Wednesday, January 31, 2007

QZ - Jan 27th to 30th

Jan 27, Saturday
We attended the park breakfast this morning - biscuits and gravy today. We sat with another couple and told them about our cable TV system. Later in the day they and their friend bought a receiver.
We went back to the Big Tent for one last trip as the RV show finishes tomorrow. Quite a few vendors are already packed up and gone. There were also fewer shoppers so we were able to go through a HUGE house boat that you can rent on Lake Powell. It sleeps 12 adults in 6 separate areas, has 3 bathrooms, has a lovely wet bar and hot tub on the upper deck and of course a slide into the water. I have no idea how it was transported to Quartzsite!
We put another coat of finish on the table extension and then went to play pinochle again.

Jan 28, Sunday
OK, yesterday was not the last day at the Big Tent. Today we went to buy a holding tank flush mechanism since our tanks are not equipped with a flush connection. When we got back we hooked it up and cleaned the “icky tank”. Terry is not convinced that it is necessary but I have read too many horror stories about fouled tanks.
The park had a chili supper today so I took advantage of a chance to not have to cook. For $2.50 a person we can’t afford not to go! And then back for another pinochle session.

Jan 29, Monday
We went to Parker today to buy some wood for another project. We took a different route - went west on I10 to Ehrenberg (which is just before the California border) and then north. Terry thought we would travel along the Colorado River but the road is away from the river. It was a nice drive though. It is an area with a lot of agriculture, mostly hay. We passed a field that was being burned like they do around Spokane. But they did not have to worry about the smoke going to a populated area - houses are pretty scarce there.
After getting our wood at Ace hardware we decided to go to the casino - surprise, surprise!! We did not end up winning but we played for over 4 hours on less money than we “budgeted”.
Hit the grocery store, had something to eat and headed back.

Jan 30, Tuesday
We worked on our “project” today. We have a small wardrobe beside the bed that we were using to hang jeans and slacks. I decided that we would have a lot more storage in there if we removed the rod and put in one shelf. So that is what we did. It is a much more efficient way to store jeans and we able to include other items. We were able to totally rearrange several drawers and underbed storage as a result.
After lunch we went “shopping” (wandering is more like it!). When we go to the meals here at the park we have to take our own plates and cutlery. I don’t mind paper plates but don’t like (breakable) plastic forks. I want to get a couple of place settings of cheap cutlery so I don’t have to take my good stuff and possibly forget it somewhere. We have seen loads of cutlery previously but could not find any today. Oh well, it gives us a reason to get out again.
We went to play pinochle. The calendar said it was at 6:30 but when we got there someone said it was at 7 like other nights. But Bingo was starting at 6:30 so we decided to play that instead. I ended up winning one game and now we have to figure out where to store bingo daubers!

Saturday, January 27, 2007

QZ - Jan 23rd to Jan 26th

Jan 23, Tuesday
We headed back to the Big Tent area today to look at RVs. Turned out there were mostly large motor homes and only a couple of types of 5th wheels. We ended up at a lot that had a mixture of used and new motor homes and 5th wheels. We saw a lovely King of the Road Crown Marquis with a “deck”, a very nice layout with a great kitchen, king size bed, washer & dryer. Unfortunately, it weighed 18,000 pounds and cost $98,000 so we will not be trading in the Challenger just yet. We also saw a 5th wheel with the kitchen and dining area up front - very unusual and interesting. But the living area was way too small.
We discovered a little burger stand back off the main road and had a good burger for lunch. After coming back to the rig and sanding on the table extension, we went back out and did some grocery shopping.

Jan 24, Wednesday
Headed back to the Big Tent this morning with Ken & Jo. Ken wanted to pick up a new outdoor table and we wanted a couple of hose & cable storage “things”. They look like small flying saucers. We are using one for the satellite TV cable and one for the water hose.
We continued on to the little burger place for lunch.
I decided to do laundry in the evening as there are so many people in the park that it would be hard to get enough machines during the day. We got all the loads in the washer and went next door to the club house to sign up for breakfast on Saturday. There were people gathering to play cards and they asked if we played pinochle which of course we do. But they play double deck which I have never played. I said I was doing laundry so couldn’t play but they insisted that I could do both. So we put in our $1 each and played. I had to run next door to continue the laundry a couple of times so someone who was playing 31 sat in and played a hand for me. I ended up winning 3rd place and got our $2 back!!

Jan 25, Thursday
We saw a poster on the grocery store bulletin board for a golf course at Wenden. We did not know where Wenden was located but figured Wanda (GPS) could find it for us. According to Wanda, it was 217 miles away so we decided to head for Blythe and check out the course there. It is a nice course. There was a club event going on but they fit us in for 9 holes. Another gentleman joined us which makes it even more enjoyable.
We took advantage of being in a town with real stores and found some stain/finish for the table extension. I also decided to get a medium sized slow cooker so dinner can be ready after a hard day on the golf course.
We saw a bunch of new vendor tents when we came back from Blythe so we had to go check them out. It was another gem and mineral show so we went through it pretty quickly. But the weather was sunny and warm so we didn’t walk too fast!
We went and played pinochle again. I wanted to sit behind someone to watch and learn but there was just enough people for 3 tables so I played - and did quite well again.


Jan 26, Friday
We went for a drive today to check out the golf course at Wenden which it turns out is about 40 miles from here on Highway 60. (Wanda was adding the drive to Wenden to another trip that was still in the system - a new feature on a new operating system that we downloaded!). Pretty rough course. It is a cross between the desert course here and a bad regular course. There is grass on the tee box and fringe/green. There are par 3s and 4s with the longest hole at 275 yards. But between the tee box and green is desert so you find yourself having to hit off sand or rocks - not good for clubs. The greens were pretty much “hit and hope”.
On the way back we checked out another course at Salome. It looks much better and we will go back to try it. But it is only 10 holes - the final 8 holes are supposed to be completed this spring.
We got a coat of finish on the table extension. It is not a great color but it has to do.

Tuesday, January 23, 2007

QZ - Jan 20th - 22nd

Jan 20, Saturday
We went to Parker today for Terry’s birthday. We went to Ace Hardware to get supplies to extend our table in the 5th wheel by about 12 inches. It is just too small for 4 people to eat or play cards. We do not have many tools with us but should manage.
Then we went to the casino. We played for many hours but ended up leaving some $$. Stopped at Safeway and headed back about 5:00 pm. Our friends let Dolly out while we were gone so we didn’t have to rush back for her.

Jan 21, Sunday
I knew Terry could not wait to check out the Big Tent. We parked in a wash where everyone parks anywhere they can fit and still avoid bushes and large rocks - quite interesting. There were not as many people in the tent as we expected because it was COLD. It was very windy. All the vendors were wearing gloves and layers of coats - also many hats and scarves. I wasn’t drinking water since the “facilities” were scarce and got a nasty headache from dehydration. So I got very cranky after a few hours and we came back to the rig. Then it got even windier! Just right to sort through the pounds of literature that we picked up and watch TV.

Jan 22, Monday
We made a trip to the library this morning to check email. The WiFi is still not working. Then we picked up Ken & Jo and went to the Big Tent again. It was still breezy but not near as cold as yesterday. Back to the rig after lunch at what turned out to be a bad barbeque place. Very interesting restroom setup - out the door, through a leather sales area that is in the same building and into a very small OLD travel trailer that has a toilet, shower and part of a dinette. The sink is outside on the side of the main building. When we were eating lunch, the resident dog wandered in to see if anyone would give him something to eat.
We worked on the table extension when we got back. It turned out great. Still have to sand and possibly put some type of finish on it. I picked up a vinyl tablecloth and cut it down to fit the table so it won’t matter if the addition looks great but the cloth has a flannel backing which sticks on the unfinished wood.
Our friends Harold & Joann stopped by for a visit. They had been here for a few days and then went to Bullhead City. They are heading out early tomorrow for Yuma and then to Florida to find some warmer weather.

Friday, January 19, 2007

QZ - Jan 18th


Kind of quiet the last 2 days. Guess every day can’t be exciting!
We got out early Thursday morning to go to the bakery & grocery store. Mistake!! The grocery store was restocking. There were many guys with handcarts unloading a truck and setting boxes in the already narrow aisles. Shelves were often empty as the winter population of Quartzsite is nearing the max. But the store clerks were most helpful and one lady went into the delivery truck to find the frozen potatoes that I needed. I was shopping for ingredients for my popular potato casserole (known by many readers of this blog) as we had Ken & Jo over for a baby back rib dinner. The wind actually died down so we could sit outside with a cocktail before our early dinner.
We went for a drive to check out the boon docking population. It is totally amazing to see all the rigs on the desert. There is one section that is a NewMar rally - huge Mountain Aire, Desert Aire, Essex motor homes over several acres. Another rally for Alpine coaches had a lot of rigs. We were not familiar with Alpine even though they are made in Yakima, WA. We took pictures but they do not do justice to the sight.
Later we did some more “shopping”. We were returning to our site and turned north on a road that goes over I10. The entire stretch of road that we could see (½ mile?) was lined with mostly RVs heading to their sites. We will never get used to the sight of so many RVs.
It rained a bit last night (just enough to mess up our again shiny truck!) and is sprinkling on & off as I write this. We are going to check out a new vendor section that includes Camping World so hope we don’t see too many items that we “must have”. The big tent has been set up for the RV vendors - opens tomorrow. The tent covers 2 acres. We won’t check that out until next week - let the crowds subside.

Wednesday, January 17, 2007

Jan 12th to Jan 16th





Jan 12, Friday
Got out of here about 7:30, stopped for breakfast at the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio (I think) and played just enough slots to make us a bit later getting to Skip & Kathy’s than we had told them. Had to leave right away for our tee time. Our nephew Nick was also there - he had a 4 day weekend leave from his Army post in Fort Hood, Texas and had flown in Thursday night. Skip’s friend Chuck from Spokane was there as well so we had 2 3-somes for golf. It was windy and quite cold, not exactly the best golfing weather but it was a beautiful course.
We had snacks, drinks and a lovely salmon dinner. Then we all went in the swimming pool - it was cool to get to and from the pool but the pool was about 92 degrees so it was lovely.

Jan 13, Saturday
Golfing again today. The weather was sunny but still breezy - much nicer than yesterday. We finished earlier than yesterday so we stopped to get dog food and Kathy did a bit of grocery shopping. Same as Friday - snacks, drinks and this time a great steak dinner. Heated up the hot tub instead of the pool and Skip, Chuck and I enjoyed the 102 degree water before cooling off in the pool which was only about 70 degrees.
Dolly seemed to be enjoying exploring the back yard and the whole house. And I am sure she liked being able to use a lawn instead of gravel!

Jan 14, Sunday
Skip took Chuck to the airport early this morning to return to Spokane. Nick left just before 6:00 am to drive back to Texas. He had a 1300 mile trip and had to be back by 4:00 pm on Monday.
It froze in Palm Springs last night - the swim suit that I left on a lawn chair to dry was frozen when I took Dolly out in the morning.
Skip, Kathy, Terry & I went to a couple of casinos in Palm Springs. Got home in time to make spaghetti for dinner and enjoy a movie on their large plasma TV.

Jan 15, Monday
No hurry to leave for “home” so we enjoyed coffee and I helped Kathy with some things on the computer. We made a stop at Costco and headed out just after noon. We stopped at the Albertsons in Blythe to pick up some liquor and groceries - it was a madhouse. Apparently it will stay that way while for a couple of months while the winter visitors are in the area.
Arrived home about 4 and unpacked everything. It was very cold in the rig and the furnace shut off while it was just 66 degrees - out of propane!! Terry went to get propane while I went to visit with Ken & Jo. Jo was kind enough to ask us to stay for dinner so I did not have to cook - how wonderful! Terry said that a guy where he got propane said there had been a line there all day and that he expected to run out of propane sometime in the evening.

Jan 16, Tuesday
Froze again last night. So we lazed around and watched a movie on TV. Then we got to know the laundry room a little better for a few hours this afternoon.
We have to get to the library in order to post this entry as my internet connection in the park is gone for a couple of weeks.

Jan 17, Wed
WiFi at the library was not working yesterday and I did not have a CD to transfer this entry to the library computer so we will have to make another trip this morning - I am glad that it is nearby.
Froze again last night, should be the last night according to the weather forecast. In the meantime, we do have sunshine!!!
(A bit later, at the library) WiFi is still not working so waited around and got on one of the library computers. Was going to add pictures but will do so another time.

Thursday, January 11, 2007

Quick update

We got our TV satellite dish hooked up and have more channel choices than anyone should have to figure out. Nice to have a clear picture after weeks of so-so antenna reception.
We are leaving early tomorrow morning to visit with Skip & Kathy (Terry’s brother & wife) in Palm Springs. We will be back Monday or Tuesday so will update the blog then.

Quartzsite - Jan 6th to 10th



You would think we were really busy with the gap in my blog postings! You will begin to understand the “busy” concept of retired full timers as our adventure continues.
Sat 1/6
Good breakfast - eggs cooked to order, pancakes, sausage patties, juice, milk & coffee for $2.50 each. Not many others in the laundry room so whipped through 4 loads in about 1 ½ hours. Cleaned the truck and part of the second side of the 5th wheel with the new waterless cleaner. Time to knock off work and wander through some more vendor tents.
Sun 1/7
Finished cleaning the 5th wheel. Played Sequence with Harold & Joann (Joann- please excuse the misspelling in an earlier post). Note to Bill & Georgia - we almost played to a tie but the guys just wouldn’t win another game!
Mon 1/8
Made a trip to Blythe with Ken & Jo to do some shopping. Jo was looking for a lighted “palm tree” for their son’s hot tub but no luck. Blythe is about 20 miles away in California on highway I10 - not a very large town. Gas is much more expensive in California. We browsed through another vendor area and bought golf clubs (2) and tees to play desert golf.
We received our forwarded mail and had another surprise from Homeland Security. Turns out I had an appointment in Spokane on 12/22/06. The notice said if I missed the appointment that my case was considered abandoned. So I spent time going through the wonderful menu system on their 800 number and am not much smarter now than before I called. The person I spoke to said I could show up on any Wednesday in Spokane with the appointment letter to complete the processing. However, she did not know
how much time I had to do this. I have not had the heart to call again but must do so tomorrow and see if I can speak with a supervisor with more information. I signed up on the internet to receive email notification of any activity on my case but there was nothing about this meeting. Gotta love our government!!
Tues 1/9
Tried out the “golf course”. One club each - a 9 iron for Terry and a 7 iron for me. Hay bales and a yardage sign mark the tee boxes. The flags are in a circle drawn in the ground and have about an eight inch “hole” around the pole. If you hit into the hole, you get to take a stroke off your score. To finish the hole, you just have to hit into the circle (“green”). You tee up every shot on a tee that sits on top of the ground since you cannot put a tee IN the ground. There were a lot of cars when we got to the course. When we finished the ninth hole, there was a group of 5 on the 10th hole so we decided to quit. The holes we played are all par 2 or 3. It is free so it is not like we spent money for unused green fees. It was fun and we will do it again.
Jo and I went to get haircuts in the afternoon. It is so hard for me to tell a hairdresser what I want done when I went to the same hairdresser in Spokane for 25 years. I am still growing out my perm which produces some frizzy ends - I am pleased with the haircut that I got.
Wed 1/10
It was cloudy this morning and did not look like a nice day was in store so we called Harold and Joann who had moved to Brenda to see if they were going to be around so we could drop in. They weren’t busy so we went there and learned to play Mexican Train Dominoes. Broke for lunch at a little cafĂ© by the RV park, played more dominoes and then went for a long walk to explore their park and surrounding desert. There was also a desert golf course there but with longer holes.
When we got back, Terry stopped by one of our neighbors to talk about a satellite TV system. I think we are going to buy it and have the guy help us hook it all up tomorrow.

Saturday, January 06, 2007

Jan 4th & 5th - Quartzsite

We have been introduced to “waterless cleaner” and love it! In most RV parks you cannot wash any vehicles so many people use waterless cleaners (also widely used in areas where there are strict summer water usage rules). You simply spray on the product, wipe it off and give it a quick buff. Takes off the dirt and leaves a polish coat. Many RVs have a silicone sealer that stays soft and attracts and holds dirt. This product even removes that dirt. We are sold on it! In true retired fashion, we have only done one side of the 5th wheel as we can always do the rest tomorrow.
On Wednesday evening and yesterday there was a lot of wind here. So yesterday we picked up our friend Jo and went to the Blue Water casino in Parker. It is on the Colorado river but the wind did not make sightseeing a priority. We gambled, had lunch, gambled and went grocery shopping. Terry made a donation to the Indians but I got lucky and got back my loses and covered lunch and a bit more.
We spent a few hours yesterday evening visiting with some new friends Harold and Joanne. We met them briefly in Wellton. When we were leaving they said they had been trying to find a place to stay in Quartzsite with no luck. So we gave them the number here and they were able to get a spot but only for 5 days. They are looking for somewhere else here or nearby to stay longer. They have traveled a lot so are really fun to talk to.
We are heading over to the club house for a pancake breakfast, then to the library to post this, then to the exciting laundry room. Not a cloud in the sky this morning and the wind has stopped - beautiful! Supposed to be in the mid 70s today.

Wednesday, January 03, 2007

Quartzsite - Amazing amount and variety of stuff for sale

It is only about 1 hr & 40 minutes from Wellton to Quartzsite so we were able to get up late, pick up a bowl that we left at Francis & Nicole’s, make a quick stop at the grocery store and still arrive here in Quartzsite yesterday by 12:30. After setting up and having lunch, we drove around a bit and wandered through some of the booths - cannot call them stores as they are basically tents with outdoor carpeting nailed to the ground for “flooring”. Some have “sidewalks” in front made the same way as the “floors”. Not everything is set up & open yet as the official start date of the Gem & Mineral show is Jan 4th. Speaking of Gems & Minerals, I have never seen so many rocks for sale in my entire life!
The park is nice - no railway, no freeway and no feedlot smell! It is gravel with very little vegetation but the sites are large and it is actually a little bit out of town so is very quiet but close enough to walk or bike ride to a lot of places.
Today we did some more driving and “shopping”. We cannot get a good wireless signal here (which is an extra charge if you can get a signal) so I am going to go to the library which is very close and is a wireless hot spot. In fact, Terry is waiting for me to finish up this entry so we can get to the library and then replenish our beer supply.

Jan 3
There was a problem with the library internet access yesterday so I was not able to post my entry. So to finish the day.....our friends that we met in Tucson arrived and we went to dinner with them. We talked to someone about the golf course in Quartzsite - it is a desert course and the guy recommended that we not use good golf clubs if we tried it out. They sell special "tees" that sit on the ground so I guess you cannot get a tee in the ground. We will be driving 35 miles to Parker to golf I think.