Dec 28th – Tues – Mesa
I installed our replacement modem this morning – again not a straightforward job but it looks as if it will work OK. Then we headed to WalMart for groceries and got them put away just in time to head to the courtyard for music. Ernie & Dianne were there so we invited them over for dinner. I thawed a couple more steaks which Terry kind of over-seared on the BBQ but they were alright. After dinner, we showed pictures and barely knew when to stop!
Dec 29th – Wed – Mesa
Before it started to rain this morning, Terry rode his bike to get water and picked up the mail. I have no idea how he got back with 2 gallons of water and a big envelope of mail!
It rained all day and we didn’t go out at all. I cooked the hamburger, onions & green peppers for chili on Saturday, did a bit of cleaning and relaxed with magazines & a book. Terry switched to a new game on the computer to drive himself crazy.
We joined Ernie & Dianne and Larry & Julie for a dance from 6 to 8. Then we went to Arizona Casino to meet cousin Pat, Rick and Kim. Pat & Rick are going to be house sitting in Scottsdale for Tim & Kim for 2 weeks. We spent our allowance (and more!) in short order & were home by just after 10.
Dec 30th – Thurs – Mesa
We were still in bed watching TV at 8 this morning when a neighbor knocked on the door to tell us that our portable awning was in the back of our truck and leaning against the other neighbor’s motor home as the result of a huge wind & rain storm last night. We tossed on pants & jackets and got it out before it could move and damage something. A couple of legs broke when we tried to straighten them and the top was ripped so we packed it into the garbage can. We also had chairs and tables blown around but nothing damaged.
We made a trip to Total Wine to stock up on booze and of course had to stop for yet more groceries. We reserved a room in the community center for our get together on Saturday as it is way too cold to have it outside. Then we rode our bikes to tell everyone of the change in plans. It took us a while as we kept chatting with everyone, had a beer with Bill & Lauri and then a drink with Larry & Norma who just got back from Colorado.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Dec 25th to 27th - Mesa
Dec 25th – MERRY CHRISTMAS
We had a very relaxing morning before going to brunch at 11 at Neal & Judi’s. Joining us on a beautiful sunny day were Larry & Julie and Bill & Lauri. Judi is a very good cook and put on a lovely meal – quiche, smoked salmon, romaine/pear/pecan salad, curried fruit compote, sliced tomatoes with fresh mozzarella, a bread/bun selection and a noodle/cottage cheese casserole (think perogies). Of course the tables were beautifully set and coordinated and I got my first taste of a gin fizz.
We couldn’t tarry too long as we were expected at Ernie & Dianne’s at 1 and were not too late. When Garry & Stephane arrived, Dianne helped them with their new computer and then Garry decided he had to fill his dream of going to the pool on Christmas day so the rest of us played LCR. When Garry returned, we played 10,000 (dice game) and more LCR.
After a turkey dinner with all the trimmings, we played Arizona Rummy. We finally had pie which we were all still too full to really enjoy, played more cards and left just after 11.
Dec 26th – Sun – Mesa
I recently printed more personal cards for Stephane and luckily she had not separated them yet as she now has an email address which I added to the cards this morning. Then I printed some invitations (to remind all of us with failing memories!) for a gathering that we will have on Jan 1st. Next was one of my favorite activities – spending a lot of time on the phone to a tech support person, this time trying to get our new wifi modem to work consistently. The tech finally decided that there is a problem with the unit itself rather than the way it is set up so we have to take it back to Best Buy.
After a light breakfast, we rode our bikes to deliver invitations & return other items, visited with Bill for a bit and gave Terry a haircut. At 1 we picked up Ernie & Dianne and went to Filly‘s bar in Apache Junction. There was a singer (Pete Byam) rather than a band but he was really good and an excellent joke teller as well. The weather was not too hot and we had to take off and put back on our jackets as the sun went behind clouds or umbrellas. We danced a bit, had lunch and left just before 4.
Dec 27th – Mon – Mesa
We started the day doing laundry along with a lot of other people. After we put the clothes in the washers, we had to get more money put on the laundry card, bought tickets for a dance and delivered a couple more invitations.
I made a late breakfast and then we headed to Best Buy where we got a new modem and 2 new phones as ours were due for an upgrade. Terry opted for a Droid as he always “needs” new toys. We also got a new holster for his larger phone and I splurged on Print Shop software. We made a stop for a few groceries on the way home.
I made a cabbage & apple salad and we went to Ernie & Dianne’s for leftover turkey dinner. The 4 of us played a game of Wizard before Stephane & Garry arrived and then a few rounds of LCR before dinner. After another good dinner, we played Arizona Rummy until 11:30. The card games were interrupted by dessert and a phone call to Bill Hughes to wish him a Happy Birthday.
We had a very relaxing morning before going to brunch at 11 at Neal & Judi’s. Joining us on a beautiful sunny day were Larry & Julie and Bill & Lauri. Judi is a very good cook and put on a lovely meal – quiche, smoked salmon, romaine/pear/pecan salad, curried fruit compote, sliced tomatoes with fresh mozzarella, a bread/bun selection and a noodle/cottage cheese casserole (think perogies). Of course the tables were beautifully set and coordinated and I got my first taste of a gin fizz.
We couldn’t tarry too long as we were expected at Ernie & Dianne’s at 1 and were not too late. When Garry & Stephane arrived, Dianne helped them with their new computer and then Garry decided he had to fill his dream of going to the pool on Christmas day so the rest of us played LCR. When Garry returned, we played 10,000 (dice game) and more LCR.
After a turkey dinner with all the trimmings, we played Arizona Rummy. We finally had pie which we were all still too full to really enjoy, played more cards and left just after 11.
Dec 26th – Sun – Mesa
I recently printed more personal cards for Stephane and luckily she had not separated them yet as she now has an email address which I added to the cards this morning. Then I printed some invitations (to remind all of us with failing memories!) for a gathering that we will have on Jan 1st. Next was one of my favorite activities – spending a lot of time on the phone to a tech support person, this time trying to get our new wifi modem to work consistently. The tech finally decided that there is a problem with the unit itself rather than the way it is set up so we have to take it back to Best Buy.
After a light breakfast, we rode our bikes to deliver invitations & return other items, visited with Bill for a bit and gave Terry a haircut. At 1 we picked up Ernie & Dianne and went to Filly‘s bar in Apache Junction. There was a singer (Pete Byam) rather than a band but he was really good and an excellent joke teller as well. The weather was not too hot and we had to take off and put back on our jackets as the sun went behind clouds or umbrellas. We danced a bit, had lunch and left just before 4.
Dec 27th – Mon – Mesa
We started the day doing laundry along with a lot of other people. After we put the clothes in the washers, we had to get more money put on the laundry card, bought tickets for a dance and delivered a couple more invitations.
I made a late breakfast and then we headed to Best Buy where we got a new modem and 2 new phones as ours were due for an upgrade. Terry opted for a Droid as he always “needs” new toys. We also got a new holster for his larger phone and I splurged on Print Shop software. We made a stop for a few groceries on the way home.
I made a cabbage & apple salad and we went to Ernie & Dianne’s for leftover turkey dinner. The 4 of us played a game of Wizard before Stephane & Garry arrived and then a few rounds of LCR before dinner. After another good dinner, we played Arizona Rummy until 11:30. The card games were interrupted by dessert and a phone call to Bill Hughes to wish him a Happy Birthday.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Dec 19th to 24th - Mesa
Dec 19th – Sun – Mesa
I started the day with a lovely long phone call to cousin Pat and then went through a huge Sunday newspaper & ads which we are getting while our neighbors are gone to Colorado.
We got some new coffee cups and decided that we needed a couple more. Of course, the store now does not have any more – and I have to admit that Terry was right when he said we should get more initially. We spent some time in stores trying to figure out a way to secure the TV remote above the bed so I can turn off the TV when Terry falls asleep but it stays put so it doesn’t keep landing on Terry’s head – no luck there either.
The rest of the day was kind of lazy with some cleaning & visiting.
Dec 20th – Mon – Mesa
We were supposed to golf with Neil & Robin today but didn’t get things set up so just visited with them for a while, stopped at Bill & Lauri’s for a bit and then went shopping. We were still trying to find more coffee cups with no luck. We got some tins for buddy burners at a couple of Goodwill stores, stopped for breakfast/lunch, went to Costco for coffee and then to 2 Hobby Lobby stores to use 40% off coupons to buy blocks of wax for buddy burners.
We went to Fry’s looking for tart shells. They didn’t have any but I needed just a couple of other items and stood in line forever to check out. Terry was getting diesel and parked to come looking for me as I took so long.
We made buddy burners when we got back and then went to Garry & Stephane’s for dinner. After dinner we played Arizona Rummy. Garry must have had horseshoes somewhere as he won 3 of 5 games. Terry had a very bad night and didn’t win while Stephane & I won one each.
We played the 5th game hoping Terry would win and ended up leaving after midnight. I saw the eclipse of the moon when we walked back but didn’t know it until I saw it on TV the next morning.
Dec 21st – Tues – Mesa
We continued our fruitless search for tart shells at two more grocery stores and just ended up with ingredients for some candy & cookies. I made 2 batches of fudge, 2 batches of peanut brittle and baked shortbread cookies that were in the fridge.
Line dancing lessons were moved to the Fiesta community center as the ballroom was all set up for the Christmas dinner tomorrow. We reviewed a couple of dances and learned another new one to get quite a workout. We drove to the dance lessons as we thought the rain from earlier in the day might return before we got back.
Dec 22nd – Wed – Mesa
I felt just a couple of rain drops while we were playing bocce ball this morning but it was warm enough to shed our jackets partway through the first game. I had mixed up cookie dough before we left and it was chilled enough for baking when we finished breakfast. Ernie & Dianne stopped by for a visit after they completed their daily gym workout.
I got out the sewing machine – altered a blouse for Lauri, shortened a Tshirt for me and sewed down plackets on a shirt/jacket that refused to lay flat.
We got ready for the park Christmas dinner and just after 4 went to Billy & Lauri’s for a drink first. We were joined by Larry & Julie, Neal & Judi and Neil & Robin. Except for Neil & Robin, this was the group at our table. We were pleasantly surprised to find Bill & Jan also at our table. We met Bill on our first morning bike ride and have seen them many times since.
The dinner and entertainment were very nice. Round tables were set with black tablecloths & napkins, a centerpiece, wine glasses, chocolate cream pie and a carafe each of red & white wine on each table. Volunteers at 2 serving lines dished up plates of chicken cordon bleu, potatoes au gratin and mixed vegetables. Then we added rolls, butter and salad before heading back to our tables. Singer Tina Peoples provided the entertainment with her lovely voice in a selection of Christmas songs. Terry won a flashlight/multi tool in the door prize drawings.
Terry got talked into joining a poker game after dinner so I went next door to the puzzle room. The first thing I did on the way back was step into a huge puddle as it rained quite hard while we were inside.
Dec 23rd – Thurs – Mesa
I called Ernie & Dianne early this morning and asked them over for cinnamon rolls & fruit for breakfast. We ended up showing them some pictures and used up most of the morning.
After a break for Ernie & Dianne to work out at the gym, we joined them to go to WalMart & Costco. We got back just in time for happy hour at Gary & Dianne’s as they had asked us over a couple of days ago. Then it was time to pick up Ernie & Dianne and Garry & Stephane for a trip to Fat Willy’s for appetizers for dinner. Phew!!
Of course it was too early to call it a day so we christened Ernie & Dianne’s new round table by playing Arizona Rummy until midnight. Terry won a game tonight and then went back to his ugly cards.
Dec 24th – Fri – Mesa
We dropped off some cookies & candy for Larry & Julie and Bill & Lauri before picking up Ernie & Dianne at 9 for a trip to the Marketplace for breakfast and shopping. Dianne was looking for items to make candy coated pretzels and I think she is all set now. Terry got a golf bag and moved over all his stuff before we had a light lunch.
I made a couple of appetizers and we headed to Bill & Lauri’s for an “appy” dinner with them, Larry & Julie and Neal & Judi. It was a little cool after the sun went down but we gathered around Bill’s large buddy burner to keep warm.
We went to the Fiesta community center to check out a Christmas Eve program but it was already in progress and we were tired so we came home. And it is obviously time for me to catch up my blog!
Merry Christmas to all!!!
I started the day with a lovely long phone call to cousin Pat and then went through a huge Sunday newspaper & ads which we are getting while our neighbors are gone to Colorado.
We got some new coffee cups and decided that we needed a couple more. Of course, the store now does not have any more – and I have to admit that Terry was right when he said we should get more initially. We spent some time in stores trying to figure out a way to secure the TV remote above the bed so I can turn off the TV when Terry falls asleep but it stays put so it doesn’t keep landing on Terry’s head – no luck there either.
The rest of the day was kind of lazy with some cleaning & visiting.
Dec 20th – Mon – Mesa
We were supposed to golf with Neil & Robin today but didn’t get things set up so just visited with them for a while, stopped at Bill & Lauri’s for a bit and then went shopping. We were still trying to find more coffee cups with no luck. We got some tins for buddy burners at a couple of Goodwill stores, stopped for breakfast/lunch, went to Costco for coffee and then to 2 Hobby Lobby stores to use 40% off coupons to buy blocks of wax for buddy burners.
We went to Fry’s looking for tart shells. They didn’t have any but I needed just a couple of other items and stood in line forever to check out. Terry was getting diesel and parked to come looking for me as I took so long.
We made buddy burners when we got back and then went to Garry & Stephane’s for dinner. After dinner we played Arizona Rummy. Garry must have had horseshoes somewhere as he won 3 of 5 games. Terry had a very bad night and didn’t win while Stephane & I won one each.
We played the 5th game hoping Terry would win and ended up leaving after midnight. I saw the eclipse of the moon when we walked back but didn’t know it until I saw it on TV the next morning.
Dec 21st – Tues – Mesa
We continued our fruitless search for tart shells at two more grocery stores and just ended up with ingredients for some candy & cookies. I made 2 batches of fudge, 2 batches of peanut brittle and baked shortbread cookies that were in the fridge.
Line dancing lessons were moved to the Fiesta community center as the ballroom was all set up for the Christmas dinner tomorrow. We reviewed a couple of dances and learned another new one to get quite a workout. We drove to the dance lessons as we thought the rain from earlier in the day might return before we got back.
Dec 22nd – Wed – Mesa
I felt just a couple of rain drops while we were playing bocce ball this morning but it was warm enough to shed our jackets partway through the first game. I had mixed up cookie dough before we left and it was chilled enough for baking when we finished breakfast. Ernie & Dianne stopped by for a visit after they completed their daily gym workout.
I got out the sewing machine – altered a blouse for Lauri, shortened a Tshirt for me and sewed down plackets on a shirt/jacket that refused to lay flat.
We got ready for the park Christmas dinner and just after 4 went to Billy & Lauri’s for a drink first. We were joined by Larry & Julie, Neal & Judi and Neil & Robin. Except for Neil & Robin, this was the group at our table. We were pleasantly surprised to find Bill & Jan also at our table. We met Bill on our first morning bike ride and have seen them many times since.
The dinner and entertainment were very nice. Round tables were set with black tablecloths & napkins, a centerpiece, wine glasses, chocolate cream pie and a carafe each of red & white wine on each table. Volunteers at 2 serving lines dished up plates of chicken cordon bleu, potatoes au gratin and mixed vegetables. Then we added rolls, butter and salad before heading back to our tables. Singer Tina Peoples provided the entertainment with her lovely voice in a selection of Christmas songs. Terry won a flashlight/multi tool in the door prize drawings.
Terry got talked into joining a poker game after dinner so I went next door to the puzzle room. The first thing I did on the way back was step into a huge puddle as it rained quite hard while we were inside.
Dec 23rd – Thurs – Mesa
I called Ernie & Dianne early this morning and asked them over for cinnamon rolls & fruit for breakfast. We ended up showing them some pictures and used up most of the morning.
After a break for Ernie & Dianne to work out at the gym, we joined them to go to WalMart & Costco. We got back just in time for happy hour at Gary & Dianne’s as they had asked us over a couple of days ago. Then it was time to pick up Ernie & Dianne and Garry & Stephane for a trip to Fat Willy’s for appetizers for dinner. Phew!!
Of course it was too early to call it a day so we christened Ernie & Dianne’s new round table by playing Arizona Rummy until midnight. Terry won a game tonight and then went back to his ugly cards.
Dec 24th – Fri – Mesa
We dropped off some cookies & candy for Larry & Julie and Bill & Lauri before picking up Ernie & Dianne at 9 for a trip to the Marketplace for breakfast and shopping. Dianne was looking for items to make candy coated pretzels and I think she is all set now. Terry got a golf bag and moved over all his stuff before we had a light lunch.
I made a couple of appetizers and we headed to Bill & Lauri’s for an “appy” dinner with them, Larry & Julie and Neal & Judi. It was a little cool after the sun went down but we gathered around Bill’s large buddy burner to keep warm.
We went to the Fiesta community center to check out a Christmas Eve program but it was already in progress and we were tired so we came home. And it is obviously time for me to catch up my blog!
Merry Christmas to all!!!
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Dec 16th to 18th - Mesa
Dec 16th – Thurs – Mesa
Terry took Dennis & Gloria to the airport at 8 this morning while I made a fruit salad and cinnamon rolls for breakfast. Friends Gary & Carie (from Victoria, met them in Savannah GA) are staying in Casa Grande and came to see us today. We had coffee & breakfast with them and Bill & Lauri and all caught up on each other’s news.
Even though the forecast was for showers and it was cloudy, we decided to go ahead with plans for a bike ride along the canal. Bill & Lauri turned back after a couple of miles as Lauri has not been feeling well and at the 5 mile mark where we were going to turn around, the sprinkles turned to showers so we were pretty wet when we got back to the park. We parked the bikes under cover and toured the main building. After drying out back at our rig, we made a quick trip to Hobby Lobby for a couple of items for Carie and then Ernie & Dianne joined us at Fat Willy’s for beer and appetizers. Back to the rig for a drink, loaded up the bikes and Gary & Carie left just after 8.
Dec 17th – Fri – Mesa
We played bocce ball this morning and then went to Best Buy for a new wifi “modem” to replace our air card. It is still with Verizon but can handle up to five wireless enabled devices (computers, printers, etc) and costs $35 a month rather than the $60 that we have been paying. It only allows 3 gigabytes of usage instead of the 5 gigs of the previous unit but we never used 3 gigs a month.
From there we went to the Ak Chin casino in Maricopa and played the slots until 6 when we met Gary & Carie for the seafood buffet. We had won back some of our losses before dinner so of course we had to stay and get rid of the winnings before leaving at 9.
Dec 18th – Sat – Mesa
I tried to set up the new modem this morning (over and over again) and finally Terry decided we better go back to Best Buy. We signed up at the Geek Squad desk, waited our turn and a very busy tech got us connected to the internet. We shut down the computer while we were there and restarted it to make sure everything came up OK.
Back at home, Terry booted up the computer and it would not recognize the modem and connect. I was making an early dinner so after we ate, I tried everything I could remember that the tech did but to no avail. An error finally included a support number and about 40 minutes with a nice guy in Salt Lake City was successful in getting everything working. I think the problem was caused by our previous air card and not everything was removed when the old software was uninstalled.
We had time for a well-earned drink before going to a dance here at the park. A new friend – Phyllis – got tickets for herself and Larry & Julie and happened to be at our table. The couple providing the music was good and played very danceable songs so we all had a great time. We walked back with Neil & Robin and ended up playing cards with them until about 11:30.
Terry took Dennis & Gloria to the airport at 8 this morning while I made a fruit salad and cinnamon rolls for breakfast. Friends Gary & Carie (from Victoria, met them in Savannah GA) are staying in Casa Grande and came to see us today. We had coffee & breakfast with them and Bill & Lauri and all caught up on each other’s news.
Even though the forecast was for showers and it was cloudy, we decided to go ahead with plans for a bike ride along the canal. Bill & Lauri turned back after a couple of miles as Lauri has not been feeling well and at the 5 mile mark where we were going to turn around, the sprinkles turned to showers so we were pretty wet when we got back to the park. We parked the bikes under cover and toured the main building. After drying out back at our rig, we made a quick trip to Hobby Lobby for a couple of items for Carie and then Ernie & Dianne joined us at Fat Willy’s for beer and appetizers. Back to the rig for a drink, loaded up the bikes and Gary & Carie left just after 8.
Dec 17th – Fri – Mesa
We played bocce ball this morning and then went to Best Buy for a new wifi “modem” to replace our air card. It is still with Verizon but can handle up to five wireless enabled devices (computers, printers, etc) and costs $35 a month rather than the $60 that we have been paying. It only allows 3 gigabytes of usage instead of the 5 gigs of the previous unit but we never used 3 gigs a month.
From there we went to the Ak Chin casino in Maricopa and played the slots until 6 when we met Gary & Carie for the seafood buffet. We had won back some of our losses before dinner so of course we had to stay and get rid of the winnings before leaving at 9.
Dec 18th – Sat – Mesa
I tried to set up the new modem this morning (over and over again) and finally Terry decided we better go back to Best Buy. We signed up at the Geek Squad desk, waited our turn and a very busy tech got us connected to the internet. We shut down the computer while we were there and restarted it to make sure everything came up OK.
Back at home, Terry booted up the computer and it would not recognize the modem and connect. I was making an early dinner so after we ate, I tried everything I could remember that the tech did but to no avail. An error finally included a support number and about 40 minutes with a nice guy in Salt Lake City was successful in getting everything working. I think the problem was caused by our previous air card and not everything was removed when the old software was uninstalled.
We had time for a well-earned drink before going to a dance here at the park. A new friend – Phyllis – got tickets for herself and Larry & Julie and happened to be at our table. The couple providing the music was good and played very danceable songs so we all had a great time. We walked back with Neil & Robin and ended up playing cards with them until about 11:30.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Dec 12th to 15th - Mesa
Dec 12th – Sun – Mesa
I figured that a trip to the gym called for cinnamon rolls for breakfast. Since I was into baking, I mixed up a couple of batches of shortbread cookies and put them in the fridge to bake later.
At 1 we picked up Dennis & Gloria and went to Filly’s in Apache Junction which is a cowboy bar in the most literal sense. People ride up on their horses, hitch them to a rail behind the outdoors bar and hit the dance floor in chaps & spurs. The very enjoyable band has a shelter next to the dance floor and play from 1 to 4 on the weekends. Three couples who camped with Bill & Lauri were also there so we made up a long table. Nearly everyone had a late lunch with pitchers of beer.
Dennis & Gloria came over to watch the last episode of The Amazing Race and to have another brownie sundae. I finished up the evening with a long phone call to sister Marg.
Dec 13th – Mon – Mesa
Shopping, bocce ball, dinner prep, dinner-E&D, D&G, G&S, Harvey
Gloria & I went shopping all morning for something “glitzy” to wear to our New Year’s Eve party. We were only looking for tops and had a heck of a time finding anything suitable – and affordable considering it is something worn only a few times. We both did end up with a purchase.
Terry & Dennis played bocce ball and then Terry noticed a short grocery list and went shopping for me. I made a late lunch and then did dinner prep and relaxed outside in front of the TV.
We had Ernie & Dianne, Dennis & Gloria, Garry & Stephane and Harvey – new acquaintance - over for dinner. Stephane had invited Harvey over for dinner at their place just before I asked them here so we told her to bring him along. We sat outside for drinks & a veggie tray and then moved inside for dinner. After dinner, the guys moved back outside and the ladies did dishes, chatted & laughed a lot. Garry is a smoker so he loves it when the group is outside.
Dec 14th – Tues – Mesa
I made it to the gym this morning but cut it short as there was a physical trainer showing a group how to use the equipment – and I was lazy! Stephane stopped by for some information, I made breakfast and then we rode to Ernie & Dianne’s so he & Terry could work on the brakes on my bike. They were at the gym so we rode around the park until they finished.
We took our ladder bike rack (that we needed to get our bikes from Missoula to Spokane) to Larry & Julie’s and attached it to the ladder on their motor home as Julie bought a trike here and really wanted to be able to take it home with her. It did work but it was a hot, sweaty job for Terry as they are backed up close to a retaining wall and he had to maneuver the trike around a sewer hose & an electric box just to get it to the back of the motor home and then wrestle it sideways to get it up on the rack. Larry & I did what we could to help but there wasn’t much room.
After Terry cleaned up, we went to listen to music & singing at a music jam and then took Ernie & Dianne to WalMart so we could use the truck to bring home bikes that they were buying. We got back in time to listen to the last half hour of Music in the Courtyard.
At 7 we went to line dance lessons. Afterwards, we were supposed to join a group playing cards but no one was in the card rooms. We went to check with Ernie & Dianne and ended up playing Arizona Rummy with them until 11:15.
Dec 15th – Wed – Mesa
We started out with bocce ball this morning. We looked at a newspaper when we were doing laundry and found a BOGO coupon for a restaurant so we went out for a late lunch and then to a grocery store. As we were driving back to our rig, Dennis & Gloria motioned to us to come back to their place for happy hour so we put away groceries and joined them and Gary & Dianne.
Since we had a large lunch, we didn’t need dinner before going to play Bunko at 6:30. Neither of us won this time.
I figured that a trip to the gym called for cinnamon rolls for breakfast. Since I was into baking, I mixed up a couple of batches of shortbread cookies and put them in the fridge to bake later.
At 1 we picked up Dennis & Gloria and went to Filly’s in Apache Junction which is a cowboy bar in the most literal sense. People ride up on their horses, hitch them to a rail behind the outdoors bar and hit the dance floor in chaps & spurs. The very enjoyable band has a shelter next to the dance floor and play from 1 to 4 on the weekends. Three couples who camped with Bill & Lauri were also there so we made up a long table. Nearly everyone had a late lunch with pitchers of beer.
Dennis & Gloria came over to watch the last episode of The Amazing Race and to have another brownie sundae. I finished up the evening with a long phone call to sister Marg.
Dec 13th – Mon – Mesa
Shopping, bocce ball, dinner prep, dinner-E&D, D&G, G&S, Harvey
Gloria & I went shopping all morning for something “glitzy” to wear to our New Year’s Eve party. We were only looking for tops and had a heck of a time finding anything suitable – and affordable considering it is something worn only a few times. We both did end up with a purchase.
Terry & Dennis played bocce ball and then Terry noticed a short grocery list and went shopping for me. I made a late lunch and then did dinner prep and relaxed outside in front of the TV.
We had Ernie & Dianne, Dennis & Gloria, Garry & Stephane and Harvey – new acquaintance - over for dinner. Stephane had invited Harvey over for dinner at their place just before I asked them here so we told her to bring him along. We sat outside for drinks & a veggie tray and then moved inside for dinner. After dinner, the guys moved back outside and the ladies did dishes, chatted & laughed a lot. Garry is a smoker so he loves it when the group is outside.
Dec 14th – Tues – Mesa
I made it to the gym this morning but cut it short as there was a physical trainer showing a group how to use the equipment – and I was lazy! Stephane stopped by for some information, I made breakfast and then we rode to Ernie & Dianne’s so he & Terry could work on the brakes on my bike. They were at the gym so we rode around the park until they finished.
We took our ladder bike rack (that we needed to get our bikes from Missoula to Spokane) to Larry & Julie’s and attached it to the ladder on their motor home as Julie bought a trike here and really wanted to be able to take it home with her. It did work but it was a hot, sweaty job for Terry as they are backed up close to a retaining wall and he had to maneuver the trike around a sewer hose & an electric box just to get it to the back of the motor home and then wrestle it sideways to get it up on the rack. Larry & I did what we could to help but there wasn’t much room.
After Terry cleaned up, we went to listen to music & singing at a music jam and then took Ernie & Dianne to WalMart so we could use the truck to bring home bikes that they were buying. We got back in time to listen to the last half hour of Music in the Courtyard.
At 7 we went to line dance lessons. Afterwards, we were supposed to join a group playing cards but no one was in the card rooms. We went to check with Ernie & Dianne and ended up playing Arizona Rummy with them until 11:15.
Dec 15th – Wed – Mesa
We started out with bocce ball this morning. We looked at a newspaper when we were doing laundry and found a BOGO coupon for a restaurant so we went out for a late lunch and then to a grocery store. As we were driving back to our rig, Dennis & Gloria motioned to us to come back to their place for happy hour so we put away groceries and joined them and Gary & Dianne.
Since we had a large lunch, we didn’t need dinner before going to play Bunko at 6:30. Neither of us won this time.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Dec 9th to 11th - Mesa
Dec 9th – Thurs – Mesa
At coffee & doughnuts this morning, the customer rep for Camping World had several raffle prizes including a 12-speed folding bicycle – and we did not win anything!
Terry has been thinking about getting a tonneau cover for the truck so he looked up some places on the internet and we went driving. A couple of the places where not even there, one was now an oil change place and the others were not establishments where we wanted to do business. We stopped at a Big Lots where I got a garlic/ginger stir fry sauce and then tried it out for a late lunch/early dinner when we got back. It is very good.
We went to Music in the Courtyard at 3 but left about 4 when the group took a break as they weren’t very good. The weather was gorgeous again today so we took a long bike ride around the park and then relaxed before going to line dance class.
Dec 10th – Fri – Mesa
We played bocce ball for a little longer than usual today. After a late breakfast, we joined Dennis & Gloria for a trip to Casino Arizona so they could get player’s cards to use for free shows in the future. Of course we all had to play the slots for a while and I was lucky to come out ahead enough to cover Terry’s losses plus $50.
We had a couple of errands to run when we got back and then had an early dinner. Terry played Texas Hold’em while I visited the puzzle room.
Dec 11th – Sat – Mesa
We walked to the post office and then stopped to visit Ernie & Dianne and Bill & Lauri on the way back. Then it was off to the courtyard for a Hamburger Fry with music by Curtis Fry. We arrived early so we got a table mostly in the shade and were able to listen to the music until nearly 1:30. Huge grills were set up for the event and the volunteers turned out a lot of hamburgers in a short time. We actually had a burger with all the trimmings, baked beans, chips, a drink and an ice cream sandwich for $5.
We went for a bike ride to work off some of our lunch and stopped to talk to Garry and then Robin. She said she was ready for a margarita so we had one with her – Neil was working. We relaxed and had artichokes before going to a dance with Dennis & Gloria. We were able to sit at the front of the table so it was easy to get to the floor for nearly every dance. Actually, I don’t think Terry missed any as he danced with Julie, her daughter Natalie and Phyllis who we met at the laundry room. Dennis had knee replacement surgery last summer and is enjoying doing things after 3 years of severely curtailed activities.
At coffee & doughnuts this morning, the customer rep for Camping World had several raffle prizes including a 12-speed folding bicycle – and we did not win anything!
Terry has been thinking about getting a tonneau cover for the truck so he looked up some places on the internet and we went driving. A couple of the places where not even there, one was now an oil change place and the others were not establishments where we wanted to do business. We stopped at a Big Lots where I got a garlic/ginger stir fry sauce and then tried it out for a late lunch/early dinner when we got back. It is very good.
We went to Music in the Courtyard at 3 but left about 4 when the group took a break as they weren’t very good. The weather was gorgeous again today so we took a long bike ride around the park and then relaxed before going to line dance class.
Dec 10th – Fri – Mesa
We played bocce ball for a little longer than usual today. After a late breakfast, we joined Dennis & Gloria for a trip to Casino Arizona so they could get player’s cards to use for free shows in the future. Of course we all had to play the slots for a while and I was lucky to come out ahead enough to cover Terry’s losses plus $50.
We had a couple of errands to run when we got back and then had an early dinner. Terry played Texas Hold’em while I visited the puzzle room.
Dec 11th – Sat – Mesa
We walked to the post office and then stopped to visit Ernie & Dianne and Bill & Lauri on the way back. Then it was off to the courtyard for a Hamburger Fry with music by Curtis Fry. We arrived early so we got a table mostly in the shade and were able to listen to the music until nearly 1:30. Huge grills were set up for the event and the volunteers turned out a lot of hamburgers in a short time. We actually had a burger with all the trimmings, baked beans, chips, a drink and an ice cream sandwich for $5.
We went for a bike ride to work off some of our lunch and stopped to talk to Garry and then Robin. She said she was ready for a margarita so we had one with her – Neil was working. We relaxed and had artichokes before going to a dance with Dennis & Gloria. We were able to sit at the front of the table so it was easy to get to the floor for nearly every dance. Actually, I don’t think Terry missed any as he danced with Julie, her daughter Natalie and Phyllis who we met at the laundry room. Dennis had knee replacement surgery last summer and is enjoying doing things after 3 years of severely curtailed activities.
Thursday, December 09, 2010
Dec 5th to 8th - Mesa
Dec 5th – Sun – Mesa
We were lazy this morning and enjoyed sleeping in and relaxing with coffee outside as the weather continues to warm back up. After doing laundry, I caught up the blog & emails while Terry rode his bike, visited with friends and went to the pool for a bit.
We watched golf on the outside TV and had an early dinner so Terry could BBQ in the daylight. Dennis & Gloria came over to watch what we thought was the finale of Amazing Race but it turned out to be the second to last show.
I spent time on the computer making a score sheet for Arizona Rummy rather than ruling lines like Dianne did the last time we played.
Dec 6th -Mon – Mesa
We went on a day trip to casinos at Prescott today. Two full buses left the park at 8:30 for the almost 2 hour drive north. We were on #1 bus with Dennis & Gloria while Garry & Stephane and Ernie & Dianne were on bus #2. The trip was very well organized with player cards ready for most people. We signed up later so we had to get ours at the player’s club which turned out OK since Terry scratched a ticket for $25 free play in addition to the $10 that everyone got. The trip included a box lunch with a sandwich, chips, cookies, an apple and a bottle of water. After lunch, we took the shuttle to the 2nd little casino. At 3:15, the bus picked up anyone who wanted to go downtown to Whiskey Row. We shopped a bit with Dennis & Gloria and then had dinner. At 6, the bus picked us up again, returned to the casino for the few who did not go downtown and then took us through the Valley of Lights which was a very impressive display of Christmas lights – but not on houses. A road was lined with rope lights and included 3 “tunnels” made with metal arches decorated with lights – holly & berries, candy canes and snowflakes. There were animated figures and a western town complete with a stagecoach and running horses.
We got home at 9 – pleasantly tired and $102 richer.
Dec 7th – Tues – Mesa
This morning we took back the wrong size baskets and got a small black table for guests seated on the couch. It is the type where the base slides under the couch so it takes up very little room. The line at Hobby Lobby to return items was ridiculous because of slow checkers so this chore took a long time. The bad news is that I do love shopping in this store.
We went to Music in the Courtyard from 3 to 5. The female singer was not very good. When we were done there, we went to Julie & Larry’s for dinner. Long time friends of Billy & Lauri – Neil & Judy – just arrived for a month so we got to meet them at dinner. We had to eat & run again in order to go to line dancing lessons. They went over dances that we have already “learned” so we got necessary practice without having to confuse our poor brains with another new dance.
On the way back, we stopped for coffee with Dennis & Gloria.
Dec 8th – Wed – Mesa
There was a large group for bocce ball this morning and the weather was perfect. I tried a Zumba exercise class which Lauri has been going to for a few weeks. It is an hour long workout to mostly Latin music & moves – fun and gets your heart rate up.
After a light lunch we went shopping – 99 cent store, Bealls Outlet, produce market & groceries. We had time to put away our purchases before getting together with 10 other people for an outing. First we went for dinner. Someone had picked Village Inn since it was “free pie Wednesday”. There was one close but Ernie & Dianne found another one that they thought was on the way to our next destination which was the zoo. After driving further from the zoo for 45 minutes (!!), they finally pulled over and we found another Village Inn just a couple of miles back towards the zoo.
The reason we were going to the zoo at night was to see the Zoolights display. Most of the zoo is decorated with lights and is well worth seeing. One stretch had several trees with different colored lights that went on & off with music – lots of “oohs & aahs” there.
We were lazy this morning and enjoyed sleeping in and relaxing with coffee outside as the weather continues to warm back up. After doing laundry, I caught up the blog & emails while Terry rode his bike, visited with friends and went to the pool for a bit.
We watched golf on the outside TV and had an early dinner so Terry could BBQ in the daylight. Dennis & Gloria came over to watch what we thought was the finale of Amazing Race but it turned out to be the second to last show.
I spent time on the computer making a score sheet for Arizona Rummy rather than ruling lines like Dianne did the last time we played.
Dec 6th -Mon – Mesa
We went on a day trip to casinos at Prescott today. Two full buses left the park at 8:30 for the almost 2 hour drive north. We were on #1 bus with Dennis & Gloria while Garry & Stephane and Ernie & Dianne were on bus #2. The trip was very well organized with player cards ready for most people. We signed up later so we had to get ours at the player’s club which turned out OK since Terry scratched a ticket for $25 free play in addition to the $10 that everyone got. The trip included a box lunch with a sandwich, chips, cookies, an apple and a bottle of water. After lunch, we took the shuttle to the 2nd little casino. At 3:15, the bus picked up anyone who wanted to go downtown to Whiskey Row. We shopped a bit with Dennis & Gloria and then had dinner. At 6, the bus picked us up again, returned to the casino for the few who did not go downtown and then took us through the Valley of Lights which was a very impressive display of Christmas lights – but not on houses. A road was lined with rope lights and included 3 “tunnels” made with metal arches decorated with lights – holly & berries, candy canes and snowflakes. There were animated figures and a western town complete with a stagecoach and running horses.
We got home at 9 – pleasantly tired and $102 richer.
Dec 7th – Tues – Mesa
This morning we took back the wrong size baskets and got a small black table for guests seated on the couch. It is the type where the base slides under the couch so it takes up very little room. The line at Hobby Lobby to return items was ridiculous because of slow checkers so this chore took a long time. The bad news is that I do love shopping in this store.
We went to Music in the Courtyard from 3 to 5. The female singer was not very good. When we were done there, we went to Julie & Larry’s for dinner. Long time friends of Billy & Lauri – Neil & Judy – just arrived for a month so we got to meet them at dinner. We had to eat & run again in order to go to line dancing lessons. They went over dances that we have already “learned” so we got necessary practice without having to confuse our poor brains with another new dance.
On the way back, we stopped for coffee with Dennis & Gloria.
Dec 8th – Wed – Mesa
There was a large group for bocce ball this morning and the weather was perfect. I tried a Zumba exercise class which Lauri has been going to for a few weeks. It is an hour long workout to mostly Latin music & moves – fun and gets your heart rate up.
After a light lunch we went shopping – 99 cent store, Bealls Outlet, produce market & groceries. We had time to put away our purchases before getting together with 10 other people for an outing. First we went for dinner. Someone had picked Village Inn since it was “free pie Wednesday”. There was one close but Ernie & Dianne found another one that they thought was on the way to our next destination which was the zoo. After driving further from the zoo for 45 minutes (!!), they finally pulled over and we found another Village Inn just a couple of miles back towards the zoo.
The reason we were going to the zoo at night was to see the Zoolights display. Most of the zoo is decorated with lights and is well worth seeing. One stretch had several trees with different colored lights that went on & off with music – lots of “oohs & aahs” there.
Sunday, December 05, 2010
Dec 2nd to 4th - Mesa
Dec 2nd – Thurs – Mesa
We attended the usual coffee & doughnuts at 8:00 and then visited with friends to pretty much use up the rest of the morning. I spent time on the computer trying to figure out Avery Wizard to make business cards and then made us a late lunch.
About 4, Ernie & Dianne and Garry & Stephane came over so I could make business/personal cards for them. I took pictures of both couples to put on the cards and the whole process took longer than I expected. Just as we were finishing, the guys decided that we should get pizza delivered but we all piled in the truck and went to CiCi’s pizza buffet instead.
We were going to play Wii when we returned but ended up sitting & chatting for a couple of hours at Ernie & Dianne’s place instead. Ernie & Dianne and Garry & Stephane are from B.C. They all lived in Dawson Creek but Ernie & Dianne have recently moved to Kelowna.
Dec 3rd – Fri – Mesa
I went to the gym and then we joined the bocce ball group which we are really enjoying. A game with evenly matched players can take nearly an hour.
We went out for lunch and made a trip to Costco. At 4, we joined a large group to sit on a vacant lot and watch the Christmas parade in the park. The parade did not start until 4:30 so we had time to have a drink and be rowdy. We were near the start of the parade route, so after it went by we moved to Ernie & Dianne’s place and watched it again right at the end of the route. We proceeded directly from there to dinner & entertainment in the ballroom. Dinner was stew in a bread bowl & cake for dessert and the entertainment was the Valley Christian Bell Ringers. They were good but the program was too long for nearly everyone.
Dec 4th – Sat – Mesa
We went to the courtyard for breakfast this morning and then wandered through the Christmas Boutique without buying anything. Dennis & Gloria and Gary & Dianne were nearly ready to go for a bike ride that we had planned so we had to hurry up to join them. We rode about 10 miles altogether and stopped for lunch on the way back. We rode along an irrigation canal rather than on streets so it was very quiet & peaceful most of the time.
Our new ice maker did not seem to be working as well as the old one so we took it back and exchanged it. We also browsed through Hobby Lobby (love that store!) and got a couple of items including 2 baskets that are too big for their intended spot.
After dinner, we joined Dennis & Gloria, Ernie & Dianne and Garry & Stephane to learn a new card game called Arizona Rummy. We played from 7 to 10 in the community center and it was really fun even though I got really bad cards for a majority of the hands.
We attended the usual coffee & doughnuts at 8:00 and then visited with friends to pretty much use up the rest of the morning. I spent time on the computer trying to figure out Avery Wizard to make business cards and then made us a late lunch.
About 4, Ernie & Dianne and Garry & Stephane came over so I could make business/personal cards for them. I took pictures of both couples to put on the cards and the whole process took longer than I expected. Just as we were finishing, the guys decided that we should get pizza delivered but we all piled in the truck and went to CiCi’s pizza buffet instead.
We were going to play Wii when we returned but ended up sitting & chatting for a couple of hours at Ernie & Dianne’s place instead. Ernie & Dianne and Garry & Stephane are from B.C. They all lived in Dawson Creek but Ernie & Dianne have recently moved to Kelowna.
Dec 3rd – Fri – Mesa
I went to the gym and then we joined the bocce ball group which we are really enjoying. A game with evenly matched players can take nearly an hour.
We went out for lunch and made a trip to Costco. At 4, we joined a large group to sit on a vacant lot and watch the Christmas parade in the park. The parade did not start until 4:30 so we had time to have a drink and be rowdy. We were near the start of the parade route, so after it went by we moved to Ernie & Dianne’s place and watched it again right at the end of the route. We proceeded directly from there to dinner & entertainment in the ballroom. Dinner was stew in a bread bowl & cake for dessert and the entertainment was the Valley Christian Bell Ringers. They were good but the program was too long for nearly everyone.
Dec 4th – Sat – Mesa
We went to the courtyard for breakfast this morning and then wandered through the Christmas Boutique without buying anything. Dennis & Gloria and Gary & Dianne were nearly ready to go for a bike ride that we had planned so we had to hurry up to join them. We rode about 10 miles altogether and stopped for lunch on the way back. We rode along an irrigation canal rather than on streets so it was very quiet & peaceful most of the time.
Our new ice maker did not seem to be working as well as the old one so we took it back and exchanged it. We also browsed through Hobby Lobby (love that store!) and got a couple of items including 2 baskets that are too big for their intended spot.
After dinner, we joined Dennis & Gloria, Ernie & Dianne and Garry & Stephane to learn a new card game called Arizona Rummy. We played from 7 to 10 in the community center and it was really fun even though I got really bad cards for a majority of the hands.
Thursday, December 02, 2010
Nov 29th to Dec 1st - Mesa
Nov 29th – Mon – Mesa
We wimped out of the bike ride this morning as it was too cold and Terry never did look at his front tire as it didn’t go flat again after pumping it up the second time last Monday.
Rather than going to the gym, I went back to help with the park decorating. This time I worked inside, a lot of the time with Gloria. We had to “fluff” the wreaths & garlands that were stored – make that stuffed - in boxes. Then I helped another lady hang wreaths. I offered to climb the ladder but since she was only 72 years old she said she could do it – and I didn’t really want to put nails in the walls. We even got lunch from McDonalds.
Terry came by later and heard that garlands needed to be taken to the sales office so he got the truck, we loaded the garlands and 3 other helpers and made short work of decorating the railings. There was pizza at 4 for all volunteers who helped decorate so we decided that we just had time for a drink with Dennis & Gloria at our place first. Gary & Diane also joined us and we ended up not going for pizza since we had lunch about 1 and another drink sounded like a better idea. We had all moved inside when Ernie & Diane came by with a bottle of Scotch to thank Terry for moving their TV & cabinet. Of course, they had to stay for a drink too.
Nov 30th – Tues – Mesa
I was glad that we skipped the bike ride yesterday when my hands were freezing riding my bike the short distance to the gym this morning. Our wonderful, necessary ice maker died yesterday. Terry tore it apart and found a cracked plastic part that would not stay glued so off we went to a Target store to get a new one. It seems as if the largest cubes are not as large as the old ones (same brand) so it may have to be exchanged.
We went to the courtyard to listen to music, came back for dinner and then went to line dancing lessons.
Dec 1st – Wed – Mesa
I got up early this morning to line up to get tickets for the New Year’s Eve party and 2 dances this month. I think I mentioned before that the ballroom is small and tables are assigned for dances so to guarantee a group together at a table, you have to get tickets early when they go on sale the first work day of the month. Terry got a dozen doughnuts, joined me a bit later and shared the doughnuts with others in line. The activity director had a little drawing for people in line and Terry won one ticket for a pancake breakfast this month. Guess I will have to buy my own!
We played bocce ball at 10. Terry, I, Ernie & Diane were on one court so Ernie & I played Terry & Diane and we lost both games. But who cares as the sun was out & it was warm again! After lunch, we went to Big Lots for a few garlands to decorate our home.
Then it was off to the courtyard for more music from 2 to 4. This time, the singer was a woman – April Walker – and she was really good.
From there, Terry & I, Ernie & Diane and Dennis & Gloria went to Fat Willy’s for their happy hour specials – beer & appetizers which were our dinner. We figured this was a good idea as we were all playing bunko at 6:15 so we had to eat early. We just had time to see Ernie & Diane’s park model before reporting to the card room.
There were 19 people at bunko so we had to play with a “ghost” player (the ghost’s partner rolls twice). It costs $5 each to play. Terry split most bunkos to win $16 and I got most losses (!!) which paid $8. Another fun, busy day!
We wimped out of the bike ride this morning as it was too cold and Terry never did look at his front tire as it didn’t go flat again after pumping it up the second time last Monday.
Rather than going to the gym, I went back to help with the park decorating. This time I worked inside, a lot of the time with Gloria. We had to “fluff” the wreaths & garlands that were stored – make that stuffed - in boxes. Then I helped another lady hang wreaths. I offered to climb the ladder but since she was only 72 years old she said she could do it – and I didn’t really want to put nails in the walls. We even got lunch from McDonalds.
Terry came by later and heard that garlands needed to be taken to the sales office so he got the truck, we loaded the garlands and 3 other helpers and made short work of decorating the railings. There was pizza at 4 for all volunteers who helped decorate so we decided that we just had time for a drink with Dennis & Gloria at our place first. Gary & Diane also joined us and we ended up not going for pizza since we had lunch about 1 and another drink sounded like a better idea. We had all moved inside when Ernie & Diane came by with a bottle of Scotch to thank Terry for moving their TV & cabinet. Of course, they had to stay for a drink too.
Nov 30th – Tues – Mesa
I was glad that we skipped the bike ride yesterday when my hands were freezing riding my bike the short distance to the gym this morning. Our wonderful, necessary ice maker died yesterday. Terry tore it apart and found a cracked plastic part that would not stay glued so off we went to a Target store to get a new one. It seems as if the largest cubes are not as large as the old ones (same brand) so it may have to be exchanged.
We went to the courtyard to listen to music, came back for dinner and then went to line dancing lessons.
Dec 1st – Wed – Mesa
I got up early this morning to line up to get tickets for the New Year’s Eve party and 2 dances this month. I think I mentioned before that the ballroom is small and tables are assigned for dances so to guarantee a group together at a table, you have to get tickets early when they go on sale the first work day of the month. Terry got a dozen doughnuts, joined me a bit later and shared the doughnuts with others in line. The activity director had a little drawing for people in line and Terry won one ticket for a pancake breakfast this month. Guess I will have to buy my own!
We played bocce ball at 10. Terry, I, Ernie & Diane were on one court so Ernie & I played Terry & Diane and we lost both games. But who cares as the sun was out & it was warm again! After lunch, we went to Big Lots for a few garlands to decorate our home.
Then it was off to the courtyard for more music from 2 to 4. This time, the singer was a woman – April Walker – and she was really good.
From there, Terry & I, Ernie & Diane and Dennis & Gloria went to Fat Willy’s for their happy hour specials – beer & appetizers which were our dinner. We figured this was a good idea as we were all playing bunko at 6:15 so we had to eat early. We just had time to see Ernie & Diane’s park model before reporting to the card room.
There were 19 people at bunko so we had to play with a “ghost” player (the ghost’s partner rolls twice). It costs $5 each to play. Terry split most bunkos to win $16 and I got most losses (!!) which paid $8. Another fun, busy day!
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