Sept 28th – Wed – Mesa
Neil arrived at 7:40 this morning as Terry is going to pick up their new-to-them 5th wheel in Tucson. Neil left his car keys with me which turned out great as I could go do laundry before Robin & her sister Terri got here. They didn’t arrive until about 2 which gave me time for some cleaning mixed with reading. After dropping a package off at the post office, we drove around to pick a spot for them to park their 5th wheel. The office had given them a couple of choices and Robin had looked at some others so we checked them all out and went to the office to see what was available. By this time Neil was calling for the site number. Terry tried to back into Robin’s first choice but couldn’t get in because of the lack of driveways across the street to pull into. The second choice just down the street worked out fine and we got the rig parked. Robin thought they had 3 slides but it turned out they have 4 and it is a 2005 version of our 5th wheel.
We rushed home so Terry could shower and change before we went to a steak fry at Mesa Regal which is another park owned by Cal-Am. It is not far away so we got there in plenty of time to join Billy & Laurie, Julie & Larry and Bob & Marlene before dinner was served. Curtis Knox, who lives here in Val Vista Villages, sang for entertainment and a bit of dancing after dinner in Mesa Regal’s large ballroom.
We were home not long after 7 to crash & relax.
Sept 29th – Thurs – Mesa
We were up early to pack up the 5th wheel and have it at Camping World by 8 to have a satellite dish installed. We left chairs, bikes, sewer hose, etc at our site and hoped it would all be there when we got back. At Camping World, our “advisor” came out to look at the rig and get instructions. When he saw a TV in a slide he left and said he would be back in a couple of minutes. 15 minutes later, Terry went looking for him just before he turned up with 2 installers who said it was a much bigger job than the estimate. The advisor disappeared to work up a new quote while we hooked up to leave as extra money was not in our plans. We waited quite a while for the advisor to show up and finally told another guy that we were leaving and would call. By now it was after 9.
We came back, set everything up again, had a light breakfast and headed back to Camping World. They said it would cost an additional $550 for labor and we said “no thanks”. We had kind of a dilemma though because we already signed up for 2 years of Direct TV. So we went to the other, larger Camping World which is further away but still in Mesa. Terry happened to talk immediately to the service manager. As soon as Terry mentioned the extra labor because of the TV in the slide, he said he could make everything right and do the job for us for no more than the original quote. Sure enough, they printed an estimate (less than the original) and asked if we could bring in the rig immediately as their satellite guru was available all afternoon. It took us 40 minutes to be back with the 5th wheel which is quite good considering it is almost 15 minutes to drive each way.
When he looked at our rig, the installer immediately said that it was constructed very “stoutly” and he knew why the other guys didn’t want to do the job. We went for lunch, came back to the park to check our stuff and visited Julie & Larry. Their friends Neal & Judy arrived today so we said a quick hi to them and then went for a swim as I was smart enough to put our suits in the truck. We were just about back to Camping World when they called to ask if we were close by as they were ready for us to hook up and pull the rig out to program the satellite. The exhausted installer had worked through his lunch and got it all done in 4 ½ hours instead of over 8 hours that the first place wanted. We had to call Direct TV to activate the receivers which took a while & 2 Direct TV representatives. Finally, at 6 o’clock and another hour overtime for the installer, we paid our bill and were on our way.
We got set up, put the clothes on the bed back in the cupboard used for the satellite controller and bedroom receiver and enjoyed an icy cold strawberry daiquiri. The rest of the mess from the cupboard over the TV and the basement storage will wait until tomorrow.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Sept 25th to 27th - Mesa
Sept 25th – Sun - Mesa
We were watching a golf tournament on TV this morning when Terry noticed that it was pouring rain in the bright sunlight. We could only see a few fluffy clouds so it was a surprise. The rain was accompanied by gusty wind but didn’t last too long.
About 1:00, Julie stopped by to say that Billy & Laurie had just arrived and she invited us over to catch up with their news and have a drink. We had a sandwich and headed over there. About 4:30, we all decided to go to Fat Willy’s for happy hour appetizers & beer.
We took everyone in our truck, dropped them at their sites when we got back and took it easy the rest of the evening.
Sept 26th – Mon – Mesa
Terry rode his bike to Albertsons to get doughnuts for breakfast. I thought he was taking a long time and it turned out that he couldn’t get the bike lock open and walked back. We went back in the truck and cut the lock off with a hacksaw without anyone questioning us. I asked Terry later why he didn’t call me and he said that he was ticked off at the time and didn’t think of it.
We got more sun screen fabric and added a piece to the bottom so it goes to the ground. We had so much fun that we sewed one part twice! We got another long pole to put in a bottom pocket and weigh it down but the wind still blew it around so Terry fastened it to some stakes.
We make our first visit to the veggie market where we got raspberries for 99 cents a carton, a whole, beautiful cauliflower for 88 cents and 2 lbs of strawberries for $1. Maybe we will start eating more healthy food!
We went to the pool with everyone and talked with a younger couple (Bob & Marlene) who own a park model across from where we stayed last year. They are not retired yet so they use it for a week a couple of times a year and then rent it out for the 6 month winter season. Larry & Julie stopped by for a drink afterwards and we enjoyed sitting out on our newly shaded patio.
Sept 27th – Tues – Mesa
For breakfast, we really enjoyed 2 cartons of raspberries with toast made from cinnamon bread that Robin gave us. Terry got into a different pattern on the game he plays on the computer so he played a lot this morning while I read a book. It wasn’t too hot yet so we went for a long bike ride around the park. We chatted briefly with Julie & Larry and then stopped at Billy & Laurie’s and stayed for a while to visit.
At 3 we went to a free Happy Hour here in the ballroom. The park provided wine, beer, pop and snacks. Unfortunately, there were also tables set up so we sat with our friends rather than mingling and meeting new people or greeting acquaintances from last year. I did visit for a short while with Tom & Arlene and Tom & Callie who we met last year.
Julie had invited us all over for dinner so we came back for our “refreshment” bag and went to their place for burgers. She also invited Bob & Marlene and we all enjoyed getting to know them a bit better.
We were watching a golf tournament on TV this morning when Terry noticed that it was pouring rain in the bright sunlight. We could only see a few fluffy clouds so it was a surprise. The rain was accompanied by gusty wind but didn’t last too long.
About 1:00, Julie stopped by to say that Billy & Laurie had just arrived and she invited us over to catch up with their news and have a drink. We had a sandwich and headed over there. About 4:30, we all decided to go to Fat Willy’s for happy hour appetizers & beer.
We took everyone in our truck, dropped them at their sites when we got back and took it easy the rest of the evening.
Sept 26th – Mon – Mesa
Terry rode his bike to Albertsons to get doughnuts for breakfast. I thought he was taking a long time and it turned out that he couldn’t get the bike lock open and walked back. We went back in the truck and cut the lock off with a hacksaw without anyone questioning us. I asked Terry later why he didn’t call me and he said that he was ticked off at the time and didn’t think of it.
We got more sun screen fabric and added a piece to the bottom so it goes to the ground. We had so much fun that we sewed one part twice! We got another long pole to put in a bottom pocket and weigh it down but the wind still blew it around so Terry fastened it to some stakes.
We make our first visit to the veggie market where we got raspberries for 99 cents a carton, a whole, beautiful cauliflower for 88 cents and 2 lbs of strawberries for $1. Maybe we will start eating more healthy food!
We went to the pool with everyone and talked with a younger couple (Bob & Marlene) who own a park model across from where we stayed last year. They are not retired yet so they use it for a week a couple of times a year and then rent it out for the 6 month winter season. Larry & Julie stopped by for a drink afterwards and we enjoyed sitting out on our newly shaded patio.
Sept 27th – Tues – Mesa
For breakfast, we really enjoyed 2 cartons of raspberries with toast made from cinnamon bread that Robin gave us. Terry got into a different pattern on the game he plays on the computer so he played a lot this morning while I read a book. It wasn’t too hot yet so we went for a long bike ride around the park. We chatted briefly with Julie & Larry and then stopped at Billy & Laurie’s and stayed for a while to visit.
At 3 we went to a free Happy Hour here in the ballroom. The park provided wine, beer, pop and snacks. Unfortunately, there were also tables set up so we sat with our friends rather than mingling and meeting new people or greeting acquaintances from last year. I did visit for a short while with Tom & Arlene and Tom & Callie who we met last year.
Julie had invited us all over for dinner so we came back for our “refreshment” bag and went to their place for burgers. She also invited Bob & Marlene and we all enjoyed getting to know them a bit better.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Sept 22nd to 24th - Mesa
Sept 22nd – Thurs –Mesa
We started the day with the coffee & doughnuts manager’s meeting in the ballroom. Then I finally figured out who to contact (Winegard, the dish manufacturer) to get Direct TV in our rig and talked to a very helpful lady. In a home setting, you just call one of the many DirecTV 800 numbers and they will set you up and send out an installer with the equipment. Obviously, this does not work with RVs. We went to Camping World after talking to Winegard and made an appointment to take our rig in next Thursday to have the dish installed. They also have the receivers and get a code from Winegard so Camping World is paid by Winegard for the receivers that we get for free for signing a 2 year contract. Now you see what we have been going through!
We didn’t have lunch and had a couple of coupons so we went to Fat Willy’s for wings & beer. We could only use one coupon at a time but we were there at happy hour so 2 orders of 10 wings, an order of nachos and two 25 oz beers only cost $14 – and we were both stuffed.
As soon as the sun went down, we went for a bike ride around the park. Near the end of the ride we stopped to chat a bit with Larry & Julie and ended up riding 4 miles.
Sept 23rd – Fri – Mesa
We lazed around this morning and then took our sewing machine and tool box to Larry & Julie’s. First I cut out and sewed a round tablecloth which Julie finished by running elastic through a casing to pull the tablecloth under the edge of the small dining table. Then we tried to figure out how to cut two round table cloths out of a king size sheet that Julie discovered was the right color for side tables in her outdoor seating area. Terry & I thought we had it figured out and ended up with one huge circle – don’t even ask how we did it! We cut two smaller circles out if it which was the best we could do even from the start. I zigzagged the edges and they are fine even thought they don’t go right to the floor. We sat down to admire our work and I noticed a runner on the table that was too long so had to shorten that as well. Actually, I shortened it twice as I didn’t check to make sure both sides were the same length to start with.
While Julie & I were sewing, Terry was helping Larry put a new seat on his bicycle. It is an old bicycle and the seat is too high for Larry but the seat post is rusted in place so even Terry’s best efforts could not move it. Terry also worked on some motion sensor lights that have minds of their own.
We were outside and were all very hot so Terry suggested going for banana splits and Wanda found us a Dairy Queen. Julie is not a big eater but she finished her banana split. We continued on to Total Wine to restock the liquor cabinet and stopped to introduce Julie to Hobby Lobby.
Back at the park, we dropped off Larry & Julie and then all met at the pool shortly after. When we were walking back about 4:30, Neil & Robin (met here last year, they stopped to see us in Spokane) were driving in to see us. They are looking for a 5th wheel to park here so they aren’t staying in the park yet. We were chatting & having drinks when Julie & Larry came by after having a couple of drinks at the pool. As it got later, I put out a few snacks to soak up some alcohol. When everyone left about 8, I made hamburgers that I had already thawed and then we crashed.
Sept 24th – Sat – Mesa
Knowing it would be hot again, we got up reasonably early and went to the Mesa Marketplace. About half the vendors were not there or not open so it only took us about 1 ½ hours to wander through and buy a decorative bowl for the dining table. One the way back, we stopped at Safeway for the baby back ribs that were on sale and bought a couple of whole chickens in the clearance bin. Pat, you would have loved the final price of 49 cents a pound!
Back at the rig, I stuffed the ribs into the freezer and put most of the 2 chickens in the crock pot. Then it was time for breakfast-for-lunch.
The late afternoon sun comes right under our north facing awning so Terry figured we needed an 8 foot curtain rod and some shade cloth. We went first to Big Lots and discovered that the longest curtain rods were 7 feet and too heavy anyhow. We carried on to Home Depot for shade cloth but they only had pre-packaged lengths so we went to Lowe’s where we found rolls of fabric and bought only as much as we needed. As we walked into Lowe’s, I saw a guy checking out with a tall, green “stick” so Terry asked him where he found it. It turned out to be a plastic stake for gardening which was 8 feet long, sturdy and lightweight – perfect for our needs. We made another stop at Fry’s for some groceries that I didn’t want to buy at Safeway.
I got out my sewing machine and we made the sun screen which was a bit of a challenge as it starts in the triangular space between the awning and the awning arm. I sewed a rod pocket along the top and then doubled the top portion by sewing on the triangle that we cut off. Now we want to add another removable section as the sun is still hot when it comes under the bottom.
We put on our suits and went to see if Julie & Larry were going to the pool. Julie was not feeling too well today (she blames us for how much she drank!!) so we went and cooled off by ourselves. I made good chimichangas with the tender chicken from the crock pot.
We started the day with the coffee & doughnuts manager’s meeting in the ballroom. Then I finally figured out who to contact (Winegard, the dish manufacturer) to get Direct TV in our rig and talked to a very helpful lady. In a home setting, you just call one of the many DirecTV 800 numbers and they will set you up and send out an installer with the equipment. Obviously, this does not work with RVs. We went to Camping World after talking to Winegard and made an appointment to take our rig in next Thursday to have the dish installed. They also have the receivers and get a code from Winegard so Camping World is paid by Winegard for the receivers that we get for free for signing a 2 year contract. Now you see what we have been going through!
We didn’t have lunch and had a couple of coupons so we went to Fat Willy’s for wings & beer. We could only use one coupon at a time but we were there at happy hour so 2 orders of 10 wings, an order of nachos and two 25 oz beers only cost $14 – and we were both stuffed.
As soon as the sun went down, we went for a bike ride around the park. Near the end of the ride we stopped to chat a bit with Larry & Julie and ended up riding 4 miles.
Sept 23rd – Fri – Mesa
We lazed around this morning and then took our sewing machine and tool box to Larry & Julie’s. First I cut out and sewed a round tablecloth which Julie finished by running elastic through a casing to pull the tablecloth under the edge of the small dining table. Then we tried to figure out how to cut two round table cloths out of a king size sheet that Julie discovered was the right color for side tables in her outdoor seating area. Terry & I thought we had it figured out and ended up with one huge circle – don’t even ask how we did it! We cut two smaller circles out if it which was the best we could do even from the start. I zigzagged the edges and they are fine even thought they don’t go right to the floor. We sat down to admire our work and I noticed a runner on the table that was too long so had to shorten that as well. Actually, I shortened it twice as I didn’t check to make sure both sides were the same length to start with.
While Julie & I were sewing, Terry was helping Larry put a new seat on his bicycle. It is an old bicycle and the seat is too high for Larry but the seat post is rusted in place so even Terry’s best efforts could not move it. Terry also worked on some motion sensor lights that have minds of their own.
We were outside and were all very hot so Terry suggested going for banana splits and Wanda found us a Dairy Queen. Julie is not a big eater but she finished her banana split. We continued on to Total Wine to restock the liquor cabinet and stopped to introduce Julie to Hobby Lobby.
Back at the park, we dropped off Larry & Julie and then all met at the pool shortly after. When we were walking back about 4:30, Neil & Robin (met here last year, they stopped to see us in Spokane) were driving in to see us. They are looking for a 5th wheel to park here so they aren’t staying in the park yet. We were chatting & having drinks when Julie & Larry came by after having a couple of drinks at the pool. As it got later, I put out a few snacks to soak up some alcohol. When everyone left about 8, I made hamburgers that I had already thawed and then we crashed.
Sept 24th – Sat – Mesa
Knowing it would be hot again, we got up reasonably early and went to the Mesa Marketplace. About half the vendors were not there or not open so it only took us about 1 ½ hours to wander through and buy a decorative bowl for the dining table. One the way back, we stopped at Safeway for the baby back ribs that were on sale and bought a couple of whole chickens in the clearance bin. Pat, you would have loved the final price of 49 cents a pound!
Back at the rig, I stuffed the ribs into the freezer and put most of the 2 chickens in the crock pot. Then it was time for breakfast-for-lunch.
The late afternoon sun comes right under our north facing awning so Terry figured we needed an 8 foot curtain rod and some shade cloth. We went first to Big Lots and discovered that the longest curtain rods were 7 feet and too heavy anyhow. We carried on to Home Depot for shade cloth but they only had pre-packaged lengths so we went to Lowe’s where we found rolls of fabric and bought only as much as we needed. As we walked into Lowe’s, I saw a guy checking out with a tall, green “stick” so Terry asked him where he found it. It turned out to be a plastic stake for gardening which was 8 feet long, sturdy and lightweight – perfect for our needs. We made another stop at Fry’s for some groceries that I didn’t want to buy at Safeway.
I got out my sewing machine and we made the sun screen which was a bit of a challenge as it starts in the triangular space between the awning and the awning arm. I sewed a rod pocket along the top and then doubled the top portion by sewing on the triangle that we cut off. Now we want to add another removable section as the sun is still hot when it comes under the bottom.
We put on our suits and went to see if Julie & Larry were going to the pool. Julie was not feeling too well today (she blames us for how much she drank!!) so we went and cooled off by ourselves. I made good chimichangas with the tender chicken from the crock pot.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Sept 19th to 21st - Mesa
Sept 19th – Mon – Mesa
Neither of us slept well and finally at 4 am I told Terry he might as well turn on the TV. Sure enough, about ½ later he was sleeping again while I finally got to sleep about 6 and felt OK at 7:45 when we both woke up. Larry stopped by for coffee and picked up some tickets for all of us for a steak fry and entertainment later in the week.
After breakfast we went to register and were pleased that they didn’t charge us for last night. I think they were expecting quite a few rigs in today and were happy to get one out of the way early. I don’t like drinking tap water here so one of Terry’s chores is to ride his bike a few blocks and refill plastic water gallons for 25 cents each which he did this morning. Then we reuse water bottles as I hate throwing away dozens of plastic water bottles – and just as much hate throwing away the money to buy so many!
We finished setting up mats, tables & chairs and then went to get a burger for lunch. The Wendy’s we went to was amazingly inefficient but we finally got our food. Then it was off to the laundry room where we had the entire large facility to ourselves. After putting everything away and making the bed, we cooled off in the pool where we met a couple (Dennis & Susan) who are from the Seattle area and have a manufactured home in the Ranchos area of this park. They live here permanently and just leave for the two hottest summer months.
I caught up & posted the blog before we went to Larry & Julie’s for dinner. They put a ceiling fan in their carport/patio so we sat outside for drinks (mostly ice water!) and dinner.
Sept 20th – Tues – Mesa
After breakfast, we were heading for Camping World but got sidetracked at Big Lots & K-Mart along the way. K-Mart had a huge clearance with items at $3.99 so it took us quite a while to look through everything. Terry got 4 pairs of shorts and I got a couple of items. We got an estimate at Camping World to get a satellite dish installed on the roof and came back to the park.
The weather is continuing hot so we joined Larry & Julie in the pool and then they came over for dinner. Julie smokes so after a while inside, we moved outside where it wasn’t too bad in the shade if you didn’t move around too much. I served dinner inside and then we went back out for a nightcap of Fireball which turned into two and too much to drink again. Guess we are all slow learners.
Sept 21st – Wed – Mesa
We went to IHOP for breakfast and then stopped at Kohls where I finally did something I hate & tried on bras. I know – TMI!! But I did buy a couple that were on sale and used $15 in coupons so they weren’t obscenely expensive. When we got back, we changed into our bathing suits and checked with Larry & Julie who were still recovering from over-imbibing yesterday and not interested in swimming. At the pool we chatted with Faye who has a home here in the park.
When we were at Larry & Julie’s, we saw an ad for baby back ribs so we went to Safeway only to find out that the sale starts on Friday. Oh well, we got some steaks at a great price in their “use-by date nearing” bin and had a good dinner.
Neither of us slept well and finally at 4 am I told Terry he might as well turn on the TV. Sure enough, about ½ later he was sleeping again while I finally got to sleep about 6 and felt OK at 7:45 when we both woke up. Larry stopped by for coffee and picked up some tickets for all of us for a steak fry and entertainment later in the week.
After breakfast we went to register and were pleased that they didn’t charge us for last night. I think they were expecting quite a few rigs in today and were happy to get one out of the way early. I don’t like drinking tap water here so one of Terry’s chores is to ride his bike a few blocks and refill plastic water gallons for 25 cents each which he did this morning. Then we reuse water bottles as I hate throwing away dozens of plastic water bottles – and just as much hate throwing away the money to buy so many!
We finished setting up mats, tables & chairs and then went to get a burger for lunch. The Wendy’s we went to was amazingly inefficient but we finally got our food. Then it was off to the laundry room where we had the entire large facility to ourselves. After putting everything away and making the bed, we cooled off in the pool where we met a couple (Dennis & Susan) who are from the Seattle area and have a manufactured home in the Ranchos area of this park. They live here permanently and just leave for the two hottest summer months.
I caught up & posted the blog before we went to Larry & Julie’s for dinner. They put a ceiling fan in their carport/patio so we sat outside for drinks (mostly ice water!) and dinner.
Sept 20th – Tues – Mesa
After breakfast, we were heading for Camping World but got sidetracked at Big Lots & K-Mart along the way. K-Mart had a huge clearance with items at $3.99 so it took us quite a while to look through everything. Terry got 4 pairs of shorts and I got a couple of items. We got an estimate at Camping World to get a satellite dish installed on the roof and came back to the park.
The weather is continuing hot so we joined Larry & Julie in the pool and then they came over for dinner. Julie smokes so after a while inside, we moved outside where it wasn’t too bad in the shade if you didn’t move around too much. I served dinner inside and then we went back out for a nightcap of Fireball which turned into two and too much to drink again. Guess we are all slow learners.
Sept 21st – Wed – Mesa
We went to IHOP for breakfast and then stopped at Kohls where I finally did something I hate & tried on bras. I know – TMI!! But I did buy a couple that were on sale and used $15 in coupons so they weren’t obscenely expensive. When we got back, we changed into our bathing suits and checked with Larry & Julie who were still recovering from over-imbibing yesterday and not interested in swimming. At the pool we chatted with Faye who has a home here in the park.
When we were at Larry & Julie’s, we saw an ad for baby back ribs so we went to Safeway only to find out that the sale starts on Friday. Oh well, we got some steaks at a great price in their “use-by date nearing” bin and had a good dinner.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Sept 16th to 18th - San Diego to Mesa AZ
Sept 16th – Fri – San Diego
We decided to stay here a couple more days so we walked over and paid before we went to Balboa Park which is a very large “park” near downtown SD. It has 14 museums, 8 gardens, 6 performing arts centers, 8 cultural centers, restaurants and a visitor’s center. The San Diego Zoo is also a part of Balboa Park but we didn’t go there. We are not museum people but we went through one that was free – not our thing at all! The huge wood lath botanical building was lovely and we enjoyed the desert garden. Just wandering around in the perfect temperature and taking pictures was very enjoyable – more for me than Terry!
We went to Costco and had a late lunch there. Then we went to a couple of WalMarts looking for shorts for Terry. We bought him a pair in Yuma and he decided he really likes them but we didn’t find any here. Then it was back to the rig to watch TV, work on the computer and relax.
Sept 17th – Sat – San Diego
We used the computer to find the nearest Chev dealer, let Wanda direct us there and got DEF (diesel exhaust fluid) as a message told us we were low a few days ago. We looked for another casino but it turned out to be a card room so we returned to the Sycuan casino where I was so lucky. Neither of us was lucky this time but it took us several hours to lose our allowance.
We filled up with diesel and ran the truck through a wash on the way home. We didn’t have lunch so I made an early dinner when we got back and then we did some chores so we can leave early tomorrow.
Sept 18th – Sun – to Mesa AZ
We are really loving Wanda after spending 5 days on the San Diego freeways and the trip out of the city was easy. It helped that it was Sunday and there was no rush hour traffic when we left just before 8.
We stopped at the Quechan Casino in Yuma for breakfast (easy access, halfway through the trip, large parking lot) and spent a few dollars on the slots. We arrived at Val Vista Village at 3:30 and set up in site 115 where we will stay until Jan 2nd. We are actually a day early for the fall special but the park takes Passport America so we will pay ½ price for one night.
At 4:30 we packed up our “refreshment” cooler and rode our bikes to Larry & Julie’s park model. We helped put the deal together last year for them to buy it. They have been here for 2 weeks cleaning and moving in a truck load of stuff they brought from Spokane. We checked everything out, had a few drinks and went to Fat Willy’s for dinner about 7. There we each had a large beer with the food. We headed home when we got back from dinner (Terry only crashed once on his bike!) and hit the sack. We’d had way too much fun!!
We decided to stay here a couple more days so we walked over and paid before we went to Balboa Park which is a very large “park” near downtown SD. It has 14 museums, 8 gardens, 6 performing arts centers, 8 cultural centers, restaurants and a visitor’s center. The San Diego Zoo is also a part of Balboa Park but we didn’t go there. We are not museum people but we went through one that was free – not our thing at all! The huge wood lath botanical building was lovely and we enjoyed the desert garden. Just wandering around in the perfect temperature and taking pictures was very enjoyable – more for me than Terry!
We went to Costco and had a late lunch there. Then we went to a couple of WalMarts looking for shorts for Terry. We bought him a pair in Yuma and he decided he really likes them but we didn’t find any here. Then it was back to the rig to watch TV, work on the computer and relax.
Sept 17th – Sat – San Diego
We used the computer to find the nearest Chev dealer, let Wanda direct us there and got DEF (diesel exhaust fluid) as a message told us we were low a few days ago. We looked for another casino but it turned out to be a card room so we returned to the Sycuan casino where I was so lucky. Neither of us was lucky this time but it took us several hours to lose our allowance.
We filled up with diesel and ran the truck through a wash on the way home. We didn’t have lunch so I made an early dinner when we got back and then we did some chores so we can leave early tomorrow.
Sept 18th – Sun – to Mesa AZ
We are really loving Wanda after spending 5 days on the San Diego freeways and the trip out of the city was easy. It helped that it was Sunday and there was no rush hour traffic when we left just before 8.
We stopped at the Quechan Casino in Yuma for breakfast (easy access, halfway through the trip, large parking lot) and spent a few dollars on the slots. We arrived at Val Vista Village at 3:30 and set up in site 115 where we will stay until Jan 2nd. We are actually a day early for the fall special but the park takes Passport America so we will pay ½ price for one night.
At 4:30 we packed up our “refreshment” cooler and rode our bikes to Larry & Julie’s park model. We helped put the deal together last year for them to buy it. They have been here for 2 weeks cleaning and moving in a truck load of stuff they brought from Spokane. We checked everything out, had a few drinks and went to Fat Willy’s for dinner about 7. There we each had a large beer with the food. We headed home when we got back from dinner (Terry only crashed once on his bike!) and hit the sack. We’d had way too much fun!!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Sept 13th to 15th - San Diego
Sept 13th – Tues – to San Diego/Chula Vista CA
We researched RV parks in the San Diego area and decided that we didn’t want to spend a minimum of $44 per night for a site. Then I thought to look for Elks Lodges and found one in Chula Vista (just south of San Diego) for $23 a night.
We were waylaid by a casino about 60 miles from San Diego – can’t resist $10 free play – and arrived here about 1:00. We set up, had lunch and enjoyed the cooler weather while we deleted undesired channels from over 100 channels on cable TV. I washed the outside of all the windows that I can reach from the step stool which prompted Terry to clean the lower part of the 5th wheel. Then I spent time on the computer finding out what we might want to do here – and how much it is going to cost starting with $69.99 for SeaWorld.
Sept 14th – Wed – San Diego
We started with a visit to Costco to see if they had a discount card for San Diego attractions but they don’t have it right now. Then we stopped at a tourist center and got a lot of information. We drove a bit south and then up the Silver Strand Blvd to Coronado where we walked around the town for a while.
We were going to grab some lunch until we saw the line and kept on going to another casino. At the first machine that I chose, Terry asked me why I was playing it as it was not a usual choice. We were really happy with the result in a short time as I won a bonus of $1,050.00!! It was so exciting! Our luck did not continue so we had lunch and then went to another casino and didn’t do well there. By now it was time to head home and relax.
The weather is very nice here. We are so delighted to not have the AC running day & night.
Sept 15th – Thurs – San Diego
After breakfast, we went to SeaWorld which is one of the most talked about San Diego attractions. We got a coupon for $20 off each entry so it “only” cost $99.98 for both of us after we paid $14 for parking. We watched a really fun sea lion show and then went immediately to get a good seat for the killer whale show which again was very good. The first 16 rows are in the “soak zone” and people really did get soaked. I would like to think that the whales get a kick out of splashing people as they did a good job.
Next we got a mediocre hamburger & sandwich and shared a bottle of water for lunch which only cost $25.50! How do families afford outings like this? Then we spent more hours wandering around, took a little “gondola” ride and a ride up a huge tower in a revolving, closed platform. When we got out after sitting in the truck on the way back, we certainly knew we had stood and walked a lot today.
We researched RV parks in the San Diego area and decided that we didn’t want to spend a minimum of $44 per night for a site. Then I thought to look for Elks Lodges and found one in Chula Vista (just south of San Diego) for $23 a night.
We were waylaid by a casino about 60 miles from San Diego – can’t resist $10 free play – and arrived here about 1:00. We set up, had lunch and enjoyed the cooler weather while we deleted undesired channels from over 100 channels on cable TV. I washed the outside of all the windows that I can reach from the step stool which prompted Terry to clean the lower part of the 5th wheel. Then I spent time on the computer finding out what we might want to do here – and how much it is going to cost starting with $69.99 for SeaWorld.
Sept 14th – Wed – San Diego
We started with a visit to Costco to see if they had a discount card for San Diego attractions but they don’t have it right now. Then we stopped at a tourist center and got a lot of information. We drove a bit south and then up the Silver Strand Blvd to Coronado where we walked around the town for a while.
We were going to grab some lunch until we saw the line and kept on going to another casino. At the first machine that I chose, Terry asked me why I was playing it as it was not a usual choice. We were really happy with the result in a short time as I won a bonus of $1,050.00!! It was so exciting! Our luck did not continue so we had lunch and then went to another casino and didn’t do well there. By now it was time to head home and relax.
The weather is very nice here. We are so delighted to not have the AC running day & night.
Sept 15th – Thurs – San Diego
After breakfast, we went to SeaWorld which is one of the most talked about San Diego attractions. We got a coupon for $20 off each entry so it “only” cost $99.98 for both of us after we paid $14 for parking. We watched a really fun sea lion show and then went immediately to get a good seat for the killer whale show which again was very good. The first 16 rows are in the “soak zone” and people really did get soaked. I would like to think that the whales get a kick out of splashing people as they did a good job.
Next we got a mediocre hamburger & sandwich and shared a bottle of water for lunch which only cost $25.50! How do families afford outings like this? Then we spent more hours wandering around, took a little “gondola” ride and a ride up a huge tower in a revolving, closed platform. When we got out after sitting in the truck on the way back, we certainly knew we had stood and walked a lot today.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Sept 10th to 12th - Yuma
Sept 10th – Sat – Yuma
After we got going this morning we did laundry here in the park. The laundry room is not air conditioned so we went to the library and finished a jigsaw puzzle while the clothes were washing. Then we went shopping and I found a bathing suit and a pair of shorts for Terry. Not much to show for all the time we spent.
We went to Lutes Casino (which is not a casino) for a late lunch. Next was a stop at WalMart for a few groceries and then home.
By now it was time to cool off with a frozen margarita. Since lunch was so late, we had chocolate & watermelon for dinner.
It was quite breezy all day which blew a lot of dust everywhere. We considered washing the truck but figured it wouldn’t stay clean long enough to make it worth the effort.
Sept 11th – Sun – Yuma
After coffee and a late breakfast, I put a roast in the crock pot and we went shopping. I have been wanting to make a runner for the dining table so we headed for Joann Fabrics. Before we got there, I decided to stop at Bed Bath & Beyond for ideas. We ended up buying a runner and a placemat so I could make some modifications to the runner. When we got back, we decided that it wasn’t going to work so we went back to BB&B to exchange the runner for a shorter one and get more placemats.
The rest of the afternoon was lazy. We had an early dinner and went to the pool about 7:30. The maintenance people had done their magic with the cold water exchange and the pool was quite a bit cooler than it has been. Terry only waded in to his waist and then went in the hot tub while I enjoyed the insulating effect of my fat reserves and floated around the pool.
Sept 12th – Mon – Yuma
Another “coffee & later breakfast” morning. I altered the runner for the table and then vacuumed while Terry moved the furniture for me. I did other miscellaneous cleaning while Terry emptied tanks and flushed the black tank. Lovely, domestic chores!
We went to WalMart for groceries and checked out Smart & Final for baby backs but they didn’t have a good price on them today. They did have boneless, skinless chicken breasts at 50% off which I took advantage of. The sell-by date is today but I will freeze them anyhow.
After I put away groceries and packaged the chicken for the freezer, I made an early dinner since we skipped lunch again.
Terry had to move the truck for a motor home to back in next door but it was too big for the site just like we were so he moved across the street. Then about ½ hour later he pulled out and headed towards the office – not sure what happened with the other site. At the same time that he pulled in, a wind & thunder storm came up and dust & leaves were blowing everywhere. We took out the garbage and saw drifts of dirt in the corners of the pool.
I spent time this morning unsuccessfully trying to identify the large trees in the RV park by searching the internet. We stopped at the office to ask and they said they were Fica trees. Not ficus as he spelled it for me. Will have to look it up.
After we got going this morning we did laundry here in the park. The laundry room is not air conditioned so we went to the library and finished a jigsaw puzzle while the clothes were washing. Then we went shopping and I found a bathing suit and a pair of shorts for Terry. Not much to show for all the time we spent.
We went to Lutes Casino (which is not a casino) for a late lunch. Next was a stop at WalMart for a few groceries and then home.
By now it was time to cool off with a frozen margarita. Since lunch was so late, we had chocolate & watermelon for dinner.
It was quite breezy all day which blew a lot of dust everywhere. We considered washing the truck but figured it wouldn’t stay clean long enough to make it worth the effort.
Sept 11th – Sun – Yuma
After coffee and a late breakfast, I put a roast in the crock pot and we went shopping. I have been wanting to make a runner for the dining table so we headed for Joann Fabrics. Before we got there, I decided to stop at Bed Bath & Beyond for ideas. We ended up buying a runner and a placemat so I could make some modifications to the runner. When we got back, we decided that it wasn’t going to work so we went back to BB&B to exchange the runner for a shorter one and get more placemats.
The rest of the afternoon was lazy. We had an early dinner and went to the pool about 7:30. The maintenance people had done their magic with the cold water exchange and the pool was quite a bit cooler than it has been. Terry only waded in to his waist and then went in the hot tub while I enjoyed the insulating effect of my fat reserves and floated around the pool.
Sept 12th – Mon – Yuma
Another “coffee & later breakfast” morning. I altered the runner for the table and then vacuumed while Terry moved the furniture for me. I did other miscellaneous cleaning while Terry emptied tanks and flushed the black tank. Lovely, domestic chores!
We went to WalMart for groceries and checked out Smart & Final for baby backs but they didn’t have a good price on them today. They did have boneless, skinless chicken breasts at 50% off which I took advantage of. The sell-by date is today but I will freeze them anyhow.
After I put away groceries and packaged the chicken for the freezer, I made an early dinner since we skipped lunch again.
Terry had to move the truck for a motor home to back in next door but it was too big for the site just like we were so he moved across the street. Then about ½ hour later he pulled out and headed towards the office – not sure what happened with the other site. At the same time that he pulled in, a wind & thunder storm came up and dust & leaves were blowing everywhere. We took out the garbage and saw drifts of dirt in the corners of the pool.
I spent time this morning unsuccessfully trying to identify the large trees in the RV park by searching the internet. We stopped at the office to ask and they said they were Fica trees. Not ficus as he spelled it for me. Will have to look it up.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Sept 6th to 9th - Yuma
Sept 6th – Tues – Yuma AZ
Terry was wide awake about 3:30 and I finally told him to turn on the TV about 5. We were on the road just after 7 for a nearly 300 mile drive to Yuma. The last couple of times that we went through Tucson, there was a lot of construction on freeways. That is all done now and it was an easy trip past the city even though it was rush hour.
We are at the Rivers Edge RV resort in Winterhaven. As the name indicates, it is right on the Colorado River but the best thing is huge trees lining the rows of RV sites. There were actually too many low branches in the first site we were assigned so we checked with the office and moved to the neighboring site. After a late lunch, we went to WalMart for some groceries & inexpensive AZ liquor.
We put everything away and then went to a casino which is probably too close to the RV park. It is being remodeled so that will discourage us from visiting too often. The bad news is that the other casino is also close to this park!! I sent an email yesterday to the dentist in Algodones and have not received an answer yet so we might just have to make a trip there and find out what is going on.
Sept 7th – Wed – Yuma
Still no email answer from Algodones so after cinnamon rolls for breakfast, we drove to the border with the thought that we would go see if the dentist is even open at this time of year. There were so few cars in the parking lot that Terry decided he didn’t want us to be the only 2 tourists in town and turned around. Of course the 2nd casino is on the way back so we had to check it out. We stayed for several hours before finally giving up our allowances.
When we were driving here, I noticed in the mirror that the wheel well trim was vibrating too much. We checked and found a broken stabilizing strut so we went to Home Depot for some metal to replace it. Then a stop at Fry’s for margarita mix & tequila as we really enjoyed the drinks that Brenda brought over.
As we knew it would be, it is very hot here so we headed to the pool. The water is just cool enough to be refreshing. A guy came by and said every 3 days or so they drain the pool down a couple of feet and add the coldest water they can get – make that the coolest water.
Sept 8th – Thurs – Yuma
I talked Terry into getting up early and going for a walk around the campground. We weren’t quite early enough as the sun had just come up and it was warm already. There are a lot of areas along the river that campers have fixed up with pavers, fire pits & benches so it looks like a lot of the winter visitors gather there.
When we got back, Terry made & put on the new stabilizing struts. He replaced one that was not broken as the new ones he made are sturdier. I took the opportunity to clean the air conditioning filter and outlet. A couple of parts are removable but one grid had to be cleaned one little square at a time – no wonder I don’t do it more often.
After a late breakfast, we went to the third casino in Yuma. As often happens, I played a long time on the first half of my money and the second half disappeared in a hurry. Terry did a little better. At 4 we had an early dinner at the casino restaurant which was very reasonably priced thanks to a $3 off coupon for each of us.
We went to the pool again to cool off. It is a huge pool but only 5 feet at the deep end. I don’t know who would use the large expanse of 3 to 4 foot depths.
Sept 9th – Fri – Yuma
Terry is still waking up quite early so he gets up & plays computer games so I can sleep a little longer. I am quite liking it! Then I laze around in my PJs, have coffee & read for a while. (Sound familiar, Pat?) The walk yesterday was too hot to repeat it.
We had our mail forwarded so we walked to the office to pick it up and then went through it all. Next was a trip to get my hair cut. I decided WalMart was OK but I sure was wrong this time. I am pretty much scalped and am happy that we won’t be seeing anyone we know soon! We made a few stops looking for a bathing suit for me. Terry was actually willing to go to some more stores but I wasn’t in much of a mood to try on more suits so we came back and tested the frozen margaritas.
Later in the evening, there were flash flood warnings for La Paz & Yuma AZ counties. I did mention that we staying right on the Colorado River and La Paz county is upriver from us! The river would have to rise many feet to be a danger however.
Terry was wide awake about 3:30 and I finally told him to turn on the TV about 5. We were on the road just after 7 for a nearly 300 mile drive to Yuma. The last couple of times that we went through Tucson, there was a lot of construction on freeways. That is all done now and it was an easy trip past the city even though it was rush hour.
We are at the Rivers Edge RV resort in Winterhaven. As the name indicates, it is right on the Colorado River but the best thing is huge trees lining the rows of RV sites. There were actually too many low branches in the first site we were assigned so we checked with the office and moved to the neighboring site. After a late lunch, we went to WalMart for some groceries & inexpensive AZ liquor.
We put everything away and then went to a casino which is probably too close to the RV park. It is being remodeled so that will discourage us from visiting too often. The bad news is that the other casino is also close to this park!! I sent an email yesterday to the dentist in Algodones and have not received an answer yet so we might just have to make a trip there and find out what is going on.
Sept 7th – Wed – Yuma
Still no email answer from Algodones so after cinnamon rolls for breakfast, we drove to the border with the thought that we would go see if the dentist is even open at this time of year. There were so few cars in the parking lot that Terry decided he didn’t want us to be the only 2 tourists in town and turned around. Of course the 2nd casino is on the way back so we had to check it out. We stayed for several hours before finally giving up our allowances.
When we were driving here, I noticed in the mirror that the wheel well trim was vibrating too much. We checked and found a broken stabilizing strut so we went to Home Depot for some metal to replace it. Then a stop at Fry’s for margarita mix & tequila as we really enjoyed the drinks that Brenda brought over.
As we knew it would be, it is very hot here so we headed to the pool. The water is just cool enough to be refreshing. A guy came by and said every 3 days or so they drain the pool down a couple of feet and add the coldest water they can get – make that the coolest water.
Sept 8th – Thurs – Yuma
I talked Terry into getting up early and going for a walk around the campground. We weren’t quite early enough as the sun had just come up and it was warm already. There are a lot of areas along the river that campers have fixed up with pavers, fire pits & benches so it looks like a lot of the winter visitors gather there.
When we got back, Terry made & put on the new stabilizing struts. He replaced one that was not broken as the new ones he made are sturdier. I took the opportunity to clean the air conditioning filter and outlet. A couple of parts are removable but one grid had to be cleaned one little square at a time – no wonder I don’t do it more often.
After a late breakfast, we went to the third casino in Yuma. As often happens, I played a long time on the first half of my money and the second half disappeared in a hurry. Terry did a little better. At 4 we had an early dinner at the casino restaurant which was very reasonably priced thanks to a $3 off coupon for each of us.
We went to the pool again to cool off. It is a huge pool but only 5 feet at the deep end. I don’t know who would use the large expanse of 3 to 4 foot depths.
Sept 9th – Fri – Yuma
Terry is still waking up quite early so he gets up & plays computer games so I can sleep a little longer. I am quite liking it! Then I laze around in my PJs, have coffee & read for a while. (Sound familiar, Pat?) The walk yesterday was too hot to repeat it.
We had our mail forwarded so we walked to the office to pick it up and then went through it all. Next was a trip to get my hair cut. I decided WalMart was OK but I sure was wrong this time. I am pretty much scalped and am happy that we won’t be seeing anyone we know soon! We made a few stops looking for a bathing suit for me. Terry was actually willing to go to some more stores but I wasn’t in much of a mood to try on more suits so we came back and tested the frozen margaritas.
Later in the evening, there were flash flood warnings for La Paz & Yuma AZ counties. I did mention that we staying right on the Colorado River and La Paz county is upriver from us! The river would have to rise many feet to be a danger however.
Tuesday, September 06, 2011
Sept 3rd to 5th - San Antonio to Benson AZ
Sept 3rd – Sat – San Antonio
We got up reasonably early and headed to a large flea market – Trader’s Village. The idea was to get there before it got too hot but that didn’t work as it was sweltering by 9. We have been to a Trader’s Village in Ft. Worth but this one is brand new and quite a bit nicer. We spent some time chatting with a couple who make & sell craft items, mainly wood. They rent their space which has pull down doors so they don’t have to set up & break down every weekend. We bought a few items but didn’t stay for salsa dance lessons.
On the way back, we stopped at another open air market but it didn’t take us long to realize there was nothing there that we were remotely interested in looking at let alone buying. By now it was after 12 so we headed to IHOP for breakfast and then back to the park.
I posted my blog and we watched TV before deciding that the pool would feel really good. We ended up staying for about an hour and talking with a couple from Houston. Then the familiar drinks, dinner & TV.
Sept 4th – Sun – to Balmorhea TX
We left at 8 to start heading out of Texas. We decided to go to Yuma and visit the dentist and a dermatologist in Algodones – and once Terry has a destination he is on the way!
We are kind of in the middle of nowhere on I10. We stopped at a PA park for $10 a night. Another rig pulled in behind us and the lady said we had met on the highway – which was correct, we passed them twice as we stopped once for diesel. After we set up, Terry went over and asked them (Doug & Brenda) to come over for a drink. They hadn’t had any lunch so we chatted for a bit and Brenda said she would start dinner and make frozen margaritas for all of us. I had some Chinese pork sliced when they came over, then they went back for dinner and we had just finished some leftovers when Brenda came back with a notebook to write down some of the places we told them about. They are from the very southern part of Louisiana (Houma) and are just starting on a trip to Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon and Utah. They are proud to be Cajuns and took my teasing about their accents with a laugh. We talked non-stop until nearly 10 and hugged good-bye with promises to try to get together sometime.
Sept 5th – Mon – to Benson AZ
It was pretty much a long boring drive today. We left at 8, stopped a couple of times for diesel and stopped for a late lunch. We wanted fuel where we stopped last night but it was $4.21 a gallon. 30 miles down the road it was $3.80.
We are at a PA park in Benson but it isn’t much to speak of. It is just far enough off the freeway so you don’t hear much traffic noise. The good thing is it has cable TV which suited us just fine as all we wanted to do was relax as we don’t usually drive so long in a day.
We came back into Mountain time zone and since Arizona doesn’t go on daylight savings time, we gained 2 hours and were going to bed just after 7 – by the clock, not by our bodies.
We got up reasonably early and headed to a large flea market – Trader’s Village. The idea was to get there before it got too hot but that didn’t work as it was sweltering by 9. We have been to a Trader’s Village in Ft. Worth but this one is brand new and quite a bit nicer. We spent some time chatting with a couple who make & sell craft items, mainly wood. They rent their space which has pull down doors so they don’t have to set up & break down every weekend. We bought a few items but didn’t stay for salsa dance lessons.
On the way back, we stopped at another open air market but it didn’t take us long to realize there was nothing there that we were remotely interested in looking at let alone buying. By now it was after 12 so we headed to IHOP for breakfast and then back to the park.
I posted my blog and we watched TV before deciding that the pool would feel really good. We ended up staying for about an hour and talking with a couple from Houston. Then the familiar drinks, dinner & TV.
Sept 4th – Sun – to Balmorhea TX
We left at 8 to start heading out of Texas. We decided to go to Yuma and visit the dentist and a dermatologist in Algodones – and once Terry has a destination he is on the way!
We are kind of in the middle of nowhere on I10. We stopped at a PA park for $10 a night. Another rig pulled in behind us and the lady said we had met on the highway – which was correct, we passed them twice as we stopped once for diesel. After we set up, Terry went over and asked them (Doug & Brenda) to come over for a drink. They hadn’t had any lunch so we chatted for a bit and Brenda said she would start dinner and make frozen margaritas for all of us. I had some Chinese pork sliced when they came over, then they went back for dinner and we had just finished some leftovers when Brenda came back with a notebook to write down some of the places we told them about. They are from the very southern part of Louisiana (Houma) and are just starting on a trip to Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon and Utah. They are proud to be Cajuns and took my teasing about their accents with a laugh. We talked non-stop until nearly 10 and hugged good-bye with promises to try to get together sometime.
Sept 5th – Mon – to Benson AZ
It was pretty much a long boring drive today. We left at 8, stopped a couple of times for diesel and stopped for a late lunch. We wanted fuel where we stopped last night but it was $4.21 a gallon. 30 miles down the road it was $3.80.
We are at a PA park in Benson but it isn’t much to speak of. It is just far enough off the freeway so you don’t hear much traffic noise. The good thing is it has cable TV which suited us just fine as all we wanted to do was relax as we don’t usually drive so long in a day.
We came back into Mountain time zone and since Arizona doesn’t go on daylight savings time, we gained 2 hours and were going to bed just after 7 – by the clock, not by our bodies.
Saturday, September 03, 2011
Aug 31st to Sept 2nd - San Antonio
Aug 31st – Wed – San Antonio
After a lazy morning with coffee and then breakfast, we went to find a Camping World which turned out to be 40 miles north in New Braunfels. The freeways the entire way are lined with businesses so it seems like San Antonio doesn’t quit even though there are smaller municipalities in between.
We got a quote for a satellite system in our 5th wheel, reeled with shock and said “no thanks, not right now”. Even though the rig is wired for satellite, they said they put in their own wiring as there are too many times when staples and screws are run through the wiring which causes lots of troubleshooting time. We stopped at WalMart for a few groceries on the way back.
There is a “book trading” library here so I browsed through it and exchanged half a dozen books. The rest of the afternoon & evening was spent trying to keep cool (the pool helps), having dinner and watching TV.
Sept 1st – Thurs – San Antonio
Lounging in my PJs in the morning is getting to be a habit! This morning I sorted through paperwork and dealt with most of it by tossing, filing or getting on the computer. After a late breakfast, I gathered up the laundry and we went to the laundry room here at the park. Of course we hit it with all the washers in use. I borrowed a magazine from the lounge and waited, so no one else would slip in before us, and got all the washing started. There were lots of dryers so no wait for them and then we put everything away and made the bed.
Terry had his mouth set on baby backs for dinner so we made a trip to an H.E.B. grocery store. The chain is all over in this area but we haven’t been to one and wanted to check it out. The one we went to is huge and includes all the non-grocery items common in big chain stores. It was very busy and had a most confusing check-out area but we got our ribs and a few other items.
There was no way I was going to boil ribs inside and put all that humidity into the air so Terry set up the stove & BBQ on a picnic table. Then he figured he should keep an eye on the stove so he got out a chair and sat in the shade – which is still very hot – while the ribs boiled and then while they were on the BBQ. I enjoyed my book and made the rest of dinner inside.
About 8 we decided it would be nice to cool off in the pool. This time there were several others also enjoying a swim. We stayed just long enough to cool off.
Sept 2nd – Fri – San Antonio
This morning I took time to do some cleaning that rarely gets done and then made breakfast before we went for a drive. We stopped at a few stores in a futile search for a swim suit for me.
Back at the rig we decided to scan more photos into the computer. This hot weather gives “rainy day activity” a new meaning! We were so close to finishing the album that we worked until 6:30 to finish it and did 514 pictures. After dinner I turned all the pictures the right way up while Terry was taking a nap.
After a lazy morning with coffee and then breakfast, we went to find a Camping World which turned out to be 40 miles north in New Braunfels. The freeways the entire way are lined with businesses so it seems like San Antonio doesn’t quit even though there are smaller municipalities in between.
We got a quote for a satellite system in our 5th wheel, reeled with shock and said “no thanks, not right now”. Even though the rig is wired for satellite, they said they put in their own wiring as there are too many times when staples and screws are run through the wiring which causes lots of troubleshooting time. We stopped at WalMart for a few groceries on the way back.
There is a “book trading” library here so I browsed through it and exchanged half a dozen books. The rest of the afternoon & evening was spent trying to keep cool (the pool helps), having dinner and watching TV.
Sept 1st – Thurs – San Antonio
Lounging in my PJs in the morning is getting to be a habit! This morning I sorted through paperwork and dealt with most of it by tossing, filing or getting on the computer. After a late breakfast, I gathered up the laundry and we went to the laundry room here at the park. Of course we hit it with all the washers in use. I borrowed a magazine from the lounge and waited, so no one else would slip in before us, and got all the washing started. There were lots of dryers so no wait for them and then we put everything away and made the bed.
Terry had his mouth set on baby backs for dinner so we made a trip to an H.E.B. grocery store. The chain is all over in this area but we haven’t been to one and wanted to check it out. The one we went to is huge and includes all the non-grocery items common in big chain stores. It was very busy and had a most confusing check-out area but we got our ribs and a few other items.
There was no way I was going to boil ribs inside and put all that humidity into the air so Terry set up the stove & BBQ on a picnic table. Then he figured he should keep an eye on the stove so he got out a chair and sat in the shade – which is still very hot – while the ribs boiled and then while they were on the BBQ. I enjoyed my book and made the rest of dinner inside.
About 8 we decided it would be nice to cool off in the pool. This time there were several others also enjoying a swim. We stayed just long enough to cool off.
Sept 2nd – Fri – San Antonio
This morning I took time to do some cleaning that rarely gets done and then made breakfast before we went for a drive. We stopped at a few stores in a futile search for a swim suit for me.
Back at the rig we decided to scan more photos into the computer. This hot weather gives “rainy day activity” a new meaning! We were so close to finishing the album that we worked until 6:30 to finish it and did 514 pictures. After dinner I turned all the pictures the right way up while Terry was taking a nap.
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