Dec 26th - Sat - Yuma
(Boxing Day for all our Canadian friends)
We packed a lunch and went exploring with P&R. We went to the Castle Dome Museum & Ghost Town which is north of here off Hwy 95. You exit at milepost 55 and head east for 10 miles, 7 of which are wash-boardy gravel. We got a late start and made one quick stop before heading out so we ended up eating our lunch as we were driving the last few miles.
Castle Dome ghost town was really interesting. It is a collection of restored & rebuilt buildings with lots of history to read and lots of old “stuff”. What makes it really fun is that you can wander into all the buildings and closely examine whatever is there rather than having doorways blocked off and stuff behind glass.
We had a grocery ad for Albertson’s so we had to stop for a few items including a “buy 1 get 2 free” pork loin special. They were nearly 5 lbs. each so Pat & I split the 3 pieces of pork. Then we cut them up into chops & roasts.
P&R and we went to a dance here at the park at 7. The music was supplied by one very good singer backed up by electronic equipment and his guitar. It was very nice and we danced almost every dance.
Dec 27th - Sun - Yuma
We went geo-caching with Claude & Val and P&R today. For anyone who does not know what geo-caching is, check out geocache.com. We found 3 caches, wandered around in the desert based on what might have been incorrect coordinates in the GPS and then were unable to find a 4th cache. We had packed lunches and had a tailgate party. All of this was in the Pilot Knob area near Winterhaven CA - just a short way from here. The wind had died down and it was very pleasant to wander around without jackets.
Just to be a brat, I have to include the information that Claude got stuck in the sand on what looked like a little used “road”. 4 wheel drive did not help. We dug out sand (with a board, no shovel available!), put boards under the front wheels and rocks behind the back wheels. But I am sure it was the 3 women pushing that enabled him to get out. We had tied a rope to Rick’s truck but he barely had time to pull it tight before Claude was out.
I filled the crock pot with chili before we headed out so we had C&V and P&R over for happy hour and Frito Pie for dinner.
Dec 28th - Mon - Yuma
We had a tee time today for our group of 8 but the wind did not cooperate. It woke me about 2 and continued all day.
After a late breakfast, we went to Charlie & Julie’s where I helped Julie load Picasa on her computer. We downloaded the pictures from her camera so I could give her a usage lesson. I accidentally brought up a feature that I have not used but is really fun - face recognition. Picasa finds & displays faces from all your photos and allows you to identify them. Then when you do a name search it will bring up all pictures that include that person.
We continued on to do a bit of grocery shopping and then went to the casino for a 2 for 1 buffet dinner with P&R and Charlie & Julie. Terry, Lucky Pat & I stayed to play slots for a while.
Dec 29th - Tues - Yuma
Rick had a dentist appointment in Algodones early this morning and they took Charlie & Julie with them. About 9 we picked up C&V and stopped for 2 for 1 breakfast buffet at the casino before going to Algodones to find a geo-cache. We found it right away and then shopped. When we were in the liquor store just before leaving, we ran into P&R and C&J.
Yesterday, C&V returned to the geo-cache where we could not find the cache and found it in a few minutes. We had looked up just what was hidden so they had a better idea of the size and Val was focused!
We worked on jigsaw puzzles again while we did laundry. When we were putting clothes away, I realized that we were missing a sock so we hopped on the bikes to look for it (found it) and then continued for a ride around the park. Didn't ride too far when we stopped for a beer with Gayle & Jan who we chatted with at the dance. It was 4:30 when Terry checked the time and we had to ride like mad to get back just as our happy hour guests were arriving.
Charlie & Julie brought friends Mike & Jewel (just arrived in the park) to join us and P&R at happy hour. A neighbor across the fairway (Dick) stopped by in his golf cart and said we were just having too much fun so we invited him & his wife (Bea) to join us which they did a bit later. Then our neighbors Rick & Sue, who have been away since we got here, arrived home and joined the group. Obviously it was finally nice enough to sit outside and amaze more people with our buddy burner.
Terry had to BBQ steaks in the dark but they were great.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Dec 23rd to 25th - Yuma
Dec 23rd - Wed - Yuma
Had a late breakfast to give us energy for a golf game today with Charlie & Julie. 18 holes is a long game when you walk the course. C&J have not played for months and don’t usually walk so we were all dragging by the time we finished.
Just enough time to rest for a bit and then join Claude & Val and Charlie & Julie at P&R’s for our daily happy hour. We are all among the younger residents of this 55+ RV park and have a great time together.
Dec 24th - Thurs - Yuma
Terry had an urge for cinnamon rolls this morning so we went shopping. We ended up at 3 grocery stores on the hunt for pickled asparagus.
After pigging out on cinnamon rolls, I started work on some appetizers for this evening. P&R and we went to Charlie & Julie’s for “appy” dinner. Ate, drank and had a good time.
Dec 25th - Fri - MERRY CHRISTMAS
Christmas dinner at our place today so, after a breakfast of jelly biscuits, I moved into cleaning mode. Nothing like company to push me to clean! I found out how lazy I have been!
Not too much cooking to do. Pat cooked a turkey, stuffing, gravy & brussel sprouts. Julie made 2 great pies and Val contributed rolls & green bean casserole. That left potatoes, carrots and a veggie plate for me.
Everyone was here shortly after 3 for drinks & conversation - generally several conversations at once. We set up a second table in the “living room” so we could all be seated for dinner at 6. Then we played a couple of games - LCR & “Golf” race (Horse race but with a golf theme). Coffee & dessert before everyone left about 9. Great day with super friends.
Nice sunny day but with the usual wind to keep it cool outside.
Had a late breakfast to give us energy for a golf game today with Charlie & Julie. 18 holes is a long game when you walk the course. C&J have not played for months and don’t usually walk so we were all dragging by the time we finished.
Just enough time to rest for a bit and then join Claude & Val and Charlie & Julie at P&R’s for our daily happy hour. We are all among the younger residents of this 55+ RV park and have a great time together.
Dec 24th - Thurs - Yuma
Terry had an urge for cinnamon rolls this morning so we went shopping. We ended up at 3 grocery stores on the hunt for pickled asparagus.
After pigging out on cinnamon rolls, I started work on some appetizers for this evening. P&R and we went to Charlie & Julie’s for “appy” dinner. Ate, drank and had a good time.
Dec 25th - Fri - MERRY CHRISTMAS
Christmas dinner at our place today so, after a breakfast of jelly biscuits, I moved into cleaning mode. Nothing like company to push me to clean! I found out how lazy I have been!
Not too much cooking to do. Pat cooked a turkey, stuffing, gravy & brussel sprouts. Julie made 2 great pies and Val contributed rolls & green bean casserole. That left potatoes, carrots and a veggie plate for me.
Everyone was here shortly after 3 for drinks & conversation - generally several conversations at once. We set up a second table in the “living room” so we could all be seated for dinner at 6. Then we played a couple of games - LCR & “Golf” race (Horse race but with a golf theme). Coffee & dessert before everyone left about 9. Great day with super friends.
Nice sunny day but with the usual wind to keep it cool outside.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Dec 20th to 22nd - Yuma
Dec 20th - Sun - Yuma
Friends Francis & Nichole (from 100 Mile House, B.C.) came for dinner today so I spent the morning doing dinner prep and computer work. Terry washed the 5th wheel and I helped dry it with a squeegee.
When Francis & Nichole (and P&R of course) arrived about 2 it was just warm enough to sit & visit outside and to eat outside about 4. Then we moved inside for dessert.
P&R headed home in time for the season finale of Survivor which we also watched.
Dec 21st - Mon - Yuma
Laundry day for me & Pat which also included jigsaw puzzle making for Terry & me. In the afternoon, our friend Claude phoned. They were near our campground on Hwy 8 and heading for Pilot Knob RV in Winterhaven. In a few minutes Terry saw them on the highway so we called back and asked if they saw us waving! We told them we were heading for the buffet at the casino for dinner and they were happy to join us.
Part of the reason for dinner at the casino was wet carpets for us and P&R. We both got our carpets cleaned late in the afternoon and didn’t want to walk on them a lot. We were very pleased with the cleaning job for $35.
Charlie & Julie also joined us for dinner and for a little gambling after. We had to take 2 trucks so Rick was able to come back after dinner (he does not like to gamble in smoky casinos) and Lucky Pat came back with us. Yes, she did it again!
We had left the furnace on to dry the carpet but we ran out of propane so it was still very wet. We had all moveable items stacked on the kitchen linoleum so just cleared off the bed and went to bed to watch TV.
Dec 22nd - Tues - Yuma
P&R had their ripped awning replaced this morning and then joined us for a trip to visit Claude & Val. There was no wind this morning but by the time we filled propane tanks, drove the loop through Yuma and were across from our RV park on Hwy 8, the wind suddenly came up and we could see a dust cloud moving towards the park.
We drove the wrong way when we exited the highway and got sandblasted before we turned around. We found Claude & Val’s rig in their RV park and debated whether we wanted to brave the wind to go in! Their new 5th wheel is very nice. The wind gave it a workout by actually moving the top of a slide a couple of inches with each big gust.
We visited until our stomachs told us to leave and get some lunch. We calmed the growlies at Arby’s and then went to Fry’s for groceries. Unbelievably, they had almost no turkeys so we had to stop at WalMart to get one for Pat to cook for Christmas.
On our way out this morning, we talked to Charlie and he invited us over for happy hour. We rode our bikes to their place and they weren’t home! So we came back to our rig and started without them. They had to go pick up a new hot water tank in Wellton and joined us when they returned.
P&R left for dinner and so Pat could play bridge. We ended up showing some pictures to Charlie & Julie and had a late dinner after they left.
Friends Francis & Nichole (from 100 Mile House, B.C.) came for dinner today so I spent the morning doing dinner prep and computer work. Terry washed the 5th wheel and I helped dry it with a squeegee.
When Francis & Nichole (and P&R of course) arrived about 2 it was just warm enough to sit & visit outside and to eat outside about 4. Then we moved inside for dessert.
P&R headed home in time for the season finale of Survivor which we also watched.
Dec 21st - Mon - Yuma
Laundry day for me & Pat which also included jigsaw puzzle making for Terry & me. In the afternoon, our friend Claude phoned. They were near our campground on Hwy 8 and heading for Pilot Knob RV in Winterhaven. In a few minutes Terry saw them on the highway so we called back and asked if they saw us waving! We told them we were heading for the buffet at the casino for dinner and they were happy to join us.
Part of the reason for dinner at the casino was wet carpets for us and P&R. We both got our carpets cleaned late in the afternoon and didn’t want to walk on them a lot. We were very pleased with the cleaning job for $35.
Charlie & Julie also joined us for dinner and for a little gambling after. We had to take 2 trucks so Rick was able to come back after dinner (he does not like to gamble in smoky casinos) and Lucky Pat came back with us. Yes, she did it again!
We had left the furnace on to dry the carpet but we ran out of propane so it was still very wet. We had all moveable items stacked on the kitchen linoleum so just cleared off the bed and went to bed to watch TV.
Dec 22nd - Tues - Yuma
P&R had their ripped awning replaced this morning and then joined us for a trip to visit Claude & Val. There was no wind this morning but by the time we filled propane tanks, drove the loop through Yuma and were across from our RV park on Hwy 8, the wind suddenly came up and we could see a dust cloud moving towards the park.
We drove the wrong way when we exited the highway and got sandblasted before we turned around. We found Claude & Val’s rig in their RV park and debated whether we wanted to brave the wind to go in! Their new 5th wheel is very nice. The wind gave it a workout by actually moving the top of a slide a couple of inches with each big gust.
We visited until our stomachs told us to leave and get some lunch. We calmed the growlies at Arby’s and then went to Fry’s for groceries. Unbelievably, they had almost no turkeys so we had to stop at WalMart to get one for Pat to cook for Christmas.
On our way out this morning, we talked to Charlie and he invited us over for happy hour. We rode our bikes to their place and they weren’t home! So we came back to our rig and started without them. They had to go pick up a new hot water tank in Wellton and joined us when they returned.
P&R left for dinner and so Pat could play bridge. We ended up showing some pictures to Charlie & Julie and had a late dinner after they left.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Dec 16th to 19th - Yuma
Dec 16th - Wed - Yuma
Terry is taking some antibiotics to clear up a tooth infection before his dental work so I have to make a reasonably early breakfast so he can take his pill with food. Pat came by as we were finishing and suggested a drive today instead of the bike ride that we discussed. We are all nursing sore feet & joints from our golf game. Need to do more walking to get in shape!!
We first stopped so I could get a haircut and visit an ATM. Then on through construction traffic to Olive Garden for lunch. Pat wanted to try the “all-you-can-eat soup, salad & breadstick” lunch which she has seen in ads so we all ordered it. Very good.
Next we got in a little walking and stair climbing by checking out RVs for sale at a shopping mall. Nothing any of us could not resist. By now it was time to stop for some groceries for Pat. Unfortunately we picked WalMart and Terry finally found the TV that he wanted in stock. He did not get the rain check price (we thought we probably wouldn’t) but it was still a good price. So now he has a larger (26”) TV in the outside compartment and I can continue to use the smaller one as a screen until we get a new computer.
Over to P&R’S again for happy hour & dinner.
Dec 17th - Thurs - Yuma
I mentioned the circular route that we have to take to get to Hwy 8 and then west to Algodones. Well, now 1st Street that parallels Hwy 8 is closed until Jan 18th so we have to go further south to 8th Street before heading east & then north. Good thing we are retired and have lots of time to get somewhere!
Finally got some catching up done on the computer and did some cleaning. Rick was supposed to get his awning replaced today but it was too windy. They had to hang around in case the wind let up in the afternoon so Terry & I ran some errands.
Dec 18th - Fri - Yuma
Up early this morning for an 8 o’clock dental appointment for Terry. We got there early and then it turned out his appointment was for 8:30 so Terry had lots of time to pace around the courtyard of the dental complex! He got in about 8:45 and was out about 9:30 with 3 teeth pulled and his modified upper partial in place. He had to wait about an hour for his lower partial to be fixed so we went shopping. Then he had to wait for the lower partial to be fitted. There was no line to get across the border so we were back at the casino for lunch about 11:30. Terry was so happy that his total bill was only $270 that we had to spend a little on the slots!
Pat & I went for a bike ride before happy hour. Not much wind and fairly warm.
Dec 19th - Sat - Yuma
We and P&R were able to tee off a few minutes before our 8:53 tee time this morning. Very windy but not too cold. No one in front of us until we caught up to a 5-some on the 9th hole. We waited for them on the 10th and then decided to cut ahead of them by skipping 12 and playing half of 13. Played through 16 and were all tired of the wind and ready to quit.
We walked back to the rigs, got our bikes and went to the cantina for a good hamburger & a beer for lunch. We tried to figure out how to use our awning sun screen as a wind break but decided it would not work. So Terry & I headed for the Swap Meet to check out materials to make a wind break. We would have had to get pieces from 2 or 3 different stores so came back empty handed - except for a few groceries.
Terry invited new friends (Charlie & Julie) from down the street to join us for happy hour tonight. We sat outside - with jackets on - and even got to watch a parade of decorated golf carts travel down our street. We sat out with the buddy burner going until after 7. I had a pork roast and sweet potatoes in the crock pot so dinner was a snap.
Terry is taking some antibiotics to clear up a tooth infection before his dental work so I have to make a reasonably early breakfast so he can take his pill with food. Pat came by as we were finishing and suggested a drive today instead of the bike ride that we discussed. We are all nursing sore feet & joints from our golf game. Need to do more walking to get in shape!!
We first stopped so I could get a haircut and visit an ATM. Then on through construction traffic to Olive Garden for lunch. Pat wanted to try the “all-you-can-eat soup, salad & breadstick” lunch which she has seen in ads so we all ordered it. Very good.
Next we got in a little walking and stair climbing by checking out RVs for sale at a shopping mall. Nothing any of us could not resist. By now it was time to stop for some groceries for Pat. Unfortunately we picked WalMart and Terry finally found the TV that he wanted in stock. He did not get the rain check price (we thought we probably wouldn’t) but it was still a good price. So now he has a larger (26”) TV in the outside compartment and I can continue to use the smaller one as a screen until we get a new computer.
Over to P&R’S again for happy hour & dinner.
Dec 17th - Thurs - Yuma
I mentioned the circular route that we have to take to get to Hwy 8 and then west to Algodones. Well, now 1st Street that parallels Hwy 8 is closed until Jan 18th so we have to go further south to 8th Street before heading east & then north. Good thing we are retired and have lots of time to get somewhere!
Finally got some catching up done on the computer and did some cleaning. Rick was supposed to get his awning replaced today but it was too windy. They had to hang around in case the wind let up in the afternoon so Terry & I ran some errands.
Dec 18th - Fri - Yuma
Up early this morning for an 8 o’clock dental appointment for Terry. We got there early and then it turned out his appointment was for 8:30 so Terry had lots of time to pace around the courtyard of the dental complex! He got in about 8:45 and was out about 9:30 with 3 teeth pulled and his modified upper partial in place. He had to wait about an hour for his lower partial to be fixed so we went shopping. Then he had to wait for the lower partial to be fitted. There was no line to get across the border so we were back at the casino for lunch about 11:30. Terry was so happy that his total bill was only $270 that we had to spend a little on the slots!
Pat & I went for a bike ride before happy hour. Not much wind and fairly warm.
Dec 19th - Sat - Yuma
We and P&R were able to tee off a few minutes before our 8:53 tee time this morning. Very windy but not too cold. No one in front of us until we caught up to a 5-some on the 9th hole. We waited for them on the 10th and then decided to cut ahead of them by skipping 12 and playing half of 13. Played through 16 and were all tired of the wind and ready to quit.
We walked back to the rigs, got our bikes and went to the cantina for a good hamburger & a beer for lunch. We tried to figure out how to use our awning sun screen as a wind break but decided it would not work. So Terry & I headed for the Swap Meet to check out materials to make a wind break. We would have had to get pieces from 2 or 3 different stores so came back empty handed - except for a few groceries.
Terry invited new friends (Charlie & Julie) from down the street to join us for happy hour tonight. We sat outside - with jackets on - and even got to watch a parade of decorated golf carts travel down our street. We sat out with the buddy burner going until after 7. I had a pork roast and sweet potatoes in the crock pot so dinner was a snap.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Dec 12th to 15th - Yuma
Dec 12th - Sat - Yuma
Blog & emails before making brunch. We had a 12:30 tee time and the weather was gorgeous. There was a tournament in the morning and then a shotgun start for anyone who wanted to play at 12:30. Well, the participants in the tournament were playing with 8 players on a hole to keep each other honest! We decided to tee off in front of the group that was taking a very long time to finish a par three but they weren’t really happy when we did so. They informed Rick that they would be hitting into us and they had 5 holes still to play.
We WAITED behind them, we all had bad second shots and finally decided to go to the pro shop and make other arrangements. They would not let us play 9 later and then 9 tomorrow on our 18 hole punch cards so we made a tee time for Tuesday.
With no other plans, we headed out for a bit of shopping. We checked out Sam’s Club and decided it was too much like Costco and has fewer west coast stores so wouldn’t join them instead of Costco. Found an Albertsons for some groceries and then back to cram them in the fridge.
Happy hour with P&R, dinner at home and then Terry & I went to a dance here at the park. A couple (Larry & Bernice) invited us to join them at their table and we ended up meeting 8 new friends. The band was on a trial and was not very good. The floor was over-waxed so we had to be careful not to land on our butts but we still had a good time. Larry thought the dance went to 10 so we were all surprised when the band just started packing up at 9 without so much as a goodbye or thanks for coming. Maybe they were upset that not many people were dancing.
Dec 13th - Sun - Yuma
Laundry this morning. I goofed and didn’t get one machine started with the others so it took us a while. Terry got into a jigsaw puzzle at the library and I helped him finish it after the laundry was all done.
We just had enough time to make & eat some lunch before it was time to head to the cantina for an afternoon of music & beer. There is a 6 piece group that plays every Sunday and they were much better than the group at the dance. Some of our new friends were there and came over to say hi - very friendly folks. We danced a couple of times and had a good time.
P&R came over for happy hour and for chicken fettuccini dinner.
Dec 14th - Mon - Yuma
Terry, Pat & I left at 8 for our dentist appointments in Algodones. True to form in Mexico, we all got in after the time of our appointments. Pat did not need a filling so got a cleaning instead. Terry will be getting 3 teeth pulled on Friday. They took his top partial and will have it ready with an additional tooth to replace one that will be pulled. During his next appointment, they will send his lower partial to the lab to get 2 teeth added to replace the lower 2 being pulled. The lab will have the work done by the time his teeth are pulled.
My crown did not satisfy my dentist - too much space between it and the next tooth - so she sent it back to the lab while she cleaned my teeth. I had to wait for it to come back and then wait for the dentist to finish with her next patient but we were out of there about 11.
We stopped at the casino for “2 for 1” buffet lunch and then played slots for a while. We dropped Pat off and went to get an oil change. We went to the same place in the Foothills area that we went a couple of years ago since we liked the job that they did. Then we continued on to find our friends Francis & Nichole. They do not have a phone or email so we wanted to deliver a dinner invitation in person. They weren’t home so we left a note - hope it was the right place!!
It will be a challenge to feed Terry until Friday since he only has one back tooth on the top. I had leftover fettuccini from last night so that worked for tonight.
Dec 15th - Tues - Yuma
We had a 1:00 pm tee time today and wondered how fun it would be since Terry was up at 5:00 folding our chairs & tables up so they wouldn’t blow away. But the sun came out and the wind died down so it was perfect for golf. None of us are used to playing 18 holes and we were all tired at the end.
I had put a big pot of stew in the crock pot and invited P&R to join us for dinner. After a couple of drinks and dinner, we were all pretty quiet.
Blog & emails before making brunch. We had a 12:30 tee time and the weather was gorgeous. There was a tournament in the morning and then a shotgun start for anyone who wanted to play at 12:30. Well, the participants in the tournament were playing with 8 players on a hole to keep each other honest! We decided to tee off in front of the group that was taking a very long time to finish a par three but they weren’t really happy when we did so. They informed Rick that they would be hitting into us and they had 5 holes still to play.
We WAITED behind them, we all had bad second shots and finally decided to go to the pro shop and make other arrangements. They would not let us play 9 later and then 9 tomorrow on our 18 hole punch cards so we made a tee time for Tuesday.
With no other plans, we headed out for a bit of shopping. We checked out Sam’s Club and decided it was too much like Costco and has fewer west coast stores so wouldn’t join them instead of Costco. Found an Albertsons for some groceries and then back to cram them in the fridge.
Happy hour with P&R, dinner at home and then Terry & I went to a dance here at the park. A couple (Larry & Bernice) invited us to join them at their table and we ended up meeting 8 new friends. The band was on a trial and was not very good. The floor was over-waxed so we had to be careful not to land on our butts but we still had a good time. Larry thought the dance went to 10 so we were all surprised when the band just started packing up at 9 without so much as a goodbye or thanks for coming. Maybe they were upset that not many people were dancing.
Dec 13th - Sun - Yuma
Laundry this morning. I goofed and didn’t get one machine started with the others so it took us a while. Terry got into a jigsaw puzzle at the library and I helped him finish it after the laundry was all done.
We just had enough time to make & eat some lunch before it was time to head to the cantina for an afternoon of music & beer. There is a 6 piece group that plays every Sunday and they were much better than the group at the dance. Some of our new friends were there and came over to say hi - very friendly folks. We danced a couple of times and had a good time.
P&R came over for happy hour and for chicken fettuccini dinner.
Dec 14th - Mon - Yuma
Terry, Pat & I left at 8 for our dentist appointments in Algodones. True to form in Mexico, we all got in after the time of our appointments. Pat did not need a filling so got a cleaning instead. Terry will be getting 3 teeth pulled on Friday. They took his top partial and will have it ready with an additional tooth to replace one that will be pulled. During his next appointment, they will send his lower partial to the lab to get 2 teeth added to replace the lower 2 being pulled. The lab will have the work done by the time his teeth are pulled.
My crown did not satisfy my dentist - too much space between it and the next tooth - so she sent it back to the lab while she cleaned my teeth. I had to wait for it to come back and then wait for the dentist to finish with her next patient but we were out of there about 11.
We stopped at the casino for “2 for 1” buffet lunch and then played slots for a while. We dropped Pat off and went to get an oil change. We went to the same place in the Foothills area that we went a couple of years ago since we liked the job that they did. Then we continued on to find our friends Francis & Nichole. They do not have a phone or email so we wanted to deliver a dinner invitation in person. They weren’t home so we left a note - hope it was the right place!!
It will be a challenge to feed Terry until Friday since he only has one back tooth on the top. I had leftover fettuccini from last night so that worked for tonight.
Dec 15th - Tues - Yuma
We had a 1:00 pm tee time today and wondered how fun it would be since Terry was up at 5:00 folding our chairs & tables up so they wouldn’t blow away. But the sun came out and the wind died down so it was perfect for golf. None of us are used to playing 18 holes and we were all tired at the end.
I had put a big pot of stew in the crock pot and invited P&R to join us for dinner. After a couple of drinks and dinner, we were all pretty quiet.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Dec 9th to 11th - Yuma
Dec 9th - Wed - Yuma
Cold & windy again today so we cancelled another tee time as did several other groups. I caught up the blog & email before picking up P&R for a day of lunch & shopping in old Yuma.
We had a good lunch at Lute’s Casino downtown which is a restaurant and pool hall. Then we wandered the main street & and an alley and checked out some interesting touristy shops. Next a stop at WalMart for “bits & pieces” and groceries. After a rest time all around, P&R came to our rig for happy hour which allowed me to put in a small roast for Terry & my dinner.
We had finished eating and cleaning up the kitchen when P&R’s son Chris phoned trying to get hold of Rick. We told him to call back in 10 minutes and we walked over to take the phone to Rick. P&R did not question why we came over so we chatted until the phone rang and Terry handed it to a bewildered Rick. They had a nice chat with Chris and then we headed home.
Dec 10th - Thurs - Yuma
It was really nice to stay in a nice warm bed while the furnace warmed up the rig this morning. In the last 2 nights, we have received weird phone calls on my phone. The first night, Terry leaped out of bed and slammed his foot against something trying to get to the phone before it quit. He couldn’t understand the caller and just got back into bed when the phone rang again. He answered it only to be cussed at by the caller. Last night Terry did not wake up with the 2 calls at 12:12 & 12:17 and I just let it ring. Sure disturbs your sleep.
Haircut for Terry, dealt with email and ate breakfast before heading to the Paradise casino - Terry was bored and P&R were off doing their own thing. The casino finally gobbled our allowance so we came back and went for a 6.8 mile bike ride around the park. Terry brought in the small TV from the outside storage compartment to use on the computer until we decide what we are going to do about the computer screen being dead.
Just as we were ready to fix a drink, P&R showed up for happy hour. As our sign says “Why limit happy to an hour?” - and we don’t. At the first commercial in “Survivor”, P&R headed for home & dinner.
Dec 11th - Fri - Yuma
We decided to make a trip to Algodones Mexico to find a dentist (to repair my broken tooth) rather than just making a phone call. P&R went with us and we stopped for a buffet breakfast at the new Quechan Casino on the way.
The first dentist office that I checked charges $400 for a crown. The second office was recommended by Judy at Good Life RV park and charges $180 for a crown. One of the 3 dentists had a no-show so I was able to get in right away for the crown prep while Terry and P&R wandered around town. My crown will be ready on Monday so we also made an appointment for Terry to get started on his dental work. Pat was also able to get in for a filling so we will make good use of the next trip.
Of course we had to stop to gamble a bit on the way home. Pat had spent her allotment and was waiting for Terry to quit when she decided to put another $5 into a machine that had eaten my money earlier. A few spins later she hit $57 and was able to go home with money in her pocket. We persuaded Terry to quit when he still had some money.
Terry, Pat & I went for a bike ride trying to find a shorter way to Algodones & the casino. We have to drive a large loop to Hwy 8 in order to cross the Colorado River and head west. We can almost see the casino from the RV park but “can’t get there from here”.
The wind finally died and we were able to put our chairs into the sun and enjoy sitting out for a while. Pat & Terry combined happy hour with a game of canasta while Rick & I relaxed and watched TV.
Cold & windy again today so we cancelled another tee time as did several other groups. I caught up the blog & email before picking up P&R for a day of lunch & shopping in old Yuma.
We had a good lunch at Lute’s Casino downtown which is a restaurant and pool hall. Then we wandered the main street & and an alley and checked out some interesting touristy shops. Next a stop at WalMart for “bits & pieces” and groceries. After a rest time all around, P&R came to our rig for happy hour which allowed me to put in a small roast for Terry & my dinner.
We had finished eating and cleaning up the kitchen when P&R’s son Chris phoned trying to get hold of Rick. We told him to call back in 10 minutes and we walked over to take the phone to Rick. P&R did not question why we came over so we chatted until the phone rang and Terry handed it to a bewildered Rick. They had a nice chat with Chris and then we headed home.
Dec 10th - Thurs - Yuma
It was really nice to stay in a nice warm bed while the furnace warmed up the rig this morning. In the last 2 nights, we have received weird phone calls on my phone. The first night, Terry leaped out of bed and slammed his foot against something trying to get to the phone before it quit. He couldn’t understand the caller and just got back into bed when the phone rang again. He answered it only to be cussed at by the caller. Last night Terry did not wake up with the 2 calls at 12:12 & 12:17 and I just let it ring. Sure disturbs your sleep.
Haircut for Terry, dealt with email and ate breakfast before heading to the Paradise casino - Terry was bored and P&R were off doing their own thing. The casino finally gobbled our allowance so we came back and went for a 6.8 mile bike ride around the park. Terry brought in the small TV from the outside storage compartment to use on the computer until we decide what we are going to do about the computer screen being dead.
Just as we were ready to fix a drink, P&R showed up for happy hour. As our sign says “Why limit happy to an hour?” - and we don’t. At the first commercial in “Survivor”, P&R headed for home & dinner.
Dec 11th - Fri - Yuma
We decided to make a trip to Algodones Mexico to find a dentist (to repair my broken tooth) rather than just making a phone call. P&R went with us and we stopped for a buffet breakfast at the new Quechan Casino on the way.
The first dentist office that I checked charges $400 for a crown. The second office was recommended by Judy at Good Life RV park and charges $180 for a crown. One of the 3 dentists had a no-show so I was able to get in right away for the crown prep while Terry and P&R wandered around town. My crown will be ready on Monday so we also made an appointment for Terry to get started on his dental work. Pat was also able to get in for a filling so we will make good use of the next trip.
Of course we had to stop to gamble a bit on the way home. Pat had spent her allotment and was waiting for Terry to quit when she decided to put another $5 into a machine that had eaten my money earlier. A few spins later she hit $57 and was able to go home with money in her pocket. We persuaded Terry to quit when he still had some money.
Terry, Pat & I went for a bike ride trying to find a shorter way to Algodones & the casino. We have to drive a large loop to Hwy 8 in order to cross the Colorado River and head west. We can almost see the casino from the RV park but “can’t get there from here”.
The wind finally died and we were able to put our chairs into the sun and enjoy sitting out for a while. Pat & Terry combined happy hour with a game of canasta while Rick & I relaxed and watched TV.
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
Dec 6th to 8th - Yuma
Dec 6th - Sun - Yuma
Lazy start to the day and then time for a 5 mile bike ride around the park. My butt starts to complain after 4 miles so will just have to keep increasing the length of the rides.
Terry decided it was a good day to clean out and organize the storage box in the truck. I supervised & helped. We have a bicycle stand that we have been dragging around for 3 years and never used so we put it together and will put up a notice to try to sell it here. We needed a storage crate to finish the job so we headed for town. P&R had been gone all morning. We passed them as we were leaving and made a date for happy hour.
After shopping we went to the Cocopah Casino. It is small, has older slot machines and did not treat us very well!! We had a late lunch and went to the Paradise/Quechan Casino where I continued my losing ways and Terry bailed us out again!
It was very cool when we walked to P&R’s about 6. We ended up watching the final episode of “Amazing Race” with them and then I had to make dinner so we ate at 8:45.
Dec 7th - Mon - Yuma
Clouds?!! No wonder we slept late - it was still dark! And the clouds actually produced some rain. Before going for a drive, we stopped to change our tee time that we had for today as we decided that we did not have to golf in the rain.
We took P&R on a loop around the Imperial Dam area where we camped before coming here. They were as amazed as we were at the number and variety of rigs parked in the “desert”. We stopped at the Imperial date farm so Pat could buy some dates to ship home.
We all had “rest time” before joining P&R for happy hour and a shared dinner. Then we actually had enough energy to play a few rounds of “31”. The wind really started to blow before we walked home.
Dec 8th - Tues - Yuma
Rick went to pay for our golf today and discovered that our tee time is for tomorrow. We have to start paying attention to the date & day!!
The wind continued to blow all night. From the wind and the drive yesterday, our truck was filthy and required a wash today. We also hosed off the patio carpet and wiped down the tables and bikes. Terry fixed our flagpole and got our golfer flying while I vacuumed.
It was Rick’s birthday today so we headed to the casino for dinner. Mondays and Tuesdays have a 2 for 1 buffet special - $11.95 for 2 people for what turned out to be a good buffet. Of course we had to play the slots before and after dinner. “Lucky” Pat (you’ve heard about her before in our blog!) walked out a winner. Rick turned his $10 birthday free play into $14 to take home. I held my own but was not able to come out ahead to bail Terry out.
We got a phone call from friends Francis & Nichole from 100 Mile House. They are in Yuma for the winter and we are looking forward to seeing them.
Lazy start to the day and then time for a 5 mile bike ride around the park. My butt starts to complain after 4 miles so will just have to keep increasing the length of the rides.
Terry decided it was a good day to clean out and organize the storage box in the truck. I supervised & helped. We have a bicycle stand that we have been dragging around for 3 years and never used so we put it together and will put up a notice to try to sell it here. We needed a storage crate to finish the job so we headed for town. P&R had been gone all morning. We passed them as we were leaving and made a date for happy hour.
After shopping we went to the Cocopah Casino. It is small, has older slot machines and did not treat us very well!! We had a late lunch and went to the Paradise/Quechan Casino where I continued my losing ways and Terry bailed us out again!
It was very cool when we walked to P&R’s about 6. We ended up watching the final episode of “Amazing Race” with them and then I had to make dinner so we ate at 8:45.
Dec 7th - Mon - Yuma
Clouds?!! No wonder we slept late - it was still dark! And the clouds actually produced some rain. Before going for a drive, we stopped to change our tee time that we had for today as we decided that we did not have to golf in the rain.
We took P&R on a loop around the Imperial Dam area where we camped before coming here. They were as amazed as we were at the number and variety of rigs parked in the “desert”. We stopped at the Imperial date farm so Pat could buy some dates to ship home.
We all had “rest time” before joining P&R for happy hour and a shared dinner. Then we actually had enough energy to play a few rounds of “31”. The wind really started to blow before we walked home.
Dec 8th - Tues - Yuma
Rick went to pay for our golf today and discovered that our tee time is for tomorrow. We have to start paying attention to the date & day!!
The wind continued to blow all night. From the wind and the drive yesterday, our truck was filthy and required a wash today. We also hosed off the patio carpet and wiped down the tables and bikes. Terry fixed our flagpole and got our golfer flying while I vacuumed.
It was Rick’s birthday today so we headed to the casino for dinner. Mondays and Tuesdays have a 2 for 1 buffet special - $11.95 for 2 people for what turned out to be a good buffet. Of course we had to play the slots before and after dinner. “Lucky” Pat (you’ve heard about her before in our blog!) walked out a winner. Rick turned his $10 birthday free play into $14 to take home. I held my own but was not able to come out ahead to bail Terry out.
We got a phone call from friends Francis & Nichole from 100 Mile House. They are in Yuma for the winter and we are looking forward to seeing them.
Sunday, December 06, 2009
Dec 2nd to 5th - Yuma
Dec 2nd - Wed - Yuma
I had a nice long phone chat with sister Marg before making breakfast. Then an overdue visit to the laundry room. While the laundry was washing, we walked to the pro shop and purchased punch cards to get a discounted golf rate - $950 for 50 18 hole rounds. The cards can be used by anyone so we don’t have to try to fit in that much golf in the 2 months that we will be here.
When we finished putting away laundry and making the bed, we joined Pat & Rick for a bike ride around the park. The sun was nearly setting and it was cooling off rapidly so we didn’t ride all the roads - just put in 4 miles.
Dec 3rd - Thurs - Yuma
Puttered around until our tee time at 11 this morning. By then it had warmed up enough to be comfortable in short sleeves but still with long pants. The golf course here has mostly narrow fairways that run between the RVs but Terry actually used some controllable clubs and avoided hitting rigs. There was one bad shot where we all held our breath but it went right over the double row of RVs into the next fairway. When we got to the 17th hole there was such a backup that we decided to make it a 16 hole round.
We had BBQ chicken sandwiches & beer at the park Grill for a late lunch and then went to Smart & Final in search (successful) of baby back ribs.
I had some stroganoff in the freezer and invited P&R over for dinner which was late due to the timing of our lunch.
Dec 4th - Fri - Yuma
Shopping day with Rick & Pat. WalMart(s), Swap Meet & Bealls. We ran into Leona & Victor and Leona’s sister & husband who we met at Imperial Dam in both WalMarts and the Swap Meet!
Happy hour at Pat & Rick’s and on our own for dinner.
Very cool and windy today.
Dec 5th - Sat - Yuma
P&R’s turn at the laundry room this morning so Terry & I went shopping for a couple of items that we did not find.
P&R wanted to go to an afternoon concert at the new Quechan casino so we decided to go there as well but just to gamble. After they got their tickets we realized that the performance is tomorrow! Pat loves to gamble and Rick was a good sport so we stayed for a while. It was very busy and we were not doing well. I had decided to quit before spending all my money and Terry was on his last $5 when he started to win. We ended up leaving with $70 ahead and so did Pat.
P&R came over for happy hour, returned to their rig for dinner and then came back to play dominoes. Rick & I begged off after a couple of games to watch TV so Terry & Pat played Hand & Foot Canasta.
I put up a hummingbird feeder a couple of days ago and finally saw a couple of birds feeding today. It sticks on the kitchen window with suction cups so is fun to watch from inside or from the patio.
I had a nice long phone chat with sister Marg before making breakfast. Then an overdue visit to the laundry room. While the laundry was washing, we walked to the pro shop and purchased punch cards to get a discounted golf rate - $950 for 50 18 hole rounds. The cards can be used by anyone so we don’t have to try to fit in that much golf in the 2 months that we will be here.
When we finished putting away laundry and making the bed, we joined Pat & Rick for a bike ride around the park. The sun was nearly setting and it was cooling off rapidly so we didn’t ride all the roads - just put in 4 miles.
Dec 3rd - Thurs - Yuma
Puttered around until our tee time at 11 this morning. By then it had warmed up enough to be comfortable in short sleeves but still with long pants. The golf course here has mostly narrow fairways that run between the RVs but Terry actually used some controllable clubs and avoided hitting rigs. There was one bad shot where we all held our breath but it went right over the double row of RVs into the next fairway. When we got to the 17th hole there was such a backup that we decided to make it a 16 hole round.
We had BBQ chicken sandwiches & beer at the park Grill for a late lunch and then went to Smart & Final in search (successful) of baby back ribs.
I had some stroganoff in the freezer and invited P&R over for dinner which was late due to the timing of our lunch.
Dec 4th - Fri - Yuma
Shopping day with Rick & Pat. WalMart(s), Swap Meet & Bealls. We ran into Leona & Victor and Leona’s sister & husband who we met at Imperial Dam in both WalMarts and the Swap Meet!
Happy hour at Pat & Rick’s and on our own for dinner.
Very cool and windy today.
Dec 5th - Sat - Yuma
P&R’s turn at the laundry room this morning so Terry & I went shopping for a couple of items that we did not find.
P&R wanted to go to an afternoon concert at the new Quechan casino so we decided to go there as well but just to gamble. After they got their tickets we realized that the performance is tomorrow! Pat loves to gamble and Rick was a good sport so we stayed for a while. It was very busy and we were not doing well. I had decided to quit before spending all my money and Terry was on his last $5 when he started to win. We ended up leaving with $70 ahead and so did Pat.
P&R came over for happy hour, returned to their rig for dinner and then came back to play dominoes. Rick & I begged off after a couple of games to watch TV so Terry & Pat played Hand & Foot Canasta.
I put up a hummingbird feeder a couple of days ago and finally saw a couple of birds feeding today. It sticks on the kitchen window with suction cups so is fun to watch from inside or from the patio.
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Nov 29th to Dec 1st - Imperial Dam to Yuma
Nov 29th - Sun - Imperial Dam
Dave & Margo went to church in Yuma so we puttered around and visited with neighbors. I spent some time getting a hummingbird out of our rig. He kept flying right up to the ceiling and could not find the door to get out. I gently used a fly swatter and a hat to try to move him down but it did not work. He got tired and perched quite a few times. He finally landed on the shower rim, I placed a hat over him and then slid my hand under the edge of the hat and picked him up. I showed the bird to Terry & the neighbors - so they would believe me? - and let him go. This was the second hummingbird to fly into the open door so we think they were attracted by the red water pump light. We kept the screen closed after that.
When D&M returned we decided it was a good day to go for a drive and get a date shake. Terry does not like dates but he took a sip of my shake and ordered one. Wrong! He didn’t end up drinking very much.
We each had chicken to cook for dinner so we got together with shared salads. It gets quite cool as soon as the sun goes down (just after 6) so we ate inside and then shared some photos with D&M.
The Greycup football game was played today. Our Canadian neighbors could not get a score so we turned on the computer and got a play-by-play website. Terry kept going to their window next door whenever we got an update. Saskatchewan led the whole game (one Canadian couple is from Sask) and then shot themselves in the foot with a “too many player” penalty on the next to last play which let Montreal try a second field goal and win. When Terry reported this to our neighbors, they closed the window and pulled down the blind!
Nov 30th - Mon - Imperial Dam
I introduced Dave & Margo to breakfast sandwiches made with Sandwich Thins which are great, thin “buns” that you can use for hamburgers with all the trimmings and still get your mouth around them.
Then we had to get some exercise so we walked to a boondocking area, checked out the desert golf course and returned by the edge of a lake. Dave’s GPS reported that we walked just over 4 miles. While we were walking, we saw military planes climbing above us and skydivers coming down.
We had to refresh ourselves with beer & a snack and then got out their Ladder Golf game. After a couple of games we had to take a break while Dave & Terry figured out how to secure the legs to the uprights. Don’t know how the women let the men win the most games!!
We planned dinner (polish sausages) around having a real fire on the beach. Before we finished, the wild donkeys were wandering around the campsite and letting us know they were there with their hee-haws.
Dec 1st - Tues - to Yuma AZ
Jelly biscuits and a final cup of coffee with Dave & Margo this morning. Left about 10:15 for the long (23.6 miles) drive to Cocopah Golf & RV Resort on the west side of Yuma. We had a wonderful surprise when we got here - cousin Pat & her husband Rick directing us into a parking spot at the office! They will be here for the whole month.
I did some much needed cleaning as we set up & fixed some lunch. Then we joined Rick & Pat on a shopping trip - RV repair (they need an awning replaced), WalMart, fuel and a thrift shop for Pat & I while we waited (unsuccessfully) for Rick to get a chiropractic treatment.
Then another lovely treat - Pat made a great steak dinner for us! Their spot is not far from us so we can walk or bike there easily.
The weather was beautiful today. When we left Squaw Lake, the water was perfectly still so I took a bunch of pictures as we drove trying to get a good reflection shot.
Dave & Margo went to church in Yuma so we puttered around and visited with neighbors. I spent some time getting a hummingbird out of our rig. He kept flying right up to the ceiling and could not find the door to get out. I gently used a fly swatter and a hat to try to move him down but it did not work. He got tired and perched quite a few times. He finally landed on the shower rim, I placed a hat over him and then slid my hand under the edge of the hat and picked him up. I showed the bird to Terry & the neighbors - so they would believe me? - and let him go. This was the second hummingbird to fly into the open door so we think they were attracted by the red water pump light. We kept the screen closed after that.
When D&M returned we decided it was a good day to go for a drive and get a date shake. Terry does not like dates but he took a sip of my shake and ordered one. Wrong! He didn’t end up drinking very much.
We each had chicken to cook for dinner so we got together with shared salads. It gets quite cool as soon as the sun goes down (just after 6) so we ate inside and then shared some photos with D&M.
The Greycup football game was played today. Our Canadian neighbors could not get a score so we turned on the computer and got a play-by-play website. Terry kept going to their window next door whenever we got an update. Saskatchewan led the whole game (one Canadian couple is from Sask) and then shot themselves in the foot with a “too many player” penalty on the next to last play which let Montreal try a second field goal and win. When Terry reported this to our neighbors, they closed the window and pulled down the blind!
Nov 30th - Mon - Imperial Dam
I introduced Dave & Margo to breakfast sandwiches made with Sandwich Thins which are great, thin “buns” that you can use for hamburgers with all the trimmings and still get your mouth around them.
Then we had to get some exercise so we walked to a boondocking area, checked out the desert golf course and returned by the edge of a lake. Dave’s GPS reported that we walked just over 4 miles. While we were walking, we saw military planes climbing above us and skydivers coming down.
We had to refresh ourselves with beer & a snack and then got out their Ladder Golf game. After a couple of games we had to take a break while Dave & Terry figured out how to secure the legs to the uprights. Don’t know how the women let the men win the most games!!
We planned dinner (polish sausages) around having a real fire on the beach. Before we finished, the wild donkeys were wandering around the campsite and letting us know they were there with their hee-haws.
Dec 1st - Tues - to Yuma AZ
Jelly biscuits and a final cup of coffee with Dave & Margo this morning. Left about 10:15 for the long (23.6 miles) drive to Cocopah Golf & RV Resort on the west side of Yuma. We had a wonderful surprise when we got here - cousin Pat & her husband Rick directing us into a parking spot at the office! They will be here for the whole month.
I did some much needed cleaning as we set up & fixed some lunch. Then we joined Rick & Pat on a shopping trip - RV repair (they need an awning replaced), WalMart, fuel and a thrift shop for Pat & I while we waited (unsuccessfully) for Rick to get a chiropractic treatment.
Then another lovely treat - Pat made a great steak dinner for us! Their spot is not far from us so we can walk or bike there easily.
The weather was beautiful today. When we left Squaw Lake, the water was perfectly still so I took a bunch of pictures as we drove trying to get a good reflection shot.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)