Winter Texans We Are :)

Well, we've been in Texas for a little over a week now. We're currently in Port Aransas, TX at Marina Beach RV Resort trying to get our 1st RV site map job done. It ain't looking good here either. We really thought that because of all the tourist activity here we would have no trouble selling ad space for $350 a YEAR to businesses in this town. Wrong. No one has any money. This place was hit a little by Hurricane Ike several months ago and that doesn't help anything. But the fact is - it's the economy. Businesses all over America are hurting. I would guess that about 25% of the stores, restaurants, etc. around here have a "For Sale" sign on the door.


It's just sad. I hate to see this everywhere we go. I really feel bad for business owners now. They are scrambling to try and just get the bills paid. Ameriplan

Port Aransas is a little beach town on an island just north of Corpus Christi. There are about 40 restaurants, dozens of small hotels and about 5 large RV parks. That means there are 1000's of RV's here and they are referred to as "Winter Texans." It seems that half of them are from Canada too! They come down here for 6 months and then head back home in the spring. Gotta keep that health insurance active eh?

Kathy & I are scrambling to find businesses willing to pop a couple of hundred bucks to advertise in the RV map we're working on. It's tough. In 2 days we have done 39 presentations or "drop-offs" to 39 different businesses in the area and only made one sale. We need about 15 more in the next few days or we're not going to be able to get the map done for this RV park either.

We've heard everything:

1. I don't advertise - get OUT!
   
2. I'd like to, but I don't have the money
3. The business owner is out of town for 2 weeks
4. This is a franchise business ( like Subways and even the local liquor store!) so you'll have to call the corporate office. "OK, do have a number?" NO! Go away!
5. I MAY be interested, come back in 3 days. You go back in 3 days and the decision maker is no where to be found. So much for appointments!
   

Sigh. This job is "not so much fun."

My thoughts (Kathy here) I fully agree with everything Steve said. I think I was really made to be retired. In fact, I'm sure of it. I'm also looking into doing some writing for a website. You write articles and get paid when they put them online. It would be something to do and I could get to tell people everything I know! Which is everything.........I KNOW IT ALL, just ask my husband!!!!

In any case, we are going to finish our commitments and then head to New Mexico, then Arizona and California. It should be an interesting year.

Lastly, HOW ABOUT THOSE STEELERS, huh???????