TOM WOLF, A RETIRED POLICE OFFICER FROM OHIO, was gardening on Sunday morning at gateway RV/MH Park in Raymondville, TX. With the chill of low temperatures up north, Winter Texans have begun their seasonal migration to sunny South Texas where an estimated 123,000 Winter Texans visit annually.

This year Gateway RV/MH Park in Raymondville, is expecting 500 Winter Texans, if not more.

"I keep coming back to get away from the snow, freezing rains, and go to the bingo!" said Evelyn, from Ontario, Canada who found out about Gateway through cousins three years ago.

Aside from warm weather, there were a few other reasons given when asked, "Why do you continue choosing the Valley?"

Tom Wolf, a retired police man from Ohio says, "I like the people, climate and I like the fact that it doesn't cost an arm and a leg to live down here."

"The Senoritas' (laughs) no, I keep coming back because I like that I'm out in the country," said Chuck Wendroth, a retired truck driver from Minnesota. "I like the country and the city isn't far from here."

BETTY & EVELYN, FROM ONTARIO, CANADA, said, "If we come out in the Chronicle/ News, we will send it to the kids." Gateway visitors are increasing weekly. Despite the hundreds of visitors, there is an unhurried ease about the spacious park.

During a slow drive by on Gateway roads, Tom Wolf was gardening, while his wife watched him from their porch and Mike Beckert, a retired telegraph operator from southern Illinois who is a Valley regular, spending 16 of his winters in the valley, was riding about slowly in his golf cart that Sunday morning.

At the center of the park, a spacious REC Center catches attention. Inside the building are numerous tables, sofas, and a pool table.

The decor of warm reds and browns with different state flags make for an inviting feel to Winter Texans. There is a large bulletin board with numerous daily activities.

"There's lots to do," said Mary, a housewife from northern New Hampshire who has been visiting for over 10 years. "We make quilts, raffle them, and then donate the money to Ronald McDonald charities. We play Bingo some nights, but don't sit in somebody else's chair. They'll tell ya! Oh yes."

FRED DEFEE FROM COUSHATTA LOUISIANA, who has been spending his winters in the valley for l4 yrs, said with his dulcet Louisiana accent, "I enjoy the people, the climate, and the general friendly atmosphere of the park." For the most part Winter Texans make the Valley their home usually until April. Before the drive by was over, Willacy County's Winter Texan's had a few words of advice that are worth reading. Their advice, to those

married:

"Enjoy life! Remember you are only here on borrowed time, don't put off for tomorrow what you want to do today because maybe your partner won't be there. Because my husband was healthy as a horse and then he got cancer; within six months he was gone. Enjoy life!" Evelyn said, with a heartfelt smile.

Evelyn is also involved in the Red Hats, the Rebekah Lodge, and United Church Women.

"I agree with her! I don't have my partner anymore? We stress over too much when we're younger. Gotta live each day. It's amazing when you get older and look back and say; We stressed over finances and children and everything turned out fine!" said Betty from Ontario, Canada. To Those Serving Our Country:

"When you go into the service, you might as well decide you like it, because if they know you don't, they'll be hard. Lots of luck and get home safe." said war veteran Clark Madison from Iowa who was drafted into the Korean War in 1952.

Madison has been visiting Willacy County for four years and enjoys going to Progresso and fishing at Port Mansfield.

To The Younger Generation:

"Start listening to your momma and daddy. Learn to work for what you want, and get off drugs," excellent advice from Tom Wolf.

"Save your money," says Mike Beckert, who has been a Winter Texan for over l6 years, and enjoys playing at the Elks Club.

"Have fun. Enjoy everyday," said Fred Defee from Coushatta Louisianna, who has been visiting the valley for l4 years.