generations walked places because cars were a luxury.

Another realization I came to was the need for bags when you are on foot. It is really inconvenient to walk with your hands full. So, if you're on foot, it is handy to have a bag with you to put stuff you are carrying or that you acquire on your walk. This way you have a free hand to pull out your handkerchief and wipe the sweat off your brow.

Comments

K H said…
Funny you should mention the bag deal. Nearly everyone in Europe uses a bag of some sort because of all the walking in cities. It really is the best way to get things done and bring your stuff with you. I have a question, there is this church in McAllen, possibly in Hidalgo that is really old, historic. I want to say that it is located somewhere near Old Military Highway, maybe about 5 miles from the Foreign Trade Zone. I think it might be near Pepe's on the River, I cannot recall as I have not been out there in several years. Do you have any clue? My grandmother told me that at one time it was a monastery and then was owned by the city and used as offices or something, which I find very unusual. Anyway, tell me if you know anything.
4:12 AM
Shaine Mata said…
You're right. European cities are much easier to get around on foot than driving. The sort of things you realize when you're on foot.

The church to which you refer is St.Peter's Novitiate which was built by the Oblates of Mary Immaculate. In 1912, the Missionary Oblates constructed St. Peter's Novitiate on the top of the hill. The building was used as a training center for student priests until the 1950s.

It was used as a psychiatric center for a while. I don't know what its current use is.
1:44 PM
Anonymous said…
hey check out this blog about St. Peter's novitiate.
http://stpetersatlalomita.blogspot.com/
9:48 PM
Post a Comment

Affiliate Links

Popular posts from this blog

Fall 2024 in the RGV

By
It's that time of year again when Winter Texans start to make their way south from the northern states. I have already had phone calls with a Winter Texan client who is getting ready to come down. I think it is fascinating that we can make friends from people who are visiting only seasonally.  Looking at the blog stats, I seem to get a peak in traffic every year. So I suppose it must be partly due to many of our friends coming back from up north.  Image generated by Gemini 1.5 Pro AI Speaking of seasons, we still have a couple of months to go before the end of hurricane season for 2024. We have been fortunate this year, compared to other parts of the USA. Although, south Texas could use the rain.  This time of year makes me happy as we finally have nights that are below 78F like we had all summer. This week we have had mornings in the 60s. While we still have hot days in the 90s, we at least get some respite in the evenings, leading to cool mornings.  Returning to RG...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Mad Mexican

By
Years ago, there used to be a DJ at B104, a local radio station. Until recent years, B104 had a large audience. They played pop music. The Mad Mexican used to do the morning show with Gary Rodriguez, who is now involved in McAllen politics. Well, the Mad Mexican is still working, but on a national level. I heard him this morning on Aguila, XM 92. Aguila is the Mexican music station on XM Satellite Radio. It's great to hear from him again. He's still pretty wild. Gary Rodriguez? He worked for 107.9 for a while before going to KURV and then entering politics.
2 comments
Read more

Join the 2010 Democrat Candidate Forum on Texas Democratic Women

By
Texas Democratic Women Of Hidalgo County Hidalgo Co. Tx Dem Women Hidalgo Co. Tx Dem Women has invited you to the event '2010 Democrat Candidate Forum' on Texas Democratic Women!   Please save the date! Don't forget to take a friend. Time: February 16, 2010 from 6pm to 9pm Location: STC Pecan Campus Administration Building Auditorium Organized By: Hidalgo Co. Tx Dem Women Event Description: Come and meet the Candidates for 2010 elections. This event is open to the public. Presented by: The Hidalgo County Texas Democratic Women and Stonewall Democrats of the Rio Grande Valley. ...
Post a Comment
Read more