Dec 26th to 30th - Mesa

Dec 26^th – Thurs

We were outside when Bob & Claudia (line dance friends) rode by on their bikes and stopped to admire the CanAm.  Terry ended up giving them both a ride and then 2 more guys paused to look at the bike.  We fueled up before meeting a group at Chief & Debra’s about noon to go for a motorcycle ride.  The others were Duane & Sue, Allen & Diane and “Z”.

We went to Greasewood Flats for lunch.  It is a unique outdoor bar & grill which apparently attracts a lot of bikers.  It wasn’t very busy today.  We wandered through the grounds & a large building that can be reserved for private parties.  There is a bandstand and a small concrete dance floor surrounded by fire pits made from 55 gallons drums.

The next stop was another biker bar in Cave Creek where we had a beer before heading for home.  We ended up on the 101 and then the 202 highway which is not my favorite place to be on a motorcycle.  Luckily, rush hour was pretty much non-existent due to the holiday season.  We got back shortly after 4 and took it easy for the rest of the day.

Dec 27^th – Fri

We went shopping for a real variety of things today – jeans, kitchen store, Costco & groceries at Frys.  In between we stopped for a late lunch.  By the time we put everything away it was too late to work up enough ambition to go to the courtyard to listen to music.  We had baby backs on the BBQ for a good dinner.

Dec 28^th – Sat

I got up fairly early to make Danish Puff for brunch at Richard & Nancy’s at 10:30.  They had a large group, the weather cooperated beautifully and everyone brought yummy food.  Nancy made her “famous” sticky rolls which were worthy of the praise.

Suz had texted saying they would be seeing us soon.  She was playing games because I told her to give us a little notice and we would have them over for dinner when they arrived and the next thing I know- as we were chatting with Dennis & Gloria – Suz replies and says to come to 49B and give them a hug as they were here.  We all went over to welcome them back and I invited them for dinner as I had put a small pork roast in the crock pot when we left for brunch.

We barely had time to gobble down dinner before we had to leave for a dance.  Larry & Suz got tickets as well and we all had our usual good time.

Dec 29^th – Sun

Our golf group played a Scramble today.  Ron picked 5 of the longest hitters as team captains and then drew names for the teams – another guy and 2 ladies.  There was actually a frost delay and we were an hour late starting.  I had a wonderful time which was due in part to being on the winning team with Brad, Allan & Diane.  We had no bogies and a score of 59 – 5 under par.  Our usual lunch at Red Robin followed the game.

Dec 30^th – Mon

We went to the Motor Vehicle Department to turn in the license for our trailer and to change my license to AZ but saw the line out the door and changed our minds.  We went to Camping World for a couple of folding tables, a step stool and a knife rack.  Then our usual stop at Fry’s for groceries, home to put them away and on to the courtyard to listen to music.

An impromptu party at Dale & Sharon’s was set up so we came home to make a drink and rode over with Jerry & Becky.  When Terry needed another drink, he came home to make it and rode the motorcycle back.  Then he didn’t get to drink much as everyone wanted a ride!  It was a great gathering with a tiny bit of line dancing.

Dec 23rd to 25th - Mesa

Dec 23^rd – Mon

Terry played golf this morning and I tackled the laundry after updating the blog.  I got in a little exercise as I walked to the office to put more money on the laundry card, came back to the rig and made a batch of peanut brittle, over to the laundry room to put clothes in the dryer, back home to hang up undies and finally back to the laundry to finish up.  I had a nice chat with Diane (new acquaintance in Rancho pull thrus opposite our toy hauler storage area) as we folded our clothes.

I went to a couple of stores and got back just as Terry was returning from golf/lunch.  We joined a group in the courtyard to listen to April Walker and to dance a bit.  People were not ready to stop having fun so we ended up with an impromptu gathering on our patio – Larry & Julie, Mel & Wanda, Ralph & Elsie, Dennis & Gloria, Duane & Sue, Ron & Terri.  Then Jerry & Erika came over with a big pot of Gluhwein – hot, spiced wine.  A couple of buddy burners provided light, heat & ambiance.  “Breakfast for dinner” completed our evening.

Dec 24^th – Tues

We went to Ft. McDowell casino for breakfast with Dennis & Gloria.  We had coupons for free steak & eggs and thought they expired at the end of this month.  Turns out they expire at the end of December 2014.  Terry & I stayed to gamble a bit and ended up spending more for the free breakfast than Dennis & Gloria did!

We stopped at WalMart on the way back for a few items for the toy hauler.  I boiled potatoes for a casserole for later and we relaxed a while.  This time it was my turn to get times mixed up and we went to Dennis & Gloria’s in time to help them move furniture for dinner and to get ahead of other guests with a drink.

Ron & Terri, Duane & Sue and Mike & Susie also came to dinner.  Gloria made pork tenderloins wrapped in bacon and Terry helped Dennis cook them beautifully on the BBQ.  Dennis used a meat thermometer and took them off the BBQ just before the recommended 170 degrees for really juicy, tender meat.  We moved back outside in the carport with 2 big propane heaters and were comfortable until we left close to midnight after a gift exchange and dessert.

Dec 25^th – Merry Christmas!!

After coffee & Candy Crush, we did some work in the toy hauler – finished securing shelves, put in shelf liner and got items – temporary locations I’m sure – off tables & chairs and into cupboards.  Don & Susan stopped by, then Mike & Susie and finally Gordon, Joyce & Gordon’s sister.

We ended up having breakfast for a light, late lunch.  I put together & cooked a veggie casserole for dinner at Bob & Gail’s.  Also there were Duane & Sue and Ron & Terri.  Bob cooked a turkey in a electric roaster for the basis for another excellent dinner.  Brian & Bev stopped by later to take a break from all their company and we laughed nonstop until 8 when everyone was ready to call it a day.

Dec 20th to 22nd - Mesa

Dec 20^th – Fri

We took it a bit easier this morning and then shopped & puttered around in the toy hauler.  At 3 we went to the ballroom to listen to MCY that was moved inside as it is pretty cool.  Van Arlon plays mostly country music so we did a lot of line dancing.

Terry figured we needed to keep partying so Jerry & Becky and Larry & Julie came over for a drink.  Then Ron & Ria and Jean came by to deliver Christmas goodies and we persuaded them to have a drink with us.

We were invited to Ron & Terri’s for dinner and Terry got the time sort of mixed up.  Terri said “dinner at 6:30” and Terry thought that was when we were supposed to show up!  Needless to say, Brian & Bev and Mike & Susie were already there and enjoying what was probably not their first drink.  Oh well – we had a wonderful dinner with a turkey cooked to perfection on the BBQ.

Sounds like we all have a drinking problem but we mostly don’t get too carried away.

Dec 21^st – Sat

We finally finished delivering goodie plates on our way to yet more shopping at the Mesa Marketplace.  It was pretty cool so we only walked 2 aisles before grabbing a burger for an early lunch.  We stopped at Lowe’s to get a sheet of press board and had them make a lot of cuts (for free!) to make shelves in our summer home.  We had a couple of visitors for welcome breaks at the toy hauler as we were working.

We went to a dance with Exit 40 and decided that we will skip dances with that band in the future.  They play non-country music at a high volume.  We were exhausted and luckily went right to bed when we got home just after 10.  I say “luckily” as some friends looking for a party knocked on our door about 15 minutes later.  They only knocked once so we ignored them!

Dec 22^nd – Sun

We found out today that the friends looking for a party went to Harry & Cathy’s and left around midnight.  Terry got out the sewing machine so I could sew straps to secure the benches when we put the motorcycle in the toy hauler.  We installed the straps and put screws in the shelves.  We took a table and a couple of chairs to Dennis & Gloria’s on our way out of the park for yet more shopping.  The purchase price of our new toys is clearly not the end of the money outflow!

This time we got sheets, towels, comforter and a few other necessaries.  We had to cut short our shopping at Garden Ridge to get back for a Happy Hour at Brad & Clare’s.  Their son Joel is visiting and they wanted to show him how much fun we have here.  I think he was convinced when there was standing room only on the patio & parking area and tons of food!

We headed home (across the street) when it really cooled down and had a quiet evening.

Dec 16th to 19th - Mesa

Dec 16^th – Mon

I worked on cookies & candy before we had some breakfast.  Terry nabbed some guys and they turned the motorcycle around so we can hook up on Wednesday.  I sent Terry to the store for more ingredients while I baked the shortbread cookies.

We went to visit Richard & Nancy and had a nice chat.  Then we took a buddy burner & wax to Bob & Bobbie and talked with people who stopped to admire the CanAm.  I had enough time to dip pretzels in white candy coating before we went to dinner at Brian & Bev’s.

Bev also invited Dennis & Gloria for dinner so it was a fun group and another great dinner.

Dec 17^th – Tues

It was Terry’s turn to drive for golf so Terri took me for a few errands – bank, WalMart & BigLots.  I picked up our forwarded mail and spent 45 minutes on the phone with our insurance company to straighten out a couple of things.  Around 2:30, I rode with Terri to pick up Mike & Susie from the airport.  Their plane ended up being later than reported so we got back just before 4 – a few minutes before Terry got home.

I sent Terry to the courtyard and I loaded up goodie plates for friends.  We had a light dinner and went to line dance lessons at 6:30, danced for nearly 2 hours, came home & crashed.

Dec 18^th – Wed

We went at 8 to pick up our toy hauler.  Somebody goofed up and told the service department that the delivery date was tomorrow so we sat & waited.  If we knew how long it would take we could have gone for breakfast!

We finally finished the walk through with the service manager, waited while they picked up a larger hitch ball, finished the paperwork and headed back for the long ½ mile drive back to the park.  We hadn’t even finished parking in the storage area when Mike walked over.  Jerry & Becky stopped on their way to run a couple of errands so we gave them “the grand tour” and then joined them for lunch at the Wild Berry.  Nancy had waved through the fence when we parked so we went to their place to tell them we were back and they came to have a look.  Terri rode her bike over for her tour.

At 5 we went to Dave & Phyllis’ for Happy Hour as they will be leaving for Christmas.  We had to leave at 5:45 for dinner at Harry & Cathy’s.  They set tables up in their park model carport and made a super dinner with a New York steak roast.  There were 12 other people for yet another wonderful gathering of friends.

Dec 19^th – Thurs

We went shopping for items to make some changes in the toy hauler and ended up going to 3 different stores to find what we needed.  We stopped at home for a late breakfast before going back to continue figuring out changes and installing locks on the battery & propane tanks.  I was a bit late for an 11:30 haircut but Holly wasn’t ready for me so it was OK.  Terry was still at the toy hauler so I walked back there, we finished up and came home to change clothes to go to a wine & cheese party in the ballroom.  The party was for anyone who took advantage of the fall special here in the park.  From 2 to just after 3, we had wine or beer, cheese/crackers/fruit and listened to karaoke.  We went from there directly to the courtyard to listen to Jeff Stevens & dance a bit.

A group at the courtyard decided we should all get together and order pizza for dinner.  We stopped to put on long pants and grab a jacket before going to Brian & Bev’s park model where Bev put out snacks to hold us over while Ron & Brian went to pick up pizza.  It took the guys a while to get the pizza because they stopped for Brian to pick up 2 more chairs for their tall dining table!  We gobbled down pizza and went immediately to the next entertainment – Wayne & Deb singing Christmas songs at the Rancho’s community center.  Yep – enough things crammed into this day!

Dec 13th to 15th - Mesa

Dec 13^th – Fri

We spent a couple of hours this morning doing the paperwork to buy a small toy hauler!!  Our original idea was to store the motorcycle here for the summer (since we are too long to tow the trailer behind the 5^th wheel) but I had the bright idea to get a smaller unit so we can use the motorcycle in the summer as well.  We looked at truck campers and quickly decided to get a little more room in a toy hauler.  Our “summer home” is being detailed and we will pick it up on Wednesday.

We went to music in the courtyard with North Star.  A group was sitting in the sun beside the pool and I joined them for a while as it can be slightly cool in the shade in the courtyard.

We went to Larry & Julie’s for a “goodbye to Jim & Caroline” dinner.  Julie had tables all set with tablecloths and napkins folded into fans in wine glasses – very festive for a dinner of her yummy lasagna.

Dec 14^th – Sat

We melted a lot of wax again today.  Jerry gave us a stack of shallow, round foil pans which work well.  I wait until the wax is nearly set and score the top so it breaks neatly into 6 wedges.  Terry had to clean out the motorcycle trailer as we had lots of stuff stored inside and we traded it in on the toy hauler.

We cleaned up all the wax paraphernalia in time for Terry to BBQ steaks for dinner.  Then we went to a dance and two-stepped the night away!

Dec 15^th – Sun

Whiskey Row Hackers played golf this morning with the first tee time at 8:22.  It was cool enough for long pants for most of us but it warmed up nicely in a couple of hours.  I felt like I played much worse than last time but ended up with only one stroke more.  Terry said he struggled again.  We went to Red Robin again for lunch with our favorite, attentive waiter Ethan.

Terry had a nap when we got back and I made a batch of Mounds candy which I finished just in time to go to Don & Susan’s for dinner.  Susan tried a new potato recipe which luckily for us took longer to cook than the recipe stated so we had time to digest our lunch before eating a great dinner.  We were kind of worn out so we left shortly after 9 without time to play cards.

Dec 9th to 12th - Mesa

Dec 9^th – Mon

Another lazy morning staying inside out of the cool weather.  Notice I didn’t say “cold” weather so I don’t receive any flak from northern friends!

After breakfast we made a shopping trip for a larger pot to melt wax and some aluminum muffin tins to make “wax pucks”.  Someone gave us a bunch of old candles to use in buddy burners and it makes too much mess cutting them up to refill a buddy burner by placing wax chunks on while burning.  So we got out the camp stove, the new pot and our old kettle and made a fair sized dent in the candle supply.

We cleaned up in time to join the last hour of MCY inside again.  Music was provided by “Breeze” and kept everyone on the dance floor.  There were a lot of people attending – probably in part due to cooler (!) weather.

We joined Moe for dinner at Duane & Sue’s.  Sue made a lovely dinner complete with Yorkshire Pudding.

Dec 10^th – Tues

Terry found out that he doesn’t play his best game of golf with a hangover!  I puttered around for a while in the rig after he left and then went shopping.  I got back shortly after Terry at 2:30 and actually bought some clothes for a change.

We both decided to skip MCY and just relaxed at home.  I made a fairly early dinner so we could go to line dancing lessons at 6:15.  We reviewed some dances and learned 2 new dances when the class actually started at 7.  There are lots of people taking lessons this year.

Dec 11^th – Wed

Moe came over before 10 to say he had everything ready so he could leave for Canada today.  We were still chatting when Brian dropped in to pay us for my old golf clubs that Bev bought and stayed for a cup of coffee.  We picked up Moe’s bags and went with him for breakfast before taking him to the airport.

Now it was time to do laundry.  We put the clothes in the washer and walked over to see Dale & Sharon’s park model but they weren’t home.  Just before the clothes were done, Dale & Sharon drove by and told Terry to come over for a beer while the clothes dried.  After a tour and a quick beer, we finished the laundry just before it was time to head to the courtyard.  The weather warmed up nicely today so music was outside. 

Not done yet!  A group of 22 from the park went for an impromptu buffet dinner at China City.  When we got back, we and Ron & Terri took a little walk around the park to look at Christmas lights.

Dec 12^th – Thurs

The Camping World ambassadors (Larry & Wandela) sponsored coffee & doughnuts this morning and Terry wasn’t golfing so he joined Terri & I to go to coffee as Larry brings lots of gifts.  None of us won anything but everyone received a tree ornament which are now hanging on Ron & Terri’s palm tree.  A singing group from the park provided a bit of entertainment.  They added an Arizona verse to White Christmas which was really cute.

We made a quick trip to Penney’s to exchange some boots that I bought and stopped for a few groceries on the way back.  I put up our little fiber optic Christmas tree and did some dinner prep.

At 3 we went to Duane & Sue’s with a lot of others to have a happy hour before watching the Christmas parade which started at 4 and lasted 7 minutes.  Then we had Dennis & Gloria and Don & Susan over for dinner.  After we ate we played 3 games of Pegs & Jokers and I am happy to report that the women won 2.

Dec 5th to 8th - Mesa

Dec 5^th – Thurs

Terry went golfing and I went to coffee & doughnuts with Terri.  It was quite cool so I think I got the better deal!  At 10:30, I went with Terri, Ann and Grace to Organ Stop Pizza for their special lunch show that they offer to groups of 50 or more.  We each got a salad after we paid and then pizza was served buffet style.  There was a guest organist who was a good musician but I don’t think he included as much history & information about the pipe organ as I have heard before.

Moe needed some help hanging the drape in the motor home – it was at the cleaners – and shortly after we went to MCY which was held in the ballroom as the weather was forecast to be cool.  We did a lot of line dancing. 

We left a bit early to change clothes before Dennis & Gloria picked us up for a night at the Arizona Opry.  Dianne arranged for 24 tickets for this show and we will be going to several others before we leave in the spring.  One musician left and 2 more joined the cast so the shows always change.  A family of 5 from Spokane was also in this show.

Dec 6^th – Fri

I woke with a full blown head cold this morning.  Terry took Joe & Stella to the airport at 8:30 and then went for breakfast with Moe.  I was happy when he later joined a group of motorcyclists for a ride to South Mountain and I could continue to hibernate & hydrate. 

Not too long after he got back, there was a Watering Hole (afternoon dance) and I said “goodbye, have fun” and stayed on the couch with my book.  Following the dance was music moved inside from the courtyard and Terry called to see if I wanted him to bring me something to eat.  The choices from the grill weren’t too great so I told him to have whatever he wanted and I made a sandwich for me.  And so ended an uneventful day.

Dec 7^th – Sat

After a lazy morning we got enough energy to go out for some groceries so I could get some stroganoff going for dinner.  We had an early dinner so it could settle before a dance at 7.

The band – Urban Crossroads - was different from most with a young female singer who was very good.  They played more modern music but it was still very danceable.  I was quite content to sit out some dances and enjoy the music.

After the dance ended, we went to Ron & Terri’s for “coffee”.  We were joined by Bob, Duane & Sue and Bev after Brian fell asleep!  Ron said “a” coffee but offered seconds which no one turned down.  It was 12:30 when we made the long walk home – across their patio and around the front of our rig!

Dec 8^th – Sun

We didn’t get up & going too early this morning!  Moe came over to chat with a cup of coffee.  It wasn’t much before noon when we went to the Little Mesa Café for breakfast and then did some shopping.

It wasn’t too cool in the sun when we returned and we ended up with a little group chatting on the street.  Then we went to Ernie & Dianne’s to check out their kitchen cabinets.  They used a 3 part paint process – base, dark color wiped off, sealer – which ended up looking like wood rather than the “pressboard painted to look like wood” that is used for older park models.  They replaced the door pulls & hinges as well.  They finished only the top cabinets so far and the contrast was amazing.

By the time we finished visiting & watching the end of a curling match, it was time to make dinner followed by another evening of TV & computer games.

Dec 2nd to 4th - Mesa

Dec 2^nd – Mon

Terry took Gloria for her chemo treatment as Dennis is attending a computer class.  We went for a late breakfast at the Wildberry restaurant before shopping for groceries.  Terry left at 12:30 to go for a motorcycle ride with Allen who was riding Dianne’s CanAm.  This left me free to putter around getting ready for company for dinner.  Gloria came over and we had a nice chat.

Not too long after Terry got back, Dennis & Gloria came by with drinks in hand so we joined them outside for a cocktail.  Terri & Bev came over followed shortly by Ron & Brian.

It cooled down so the ladies joined me inside while I put together the seafood lasagna.  Dennis & Gloria headed home and the others were our guests for dinner.

We had a wonderful evening.  The food turned out great and conversation flowed nonstop.

Dec 3^rd – Tues

I went to Total Wine with Terri while Terry cussed at Candy Crush.  We had lunch when I got back and it seemed like no time before we were heading to the courtyard to listen to music & dance.  I came home early to get dinner in the oven so we wouldn’t eat and immediately go to line dance lessons.

Tonight we reviewed 4 line dances and learned another.  When we go early and dance for 1 ½ hours we get quite a bit of exercise.  Terri, Stella & Phyllis are all going and doing well.

Dec 4^th – Wed

Terry had to put up the awning (removing rope lights first) and cover the motorcycle as wind & showers are forecast.  The rain started shortly after he finished.

Trish came over to chat a bit and say goodbye as she is leaving until Jan 15^th.  She is going to Brandon, Manitoba to visit her aunt and then to Calgary to visit her friend Lynn who we met in Desert Hot Springs.  Moe will fly from here to Calgary and they will both fly to Kamloops.  Chuck & Echo popped in to see if we wanted to join them & Moe for dinner tomorrow but we have other plans.

After a late breakfast, we decided that the weather called for a trip to a casino.  We stopped on the way to buy expensive, “custom” windshield wipers as one side was falling apart.  We went to Ft. McDowell and played a long time before calling it quits.

I had leftovers again for dinner (are you wondering when I made the originals?) and we had a quiet evening.

Nov 28th to Dec 1st - Mesa

Nov 28^th – HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

We started the day slowly knowing it was going to get more hectic.  We planned Thanksgiving dinner for a large group and there is always some anxiety wondering if it will all work out.

We ended up having a problem with the party wagon which provides tables & chairs.  The problem was that it didn’t show up!!!  Of course the office was not open so Terry checked at the security booth and someone there called Nancy (manager).  She did some checking and discovered that the activity office checked out 3 party wagons for today and there are only 2 which were both at the other sites and in use or locked up.  Nancy’s husband Kevin finally got involved and had Terry & Chuck take their trucks to the ballroom where we got a bunch of tables & chairs.  Of course we then had to load them up after and return them but we did get to sit at tables to eat.

We ate at 3 and dinner was great.  Gloria, Trish & I decided that we wanted to keep the food simple – turkey, potatoes, stuffing, gravy, veggies, sweet potatoes, salad and dessert.  So we had multiple people bring the same specific dish and it worked out super.  After everything was cleared away, several people brought over propane firepits and the last guests left shortly after 9.

Nov 29^th – Fri

I went to the ballroom at 9 to help with Christmas decorating.  Jill was in charge and torn in many directions at once but we managed to get a fairly good start with a huge tree and lighted garlands & wreaths.  A group with some decorating talent worked on the front lobby and someone did a cute tree with playing cards in the poker room.  The volunteers received a ticket for $5 at the grill in the courtyard so a group of us went for lunch.  Unfortunately for the afternoon decorating session, it took us over 45 minutes to receive our lunch.  I didn’t work too much longer.

When I got back, Ron & Terri and Terry were talking to Brad & Clare so we ended up over at their place with drinks.  It was nice to have leftovers for dinner later.

Nov 30^th – Sat

We got at the laundry fairly early today so we were all done by 10.  Then I took my sewing machine to Trish’s and we went to the sewing room for a big project – shortening her drape for their motor home.

You might notice that I said “drape” singular as it is one large, heavy lined curtain.  It was 8 inches too long and puddled on the dash.  But it needed a longer piece on the portion by the driver’s window so I had to figure out how to put in a “jog”.  Luckily a lady came to the sewing room and gave us a suggestion which worked out well except I sewed the piece on the wrong side! - but I made it work OK.  Terry was running errands on the motorcycle, picked up Dianne and dropped by to see how we were doing.  A bit later, Terry came by with a welcome lunch for all of us from McDonalds.

We finished the alterations at 2:40 except for a bit of hand stitching that Trish could finish.  I just had time to put together a vegetable casserole and change clothes before we had to go to Milo & Laverne’s for dinner.  M&L are friends of Brian & Bev’s and we met them at the Gray Cup party.  They had about 20 people over for turkey dinner at their house in Santan Flats which is a 30 minute drive from here.  We were home at 8:30 and ready to hit the sack & watch TV.

Dec 1^st – Sun

This was our golf day with 18 friends.  It was cool in the morning and wet on the course but warmed up nicely.  I had a respectable game and Terry did well.  We all went to Red Robin for lunch and had our usual waiter (Ethan) this time.  He does an amazing job of looking after the long table of diners.

Don & Susan from Saskatchewan arrived today and came by for a drink.  As they left, we went out and admired Ron’s newest Christmas decoration – an inflatable, animated helicopter on the roof of his motor home.  Richard & Nancy came walking down the street so we invited them in for a drink & a chat.  They left to have dinner and we went across the street – actually to 3^rd Street – to join a group sitting around a propane fire at Bob & Gail’s site.  Luckily I cooked a turkey on Thursday but just for us so I had leftovers for dinner again.