Oct 26th to 28th - Mesa

Oct 26^th – Sat

We went shopping for groceries and new bike seats.  Ours weren’t too old but the outer layer of stretchy fabric just peeled off and the material underneath left dark smudges on light pants.  Terry installed the seats while I put away groceries.

In the afternoon we went to the pool and visited with others there for a while.  At 6:30 we went to a dance with music by the Weezul Brothers.  Lots of line dancing, lots of fun.  Dave & Sandra gave Phyllis and us a ride home on their golf cart and then they came in for a nightcap.  Jerry & Becky also joined us.

Oct 27^th – Sun

I didn’t set the alarm last night but luckily woke in time to get ready for golf – Terry, Bruce, Ron & Mike at 8:00; me, Ann, Terri & Susie at 8:15; and Dennis, Gloria, Moe & Trish at 8:30.   The course was very wet most of the round so you didn’t get much roll.  We all went to lunch afterwards at Red Robin.  The restaurant has changed their tables and our “usual” server is moving to the Chandler location so we will probably follow him there.

Mike stopped by a bit later and then Moe invited us over for a drink.  Trish put out some snacks and the circle kept growing to include Vic & Jackie, Dennis & Gloria, Joe & Stella and Brian & Bev.  We had a large lunch and a few snacks so when we got back we had dessert only.

There were clouds which provided an absolutely stunning sunset tonight.

Oct 28^th – Mon

Terry went to Discount Tires to get 2 tires for truck.  They had to bring them from another store so we went for breakfast and then to pick up my contacts at Costco.  When Terry later went to get the tires put on, I cleaned the A/C filters and the fan blades – chores I love to postpone!

We took our bikes to deliver a shirt to Phyllis, chatted a bit with her and then got 2 gallons of water & brought them back.  Then on to Brian & Bev’s where Brian was installing vertical blinds.  We rode a big loop around the park and stopped to talk to John & Julie who were leaving the Fiesta pool.

We had an early dinner and then went to Dennis & Gloria’s to watch DWTS and Blacklist.

Oct 23rd to 25th - Mesa

Oct 23^rd – Wed

Terry and Dennis went to visit Mike so I took the opportunity to catch up the blog and do the vacuuming with some time left over for reading.  It was time for lunch when he got back.

The weather has warmed up again so we went to the pool and listened to music from the courtyard.  There is a nice couch arrangement near the courtyard so you can sit there and take a dip when you get too warm.

We joined Vic & Jackie, Moe & Trish, Dave & Phyllis, Joe & Stella and Bill & Margie for a trip to Organ Stop Pizza for dinner.  We were stuffed pizza & beer when we got back so we crashed.

Oct 24^th – Thurs

We & Gloria went to a rummage sale that is held twice a year at Nelda Rose Methodist church.  A group decided to wear bright Hawaiian shirts for the Halloween dance so that was our mission.  Gloria got a couple of shirts for them and a perfect blouse for Julie and I got a shirt for me and a tin for a buddy burner as it seems that people are always looking for one.  We stopped by Julie’s on the way home and she was delighted with her blouse but it needed a slight alteration which I did as soon as I got back.  When I took it to her, I had to take a treat for Bandit as I didn’t have one in the truck and he did everything he could think of to coax a treat out of me.

I went to exercise class and Terry helped Moe find a leak in a compartment in his motor home.  Shortly after noon we went to pick up Phyllis at the airport.  Our timing was great and I walked in to help Phyllis with her bags just as she was walking to the luggage carrousel.

I made a late lunch when we got back.  I finally checked emails and saw that Brian & Bev were due to arrive so we walked over and found that there were here.  Bev was shopping but she returned shortly and we helped unload all the groceries, cleaning products and dishes.  Then it was time to go to the courtyard. 

We went to Gloria & Dennis’ for dinner along with Moe & Trish, Brian & Bev and Phyllis.  We had asked Phyllis to dinner here but Gloria said to bring her along to their place.  After dinner, Allen & Diane dropped by as they heard our noisy conversation & laughter.

Oct 25^th – Fri

We had a quiet morning which included setting up chairs & tables for later and making a “welcome home” sign for Ron & Terri who arrived early this afternoon.  By the time they got backed in and started setting up, it was time for us to head to the courtyard.  We figured we had to get there early as North Star was playing and they are popular.  Turns out not a lot of people arrived early but quite a few ended up sitting in the back under shade as only sunny tables were left.  We danced quite a bit and really enjoyed the band.

When the music finished, we headed right home and were soon joined by 28 others for Ron & Terri’s first happy hour(s) here this season.  We had everyone bring “heavy appies” which is our term for appetizers that will be dinner.  A great time was had by all!!

Oct 20th to 22nd - Mesa

Oct 20^th – Sun

After we got laundry into the washers, I made breakfast and Terry cleaned up leaves that had blown onto our site.  When the laundry was done & put away, Gloria dropped by.  We didn’t have anything else planned so Terry asked if she & Dennis wanted to go to a casino.  We picked them up and went to Fort McDowell casino where we used a special where you get $40 slot play and a breakfast certificate for $25.

I didn’t do well, Terry didn’t lose all his money and D&G made $5.  D&G invited us in for a drink when we got back to their place.  We passed Patti riding her bike when we drove in so she joined us.  Of course “a” drink turned into a couple and Terry had to start the BBQ as soon as we got back so he wouldn’t have to cook steaks in the dark.

As we were getting dinner ready, we heard the distinctive sounds of fireworks and joined neighbors outside watching an impressive display that showed up over nearby roofs.  After dinner, Terry went across the street to join some other neighbors at Bill & Margie’s.  I wasn’t feeling super well so I went to bed & read instead.

Oct 21^st – Mon

We went to Costco this morning for the follow-up visit for my contacts.  I got the prescription and ordered new contacts.  Amazingly enough, there wasn’t anything else we needed to buy.

We stopped at the Waffle House for breakfast and were waited on by “the new guy” so it wasn’t the best choice.

We went to listen to music in the courtyard and ended up having a burger there for dinner.  I was still slightly queasy today so we took it easy this evening.

Oct 22^nd – Tues

Angie gave us a good workout at exercise class this morning.  There are more people attending each week as winter residents are streaming in every day.  We actually ate breakfast before I went to exercise class so before we ran some errands on our bikes, I made lunch while Terry went to buy dance tickets for November.

We spent quite a while inviting people to a gathering later this week and of course ended up visiting with them and some others as well.  Just after 3 we went to the courtyard and I took a break to get a haircut.

We were very happy to give Moe & Trish big hugs when they arrived at the courtyard just after the music finished.  They got here late this afternoon.  We stayed and chatted with them so we weren’t finished eating dinner when Jerry & Becky came by.  Terry had asked them over for cards but we ended up talking instead and enjoyed visiting with just one couple for a change.

Oct 16th to 19th - Mesa

Oct 16^th – Wed

After puttering most of the morning away, we had breakfast and then made a trip to Total Wine and the grocery store.  We rode our bikes to get water and then went visiting on our bikes – Dennis & Gloria’s, Allen & Diane’s and had stopped to talk to Thomas when Mike & Susie drove by and stopped to hug hello and chat a while.  By now it was time to go to the courtyard and listen to John & Susie again.  There weren’t many people there but our group around 2 tables had a lot of fun.

We went for dinner at Larry & Suz’s.  Also there were Dennis & Gloria and Larry & Julie.  It cooled off quite a bit by 8 so we all headed home.  Joe & Stella were visiting outside with some others and invited us to join them but I needed to call Marg and ended up talking to her for 2 hours.

Oct 17^th – Thurs

Right after coffee & doughnuts, Terry & Larry helped Larry & Norma move furniture & appliances from one park model to another.  After my exercise class & computer games, I made lunch.  We walked over to pay our utility bill and I stayed a while to work on a jigsaw puzzle.

At 3:25, Larry & Suz arrived and then we picked up Dennis & Gloria to go to an Oktoberfest dinner at Towerpoint which is another CalAm resort.  Val Vista was very well represented there – probably about 50 of us went.  They have a huge courtyard where the dinner was held.  Tickets were $6 for dinner (brats, Polish sausage, noodles & mushroom gravy, sauerkraut, cabbage and apple strudel), open bar with beer, wine & soft drinks, an “Oompa” band and dancing.

When we got back shortly after 6, Phyllis invited us over to sit by their fire and watch the full moon.  We rested for a bit at home and then joined them, Joe & Stella and Bill & Margie.  Turns out the moon was not full so we might have to do it again!

Oct 18^th – Fri

As I mentioned, we are hooked on Candy Crush and I didn’t know how to get more friends for Terry on Facebook which are necessary to get more lives to continue playing.  Bruce offered to help so after breakfast we took our PC & tablet over to his place.  The solution was to log me out completely and then login with Terry’s account so he could request friends. 

At 3 we went to listen to music in the courtyard and dance a bit.  Just before 5 we moved to the ballroom for a steak dinner.  Again, the dinner was good and the staff moved 150 people quickly through the food line.  North Star was providing music from 5 to 7 so we danced after dinner.

Terry figured 7 was too early to quit so he invited a lot of people to our place to continue the party.  We ended up with 33 people enjoying each other’s company and a couple of buddy burners.  We finally tidied up and fell into bed about 10.

Oct 19^th – Sat

Dennis & Gloria dropped in for coffee this morning.  After a late breakfast, we visited Harry & Cathy, rode around on our bikes and then looked at a couple of park models that were for sale.  We spent the rest of the afternoon with miscellaneous chores, computer games and reading.

We went for an early dinner at the Wild Berry restaurant.  Mike & Susie came by for a chat and then it was time to go to a dance here at 7.  There was a new band – Debbie & the Double Eagles – that played very danceable (lots of country) music with only one break in their 3 hour gig.  There was still a small crowd but again that allowed us to join quite a few line dances.

Oct 13th to 15th - Mesa

Oct 13^th – Sun

We goofed off this morning with computer games, email & the blog.  Neil & Robin stopped in to say hi and then Gloria made an appearance to fill us in on the bocce “tournament” later today.  I finally made lunch for breakfast (bacon & tomato sandwiches!)

Of course I didn’t plan to make devilled eggs when we were at Costco yesterday so we went back today to buy their hard-boiled, peeled eggs.  Very lazy but it sure is easy to make devilled eggs with them.

Gloria set up the above mentioned bocce tournament and we were all bringing appies.  It started at 4 and there were about 30 people there – some watched rather than played.  Jerry & Becky ended up winning.  Food was great as usual and the company & fun even better.  The weather was perfect – no too hot when the sun was still up and not at all cool when it went down.

TV filled the rest of the evening.

Oct 14^th – Mon

I did some cleaning this morning – for a change – but otherwise it was pretty lazy.  Before we went to the courtyard, I put together a vegetable casserole for later.  I left the courtyard early to get it into the oven and shortly after Dennis & Gloria came by to sit in our shade and visit.

The occasion this evening was a Canadian Thanksgiving dinner organized by Joe & Stella.  They had the party wagon for tables & chairs.  We were surprised to see Vic & Jackie at the dinner.  Lots of rigs & people are arriving every day now.

After cleaning up from dinner, Dennis & Gloria, Joe & Stella and Harry & Cathy joined us outside to watch DWTS.

Oct 15^th – Tues

The truck would not start this morning so Terry hooked up the battery charger.  As I was leaving for exercise class, the truck did start and Terry drove to a nearby battery store for a test.  Sure enough, one battery needed to be replaced so they ordered it.  It arrived in a few hours so we are all fixed up for now.  In the meantime, we went to Dennis & Gloria’s and helped Dennis install a new light above their dining table.  On the way back to our site, Allen & Diane invited us to sit down & chat.

Curtis was singing in the courtyard today and there was the largest crowd that we have seen this season.  It has cooled down to the mid 80’s so it wasn’t too hot if you couldn’t get a shady table.  We sat at 2 tables pushed together with 5 other couples.  The names of the guys at our table were Larry, Larry, Larry, Harry, Terry & Jerry!

At the last minute, we invited Joe & Jean over for dinner.  I had to boil baby backs so dinner ended up being late but as usual we didn’t run out of things to talk about.

Oct 10th to 12th - Mesa

Oct 10^th – Thurs

We remembered to go to coffee & doughnuts this morning.  I sorted clothes before exercise class, helped decorate the ballroom after class, made breakfast, showered and finally we went to do laundry.

We went to MCY and did some line dances with Bobbie.  Terry went to play poker at 6.  When he returned at 7 –oops, first out! – we joined Joe & Stella and new neighbors Bill & Margie to sit around a buddy burner at Phyllis & Dave’s.  It was cool enough for long pants and a light jacket so it was perfect weather for a “fire”.

Oct 11^th – Fri

After having breakfast at The 5’n Diner, we went to Costco to see if I could get an eye exam for new contacts.  The store and vision area were really busy but I was able to get an appointment for tomorrow. 

Music in the courtyard was provided by “John & Suzie” who were very good singers & musicians.  Not only did they not take a break, they barely paused between songs.

Terry saw Larry & Suz arrive and went to greet them.  They had a dead battery on their tow car but their site is on a corner so they were able to pull the car beside their spot before unhitching.

We left MCY a bit early, changed into long pants, picked up Larry and Harry & Cathy and went to the Buffalo Chip bar & restaurant for dinner.  Also going were Jerry & Becky, Chief, Al & Linda and Steve & Theresa (just met them).  We drove 40 miles to Cave Creek, arrived at 6 and found the restaurant packed but we were able to sit at a long table outside.  A draw at this place is three sessions of bull riding on Wed & Friday.  The first session was at 8 and we were still eating!!  The server started out badly by not being able to figure out drinks when the first round finally arrived and things got worse from there.  We went to the back where the small corral & grandstand are located but couldn’t see anything.  We decided not to fight the crowds for the 9 o’clock show and headed home.

Oct 12^th – Sat

We went back to Costco for my 9:40 eye appointment.  I got a pair of trial contacts that are a new brand and slightly different prescription.  I also received the “designer” sunglasses so I could get back to the truck with my eyes dilated.

We went to see Larry & Suz and to invite them for dinner.  We just got back when Dennis & Gloria dropped by.  We went grocery shopping and then relaxed with computer games until it was time to make dinner.  After dinner we all went to a dance here in the park.  There was a small turnout again but we were able to relearn several line dances with Bobbie.

After the dance Larry, Larry & Julie, Jerry & Becky, Neil & Robin and Harry & Cathy came over to enjoy a buddy burner and a nightcap.  Luckily Joe & Stella were still awake and joined us as well.

Oct 7th to 9th - Mesa

Oct 7^th – Mon

We rode around the park a bit before getting water and then cleaned our golf clubs and put them in the new bags that we got yesterday at the Mesa Marketplace.  We took another bike ride to drop off old golf balls at the golf practice net here in the park and then enjoyed the rest of the split pea soup for lunch.

We went to MCY at 3 and had a good time visiting with friends as usual.  After dinner, we went to Dennis & Gloria’s to watch DWTS and Blacklist.

Oct 8^th – Tues

I spent time on the computer – blog, email & @#% games! – before going to exercise class.  There were quite a few people there.  I made a late breakfast before having a shower and getting ready to face the rest of the day.

We made a trip to WalMart for groceries and put everything away just in time to go to the ballroom for cake & champagne to celebrate Val Vista Village’s 40^th anniversary.  Then we stepped next door for MCY.  Bob & Bobbie – line dance instructors – just returned and Bobbie got us up for a couple of line dances that we haven’t done since last spring.  They came back pretty quickly.  There was a larger crowd than usual in the courtyard and if the energy & fun continue like today it will be a great season.

Terry BBQ’d steak for dinner.  We went out to watch the space station zoom across the sky and told Joe to come out to watch.  Then Joe & Stella joined us to watch TV outside.

Oct 9^th – Wed

Our tablet kept turning off in the middle of games yesterday so I uninstalled Candy Crush and reinstalled it using Terry’s facebook name so he didn’t have to keep using his phone to play the game.  I am not going to continue wasting so much time on the game!

After Terry went to the doctor last January for the problem with his hand, we thought the bill was all settled but we had a statement forwarded from Spokane – which was sent here first – that showed money owing.  So I spent time calling, leaving a message and finally talking to a billing person at the doctor’s office.  Talk about wasting time!!  I helped Dave & Phyllis put up their awning as it was getting quite windy.  We rode our bikes to go to the library, the activities office and to get water.  Of course this takes more time than you expect as we had to chat with friends.

Music was in the courtyard even though the band’s music stands blew over before they even started.  Once again it was a fun time and we did a couple of line dances without Bobbie’s help.

We had nachos at the courtyard so we just had a sandwich before Dennis & Gloria came over to play Farkle.  Of course the rules were slightly different from time we played with Dave & Sandra.  Terry won a game, I won a game and then we all adjourned to the patio to have a nightcap and watch TV.

Oct 4th to 6th - Mesa

Oct 4^th – Fri

Terry went golfing early this morning but when he loaded the clubs and tried to start the truck it would make a little noise like it wanted to start but it didn’t start.  After a few minutes, he sent a message to Chief that someone else would have to drive.  When they got back it was time for MCY earlier than usual (1 to 4) so we went over to have lunch and listen to Kevin Moen who has a nice voice but all the songs seem to have the same beat.  After a while we came back to put on our swim suits and joined people in the pool where you can still hear the music.

When we got back, Terry tried the truck and it started so we went for a short drive where I ran into Albertsons to get split peas and then stopped at Dennis & Gloria’s to pick up the ham bone from dinner on Wed.  I started a pot of soup and dinner.

About 5:30 I looked out the window to see a MH backing in beside us.  It was Joe & Stella from Victoria who were here for 3 months last fall.  This year they are staying until March.  When we finished eating, Joe & Stella and Dennis & Gloria came over for a nightcap.  It was absolutely perfect weather to sit outside.

Oct 5^th – Sat

I asked Dennis & Gloria to come over and have pea soup for lunch so we made a trip for crackers & bread and ended up spending over $50 at Safeway!  The soup was good and even enjoyed by Gloria who has never tried it before.

We went to a big golf store to look at golf bags but didn’t buy anything.  We walked over to Dennis & Gloria’s and saw a MH being parked on the opposite side of their street.  It was Allen & Diane who we met late last season.  They left a car here and towed a gib enclosed trailer with their motorcycles.  They had a hard time parking their trailer so Terry said he would come over tomorrow to straighten it out and get it further back on their site.

We went to dinner at Carrabba’s with Dennis & Gloria and were ready to have a quiet evening with Candy Crush when we got back.

Oct 6^th – Sun

Terry had just got up when Jerry called to see if we wanted to join them for breakfast at Mickey D’s in Apache Junction.  They gave us 35 minutes to shower and get ready.  We have a coupon book but when I looked for Mickey D’s I discovered missing pages and other pages duplicated.  The missing pages had the coupon I wanted.

After a great breakfast, we stopped at a flea market where Jerry & Becky got a couple of small items.  Then we went to a “living estate sale” that was in a dome house.  Once we saw the house we had to check it out – it was more interesting than all the “stuff” for sale.

Our truck started right up again – Terry did notice that the GPS would come on when the truck was off!? – and went to move Allen & Diane’s trailer.  I went over to ask Bruce if we could invite them for a gathering today and then we chatted a while with them after the short repositioning job.

About 3 we went to the pool area for the gathering I just mentioned which was planned for 4:00 to 7:00.  A few days ago, Bruce & Ann said they wanted to make hamburgers for a dinner and told Terry to ask all the people sitting with us in the courtyard.  By the time Terry finished, he told Bruce there would be 20 people so they planned for 24 and 27 showed up.  Most of us went in the pool and the noise of all those people floating & talking was louder than I have ever heard in the pool.  There is a smaller patio/courtyard area beside the pool which is where Bruce cooked the burgers & brats and we all could sit at round tables to eat – and of course talk some more.  We got home at 8 after putting all the tables & chairs back in place.

Sept 30th to Oct 3rd - Mesa

Sept 30^th – Mon

Dennis & Gloria introduced us to “Candy Crush Saga” and now we are hooked!  I lucked out and got the tablet while Terry is playing the game on his phone. 

We took a break to do the laundry and it is nice that there are still not a lot of people here so there is no wait for machines.  I made breakfast when we waited for the washers to finish.  After putting away the laundry we really got into the stupid game!

About 1:30 we went to Fat Willy’s to have a hamburger for lunch and stopped for groceries on the way back.  We were just in time to listen to MCY and have a few dances with the Weezul Brothers.  It was in the ballroom again as it is too warm for the musicians outside.

As we were walking back, Ann waved to us and told us to come over.  Dennis & Gloria were sitting outside with Bruce & Ann and we ended up drinking & talking until 7 when Gloria & I broke up the gathering so we could watch DWTS.  I am not as thrilled with the “stars” as in past years.  We didn’t need dinner so just had dessert, watched TV and cussed at Candy Crush! 

Oct 1^st – Tues

Terry amused himself with computer games when I went to exercise class.  The instructor locked her keys in her car so Robin & I decided the class should go to the fitness room where we set up a circuit like the instructor did last week.  It worked out very well.

We had to go to MCY today as Curtis Knox was playing.  He lives in the park and puts on a good show.  Then we went for dinner at Dave & Phyllis’ – very good taco salad and a yummy berry crisp.  I might need more than 2 days a week of exercise! 

Oct 2^nd – Wed

Bruce & Ann picked us up at 8:35 to go golfing at the Arizona Country Club.  As the name might indicate, it was a very nice setting & course.  Lots of water & hills on the front and hilly desert on the back.  Bruce got a tee time online for a great price since it is early in the season and the course is being prepared for over-seeding.

We hit the pool when we got back.  Terry put on a shirt and moved to the courtyard to listen to music but I stayed by the pool and visited with Bruce & Ann.  I just had enough time to make coleslaw and we went to Dennis & Gloria’s for dinner with Larry & Julie and Bill & Lauri. 

Oct 3^rd – Thurs

Things are not quite organized here.  Four of us showed up at the Fiesta ballroom for exercise class (according to our instructor last week and the schedule) and had to rush back to Val Vista ballroom when someone arrived to post a notice on the locked door saying it was still at Val Vista.  When I got back & showered, I made lunch and then went shopping with Gloria.

Gloria is going to make toppers/valances for her park model windows and wanted a second opinion on some fabric.  We both decided that the material she saw a couple of days ago was not going to work so we went to Hobby Lobby.  Gloria decided to buy ½ yard of a possible fabric and we came back to try it out.  It worked so we went back for more fabric & lining and then stopped at WalMart and got a couple of panels for their sliding glass door.

We were tuckered out from shopping so had to regroup with a refreshing cocktail.  Terry was at the courtyard and showed up shortly after I got home.  He said he was going to play poker but Gloria had asked us over for dinner & games.  We played Pegs & Jokers with the fancy outfit that we bought last year and never used.