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.