Flowers, Not Snow!
A cottage where I can grow my choice of flowers and vegetables? Humming birds staging territorial disputes in my Texas Fire Bush-and I can watch through my living room window? A tree bearing sweet juicy peaches reminiscent of my Iowa childhood? All this in a 12 cottage courtyard with a big shade oak in the middle, and 12 colorful patios surrounding it!
With friendly residents who select their own growing things. This sounds like home; without the Iowa snow! John Knox Village, a financially stable, retirement center, stands in Weslaco, a beautiful homey thriving “all American City”. Weslaco offers museums, cultural arts of many kinds, educational opportunities, and airports, either within the city or within easy driving distance. The John Knox Village bus takes residents to some special events, to churches, shopping areas, and doctor’s appointments. My greatest delight is growing Texas wild flowers: 5,000 sq. ft. of Indian Blankets, Bluebonnets, Purple Verbenas, Yellow Daises, Pink Primroses, White Wild Petunias, Blue Sage, Red Salvia, Orange Butterfly Weed, and dozens of others. They have a background of red Bougainvillas, Yellow Esperanzas and Retamas, Gold Cactus, and angling Mesquite trees. I happily welcome everyone to enjoy the flowers throughout the year. When I came, 20 years ago as a passenger on a Honda Goldwing, I received a warm welcome from residents and staff. I knew then that this was my future home. It still is!
