Tailwinds Summer 2023 - A Blue Skies of Texas Quarterly

TAILWINDS

RVING WITH THE LUBBERS DID SOMEONE SAY “FIESTA?”

MEET GENERAL JONES

WELCOME TO TAILWINDS

The World’s Largest Cowboy Boots Are in San Antonio

Created by artist Bob “Daddy-O” Wade, the boots are 35’ 3” tall and weigh 10,000 pounds.

Photo courtesy of Leonard J. DeFrancisci

¡VIVA FIESTA!

A quick history of San Antonio’s favorite “party with a purpose.”

Did someone say “Fiesta?”

It was that time of year again when San Antonio, including our Blue Skies of Texas community, was abuzz for Fiesta San Antonio’s return on April 20.

It all started with a group of passionate women and an idea: to hold a parade honoring the fallen heroes of The Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto. The theme? Fresh flowers as far as the eye can see.

The 1891 debut of the parade featured horsedrawn carriages, flower-themed floats and members of San Antonio’s Belknap Rifles representing the military.

DID YOU KNOW?

The Battle of Flowers Parade® is the only one in the country planned and directed completely by women. Each of the 120 official Fiesta events support a local 501(c)(3) non-profit cause.

For the “battle,” the ladies in the parade divided the carriages into two groups and headed toward the Alamo from different directions. As their carriages passed, the groups tossed flowers at one another, and the beloved Battle of Flowers Parade® was born.

We love a good party, which is why we held our own Fiesta-themed, on-campus celebration that included a Mariachi band, a decorated booth with complimentary (and scrumptious!) food, drinks and more. To top it off, we handed out commemorative Fiesta medals.

Photo courtesy of Betsy Newman Photography

ROLLIN’ ACROSS AMERICA

with Blue Skies residents

Ed & Phyllis Lubber

Phyllis and Ed Lubber have traveled the world and lived around it too. Through Ed’s career as an Air Force pilot, plus 16 years flying for FedEx, they’ve enjoyed life from Hawaii to Hong Kong.

“We do get around,” Ed chuckled.

Now they’ve retired their wings for a 25-foot RV.

Phyllis explains, “One day, I was biking through the Blue Skies RV lot and saw a for sale sign. That sparked the idea.” (Yes, we have a secure lot to stow RVs and watercraft, with a dump station, water and electrical outlets.)

“With so many RV-friendly places within a few hours, we’ll never run out of easy getaways,” Ed added.

The Lubbers have bucket list trips planned to Oregon and Montana to visit friends and places like Yosemite and Glacier National Park.

And every time they hit the road, they just lock and leave. As Ed says, “We don’t have to worry. It’s like the safest, biggest neighborhood watch around.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Utah, California and Texas are among the most popular RV destinations. These locations are popular among RVers for their natural beauty and RV-friendliness.

GET YOUR MOTOR RUNNIN’

Ready for an adventure? Check out these great destinations in Texas Hill Country, less than 150 miles from Blue Skies.

BRACKENRIDGE PARK

San Antonio (talk about close!)

On a budget? Many park activities here are free! You can also enjoy local treasures like the San Antonio Zoo, Witte Museum and Japanese Tea Garden.

BLANCO STATE PARK

Blanco (approx. 58 miles away)

Canoe, kayak, boat, swim or fish in the spring-fed Blanco River, then check out the restaurants, museums and shopping nearby.

GARNER STATE PARK

Concan (approx. 81 miles away)

Recharge away from the city by swimming or tubing in the Frio River, hiking scenic trails, geocaching, cycling and more.

BASTROP STATE PARK

Bastrop (approx. 105 miles)

Grab the grandkids and enjoy family-friendly activities among the Lost Pines, where you can fish, hike, picnic or geocache.

INKS LAKE STATE PARK

Burnet (approx. 115 miles)

This Hill Country gem is a great place to go birding, biking, hiking, swimming, fishing and boating. See gorgeous waterfalls and even try SCUBA diving (just not in the waterfalls).

COLORADO BEND STATE PARK

Bend (approx. 150 miles away)

Take in the beautiful and unspoiled wilderness—from the 70-foot springfed Gorman Falls to hiking and biking trails, a wild cave tour, and more.

A CLUB

WHERE

FRIENDSHIP

Our large community garden is more than just a place to get your hands dirty in the fertile San Antonio soil; it’s also a social club!

The Blue Skies Gardening Club’s 24 members swap tips and stories with each other as they grow gorgeous flowers, produce for their favorite recipes, and even plants that attract bees and monarch butterflies on their annual migration from Mexico to Canada.

The Gardening Club is just one of over 70 groups and clubs at Blue Skies, so you’re sure to find one where your passions will bloom.

IS ALWAYS IN SEASON COMING SOON TO BLUE SKIES

MAY

How to Sell Your Home Now

MAY 23 – 2:00 P.M.

Learn the secrets to selling your home fast for maximum value with minimal headaches.

Get to know us better and see our beautiful campus by attending one of these fun, informative events. Seats are limited, so RSVP today by calling 210-951-4115

JUNE Life Without Limits Lunch & Learn JUNE 13 – 10:30 A.M.

Learn about all the things that make retirement at Blue Skies delicious.

BLUE SKIES PROFILES

Darrell D. Jones Lieutenant General, USAF (Ret) President and CEO, Blue Skies of Texas

For the first edition of Tailwinds, we felt it only fitting that our first subject be Blue Skies’ much-loved President and CEO Darrell D. Jones, who joined Blue Skies after a distinguished 34-year military career.

What’s your idea of perfect happiness?

Serving others brings me the most happiness. That’s why I served in the military and why senior living brings me joy.

Which living person do you most admire?

I admire many people for different things; however, President Jimmy Carter is a wonderful example of a servant leader throughout his lifetime.

What’s your greatest extravagance?

I’m not sure I have a lot of extravagances. But, when I lived in Washington, DC, and rode my bike to work for many years, I did buy a nice bike, of which I was very proud.

What’s your go-to pick-me-up song?

I love music despite the fact I have no talent in that area. I’m often singing or whistling as a walk around. My tastes are pretty eclectic, and I would be hard-pressed to name one song; however, I do like musicals. If you ask our staff, they’ll say it’s definitely the Mississippi State Fight Song, which I apparently whistle all the time.

What talent would you most like to have?

I would love to be able to golf well and play the piano. The first I do poorly and the second not at all.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

The greatest achievements happen when you’re part of a team. I’m proud to say I served 34 years as an Airman in the world’s greatest Air Force.

What was the first concert you attended?

John Denver, 1973

What was your first motor vehicle?

1966 Chevy Malibu, metallic blue with wide tires

What’s the most San Antonio thing you can do?

If you’re visiting, the River Walk and the Alamo are mandatory. If you’re a local, head to Friendly Spot, visit one of the missions, eat dinner at La Fonda on Main and take in a Spurs game!