This week I thought I would feature an organization that has as a mission providing the environment that fosters activities for the Winter Texans or anyone who does not make Port Aransas a permanent home. The organization is the Joint Effort Leasure Ministry or JELM for short.
Here is the sign in front of the facility which includes two buildings. The JELM is sponsored by the Community Presbyterian Church and includes activities all week.
Here is a shot of the church.
Just so you know you are in a church environment.
Here is the main activities center. The center is run by volunteers and stays active during the winter months. The idea is to have fun things to do in addition to fishing, going to bars and the beach. (Not everyone likes those things)
This board will give you an idea of the different things to do. There are coffees, card games, Mah Jong, shopping trips, socials, crafts, study groups and boat tours. There is enough that a person could do several things each day, five days a week.
Since most of the Winter Texans are from the Midwest, they have state coffees every so often. This Illinois one looks suspect given they seem to like to eat fingers
I have been impressed how the Community of Port Aransas comes together to support its citizens whether they are permanent or not. Even if you are just a visitor, people care about you.
My producer is out-of-town this weekend, so I’m going to slip in one more photo. This is another Big RIG moving through the Corpus Christi Channel on its way to being retired. (Don’t tell her. She thinks I overdo the rig photos )
I took this on February 9th. It was a glorious day.
Fiction Favorites 
Good pictures, John. I won’t breathe a word about the picture of the rig. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Thanks, Suzanne. 🙂
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It’s always good to see real community; it’s something of a dying art!
Is that last photo a belated comment on the election?
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🙂
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For some reason, the parking sign makes me think of Gandalf.
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Could be of the same spirit. 🙂
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True. 😁
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🙂
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Love that parking sign, John.!! I’ll keep my opinion of the oil rig to myself.
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Ha ha ha. Thanks, GP.
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Wow…the last photo is particularly intriguing. It’s hard to imagine it moving down a channel…
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It is a logistical miracle and amazing to watch. There were about 400 folks lining the banks of the channel.
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“Leasure Ministry” ? Sounds like you guys take your free time pretty seriously, John. I won’t tell your producer, but according to this reader, you can’t overdo the big rigs and ships.
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I’m with you. I think I should get permission to do a once a month Big ship post.
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Oh, absolutely! Big Ship Sunday. I’m all for that.
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I like that. Let me write up the request now.
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Yo go !
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*sound of typing*
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Love that sign, John! We won’t tell anyone about that last photo, but wow, that sky! Happy Sunday!
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Thanks Jill. Happy day.
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That sign was a big hit with me too – but I loved the shot of the big rig. Good to know that I’ll be warmly welcomed in Port A when we become Winter Texans!
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Oh yes. There are plenty of Canadians here eh?
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It sounds like they really try to keep folks busy. That’s great.
I’m still fascinated by the “rig” photos, John. I need to look up what they do after they “retire” them. Quite a suspenseful story setting. Have a sublime Sunday. Mega hugs.
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They prepare them for a long sleep and then dock them. They are then ready to be reactivated when conditions are ripe.
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Ah… I see. So they bring them back… or at least they hope to do so.
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Sad thing these “retired” rigs represent a contraction of exploration.
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You can never overdo the big rig photos. I loved watching the ship traffic and the rigs were a special joy.
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I dig the architecture. As for those finger eating peeps in Illinois, I would give ’em the thumbs up but I’m afraid I might not get them back!
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Ha ha ha. Good one, Pilgrim.
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Brings a whole new meaning to the term finger licking good doesn’t it?
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😀
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For the size of the place you live, you have so much going on. It’s wonderful to hear about places so well organized and people oriented. Wonderful pictures and no, I won’t say anything about te rig either. 🙂
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We do have lot going on here. Thanks for not squealing
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I love these weekly virtual journies, John.
Thanks.
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Thank you, Hook
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Yes, Illinois is big on finger food!! As for the rig, I won’t breathe a word (but I, for one, thought it was a fabulous shot on a glorious day!!)
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Thank you, Debbie. 😀
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Happy Producer, happy life. 🙂
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I want that sign!
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Me too. I think the “thou shalt not steal” thingy might trump taking it. 😀
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As always, your photos tell the story for you. I love the rig.
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Thank you, Michelle.
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