Dec 29th – Thurs
We started the day with a visit to the laundry room. While the clothes were washing, we walked around to see some people. When everything was put away it was time to go to the courtyard again for an early lunch. The grill has a fairly large menu, a daily special and pretty good food. Their chicken strips, hamburgers, fries & onion rings are very good. Today we were joined by Dennis & Gloria.
We went to WalMart looking for socks for me but their display is more than half empty. They won’t be restocking until after inventory so I will have to look later. Shortly after we got back we went to the courtyard to get a table to listen to music. A popular group was playing at 3 and even at 2:20 there were a lot of people there. We were joined by Duane & Sue, Bob & Maria, Erika and Ron & Terri who just got back today.
Duane, Sue & Terry came up with a plan to have dinner at Duane & Sue’s. They provided steak, baked potatoes & veggies and we brought a salad, wine and Texas toast. We played a game of Canasta which the guys won with a lot of luck getting the right cards!
Dec 30th – Fri
It was another beautiful morning to play bocce ball. There were 32 people which meant 8 players on a couple of courts since there are only 6 courts. I made breakfast for lunch when we got back. Terry was packing stuff up outside and I finally did some cleaning.
We returned chairs that we borrowed from Julie the whole time we were here and went to get propane. Then it was lazy time until we joined Ron & Terri for a drink in the last of the sunshine of the day. We picked up them and Dennis & Gloria to go the Eastern Super Buffet for dinner which was delicious as usual.
We are leaving tomorrow morning for Desert Hot Springs and staying with Clem & Marlene in Quartzsite for one night on the way which is why I am posting just 2 days on the blog. HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone – my next post will be in 2012.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Dec 26th to 28th - Mesa
Dec 26th – Mon
We skipped bocce ball again and rode our bikes around to do some errands in the park before going shopping. Yes, the day after Christmas is a dumb day to go shopping!! We went to Total Wine to stock up on inexpensive booze as it costs more in California. We made a stop at Costco for coffee and grabbed a hot dog for lunch. Then it was on to the mall and JC Penneys where I spent a lot of time finding a light jacket and a couple of shirts.
At 4 we went to a pot luck organized by Glo and held in a room in the clubhouse. There were about 20 people and we played games before & after eating. The gathering broke up before 7 so Dennis & Gloria came over for a game of Canasta which the guys won.
Dec 27th – Tues
The weather is beautiful right now which is fortunate as we set up an outside party for tonight. I made some more candy coated pretzels and our neighbors Jerry & Erika helped us set up some chairs & tables. Then Sue, Erika & I decided to go shopping as Sue had missed out on the “spend $25, get $10 off” at Penneys. Sue & Erika both bought items at Penneys but I didn’t find anything else. At Stein Mart I got some shoes and Erika got a great little jacket & jeans. It was a lot of fun.
When Terry first invited people for our party, he said 5:00 but we changed it to 6:00. Unfortunately, we didn’t know where one couple live to tell them the change so Mel & Wanda showed up at 5 – no big deal as others showed up before 6.
We set out 5 buddy burners which were ignored for a while as everyone stood around in groups chatting and then eating all the snacks that everyone brought. Duane started playing his guitar & singing and Henry showed up a bit later to join him. We actually let them take a break and enjoy the mulled wine that Jerry brought out again. Ernie & Dianne came late and added another guitar to the group. By now it was getting fairly cold so the last partyers helped us clean up a bit and left about 10:30.
We counted 45 people including us so it was fairly loud group. We warned the manager beforehand that we were having a party with buddy burners in case someone reported a fire again. All our immediate neighbors attended or were invited so we didn’t worry about the noise.
Dec 28th – Wed
We played bocce ball this morning and it was so warm that I wished I had worn short sleeves instead of a light sweatshirt. We played with Dennis & Gloria and had 2 close games with each team (Terry & Gloria, Dennis & I) winning one game. We stopped at the courtyard on the way back for lunch at the grill and were joined by Ron & Rea.
As we were riding our bikes back, we saw a special “motorcycle” (Stallion) that Terry loves so he flagged down the driver when he came back and we chatted with him for a while. We were at Duane & Sue’s at the time and Ernie & Dianne stopped to see the bike also so we had a little visit with them.
We packed up our minimal Christmas decorations and Terry returned chairs, etc and organized the storage areas while I read for a while. I printed out a coupon for Kohl’s and was still looking for underwear so we went to a different store. In the time it took me to sort through the racks of underwear to find the right style & size, Terry picked up 4 shirts. We were surprised to see an additional 15% senior discount added to the coupon 15%. Then I had a $10 certificate from a previous purchase so the trip was worthwhile.
We went to a Watering Hole (dance) from 4 to 6 and then took it easy for the rest of the evening.
We skipped bocce ball again and rode our bikes around to do some errands in the park before going shopping. Yes, the day after Christmas is a dumb day to go shopping!! We went to Total Wine to stock up on inexpensive booze as it costs more in California. We made a stop at Costco for coffee and grabbed a hot dog for lunch. Then it was on to the mall and JC Penneys where I spent a lot of time finding a light jacket and a couple of shirts.
At 4 we went to a pot luck organized by Glo and held in a room in the clubhouse. There were about 20 people and we played games before & after eating. The gathering broke up before 7 so Dennis & Gloria came over for a game of Canasta which the guys won.
Dec 27th – Tues
The weather is beautiful right now which is fortunate as we set up an outside party for tonight. I made some more candy coated pretzels and our neighbors Jerry & Erika helped us set up some chairs & tables. Then Sue, Erika & I decided to go shopping as Sue had missed out on the “spend $25, get $10 off” at Penneys. Sue & Erika both bought items at Penneys but I didn’t find anything else. At Stein Mart I got some shoes and Erika got a great little jacket & jeans. It was a lot of fun.
When Terry first invited people for our party, he said 5:00 but we changed it to 6:00. Unfortunately, we didn’t know where one couple live to tell them the change so Mel & Wanda showed up at 5 – no big deal as others showed up before 6.
We set out 5 buddy burners which were ignored for a while as everyone stood around in groups chatting and then eating all the snacks that everyone brought. Duane started playing his guitar & singing and Henry showed up a bit later to join him. We actually let them take a break and enjoy the mulled wine that Jerry brought out again. Ernie & Dianne came late and added another guitar to the group. By now it was getting fairly cold so the last partyers helped us clean up a bit and left about 10:30.
We counted 45 people including us so it was fairly loud group. We warned the manager beforehand that we were having a party with buddy burners in case someone reported a fire again. All our immediate neighbors attended or were invited so we didn’t worry about the noise.
Dec 28th – Wed
We played bocce ball this morning and it was so warm that I wished I had worn short sleeves instead of a light sweatshirt. We played with Dennis & Gloria and had 2 close games with each team (Terry & Gloria, Dennis & I) winning one game. We stopped at the courtyard on the way back for lunch at the grill and were joined by Ron & Rea.
As we were riding our bikes back, we saw a special “motorcycle” (Stallion) that Terry loves so he flagged down the driver when he came back and we chatted with him for a while. We were at Duane & Sue’s at the time and Ernie & Dianne stopped to see the bike also so we had a little visit with them.
We packed up our minimal Christmas decorations and Terry returned chairs, etc and organized the storage areas while I read for a while. I printed out a coupon for Kohl’s and was still looking for underwear so we went to a different store. In the time it took me to sort through the racks of underwear to find the right style & size, Terry picked up 4 shirts. We were surprised to see an additional 15% senior discount added to the coupon 15%. Then I had a $10 certificate from a previous purchase so the trip was worthwhile.
We went to a Watering Hole (dance) from 4 to 6 and then took it easy for the rest of the evening.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Dec 23rd to 25th - Mesa
Dec 23rd – Fri
The sun was shining but there was a breeze which made it too cool for us wimps to play bocce ball this morning. After breakfast we made another trip for groceries and then I finished up my baking.
We went to listen to music in the courtyard but the singer cancelled as it could not be moved inside and it gets too cool by 5 when it finishes. After dinner we drove around and delivered plates of goodies to friends. We stopped for a while to visit with Phyllis and Terry fixed a light for her – turns out there were no bulbs in the fixture!!
At 9, Neal called to see if we were home and he & Robin came over. They had just finished playing poker and Neal won so he was wound up. We decided to play cards and we taught them the new form of Canasta that we have been playing. The guys didn’t do too well and we finally decided to quit the second game after 2 hands as the guys were finally ahead and we were all tired since it was close to midnight.
Dec 24th – Sat
Duane & Sue dropped in for a mid-morning chat. Shortly after they left, Dennis & Gloria took a break from a walk and stopped to see us.
Then we finally got moving and went shopping for groceries and to find a new pot for melting wax. After I dealt with the groceries, we took Erika for a walk to see the tortoises. It was too cool and they were both sleeping in one house. We continued walking and showed Erika some amenities in the park that she had missed on her many walks. Jerry was making lemon & orange juice so we all sat in the sun and had vodka & fresh OJ when we got back.
By now it was past time to join Duane & Sue for a drink. As soon as the sun disappeared we moved inside. Terry & Duane initiated our new wax pot and filled Duane’s new buddy burner. After Sue’s appetizers were gone, we decided to put together a shared dinner to continue a fun evening.
Dec 25th – MERRY CHRISTMAS
I had just finished showering about 9 when Duane knocked on the door to deliver some warm scones for our breakfast. Before I finished getting ready, the water in the park was shut off. We have a nearly full tank of fresh water so we turned on our water pump and carried on. We figured it might be a problem for people in park models who were making Christmas breakfasts & dinners.
Gloria called to ask us over for coffee so I cut short a phone call to Marg, finished mixing up cookies to put in the fridge and we joined Dennis & Gloria sitting in the sun in front of their place. The water in the park came back on when we were there having coffee.
When we got back, I baked & frosted the cookies and Terry continued his duel with games on the computer. I made mashed potatoes, put them in the crock pot and put together a big platter of goodies.
We went to Ernie & Dianne’s for dinner along with Dennis & Gloria, Garry & Steph, Dianne’s daughter Annette, her husband Mike and their kids Danni & Kayah. We ate dinner about 4 and it was nice enough to set the tables up in the carport. We all sat around and “digested” before having dessert. We got home just before 8 and Terry immediately got into bed to watch TV.
The sun was shining but there was a breeze which made it too cool for us wimps to play bocce ball this morning. After breakfast we made another trip for groceries and then I finished up my baking.
We went to listen to music in the courtyard but the singer cancelled as it could not be moved inside and it gets too cool by 5 when it finishes. After dinner we drove around and delivered plates of goodies to friends. We stopped for a while to visit with Phyllis and Terry fixed a light for her – turns out there were no bulbs in the fixture!!
At 9, Neal called to see if we were home and he & Robin came over. They had just finished playing poker and Neal won so he was wound up. We decided to play cards and we taught them the new form of Canasta that we have been playing. The guys didn’t do too well and we finally decided to quit the second game after 2 hands as the guys were finally ahead and we were all tired since it was close to midnight.
Dec 24th – Sat
Duane & Sue dropped in for a mid-morning chat. Shortly after they left, Dennis & Gloria took a break from a walk and stopped to see us.
Then we finally got moving and went shopping for groceries and to find a new pot for melting wax. After I dealt with the groceries, we took Erika for a walk to see the tortoises. It was too cool and they were both sleeping in one house. We continued walking and showed Erika some amenities in the park that she had missed on her many walks. Jerry was making lemon & orange juice so we all sat in the sun and had vodka & fresh OJ when we got back.
By now it was past time to join Duane & Sue for a drink. As soon as the sun disappeared we moved inside. Terry & Duane initiated our new wax pot and filled Duane’s new buddy burner. After Sue’s appetizers were gone, we decided to put together a shared dinner to continue a fun evening.
Dec 25th – MERRY CHRISTMAS
I had just finished showering about 9 when Duane knocked on the door to deliver some warm scones for our breakfast. Before I finished getting ready, the water in the park was shut off. We have a nearly full tank of fresh water so we turned on our water pump and carried on. We figured it might be a problem for people in park models who were making Christmas breakfasts & dinners.
Gloria called to ask us over for coffee so I cut short a phone call to Marg, finished mixing up cookies to put in the fridge and we joined Dennis & Gloria sitting in the sun in front of their place. The water in the park came back on when we were there having coffee.
When we got back, I baked & frosted the cookies and Terry continued his duel with games on the computer. I made mashed potatoes, put them in the crock pot and put together a big platter of goodies.
We went to Ernie & Dianne’s for dinner along with Dennis & Gloria, Garry & Steph, Dianne’s daughter Annette, her husband Mike and their kids Danni & Kayah. We ate dinner about 4 and it was nice enough to set the tables up in the carport. We all sat around and “digested” before having dessert. We got home just before 8 and Terry immediately got into bed to watch TV.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Dec 19th to 22nd - Mesa
Dec 19th – Mon
It was a little cool this morning but nicer at 10 to play bocce ball. I made breakfast for lunch and we were just finishing when Ernie & Dianne dropped by. After they left and I cleaned up the dishes, we went shopping as the cooler weather has made us realize we need more long pants. It took 3 stops to find jeans for both of us and a few groceries.
We were eating dinner at 5:30 when Dianne called to say their guests had moved to a condo and did we want to come over in an hour to play cards. Of course we did! We weren’t quite as late this time – we left at 12:30. The bad news is the guys won all 3 games!
Dec 20th – Tues
I got my hair cut at 9 and then we went to do laundry. I visited the library and worked on a puzzle while it was washing and Terry picked up our forwarded mail and got water. After putting everything away I thawed out the last of the pulled pork and made sandwiches for lunch.
We were to pick up Mike & Susie at the airport at 1:10 and they called at 12:50, just as we were leaving, to say that they were landing. We were just arriving at the airport when they called again to tell us which side of the terminal and we were able to circle to the north side and pick them right up.
Neal called as we were driving as asked if I could help Robin. She was in the park kitchen making cookies for an orphanage and people in the military. She didn’t want to ask for help so Neal took the initiative and I was happy to work with her for an hour and a half as she had to be out of the kitchen by 3. We worked non-stop and had it all cleaned up & loaded in her car just in time.
Gloria was having a drink with Terry when I got back. Dennis got a cold just as he was getting over 2 weeks of “intestinal distress” and Gloria had to get out of the house.
We got gussied up a bit and went to the ballroom for the park sponsored Christmas dinner. We had a nice prime rib dinner and then were entertained by “Mrs. Claus” which was fun.
Terry asked some people to come over afterwards so we got out the chairs & buddy burner. It was very pleasant to sit out with Duane & Henry on guitars providing the entertainment until 10:30. Luckily we have only one immediate neighbor who did not attend so we didn’t worry too much about noise.
Dec 21st – Wed
We played bocce ball at 10 and then went out for breakfast. We stopped for groceries on the way home so that I can do some Christmas baking.
First Dennis & Gloria then Mike & Susie and Duane & Sue stopped by to chat and it was nice enough to sit out in the sunshine. I did some baking, Terry printed personal cards for Ernie & Dianne and played computer games and we generally had a quiet late afternoon & evening.
Dec 22nd – Thurs
I continued with baking and Terry cussed out his favorite game on the computer as he couldn’t win today. I worked on our email Christmas card and finally got it sent to everyone.
Just before 3 we went to listen to music in the courtyard but were expecting it to be moved inside as it was fairly cool. A note on the door said it was outside so we came back to get warmer jackets and sat in the sun in the courtyard which was very pleasant. Our usual group was not there so we got to know Mel & Wanda and Iris & Chris a little better.
After dinner we went to Dennis & Gloria’s to play canasta with them and Duane & Sue. The women had all the luck and won 2 games. All of us except Duane have colds so when the cold meds wore off we all took turns coughing every time we laughed.
It was a little cool this morning but nicer at 10 to play bocce ball. I made breakfast for lunch and we were just finishing when Ernie & Dianne dropped by. After they left and I cleaned up the dishes, we went shopping as the cooler weather has made us realize we need more long pants. It took 3 stops to find jeans for both of us and a few groceries.
We were eating dinner at 5:30 when Dianne called to say their guests had moved to a condo and did we want to come over in an hour to play cards. Of course we did! We weren’t quite as late this time – we left at 12:30. The bad news is the guys won all 3 games!
Dec 20th – Tues
I got my hair cut at 9 and then we went to do laundry. I visited the library and worked on a puzzle while it was washing and Terry picked up our forwarded mail and got water. After putting everything away I thawed out the last of the pulled pork and made sandwiches for lunch.
We were to pick up Mike & Susie at the airport at 1:10 and they called at 12:50, just as we were leaving, to say that they were landing. We were just arriving at the airport when they called again to tell us which side of the terminal and we were able to circle to the north side and pick them right up.
Neal called as we were driving as asked if I could help Robin. She was in the park kitchen making cookies for an orphanage and people in the military. She didn’t want to ask for help so Neal took the initiative and I was happy to work with her for an hour and a half as she had to be out of the kitchen by 3. We worked non-stop and had it all cleaned up & loaded in her car just in time.
Gloria was having a drink with Terry when I got back. Dennis got a cold just as he was getting over 2 weeks of “intestinal distress” and Gloria had to get out of the house.
We got gussied up a bit and went to the ballroom for the park sponsored Christmas dinner. We had a nice prime rib dinner and then were entertained by “Mrs. Claus” which was fun.
Terry asked some people to come over afterwards so we got out the chairs & buddy burner. It was very pleasant to sit out with Duane & Henry on guitars providing the entertainment until 10:30. Luckily we have only one immediate neighbor who did not attend so we didn’t worry too much about noise.
Dec 21st – Wed
We played bocce ball at 10 and then went out for breakfast. We stopped for groceries on the way home so that I can do some Christmas baking.
First Dennis & Gloria then Mike & Susie and Duane & Sue stopped by to chat and it was nice enough to sit out in the sunshine. I did some baking, Terry printed personal cards for Ernie & Dianne and played computer games and we generally had a quiet late afternoon & evening.
Dec 22nd – Thurs
I continued with baking and Terry cussed out his favorite game on the computer as he couldn’t win today. I worked on our email Christmas card and finally got it sent to everyone.
Just before 3 we went to listen to music in the courtyard but were expecting it to be moved inside as it was fairly cool. A note on the door said it was outside so we came back to get warmer jackets and sat in the sun in the courtyard which was very pleasant. Our usual group was not there so we got to know Mel & Wanda and Iris & Chris a little better.
After dinner we went to Dennis & Gloria’s to play canasta with them and Duane & Sue. The women had all the luck and won 2 games. All of us except Duane have colds so when the cold meds wore off we all took turns coughing every time we laughed.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Dec 16th to 18th - Mesa
Dec 16th – Fri
Terry’s coughing didn’t totally disturb us until 6:30 so I gave him daytime cold capsules and we slept until 9. He went to a class on gambling tips and I updated the blog and started backing up pictures on the computer.
After a late breakfast, we rode to Dennis & Gloria’s to see their new name plaque in front of their park model and ended up chatting with them for a while. The weather was lovely so we rode around the park and stopped to talk with Duane, Sue & Bob.
Billy & Lauri saved seats for us at the “music in the courtyard moved into the ballroom” at 3 but there wasn’t a large crowd. After dinner, Dennis & Gloria and Dave & Glo came over to play Canasta. I hate to report that the guys won!
Dec 17th - Sat
Terry had another bad bout of coughing about 4 this morning and we finally got settled down with cold meds for him and Excedrin for my headache. This made us late getting up and going again but the calendar was pretty empty so that was no problem.
We went out for a late breakfast and stopped at a couple of swap meets on the way back as the weather was nice for wandering around. We went to some thrift stores and found bags to take our golf clubs on the plane when we go to Hawaii in January.
Clouds were moving in and the temperature was dropping by the time we got back so once more the awning was stored. Terry put steaks on the BBQ early so he could cook in the daylight and we were just finished eating when Duane & Sue stopped in to chat.
We went to a dance here at the park from 7 to 10. I was still coughing and congested so I encouraged Terry to dance with other women sometimes.
Dec 18th – Sun
I don’t know how Terry times his coughing until the morning hours – cold meds again at 6:30 and then a bit more sleep. After a while I made cinnamon rolls for breakfast.
The weather returned to cloudy & cool – rain overnight – so we had to make a trip to a casino. We played steadily for several hours before finally giving up our allowances and heading home. We picked up Duane & Sue and introduced them to Fat Willy’s for wings. TV & phone calls wrapped up the evening.
Terry’s coughing didn’t totally disturb us until 6:30 so I gave him daytime cold capsules and we slept until 9. He went to a class on gambling tips and I updated the blog and started backing up pictures on the computer.
After a late breakfast, we rode to Dennis & Gloria’s to see their new name plaque in front of their park model and ended up chatting with them for a while. The weather was lovely so we rode around the park and stopped to talk with Duane, Sue & Bob.
Billy & Lauri saved seats for us at the “music in the courtyard moved into the ballroom” at 3 but there wasn’t a large crowd. After dinner, Dennis & Gloria and Dave & Glo came over to play Canasta. I hate to report that the guys won!
Dec 17th - Sat
Terry had another bad bout of coughing about 4 this morning and we finally got settled down with cold meds for him and Excedrin for my headache. This made us late getting up and going again but the calendar was pretty empty so that was no problem.
We went out for a late breakfast and stopped at a couple of swap meets on the way back as the weather was nice for wandering around. We went to some thrift stores and found bags to take our golf clubs on the plane when we go to Hawaii in January.
Clouds were moving in and the temperature was dropping by the time we got back so once more the awning was stored. Terry put steaks on the BBQ early so he could cook in the daylight and we were just finished eating when Duane & Sue stopped in to chat.
We went to a dance here at the park from 7 to 10. I was still coughing and congested so I encouraged Terry to dance with other women sometimes.
Dec 18th – Sun
I don’t know how Terry times his coughing until the morning hours – cold meds again at 6:30 and then a bit more sleep. After a while I made cinnamon rolls for breakfast.
The weather returned to cloudy & cool – rain overnight – so we had to make a trip to a casino. We played steadily for several hours before finally giving up our allowances and heading home. We picked up Duane & Sue and introduced them to Fat Willy’s for wings. TV & phone calls wrapped up the evening.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Dec 13th to 15th - Mesa
Dec 13th – Tues
It is rainy again this morning. After breakfast we went to see how Dennis & Gloria are doing as Dennis has been sick for a couple of weeks. He is feeling better but still not 100% so he went to a doctor who recommended more tests (of course!) and gave him a stronger anti-diarrhea medication. Then we walked to Dan & Carol’s to deliver show tickets. We would normally ride our bikes but the seats are very wet as the rain started earlier than expected yesterday and I didn’t get the plastic bags on the seats.
We met Carol’s mother and visited with her & Carol. Dan arrived home, took his mother-in-law to the hairdresser and came back to chat with us. We were going to leave but it had started to rain again so we waited until Dan had to pick up his mother-in-law and he dropped us at home.
We hurried through the rain to listen to music in the ballroom at 3. At 5:15 Ernie & Dianne picked us up again for another trip to the Arizona Opry. The show tonight was Traditional Christmas and dinner was chicken. We had excellent seats and enjoyed the music performed by the multi-talented cast.
Dec 14th – Wed
I had a sore throat yesterday evening and it looks as if it’s the start of a cold. We had a lazy morning and I worked on the pictures on the computer after resting on the recliner and then the couch.
I took some cold capsules in time to feel human for a dance from 4 to 6 as we had already purchased tickets. Then Phyllis took us and Larry & Julie to dinner at the Duchess, a nearby bar/restaurant. Our neighbors last year walked there for dinner so they didn’t have to drive home after a couple of drinks. The food was ample and good.
Dec 15th – Thurs
Terry had coughing fits last night so it was another lazy morning and then a trip to get cold medication, a few groceries and DVDs to back up the pictures. When we got back, our neighbors Gerry & Erika were sitting out in the sun in an area protected from the slight breeze. We joined them and then Dennis & Gloria came over with drinks in hand. Duane & Sue walked by so we added them to the gathering.
At 4:30 or so we went with Duane & Sue to the Casino Arizona for another show. We went early enough to have a roast beef sub that is available most days in the entry area of the casino. It is a good deal for $5 for the sandwich, chips & au jus. We gambled a bit before lining up for show seating. The show this time was the Christmas edition with impersonators doing a good job of Elvis, Dean Martin, Shania Twain, Natalie Cole and The Four Tops.
When we were waiting for the show, we saw Neil & Robin who had just flown back from attending Neil’s father’s funeral in Omaha. Robin was on a winning streak and even after the show she was going strong. I lost my allowance and hung around with Robin before finding Terry and heading home.
It is rainy again this morning. After breakfast we went to see how Dennis & Gloria are doing as Dennis has been sick for a couple of weeks. He is feeling better but still not 100% so he went to a doctor who recommended more tests (of course!) and gave him a stronger anti-diarrhea medication. Then we walked to Dan & Carol’s to deliver show tickets. We would normally ride our bikes but the seats are very wet as the rain started earlier than expected yesterday and I didn’t get the plastic bags on the seats.
We met Carol’s mother and visited with her & Carol. Dan arrived home, took his mother-in-law to the hairdresser and came back to chat with us. We were going to leave but it had started to rain again so we waited until Dan had to pick up his mother-in-law and he dropped us at home.
We hurried through the rain to listen to music in the ballroom at 3. At 5:15 Ernie & Dianne picked us up again for another trip to the Arizona Opry. The show tonight was Traditional Christmas and dinner was chicken. We had excellent seats and enjoyed the music performed by the multi-talented cast.
Dec 14th – Wed
I had a sore throat yesterday evening and it looks as if it’s the start of a cold. We had a lazy morning and I worked on the pictures on the computer after resting on the recliner and then the couch.
I took some cold capsules in time to feel human for a dance from 4 to 6 as we had already purchased tickets. Then Phyllis took us and Larry & Julie to dinner at the Duchess, a nearby bar/restaurant. Our neighbors last year walked there for dinner so they didn’t have to drive home after a couple of drinks. The food was ample and good.
Dec 15th – Thurs
Terry had coughing fits last night so it was another lazy morning and then a trip to get cold medication, a few groceries and DVDs to back up the pictures. When we got back, our neighbors Gerry & Erika were sitting out in the sun in an area protected from the slight breeze. We joined them and then Dennis & Gloria came over with drinks in hand. Duane & Sue walked by so we added them to the gathering.
At 4:30 or so we went with Duane & Sue to the Casino Arizona for another show. We went early enough to have a roast beef sub that is available most days in the entry area of the casino. It is a good deal for $5 for the sandwich, chips & au jus. We gambled a bit before lining up for show seating. The show this time was the Christmas edition with impersonators doing a good job of Elvis, Dean Martin, Shania Twain, Natalie Cole and The Four Tops.
When we were waiting for the show, we saw Neil & Robin who had just flown back from attending Neil’s father’s funeral in Omaha. Robin was on a winning streak and even after the show she was going strong. I lost my allowance and hung around with Robin before finding Terry and heading home.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Dec 10th to 12th - Mesa
Dec 10th - Sat
We did laundry this morning and worked on a puzzle while it was in the washers. Terry decided we should look for another Kohl’s as the one I went to had only 3 pairs of undies that I finally decided would be OK. We stopped for a burger for lunch on the way to the store. At the store, luckily we saw the line up for the cash registers before we did any shopping and we walked right back out. A Saturday a couple of weeks before Christmas is not the time to shop!
We visited with Dave & Glo, Billy & Lauri and Sue before Ernie & Dianne picked us up at 5:15 to go to the Arizona Opry which is quite a ways out in Apache Junction.
Barleen’s Arizona Opry is a well known dinner & a show attraction in this area. Dianne made reservations in the spring so we had excellent seats right up front. The entire staff – including entertainers – serves dinner to up to 508 guests in 35 minutes. Dinner is roast beef on even days and chicken on odd days. Our roast beef was superb and the Country Jamboree show was even better. Some of the musicians are members of the Barleen family and all are very versatile on instruments and singing. An intermission allows people to visit the gift shop and get root beer floats if you have any room left after dinner. We were home about 10:30.
Dec 11th – Sun
The day dawned clear & sunny which was perfect for Neal & Judi’s brunch at 11 this morning. They also invited Larry & Julie, Billy & Lauri, Ed & Millie and new acquaintances Rob & Terri.
Judi is a very good cook and loves to decorate so the tables were as beautiful as the food was good. Bloody Marys and champagne – mimosas if desired – started and ended the gathering. We actually moved into the shade after eating as it was too warm in the sun.
It was after 3 when we left which was time for a nap before TV, dinner and a long phone call to sister Marg.
Dec 12th – Mon
We woke early to rain so Terry went out and put the chairs further under the awning. A bit later, the awning was rattling in the wind so Terry pulled the awning most of the way in. When we got up the awning came all the way in and the chairs went under the 5th wheel.
We went to the Casino Arizona to get 12 tickets for a show on Thursday. Again we stayed to gamble a bit and Terry won enough to put our original allowance back in his pocket and to keep him going for a while. We stopped for a late breakfast on the way home and shopped at a couple of stores.
Back at the park, we hunkered down with computer games, cookie baking and reading to pass the wet afternoon. At 4:30ish we went to Ernie & Dianne’s for dinner. She bought a crock pot and made my roast beef with gravy recipe. Their son-in-law and granddaughter (Mike & Kaya) are visiting. Also there were Garry & Steph and Dave & Sandi so it was quite a houseful.
After a good dinner and visiting, we dodged the raindrops & puddles walking back and went to bed to watch TV rather than turning on the furnace and staying up.
We did laundry this morning and worked on a puzzle while it was in the washers. Terry decided we should look for another Kohl’s as the one I went to had only 3 pairs of undies that I finally decided would be OK. We stopped for a burger for lunch on the way to the store. At the store, luckily we saw the line up for the cash registers before we did any shopping and we walked right back out. A Saturday a couple of weeks before Christmas is not the time to shop!
We visited with Dave & Glo, Billy & Lauri and Sue before Ernie & Dianne picked us up at 5:15 to go to the Arizona Opry which is quite a ways out in Apache Junction.
Barleen’s Arizona Opry is a well known dinner & a show attraction in this area. Dianne made reservations in the spring so we had excellent seats right up front. The entire staff – including entertainers – serves dinner to up to 508 guests in 35 minutes. Dinner is roast beef on even days and chicken on odd days. Our roast beef was superb and the Country Jamboree show was even better. Some of the musicians are members of the Barleen family and all are very versatile on instruments and singing. An intermission allows people to visit the gift shop and get root beer floats if you have any room left after dinner. We were home about 10:30.
Dec 11th – Sun
The day dawned clear & sunny which was perfect for Neal & Judi’s brunch at 11 this morning. They also invited Larry & Julie, Billy & Lauri, Ed & Millie and new acquaintances Rob & Terri.
Judi is a very good cook and loves to decorate so the tables were as beautiful as the food was good. Bloody Marys and champagne – mimosas if desired – started and ended the gathering. We actually moved into the shade after eating as it was too warm in the sun.
It was after 3 when we left which was time for a nap before TV, dinner and a long phone call to sister Marg.
Dec 12th – Mon
We woke early to rain so Terry went out and put the chairs further under the awning. A bit later, the awning was rattling in the wind so Terry pulled the awning most of the way in. When we got up the awning came all the way in and the chairs went under the 5th wheel.
We went to the Casino Arizona to get 12 tickets for a show on Thursday. Again we stayed to gamble a bit and Terry won enough to put our original allowance back in his pocket and to keep him going for a while. We stopped for a late breakfast on the way home and shopped at a couple of stores.
Back at the park, we hunkered down with computer games, cookie baking and reading to pass the wet afternoon. At 4:30ish we went to Ernie & Dianne’s for dinner. She bought a crock pot and made my roast beef with gravy recipe. Their son-in-law and granddaughter (Mike & Kaya) are visiting. Also there were Garry & Steph and Dave & Sandi so it was quite a houseful.
After a good dinner and visiting, we dodged the raindrops & puddles walking back and went to bed to watch TV rather than turning on the furnace and staying up.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Dec 7th to 9th - Mesa
Dec 7th – Wed
It was cold this morning but was nice and warm in the sunny end of the courts when we played bocce ball at 10. We forgot that we were supposed to go to another park with Ernie & Dianne but they had to wait for a carpenter so it all worked out OK. We went to a Country Store at nearby Good Life RV park. It is also a Cal-Am park but they have a much larger ballroom that is filled with vendors and a few overflow into another activities room. We saw our neighbor Judy from when we stayed there for a week about 3 years ago.
We all went for a nice lunch at Red Mountain Café and returned to the park so Ernie could oversee the work being done for them. We made a trip for a few groceries, sat around watching TV for a while and decided the empty afternoon called for a casino trip.
Our money lasted until 7:30 at the Lone Butte casino. I had enough leftovers from dinner last night to make a very easy dinner for us.
Dec 8th – Thurs
We attended the coffee & doughnuts meeting in the ballroom this morning. The Camping World representative sponsored the session and he always brings items to raffle. Our lack of luck held out and we didn’t win anything!
We did some bike riding and visiting, had lunch and then went to find a Stein Mart store. The first one that I found online was closed and we didn’t find the second as I was so sure the first one was there that I didn’t write down the exact address.
We went to another music- in-the-courtyard that was moved to the ballroom. The singer was Curtis who lives in this park and is a great performer. There was a large crowd and the floor was filled three times with line dancers.
I had a huge pork roast in the crock pot to make pulled pork. It is a new recipe and turned out great.
Dec 9th – Fri
It was cold last night with frost on our table this morning. We played bocce ball again this morning and loved the sunshine and total lack of wind. Terry’s court was the last to finish so it was nearly lunch time by the time we got back.
After a pulled pork sandwich, we went to Costco to pick up my contacts and a couple of other items. Dennis & Gloria came over to visit and then we all went to Duane & Sue’s to have appies & drinks before the Christmas parade. The parade went right by Duane & Sue’s site at 4:30 and then we picked up our chairs and moved to Ernie & Dianne’s site to watch the parade again as it came by the clubhouse. We stayed there until about 6.
We invited Duane & Sue and Bob & Maria over for dinner. I made chimichangas with the pulled pork and we topped them with Salsa Salad – yum!
It was cold this morning but was nice and warm in the sunny end of the courts when we played bocce ball at 10. We forgot that we were supposed to go to another park with Ernie & Dianne but they had to wait for a carpenter so it all worked out OK. We went to a Country Store at nearby Good Life RV park. It is also a Cal-Am park but they have a much larger ballroom that is filled with vendors and a few overflow into another activities room. We saw our neighbor Judy from when we stayed there for a week about 3 years ago.
We all went for a nice lunch at Red Mountain Café and returned to the park so Ernie could oversee the work being done for them. We made a trip for a few groceries, sat around watching TV for a while and decided the empty afternoon called for a casino trip.
Our money lasted until 7:30 at the Lone Butte casino. I had enough leftovers from dinner last night to make a very easy dinner for us.
Dec 8th – Thurs
We attended the coffee & doughnuts meeting in the ballroom this morning. The Camping World representative sponsored the session and he always brings items to raffle. Our lack of luck held out and we didn’t win anything!
We did some bike riding and visiting, had lunch and then went to find a Stein Mart store. The first one that I found online was closed and we didn’t find the second as I was so sure the first one was there that I didn’t write down the exact address.
We went to another music- in-the-courtyard that was moved to the ballroom. The singer was Curtis who lives in this park and is a great performer. There was a large crowd and the floor was filled three times with line dancers.
I had a huge pork roast in the crock pot to make pulled pork. It is a new recipe and turned out great.
Dec 9th – Fri
It was cold last night with frost on our table this morning. We played bocce ball again this morning and loved the sunshine and total lack of wind. Terry’s court was the last to finish so it was nearly lunch time by the time we got back.
After a pulled pork sandwich, we went to Costco to pick up my contacts and a couple of other items. Dennis & Gloria came over to visit and then we all went to Duane & Sue’s to have appies & drinks before the Christmas parade. The parade went right by Duane & Sue’s site at 4:30 and then we picked up our chairs and moved to Ernie & Dianne’s site to watch the parade again as it came by the clubhouse. We stayed there until about 6.
We invited Duane & Sue and Bob & Maria over for dinner. I made chimichangas with the pulled pork and we topped them with Salsa Salad – yum!
Wednesday, December 07, 2011
Dec 4th to 6th - Mesa
Dec 4th – Sun
We and Ernie & Dianne tried a different restaurant (Hackers) for breakfast. It is in Apache Junction and we had to wait to get in. It was good but other places are just as good with not such a long line to get in.
Neil asked Terry to come over and try some gold sluicing with Neil’s friend Steve. Then Terry joined them to go to a casino and I went shopping at Kohl’s. I got back about 4 with a few items and Terry returned just in time to grab a quick bite of leftovers before we went to play cards with Ernie & Dianne.
We learned a new variation of canasta (ponytail?) at Dave & Glo’s so we taught Ernie & Dianne.
The guys won the first game and the women won a hard fought second game so we started the tie-breaker game at 11:00. The women finally won the third game at 1:40. Our sites aren’t very far apart so we fell into bed at 1:45. Terry’s feet were like ice cubes which is very unusual so I made him put socks on so he could get to sleep!
Dec 5th – Mon
When Terry was on his way to the casino yesterday, he got a phone call from Judy Hunt who has a park model in the Sands RV in Desert Hot Springs. Her, her husband Russ and Gilbert & Grace were staying in a condo in Scottsdale and wanted to see us. Terry suggested dinner today but when I called this morning we all decided lunch would work better.
We made a trip to Casino Arizona to get tickets for a show and ended up losing some money on the slots. We stopped at a grocery store on the way back and I had just finished lunch prep when our visitors arrived. We had a great time catching up before lunch and then went on a tour of the park. We took them to Total Wines where everyone picked up a supply of alcohol. On the way back we stopped at a Big Lots so Grace could buy a narrow table like the one we have between our chairs. We transferred all their purchases to their car and they were on their way about 4:30.
Shortly after they left, Duane & Sue dropped by with drinks in hand. As they were leaving about 5:30, Sue said she had a pork roast in the oven and asked us to join them for dinner. We had a nice dinner, said to heck with line dancing and taught them how to play Wizard which Sue won.
Dec 6th – Tues
I made jelly biscuits for breakfast and then Dave brought over 2 freshly made empanadas which he said should be eaten while they were warm. Glo made the Spanish/Mexican treat and they were very good.
We rode our bikes to visit Larry & Julie and Billy & Lauri stopped in while we were there. We went to see Dennis & Gloria to see if they feeling better since they both had some intestinal distress going on for a few days. Gloria is OK but Dennis is waiting for a lot of cold sores to heal before going anywhere. We stopped at Ernie & Dianne’s to check out the progress of some work they were having done in their Arizona room.
We had a light lunch and relaxed before going to listen to music which again was moved from the courtyard to the ballroom due to continuing cool weather. The band (North Star) is popular so a lot of people attended and we danced a lot. I had a beef roast in the crockpot so we asked Ernie & Dianne and Phyllis to come for dinner with the condition that we were going to line dance lessons at 7. We finished eating and doing dishes in time for us and Ernie & Dianne to go line dancing. We stayed until 8:30 or so for additional instruction in a couples dance. Dave & Glo stopped by for a nightcap.
We and Ernie & Dianne tried a different restaurant (Hackers) for breakfast. It is in Apache Junction and we had to wait to get in. It was good but other places are just as good with not such a long line to get in.
Neil asked Terry to come over and try some gold sluicing with Neil’s friend Steve. Then Terry joined them to go to a casino and I went shopping at Kohl’s. I got back about 4 with a few items and Terry returned just in time to grab a quick bite of leftovers before we went to play cards with Ernie & Dianne.
We learned a new variation of canasta (ponytail?) at Dave & Glo’s so we taught Ernie & Dianne.
The guys won the first game and the women won a hard fought second game so we started the tie-breaker game at 11:00. The women finally won the third game at 1:40. Our sites aren’t very far apart so we fell into bed at 1:45. Terry’s feet were like ice cubes which is very unusual so I made him put socks on so he could get to sleep!
Dec 5th – Mon
When Terry was on his way to the casino yesterday, he got a phone call from Judy Hunt who has a park model in the Sands RV in Desert Hot Springs. Her, her husband Russ and Gilbert & Grace were staying in a condo in Scottsdale and wanted to see us. Terry suggested dinner today but when I called this morning we all decided lunch would work better.
We made a trip to Casino Arizona to get tickets for a show and ended up losing some money on the slots. We stopped at a grocery store on the way back and I had just finished lunch prep when our visitors arrived. We had a great time catching up before lunch and then went on a tour of the park. We took them to Total Wines where everyone picked up a supply of alcohol. On the way back we stopped at a Big Lots so Grace could buy a narrow table like the one we have between our chairs. We transferred all their purchases to their car and they were on their way about 4:30.
Shortly after they left, Duane & Sue dropped by with drinks in hand. As they were leaving about 5:30, Sue said she had a pork roast in the oven and asked us to join them for dinner. We had a nice dinner, said to heck with line dancing and taught them how to play Wizard which Sue won.
Dec 6th – Tues
I made jelly biscuits for breakfast and then Dave brought over 2 freshly made empanadas which he said should be eaten while they were warm. Glo made the Spanish/Mexican treat and they were very good.
We rode our bikes to visit Larry & Julie and Billy & Lauri stopped in while we were there. We went to see Dennis & Gloria to see if they feeling better since they both had some intestinal distress going on for a few days. Gloria is OK but Dennis is waiting for a lot of cold sores to heal before going anywhere. We stopped at Ernie & Dianne’s to check out the progress of some work they were having done in their Arizona room.
We had a light lunch and relaxed before going to listen to music which again was moved from the courtyard to the ballroom due to continuing cool weather. The band (North Star) is popular so a lot of people attended and we danced a lot. I had a beef roast in the crockpot so we asked Ernie & Dianne and Phyllis to come for dinner with the condition that we were going to line dance lessons at 7. We finished eating and doing dishes in time for us and Ernie & Dianne to go line dancing. We stayed until 8:30 or so for additional instruction in a couples dance. Dave & Glo stopped by for a nightcap.
Sunday, December 04, 2011
Dec 1st to 3rd - Mesa
Dec 1st – Thurs
Needless to say, Terry wasn’t feeling too chipper today. Moe came by just before 10 to see if we wanted to join him for breakfast but that didn’t sound at all good to Terry and I already ate a muffin so we passed on the invitation.
Right after Terry left at 11:30 to take Moe to the airport, Ernie & Dianne stopped by. As they were leaving, they ran into Steph who was delivering Christmas cards and she came in to chat. We were joined for a while by Sue.
Steph was still here when Terry returned so he made some soup but his queasy stomach only tolerated a small bowl. We took it easy the rest of the afternoon and went to listen to music at 3. It poured rain early this morning and was still cool so music was in the ballroom instead of the courtyard. We did a couple of line dances but the music was generally slow and didn’t get the crowd dancing too much.
Dinner, dessert & TV filled the evening.
Dec 2nd – Fri
It’s a good thing that we didn’t have to be at bocce ball doesn’t until 9:45 as the early hours were our only “down” time today. Bocce ball lasted until 11:30 today and then I made pancakes & eggs for lunch. Next it was time to do laundry. Even then we multitasked – I got books at the library and worked on a puzzle and Terry went to get DEF for the truck.
After putting away the laundry and making the bed, we went to Costco where I ordered contacts and we got some coffee. We were going to stop for a few groceries on the way back but made a quick stop at Big Lots instead.
Music in the courtyard at 3 was moved into the ballroom again as it was pretty cool. We danced a bit and stayed after 5 for a few minutes to chat with Sue & her friend Maria. When we were at the ballroom, Dave & Glo invited us over to play cards so I made dinner as fast as I could and we walked to their place around 6:30.
We played Pegs & Jokers and Ponytail Canasta and drank chocolate martinis. Yes, even Terry who yesterday wasn’t going to drink for a month was drinking the martinis. We got home about 12:30 as we had to determine the Canasta winners (the women!).
Dec 3rd – Sat
After breakfast, we went shopping for a few groceries, dropped them off so the ice cream wouldn’t melt and went to WalMart for a couple of items. When we returned, we went visiting on our bikes. Julie wasn’t home so we chatted with Larry and gave Bandit his treat. We talked for quite a while with Phyllis and discovered that it was raining when we went to leave. It is only about a minute from there on our bikes so it’s not like we got very wet.
We relaxed and watched golf and I did some dinner prep. Ernie & Dianne came over about 3:30 so we could play some cards before dinner. After dinner, we all went to a dance here at the park.
We arrived first at the dance and found we were seated with some people who don’t dance much but were sitting at the end of the table which makes it harder to get out and dance. Ernie & Dianne had tickets for a different table so we changed to that table and when Duane & Sue and their friends Bob & Maria arrived, we had them change to our table too. Good company, good band, good evening.
We all went to Ernie & Dianne’s for a nightcap when the dance ended at 10 and we got home at 11:30.
Needless to say, Terry wasn’t feeling too chipper today. Moe came by just before 10 to see if we wanted to join him for breakfast but that didn’t sound at all good to Terry and I already ate a muffin so we passed on the invitation.
Right after Terry left at 11:30 to take Moe to the airport, Ernie & Dianne stopped by. As they were leaving, they ran into Steph who was delivering Christmas cards and she came in to chat. We were joined for a while by Sue.
Steph was still here when Terry returned so he made some soup but his queasy stomach only tolerated a small bowl. We took it easy the rest of the afternoon and went to listen to music at 3. It poured rain early this morning and was still cool so music was in the ballroom instead of the courtyard. We did a couple of line dances but the music was generally slow and didn’t get the crowd dancing too much.
Dinner, dessert & TV filled the evening.
Dec 2nd – Fri
It’s a good thing that we didn’t have to be at bocce ball doesn’t until 9:45 as the early hours were our only “down” time today. Bocce ball lasted until 11:30 today and then I made pancakes & eggs for lunch. Next it was time to do laundry. Even then we multitasked – I got books at the library and worked on a puzzle and Terry went to get DEF for the truck.
After putting away the laundry and making the bed, we went to Costco where I ordered contacts and we got some coffee. We were going to stop for a few groceries on the way back but made a quick stop at Big Lots instead.
Music in the courtyard at 3 was moved into the ballroom again as it was pretty cool. We danced a bit and stayed after 5 for a few minutes to chat with Sue & her friend Maria. When we were at the ballroom, Dave & Glo invited us over to play cards so I made dinner as fast as I could and we walked to their place around 6:30.
We played Pegs & Jokers and Ponytail Canasta and drank chocolate martinis. Yes, even Terry who yesterday wasn’t going to drink for a month was drinking the martinis. We got home about 12:30 as we had to determine the Canasta winners (the women!).
Dec 3rd – Sat
After breakfast, we went shopping for a few groceries, dropped them off so the ice cream wouldn’t melt and went to WalMart for a couple of items. When we returned, we went visiting on our bikes. Julie wasn’t home so we chatted with Larry and gave Bandit his treat. We talked for quite a while with Phyllis and discovered that it was raining when we went to leave. It is only about a minute from there on our bikes so it’s not like we got very wet.
We relaxed and watched golf and I did some dinner prep. Ernie & Dianne came over about 3:30 so we could play some cards before dinner. After dinner, we all went to a dance here at the park.
We arrived first at the dance and found we were seated with some people who don’t dance much but were sitting at the end of the table which makes it harder to get out and dance. Ernie & Dianne had tickets for a different table so we changed to that table and when Duane & Sue and their friends Bob & Maria arrived, we had them change to our table too. Good company, good band, good evening.
We all went to Ernie & Dianne’s for a nightcap when the dance ended at 10 and we got home at 11:30.
Thursday, December 01, 2011
Nov 26th to 30th - Mesa
Nov 26th – Sat
We went early to WalMart to get groceries and a cable for the new TV. Turned out we didn’t need the cable, just switched around the existing leads so Terry took the cable back. After breakfast Terry helped Moe again with his TV and I made an apple tart and did some cleaning. We were expecting my cousin Pat and her husband Rick today but weren’t sure what time. Pat called Terry using Skype a couple of days ago and the voice quality wasn’t very good so he just knew they would get here this afternoon and stay 2 nights.
Dennis & Gloria were visiting when Pat & Rick arrived just after 4. We got them parked right next to us and got happy hour going. Julie joined us for a while before I made dinner for us and Pat & Rick. We were relaxing after dinner when Ernie & Dianne stopped by. They, Julie and Dennis & Gloria met Pat & Rick this year on Jan 1st so friendships were renewed.
Nov 27th – Sun
Pat & I went to Kohl’s – Pat got some good buys! - while Rick & Terry went to Camping World. We met back at the park where we made a quick lunch and then we all went to the Mesa Marketplace where Pat & Rick picked up several items that they were looking for. We made a quick stop at Costco on the way back to buy hard-boiled, peeled eggs that I ended up not needing as Dianne brought deviled eggs to our get together at 3.
Larry & Julie, Dennis & Gloria, Neal, Moe, Billy & Lauri and Ernie & Dianne all came for the Appy Happy Hour(s). After a few people left, we made the circle smaller and lit a buddy burner. The day was beautiful but it cools down quickly when the sun sets. We moved inside with Rick & Pat at 7 to watch a couple of TV shows that Pat likes.
I made a quick stir fry for dinner for Rick, Terry & I. Pat is successfully dieting and had enough appetizers to serve as dinner.
Nov 28th – Mon
We took Rick & Pat to visit Julie & Larry and Ernie & Dianne and go through their park models. R&P picked up some books at the library and pulled out about 10:30 for their next stay in Tucson.
Terry helped Moe finish his TV installation while I puttered around and worked on the computer. It was another lovely day so Moe bought us burgers for lunch at the courtyard. We were very lazy the rest of the day and didn’t even go to line dancing lessons.
Nov 29th – Tues
We went on a bus trip to Bucky’s casino in Prescott. We were walking with Dennis & Gloria to the boarding spot at the Fiesta flag poles when the buses came towards us down the wrong road. The gate attendant sent them to the main flag poles so we got on the bus and directed the driver out the main entrance and back around to the gate they used originally for the easiest way to Fiesta. We stayed on the bus and got good seats at the front.
We arrived at Prescott at 10, got our players’ cards and hit the slots. At noon we picked up our bag lunches and discovered that the people on the 3rd bus had just got through the line at the players’ club. At 3:30 we took the bus downtown and shopped a bit with Dennis & Gloria. We had ordered dinner in the Office restaurant when we saw Dan & Carol and Moe on the other side of the street. They had looked in the restaurant but couldn’t see us behind a booth. We changed to a larger table and they joined us. They even got their dinner before we did – more of the bad luck that we experienced at the slots!
We got back on the bus at 5:30, picked up gamblers at the casino and were at the park at 8 after going through the Valley of Lights. The easiest gate was locked so we had to circle around to the main gate. The driver stopped in front of the office before going to Fiesta so we had a shorter walk home. The other buses didn’t let anyone off until they were at the Fiesta flag poles.
Nov 30th – Wed
We played bocce ball this morning in absolutely beautiful weather. Unfortunately, the forecast is for cooling and rain. I made breakfast for lunch and then we went visiting on our bikes. I had Terry pull out the bin with our few Christmas decorations and I put up garlands and our little fiber optic tree.
We were talking with Duane & Sue when Moe tracked us down and asked to use a phone. Gloria showed up and said Dennis was not feeling well so she was trying to find someone to use his Poker Run ticket. We talked Moe into borrowing Dennis’ bike and going with us.
The Poker Run started at 3 in the courtyard where we got instructions and our first card. There were 3 stops (with wine & snacks) to get cards. At the miniature golf course, you had to get a hole in one to get a card. At the bocce ball courts a group of 4 or 5 had to throw balls with the person closest to the yellow ball getting a card. This was repeated until everyone in the group had a card.
We finished at the courtyard with our final card, hot dogs & beer. The best hand received $40, $30 for second and $20 for third. This was the first poker run in the park so the activity director asked everyone for ideas for changes for the next one. We and 8 others tried out the new comfy wicker furniture grouping by the pool and lit the “gas & glass” fire pit in the center of the table.
We dropped off our bikes, made a drink and went with Moe to Duane & Sue’s. Friends of theirs arrived today and were there for dinner. Before we knew it, Sue had thawed out extra steaks and made dinner for all of us.
We moved back outside and Terry got a buddy burner going. I was getting cold and had enough to drink so I came home at 9:15. Terry finally came home at 12:45 when I had had just enough sleep to lay awake for a long time.
Dec 1 – I am no longer able to modify entries after I post them so on the 26th when I actually did post the 22nd to the 25th, I deleted, changed and re-added the 19th to the 21st. I was sure I checked that both entries were there but maybe I didn’t check or something happened with 2 posts so close together. Sorry Georgia & Claude and anyone else who wondered why there was such a long gap!!!!
We went early to WalMart to get groceries and a cable for the new TV. Turned out we didn’t need the cable, just switched around the existing leads so Terry took the cable back. After breakfast Terry helped Moe again with his TV and I made an apple tart and did some cleaning. We were expecting my cousin Pat and her husband Rick today but weren’t sure what time. Pat called Terry using Skype a couple of days ago and the voice quality wasn’t very good so he just knew they would get here this afternoon and stay 2 nights.
Dennis & Gloria were visiting when Pat & Rick arrived just after 4. We got them parked right next to us and got happy hour going. Julie joined us for a while before I made dinner for us and Pat & Rick. We were relaxing after dinner when Ernie & Dianne stopped by. They, Julie and Dennis & Gloria met Pat & Rick this year on Jan 1st so friendships were renewed.
Nov 27th – Sun
Pat & I went to Kohl’s – Pat got some good buys! - while Rick & Terry went to Camping World. We met back at the park where we made a quick lunch and then we all went to the Mesa Marketplace where Pat & Rick picked up several items that they were looking for. We made a quick stop at Costco on the way back to buy hard-boiled, peeled eggs that I ended up not needing as Dianne brought deviled eggs to our get together at 3.
Larry & Julie, Dennis & Gloria, Neal, Moe, Billy & Lauri and Ernie & Dianne all came for the Appy Happy Hour(s). After a few people left, we made the circle smaller and lit a buddy burner. The day was beautiful but it cools down quickly when the sun sets. We moved inside with Rick & Pat at 7 to watch a couple of TV shows that Pat likes.
I made a quick stir fry for dinner for Rick, Terry & I. Pat is successfully dieting and had enough appetizers to serve as dinner.
Nov 28th – Mon
We took Rick & Pat to visit Julie & Larry and Ernie & Dianne and go through their park models. R&P picked up some books at the library and pulled out about 10:30 for their next stay in Tucson.
Terry helped Moe finish his TV installation while I puttered around and worked on the computer. It was another lovely day so Moe bought us burgers for lunch at the courtyard. We were very lazy the rest of the day and didn’t even go to line dancing lessons.
Nov 29th – Tues
We went on a bus trip to Bucky’s casino in Prescott. We were walking with Dennis & Gloria to the boarding spot at the Fiesta flag poles when the buses came towards us down the wrong road. The gate attendant sent them to the main flag poles so we got on the bus and directed the driver out the main entrance and back around to the gate they used originally for the easiest way to Fiesta. We stayed on the bus and got good seats at the front.
We arrived at Prescott at 10, got our players’ cards and hit the slots. At noon we picked up our bag lunches and discovered that the people on the 3rd bus had just got through the line at the players’ club. At 3:30 we took the bus downtown and shopped a bit with Dennis & Gloria. We had ordered dinner in the Office restaurant when we saw Dan & Carol and Moe on the other side of the street. They had looked in the restaurant but couldn’t see us behind a booth. We changed to a larger table and they joined us. They even got their dinner before we did – more of the bad luck that we experienced at the slots!
We got back on the bus at 5:30, picked up gamblers at the casino and were at the park at 8 after going through the Valley of Lights. The easiest gate was locked so we had to circle around to the main gate. The driver stopped in front of the office before going to Fiesta so we had a shorter walk home. The other buses didn’t let anyone off until they were at the Fiesta flag poles.
Nov 30th – Wed
We played bocce ball this morning in absolutely beautiful weather. Unfortunately, the forecast is for cooling and rain. I made breakfast for lunch and then we went visiting on our bikes. I had Terry pull out the bin with our few Christmas decorations and I put up garlands and our little fiber optic tree.
We were talking with Duane & Sue when Moe tracked us down and asked to use a phone. Gloria showed up and said Dennis was not feeling well so she was trying to find someone to use his Poker Run ticket. We talked Moe into borrowing Dennis’ bike and going with us.
The Poker Run started at 3 in the courtyard where we got instructions and our first card. There were 3 stops (with wine & snacks) to get cards. At the miniature golf course, you had to get a hole in one to get a card. At the bocce ball courts a group of 4 or 5 had to throw balls with the person closest to the yellow ball getting a card. This was repeated until everyone in the group had a card.
We finished at the courtyard with our final card, hot dogs & beer. The best hand received $40, $30 for second and $20 for third. This was the first poker run in the park so the activity director asked everyone for ideas for changes for the next one. We and 8 others tried out the new comfy wicker furniture grouping by the pool and lit the “gas & glass” fire pit in the center of the table.
We dropped off our bikes, made a drink and went with Moe to Duane & Sue’s. Friends of theirs arrived today and were there for dinner. Before we knew it, Sue had thawed out extra steaks and made dinner for all of us.
We moved back outside and Terry got a buddy burner going. I was getting cold and had enough to drink so I came home at 9:15. Terry finally came home at 12:45 when I had had just enough sleep to lay awake for a long time.
Dec 1 – I am no longer able to modify entries after I post them so on the 26th when I actually did post the 22nd to the 25th, I deleted, changed and re-added the 19th to the 21st. I was sure I checked that both entries were there but maybe I didn’t check or something happened with 2 posts so close together. Sorry Georgia & Claude and anyone else who wondered why there was such a long gap!!!!
Nov 22nd to 25th - Mesa
Nov 22nd – Tues
We ordered a couple of things online, I caught up the blog and we generally goofed off this morning. Then we got even lazier and went to the courtyard grill to have taco salads for lunch.
At 2:30 Claude & Val picked us up to go see friends Tim & Kim in Scottsdale. We were supposed to go on Sunday but Tim was sick so Kim asked us for dinner today. The guys sat outside by a nice crackling fire while the gals enjoyed talking about all sorts of topics that were not of interest to men.
We got back in time for Val & me to watch most of the final DWTS show. Terry & Claude went to see Moe to tell him about a couch that Kim & Tim have for sale and to take measurements – turns out it won’t fit. Claude also wanted to talk to Moe about Verizon wifi. Claude & Val are staying in Casa Grande and Claude wanted to get going so Val didn’t get to see the end of DWTS but I called her as soon as the winner was announced.
Nov 23rd – Wed
It’s only been a week since we did laundry but I figured the next couple of days will be busy and I wanted it out of the way. This time after we started the washers we got more money put on the laundry card and went to Fry’s to use an ATM. We are sooo busy that we have to multitask!!!!
Moe arrived as we were having a sandwich and joined us for a piece of pie. Then we went with him to a couple of Hobby Lobby stores to buy 10 pound slabs of wax with 40% off coupons. We use the wax in our buddy burners so we all bought 2 slabs each.
Just after 3 we went to Dennis & Gloria’s for a birthday party for Dennis & Billy. Their birthdays are actually tomorrow but we didn’t want the party on Thanksgiving. There was a wonderful group of 25 friends. Gloria provided hamburgers & fixings and everyone else pitched in with other food. Duane, Ernie & Dianne brought their guitars and had the diehards dancing and singing for a couple of hours.
Nov 24th – Thurs – HAPPY THANKSGIVING
I put a turkey in an electric roaster at 7 and went back to bed to watch TV for a while. Gloria signed up as host for a table in the ballroom and invited us, Ernie & Dianne, Bob & Peggy, Duane & Sue and Moe to fill the table. She also divided up the cooking chores and I got the easy job of cooking the turkey (provided by the park) and making gravy. Gloria also decorated and set the table this morning with some help from Peggy.
At 12:30 the ballroom opened again for everyone (19 tables of 10 people) to begin arriving and setting out the food. Just after 1:00 someone said grace and we got down to the serious job of stuffing our faces. I took home the dirty plates & cutlery to wash as I had done so little cooking.
Terry bought a paper this morning so we went through all the ads – even though we don’t need much! – and I actually read the paper which I don’t get to do often. After a while we took Gloria’s dishes & cutlery back and visited with them. As usual, we thought we would not want to eat for the rest of the day but it was wonderful to have some leftover turkey for sandwiches for dinner. We found a movie on TV and ended up watching two.
Nov 25th – Fri
Terry took Dennis to find a place to look at a leak in his truck and then picked him up after he took the truck in. I had pumpkin pie and an orange for breakfast and went to the ballroom to help put up Christmas decorations. Unfortunately, the decorating committee quit so there wasn’t much leadership and we had different decorations from last year so we couldn’t just put them up where they were previously. I worked from 9:30 to 2 with a short break for a piece of pizza for lunch.
Just as I was walking back, I saw Terry getting into Moe’s car & flagged them down. Moe bought the 26” TV from our outside compartment and he & Terry had been taking the old TV out of the bedroom and putting in the flat screen. A bit later I rode my bike over to have a look at their handiwork. They just had to get the old molding cut and were heading to Ernie’s as he had his table saw out. Dennis & Gloria came over to say that their truck would be done at 3:30 so we sat outside – a bit cool in the shade with a breeze – and chatted. At 3:30 I picked up Dennis and dropped him off to get his truck. I thought I would have some time to enjoy a drink and my book but I had barely got settled when Terry returned and wanted to go buy a bigger TV for the compartment. Off we went and got what he wanted – 37” Vizio – at Costco. We had stopped at WalMart first but they were out of stock so we just picked up some chicken for dinner.
We had just started to eat dinner when Duane & Sue came over with drinks in hand so we ate while we talked with them. Then Dennis & Gloria showed up and joined the party. Finally, Robin walked over and of course joined us also. Everyone was gone by 9:30.
We ordered a couple of things online, I caught up the blog and we generally goofed off this morning. Then we got even lazier and went to the courtyard grill to have taco salads for lunch.
At 2:30 Claude & Val picked us up to go see friends Tim & Kim in Scottsdale. We were supposed to go on Sunday but Tim was sick so Kim asked us for dinner today. The guys sat outside by a nice crackling fire while the gals enjoyed talking about all sorts of topics that were not of interest to men.
We got back in time for Val & me to watch most of the final DWTS show. Terry & Claude went to see Moe to tell him about a couch that Kim & Tim have for sale and to take measurements – turns out it won’t fit. Claude also wanted to talk to Moe about Verizon wifi. Claude & Val are staying in Casa Grande and Claude wanted to get going so Val didn’t get to see the end of DWTS but I called her as soon as the winner was announced.
Nov 23rd – Wed
It’s only been a week since we did laundry but I figured the next couple of days will be busy and I wanted it out of the way. This time after we started the washers we got more money put on the laundry card and went to Fry’s to use an ATM. We are sooo busy that we have to multitask!!!!
Moe arrived as we were having a sandwich and joined us for a piece of pie. Then we went with him to a couple of Hobby Lobby stores to buy 10 pound slabs of wax with 40% off coupons. We use the wax in our buddy burners so we all bought 2 slabs each.
Just after 3 we went to Dennis & Gloria’s for a birthday party for Dennis & Billy. Their birthdays are actually tomorrow but we didn’t want the party on Thanksgiving. There was a wonderful group of 25 friends. Gloria provided hamburgers & fixings and everyone else pitched in with other food. Duane, Ernie & Dianne brought their guitars and had the diehards dancing and singing for a couple of hours.
Nov 24th – Thurs – HAPPY THANKSGIVING
I put a turkey in an electric roaster at 7 and went back to bed to watch TV for a while. Gloria signed up as host for a table in the ballroom and invited us, Ernie & Dianne, Bob & Peggy, Duane & Sue and Moe to fill the table. She also divided up the cooking chores and I got the easy job of cooking the turkey (provided by the park) and making gravy. Gloria also decorated and set the table this morning with some help from Peggy.
At 12:30 the ballroom opened again for everyone (19 tables of 10 people) to begin arriving and setting out the food. Just after 1:00 someone said grace and we got down to the serious job of stuffing our faces. I took home the dirty plates & cutlery to wash as I had done so little cooking.
Terry bought a paper this morning so we went through all the ads – even though we don’t need much! – and I actually read the paper which I don’t get to do often. After a while we took Gloria’s dishes & cutlery back and visited with them. As usual, we thought we would not want to eat for the rest of the day but it was wonderful to have some leftover turkey for sandwiches for dinner. We found a movie on TV and ended up watching two.
Nov 25th – Fri
Terry took Dennis to find a place to look at a leak in his truck and then picked him up after he took the truck in. I had pumpkin pie and an orange for breakfast and went to the ballroom to help put up Christmas decorations. Unfortunately, the decorating committee quit so there wasn’t much leadership and we had different decorations from last year so we couldn’t just put them up where they were previously. I worked from 9:30 to 2 with a short break for a piece of pizza for lunch.
Just as I was walking back, I saw Terry getting into Moe’s car & flagged them down. Moe bought the 26” TV from our outside compartment and he & Terry had been taking the old TV out of the bedroom and putting in the flat screen. A bit later I rode my bike over to have a look at their handiwork. They just had to get the old molding cut and were heading to Ernie’s as he had his table saw out. Dennis & Gloria came over to say that their truck would be done at 3:30 so we sat outside – a bit cool in the shade with a breeze – and chatted. At 3:30 I picked up Dennis and dropped him off to get his truck. I thought I would have some time to enjoy a drink and my book but I had barely got settled when Terry returned and wanted to go buy a bigger TV for the compartment. Off we went and got what he wanted – 37” Vizio – at Costco. We had stopped at WalMart first but they were out of stock so we just picked up some chicken for dinner.
We had just started to eat dinner when Duane & Sue came over with drinks in hand so we ate while we talked with them. Then Dennis & Gloria showed up and joined the party. Finally, Robin walked over and of course joined us also. Everyone was gone by 9:30.
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