Mar 26th to 30th - Mesa

Mar 26^th – Wed

I got a haircut this morning, picked up our forwarded mail and dealt with mostly junk and a few important items.   We had a lazy rest of the morning and early afternoon.

We rode with Larry & Barb to meet a big group of friends at Serrano’s restaurant for an early dinner.  There was one server for 28 of us and she did a great job.  However, the food was found lacking by a lot of people including us.

Mar 27^th – Thurs

Terry left at 7:30 to play golf and I joined Terri to go for our last coffee & doughnuts.  Then I actually got a little ambitious and did some cleaning.

At 1:30 Terri & I rode our bikes to the old tennis courts for a groundbreaking ceremony.  The park set up tables & chairs, sun shelters and “bleachers” which ended up full by 2:00.  There was free beer, hotdogs & chips before & after the short speech and symbolic turning over of dirt.  Terry showed up just before it ended.

We went to the courtyard to listen to the Weezul Brothers and then had an impromptu HH at our place.  Not done yet!  We went to Rancho’s patio to listen to Wayne & Deb and dance.

Mar 28^th – Fri

I was going to do laundry yesterday but decided that Terry could help today.  While the clothes were in the washers, we went to McDonalds for breakfast.  Then we were very lazy for a few hours.

At 3:30 we went with Ron & Terri and Bob & Dar to Applebys for an early dinner.  We had time to digest a bit, change clothes and go to a farewell dance with music by Saguaro Sunset.  There is a dance Friday & Saturday to accommodate everyone.  The dance tonight was not full so there was plenty of room on the floor for a line dance group and regular dancers.

Mar 29^th – Sat

We said goodbye to Ron & Terri last night as they left early (6:30) this morning.  We hung around later with several people who came over to say goodbye to Bob & Dar.  They were only going to Yuma so finally left around 11.

We went grocery shopping and also picked up some saddle soap so I can clean our leather furniture.  I put away groceries, made a salad and a veggie plate while Terry went to the courtyard for a short time.  Then we went to Bob & Gail’s for wings, beer and other good food provided by everyone.  We keep thinking that the park is looking empty but still manage to get a large group together.

We took the motorcycle to say goodbye to Ralph & Leila and found out they left a couple of days ago.  As we were coming back, Dave (& Sandi) were at a neighborhood dinner and flagged us down.  Dave has been wanting to drive the Spyder so he got a chance tonight.  A guy rode with him and they were both very impressed with the bike when they got back.

Mar 30^th – Sun

We picked up Dennis & Gloria this morning to play golf at Sunland Springs.  We teed off early (9:05) and finished our 9 holes in less than 2 hours.  It was cloudy and a bit cool at the start but the light breeze quit and the weather was perfect.

We had just over an hour before we headed to the bocce courts for an early birthday party for Nancy.  Once again – wonderful food, marvelous weather and, best of all, super friends.  We left at 4 for our next party – next door to us at Bob & Sandi’s.

The clouds cleared so it was quite warm for anyone not lucky enough to sit in the shade.  I don’t know how we ate any more but we managed!  Terry took several people for rides on the motorcycle and when it got dark brought out a buddy burner.  Everyone headed for home early.

Mar 22nd to 25th - Mesa

Mar 22^nd – Sat

Leftover doughnuts with coffee this morning.  Dave & Phyllis took their time packing up as they were only going to Yuma today.  Of course this made for several informal chat sessions in the street.

We went to the courtyard for lunch.  Since it was Saturday there were only 2 choices – pulled pork sandwich or sloppy joe – but they filled the hole.  Music today was Curtis from 1 to 3.  I left a bit early to get dinner on the stove.  We all had to gather in the street when Dennis & Donna parked their “new to them” motor home.  They had been moving stuff all day so we quickly left them to crash.

We went to a dance with Rare Collection providing rock ‘n roll music.  We must have been in a different mood the last time they played as we enjoyed them more previously.  The small crowd reflected the fact that lots of people have left already.

Mar 23^rd – Sun

We all gathered to hug goodbye to Brad & Clare this morning.

We loaded Larry & Barb, Darlene and Terri into the truck and went to Filly’s at 10:30.  We went early because North Star was playing and it was going to be crowded with a lot of Val Vista people.  We were almost late!  We borrowed an umbrella from a table and got a table at the end of some VVV friends.

As usual with a big crowd, the service was pretty slow.  We ordered lunch & beer and settled down to having fun.  The dance floor was very crowded so we only danced a bit.  The sun was getting very hot so we left at the first break around 2.

We went to a Farewell Happy Hour at 4 hosted by Wayne & Ruth.  It was held in their neighbor’s carport so we had shade.  We met a lot of new people.  As we were riding home from there, we went past a gathering at Dennis & Donna’s so we had to go back to see the new MH and have a drink.

Mar 24^th – Mon

Terry played golf this morning and I stayed in bed to finish a book.  My cold/crud/whatever is getting better but I figured a very lazy day would help with the recovery so that is what I did – next to nothing!  When Terry got back we went to the courtyard to listen to music.  Terry did some line dances but I continued my “forced” inactivity.

I had put a roast in the crock pot and added a leftover carrot salad for a very easy dinner.

Mar 25^th – Tues

We went to Ft McDowell casino for one more time with Don & Susan.  We started with breakfast and then all hit the slots.  I am getting closer to quitting gambling (!!), Terry took longer to lose his allowance, Don did fairly well and Susan had to get out of the smoke before she lost too much.

We went for groceries and I put everything away and made a Salsa Salad.  Before I could join Terry at the courtyard he came back to put up the awning as there was a severe weather warning on the phones.  A wind storm was heading our way.  When we got back to the courtyard, workers started folding up all the table umbrellas and the band quit a bit early in case sand accompanied the wind.

It all turned out to be less than advertised so we stayed with a group at the courtyard until I had to get back to start dinner.  After dinner we went to the final line dance lessons where we reviewed a lot of dances.  For the first time since the fall, it was warmer outside than in the ballroom when we left.

Mar 19th to 21st - Mesa

Mar 19^th – Wed

Terry played golf this morning and missed a great brunch hosted by Dave &Phyllis and Stella & Joe.  I got up just in time to join the chow line at 9:35.  I think we are all getting old because a start time of 9:30 seems to mean that we will be eating then!  Dave was frying eggs, Joe was cooking pancakes and everyone brought everything else “breakfast” that you could imagine.  There was even a huge container of fresh squeezed orange juice from Dolores.

I finally caught up my blog after Terry got back from golf & lunch.  I am still trying to get rid of a cold or whatever is hanging on so once again I told Terry to go to the courtyard and I would read & rest.

When Terry got back we rode the motorcycle to Neal & Judi’s for another farewell dinner.  Judi is an excellent cook and loves to decorate the tables.  One more time for good friends and good food.

Mar 20^th – Thurs

We met a group of motorcycle riders at Chief’s this morning for a CalAm sponsored event.  We left at 8:30 (supposed to be 8:15!!) and rode to Canyon Vista RV in Gold Canyon.  There were lots of bikes already there so we registered and got coffee, fruit & pastry for breakfast.  There was as suggested loop ride before lunch but it was the Copper Triangle that we just rode last week so we joined Duane & Sue and rode to the Apache Gold Casino on the east side of Globe.  We gambled about an hour and then rode back to Canyon Vista for lunch.

We stopped for whipping cream on the way back so I could put dessert together for tonight.  Terry went to the courtyard while I did the dessert and then read & rested – yup, still have my cold.

We went to Ernie & Dianne’s for a chili dinner.  Dianne’s daughter Annette, her husband Mike and their daughter Kayah were there – along with about a dozen other friends - and it was nice to see them again.

Mar 21^st - Fri

We got up at the crack of dawn to pick up Julie & Larry a 7:00 for an outing on Canyon Lake.  21 people rented 2 pontoon boats for the morning.  We picked up doughnuts for breakfast, loaded gear & people on the boat and left about 8:30 after Bob C. got driving & safety instructions.  Canyon Lake is a skinny, twisty lake so we puttered slowly along and enjoyed the scenery, food & drink.  We were all happy to have light jackets at first as the tall canyon walls put us in shade but it wasn’t too long before we all shed the jackets.  We were lucky enough to have eagle-eye Terry spot mountain sheep a couple of times way up on the top of the canyon.

We didn’t see the other boat until we were part way back and that resulted in a short water gun fight.

Once we docked & packed everything back to the vehicles, we drove a short ways further to Tortilla Flats for lunch.  We managed to get seats outside where we ordered burgers and listened to Mark Lucas (AZ Opry) and Jeff Stephens sing.  I was feeling OK when we got back but once again I stayed home while Terry went the courtyard for a while.  We had a quiet evening for a change.

Mar 13th to 18th - Mesa

Mar 13^th – Thurs

I went to coffee & no doughnuts (accident with the delivery truck!) this morning with Terri & Sandi.  It was sponsored by the Camping World ambassadors who always raffle off nice prizes - Sandi won a tall director’s chair.

I sent Terry to the store for ingredients and put together a salad for tomorrow.

I got way behind on the blog so darned if I can remember what else we did today!!

Mar 14^th – Fri

Oops, big gap this morning too!

We went to HH & pot luck at Bob & Sandi’s at 4.  They moved back onto 4^th street at the beginning of the month just in time to have a farewell party.  Actually, they are not leaving right away.  Appies followed by pot luck dinner followed by Henry playing his guitar and singing – a recipe for a great evening.

Mar 15^th – Sat

Terri joined us on our bicycles to check out patio sales this morning.  Even if you don’t buy anything it is lots of fun to chat with people everywhere you go which makes it take a long time to get around the park.  We also checked out a couple of park models that Brad & Clare have looked at to purchase.

We had leftovers for lunch and didn’t do anything exciting for a few hours.

We picked up Joe & Stella and Larry & Julie to go to the AZ Opry for a Rock ‘N Roll show which was every bit as amazing and entertaining as the other formats we have attended.

Mar 16^th – Sun

We didn’t have to get up at the crack of dawn for golf today as there was a tournament before us and our first tee time was after 10.  We played a scramble which was good for me as I still have a cold and less energy.  Dennis played with us but Gloria was not feeling well this morning and had to cancel.  The whole group went to China City for a late lunch after golf. 

Dale & Sharon stopped for a chat – and a drink - then we finally had a lazy evening.

Mar 17^th – Mon

Terry got up early and cleaned the motorcycle so I could decorate it for the St. Patrick’s Day parade at 10:00 here in the park.  Our entry was us, Bob & Claudia and Ralph & Elsie – the Cal Am Can Am Spyders.  We were near the end and finished just before 11.

The park provides a box lunch for all the parade participants so we headed to the Fiesta Ballroom where we had to wait for lunch to be delivered – oh well!  Our entry won for “Most Creative”.  I think everyone was just happy to see a new entry in the parade!  After lunch, Terry went to the courtyard to listen to Curtis and I stayed home and rested.

Larry & Barb hosted a corned beef dinner for a large group at 5:30.   Our circle of friends is getting a lot of use out of the party wagon this year.

Mar 18^th – Tues

Terry went to the office this morning to make reservations for next season.

I am starting to dread laundry day.  I had everything sorted out & pretreated when Terry told me the Val Vista laundry was closed due to repairs for leaks.  So we went to Fiesta and only had to wait a few minutes to get 4 washers.  We went to McDonalds for a burger while the clothes were washing and also made a quick stop at Albertsons.

When we got back, there was only one drier available so we took the clothes to Val Vista thinking the driers would still be available.  Nope – the leak was in a gas line!  I had noticed a laundromat down Main Street a short ways so we went there to dry the clothes.

I just had time to put together a veggie plate and head to the bocce court for a farewell gathering hosted by Bob & Peggy.  We joined the end of the line to fill a plate with appies and finally relaxed for a bit.

Then it was back to the rig to pick up cookies and a drink and go to the ballroom for the end of season line dance lesson party.  It is a good thing we built up stamina from parties during the season!  I took videos of the dances rather than dancing as my energy was pretty much used up by now – yep, still coughing.  Terry joined a group across the street when we got back after 9:30 and I called it quits.

Mar 10th to 12th - Mesa

Mar 10^th – Mon

Terry left for golfing at 8:20 and I stayed in bed to read as I went to bed and woke up with a sore throat and congestion.  Ernie & Dianne stopped by for a chat and an invitation, Larry R brought his computer over so I could help him load Turbo Tax and Dennis & Gloria made a quick stop.  Reading, computer games & the blog filled the rest of my time until Terry came back about 1:30.  He went to the courtyard to have lunch but I had a smoothie and wasn’t hungry.

I went across the street at 2:00 to Brad & Clare’s to celebrate Phyllis’ birthday and Terry came after he had lunch.  I stayed in the background to I wouldn’t infect anyone and didn’t stay very long.  The party lasted until after 5 and I was sorry I had to miss all the fun - but I did get to enjoy the laughter through our open door & windows!

Ron brought over a plate of very good spaghetti for my dinner while Terry joined Ron & Terri and Bob & Darlene to eat.  I am a firm believer in taking it easy at least the first day of any sickness so I really am not being anti-social.

Mar 11^th – Tues

I was pretty lazy again this morning and just puttered around.  Terry worked on wiring the GPS on the motorcycle which I interrupted with a sandwich for lunch.

We went to the courtyard to listen to Van Arlon.  Terry did some line dancing but I purposely wore “non dancing” shoes so I would just rest & relax.  I left a little early to get dinner in the oven so we could eat early before line dance lessons.

Then line dance lessons were cancelled due to a scheduling conflict.  We took the motorcycle to check if the Rancho’s patio was available but it was being used by a private party.  So we stopped to visit with Dave & Sandi.  When we got back, we walked over to see Dennis & Gloria and kept going when we saw their curtains were shut.  Rick & Vi were at Duane & Sue’s so we joined them for a while.

Mar 12^th – Wed

We left at 10 with 9 other motorcycles (13 riders) for a ride to Kearny which is south of Globe.  Our leader Al took us on a great little loop first that went through desert areas and then past a lovely, unexpected golf course.  Once we went south of Hwy 60 on Hwy 177, we saw HUGE silver mines. We stopped at a bar in Kearny for lunch.  A lady at the bar took our food orders and phoned them next door to a restaurant for delivery to the bar.  It ended up taking a long time to get lunch.  We came back on Hwy 77 (with a quick stop at “Christmas” for photos) to Globe and then back on Hwy 60.  The entire ride was just under 200 miles and my butt let me know it was that long!

We made a stop at Fry’s as we were due at a party at 4 (it was now after 4) and I had to figure out what to take for food since we weren’t back early enough to make lasagna which I had planned.  We changed clothes, threw some shrimp into macaroni salad and went to Third Street for Ray & Viv’s annual party.  They host it with 2 other couples and Gloria counted 124 people attending.  They have a karaoke setup which provides music for singers all night – some better than others but all having a wonderful time.  We even did a little line dancing in the street.

I still have a cold so I left about 8:30 and Terry wasn’t too far behind.

Mar 7th to 9th - Mesa

Mar 7^th – Fri

Oops- got behind on the blog so it took me a while to catch up - after coffee & CC of course.

We went out for breakfast for Terry and lunch for me.  We stopped for a few groceries and to check for more St. Paddy’s decorations for our motorcycle – no luck.

We went to the courtyard to listen to music & dance for a while and then went to the bocce court where Ron & Terri were hosting a gathering of people belonging to a Winnebago RV club.

Shortly after 5 we joined large group at The Duchess restaurant for dinner.  Then that group and a few more went to a Comedy Improv in downtown Mesa.   The format was competition improvisation with 2 teams of 3 people and one lady who changed from team to team.  Suggestions were taken from the audience which resulted in hilarious “skits”.  Some people were going back to the Duchess for a drink but we were tired and called it a night.

Mar 8^th – Sat

We didn’t get going too early this morning.  When Terry went to dump the tanks, the black tank didn’t dump completely (like last time!) so he hooked up the flush connection with a valve and filled & dumped the black tank many times.  He has a clear fitting so each time the water wasn’t clear he did it again.  We are going to buy some tank chemical that was recommended to Larry & Barb when they had to pay a guy to get their black tank to empty.  Apparently many chemicals can cause crystals to form and then the crystals can combine into a solid ball and really mess things up.  The recommended stuff (TankTeck rx) is made in Phoenix but the nearest RV place that sells it is out of stock right now as they have suddenly had way more demand for it.

We had seen the chemical at another place in Apache Junction so after lunch we took a drive to get it and some other things – unfortunately they close at 1:30 on Saturday.  We got some things at Harbor Freight and then made a stop at Home Depot.

We sat outside when we got back and weren’t alone for long as an impromptu HH broke out.  The wind had come up so Dave & Phyllis put up their awning and then came over.  We had to eat dinner before going to a dance so we had to kick everyone out at 5:45.  Luckily I had marinated some pork chops and then put potatoes on to boil when everyone was here.  Terry put the meat on the BBQ while I mashed the potatoes and put a salad together.  We changed clothes and were at the dance by 6:40.

We and our group of dancing friends now know quite a few line dances so we “danced the night away”.  Sometimes it took a group effort to remember the steps but we had fun.  The dance was not sold out so the dance floor wasn’t too crowded.

Mar 9^th – Sun

We golfed with the Whiskey Row Hackers this morning and went to lunch at Red Robin.  I didn’t even need to start out with a light jacket for a tee time just before 8 – gorgeous weather!

We got a little ambitious when we got back and did some “work” on the toy hauler.  We put in hooks & straps to hold the side benches up against the walls when the motorcycle is inside and discovered that the hooks weren’t heavy enough when one broke and others were opening up.  We were lucky that the benches didn’t come down on the bike when we went to Quartzsite.  We bought heavier hardware a couple of days ago and got it all installed today.

Since we actually got something productive done today we felt free to relax with CC, reading and, on Terry’s part, snoozing.  I wasn’t too hungry but Terry needed dinner so he went to KFC since we haven’t had a fried chicken fix for a long time.

Mar 4th to 6th - Mesa

Mar 4^th – Tues

Terry got up early and went to line up to get tickets for the end of season dance on the 28^th.  There are 2 dances to accommodate everyone but we wanted to get tickets for Friday as a lot of line dancers are going then.

After coffee & CC, we went to the Wild Berry for a late breakfast.  Marg & Pat had not gone for a ride on the motorcycle so Terry took Marg while Pat & I rode our bicycles to the bocce court.  We played one game to show them how bocce is played on a court rather than in grass & rocks.  Then it was Pat’s turn for a motorcycle ride and Marg & I rode the bicycles back.

Marg & Pat bought pickle ball rackets (bats/paddles?) yesterday and wanted to try them out so they took the bicycles and Terry & I followed on the motorcycle.  Marg & Pat were just practicing by themselves when a guy came over and asked if they wanted to join a round robin.  Marg & Pat have only played inside in a school and were hesitant but the guy convinced them to try it.  They ended up having a good time.

We left them and went to the courtyard to listen to Curtis.  Marg & Pat joined us after a bit.  Then we all went to a party at Dennis & Gloria’s to celebrate the end of Gloria’s cancer treatments.  They had tables & chairs from the party wagon and we all had tacos & desserts – OK, maybe a couple of drinks too!  Terri and I both left the party early and went to line dance lessons.  I wouldn’t have gone but we missed last week and I didn’t want to get too far behind.  I went back after dancing and the party was down to one table full of die-hards.  It wasn’t too much later when everyone called it quits.

Mar 5^th – Wed

I don’t remember what we did after I made a big, late breakfast this morning.

North Star was in the courtyard today so we had to listen & dance.  We picked up Dennis & Gloria at 5:20 and went to Organ Stop Pizza for dinner.  We ordered our pizzas and were walking to the beverage area when there was a slight boom and the organ stopped and some of the lights went off.  We easily found seats as people started leaving since the first “show” was almost over when the power problem happened.

As we were eating, there was an announcement that they were trying to find the technician and we were nearly done when the technician was located in Phoenix.  We didn’t want to wait until he showed up with no guarantees of a quick solution so we headed home.

Pat loaded Kies on my computer – and from there onto my phone – so I can download pictures from the phone to the computer.

Mar 6^th – Thurs

My little cinnamon rolls made with Bisquick didn’t turn out very well this morning but we all ate a couple with our coffee.  A while later I made breakfast burritos so Marg & Pat wouldn’t have to stop right away for lunch.

Marg & Pat pulled out at 11 as planned.  They are going to Williams today and then to the Grand Canyon tomorrow.  They have to be back in 100 Mile House on the 15^th and want to have a couple of days leeway in case the weather doesn’t cooperate.

We went shopping for decorations for us & our motorcycle for the St. Patrick’s Day parade here next Monday.  We went to several stores and found a couple of items at 3 different places.  When we got back it was time to head to the courtyard and have chicken strips for a late lunch.  I think people are fitting in everything they can before they leave as it got very full.  I was in a lazy mood and hardly danced but Terry joined in line dancing.  We sat for a while on the couches by the pool after music finished.

Now we were both ready to be lazy – TV, CC, reading and dessert for dinner.

Mar 1st to 3rd - Mesa

Mar 1^st – Sat

Marg & Pat came over after they had some breakfast and we goofed off and waited for the rain to clear.  Yes, we are getting rain after 70 days without any.

I put some leftovers in the oven to heat for lunch while we used Dennis & Gloria’s golf cart to take Marg & Pat on a tour of the park.  We stopped at the storage area so they could see the toy hauler and pretty much explored all corners of the park & buildings. 

We all went to a party at Doug & Shirley’s park model in Superstition Butte RV park which is just south of Main on Signal Butte.  They bought it last year and have been doing a lot of work on it.  Dianne & Ernie, Doug and his sister Bernice, Bill Keyes and Lawrence provided music before & after a pot luck dinner.  After dinner it started to pour rain again.

Marg & Pat got a ride home with Dennis & Gloria so Terry & I could stay longer to enjoy the music and great friends. 
We had just turned out the lights at 10:30 when Terry’s phone rang.  It was Darlene telling us that she cancelled the tee times for tomorrow morning as it was raining and expected to continue.  I put on a jacket and sloshed over to Marg’s motor home to let her & Pat know that they could turn off the alarm and sleep in tomorrow.

Mar 2^nd – Sun

It was a good thing that golf was cancelled as there was a lot of rain last night and it was cool this morning.  I made jelly biscuits for breakfast for all of us and Marg brought over a bowl of fresh grapefruit.  We were discussing activities when Larry came over with a book for me to read.  Terry asked if he & Barb wanted to go with us so we waited just a bit for Barb to finish getting ready and we all piled into the truck.

Our first stop was Goldfield which is a reconstructed gold mining town.  It was perfect weather to wander through the “town” and stores.  We continued on towards Tortilla Flats and stopped at a view point.  We drove past Tortilla Flats, thru some water flowing over the road and to another view point that is past the end of the paved road.  We walked & took pictures before heading back.  We found a parking spot at Tortilla Flats but there was no place to sit outside (Mark & Steve from AZ Opry were singing) so we checked out the “touristy” shop and went to Filly’s where we found no band and no food service outside due to “flooding”.  So, back just a short ways to the Hitching Post.  The music was provided by 2 guys on accordions which was surprisingly good.  We put away 3 pitchers of beer and much needed food since it was 3 o’clock.

When we got back, we had barely settled down when Richard & Nancy stopped by.  We had a drink and a chat which was very nice since Nancy has been sick and we haven’t seen much of them lately.

We finished the day with TV and more Candy Crush playing by all of us.

Mar 3^rd – Mon

OK, we have developed a morning routine with Marg & Pat – coffee & CC.  We discussed & dismissed a golf game and finally decided to go for breakfast.  Then I got the bright idea to ask if they wanted to go to a casino so we got online to purchase coupons for Ft McDowell and headed out.  We still had breakfast coupons so after Marg & Pat got their players cards, we had breakfast.

For $25 each, Marg & Pat received $50 slot play on their cards.  This was enough to keep Marg from dipping into her wallet and Pat came out ahead.  I did my usual downhill slide and Terry slid somewhat slower! 

Now we were into shopping – Costco, WalMart, Dicks Sporting Goods, Power Square, Total Wine & Sports Authority.  This brought us to 4:30 and a decision to stop at China City for dinner rather than go home and immediately go back somewhere for dinner.  A nightcap, TV & CC completed another full day.

Feb 23rd to 28th - Palm Springs & Mesa

Feb 23^rd – Sun

We left at 9 with Larry & Barb to head to Palm Springs.  Larry was surprised to see the fuel gauge on empty so we headed to a service station.  Before we got there, he noticed that none of his gauges were registering – including the speedometer.  We had the same problem with our previous truck which was the same year Chev as Larry’s.  Terry offered to take our truck if Larry was worried about the gauges but he decided to fuel up & carry on as he could us the GPS to show his speed.

We stopped to eat our lunch at a rest area and were a few miles from our exit when the truck started to shake like there was a flat tire.  We luckily found a wide shoulder to pull off but the guys could see no problem with tire.  We carried on – slowly – to an exit that would take us to a Chev dealer not far from the condo where we were going to stay.  Of course the service department was not open on Sunday so Barb filled out the after hours envelope and left the keys.  Then she called a friend – Judy - who happened to be shopping nearby and she & Grace came to take us to the condo.  Oops, check in time was not until 4 and it was now 2 so we went to the Sands RV park where Judy has a park model.  It is the park where we and Larry & Barb stayed in the past.  We had a couple of drinks, Judy took us to a grocery store and then Cliff took us to the condo as Judy had to play poker.

We had pizza & salad for dinner at the condo and of course a couple more drinks.

Feb 24^th – Mon

Larry arranged for a rental car as the Chev dealer hadn’t even looked at the truck when Larry talked to them.  We made breakfast at the condo and then went to the Chev dealer to get our golf clubs out of the truck.  The problem with the truck was a tire that had a bulge that you couldn’t see but could feel.  Larry had talked about getting new tires and decided this would be the time to do so.  Of course, the tires were not in stock and had to be ordered.  The gauge problem was “solved” by disconnecting and reconnecting something!!

We played a round of golf at The Sands and then went to a larger happy hour at Russ & Judy’s.  It was great to see a lot of the people that we knew from staying there.

We had planned to go to Babe’s for dinner as it was Larry & Barb’s 52^nd wedding anniversary today but figured we had eaten too much at the happy hour so stopped at a grocery store and got ingredients for tacos.

Feb 25^th – Tues

After breakfast – and finding out that the tires weren’t here yet – we contacted Terry’s brother Skip (and his wife Kathy) and went to see the house they are having built in Rancho Mirage.  They are very involved in decisions and it is going to be amazing.  We toured a completed model home – way too modern – and then went to lunch with them.

We went to the Chev dealer again to check on the truck.  It still wasn’t done – tires had arrived! –so a shuttle driver took Larry & Barb to the condo so they could relax by the pool and we went to a casino where Terry won again.  I came out 21 cents ahead so his winnings didn’t even have to cover my losses!  We got back to the condo just after 5 and found that the Chev dealer had sent the shuttle to pick up Larry. 

When he got back with the truck – and without his credit card! – we went to Babe’s for a nice dinner.

Feb 26^th – Wed

We made breakfast at the condo again before packing up and returning the rental car on the way out of town.  We made a couple of stops at rest areas and got home about 3 after getting back the hour that we lost heading west.  We immediately went to the courtyard to have lunch and listen to Van Arlon.  We started inviting people to a happy hour tomorrow to welcome my sister.

We finally relaxed and then had dessert for dinner.

Feb 27^th – Thurs

My sister Marg and her friend Pat have been traveling in Mexico and then spent a week in Yuma with good friends Francis & Nicole.  We reserved a site for them beside Larry & Barb and they will be staying for a week.

We invited more people for the HH and were amazed that most people were able to attend.  I got a haircut at 9 and then we did the laundry.  I made breakfast while the clothes were in the washers.  Terry went to the courtyard and I read after doing some much needed cleaning.

The HH was scheduled for 4 and once again the guests of honor were not here when people started arriving!  Turns out the coordinates that Terry provided for Marg’s GPS did not bring them here.  They finally entered the address and showed up shortly after 4, then had to wait for an escort to their site.

We had a great turnout for HH and totally overwhelmed Marg & Pat with names & friends.  I had put meat in the crock pot so we had an easy dinner.

Feb 28^th – Fri

Marg & Pat came over for coffee and we all sat and played Candy Crush!  We went for breakfast at the Wild Berry and then went to the Mesa Marketplace where we shopped every aisle.  The parking lot was full but it didn’t seem like there was a huge crush of shoppers.

We stopped at Fry’s for a few groceries and got back in time to put another meal in the crock pot and then go to music in the courtyard.  The music was loud so Marg, Pat & I sat on couches by the pool where we could still hear the music.  We were joined immediately by Dennis & Gloria who also wanted to get away from the loud music.  We put up a large umbrella but before too long the wind came up and we had to put it down.  Another large umbrella flipped over which got us moving fast to crank it down.  When the music finished, more people joined us on the couches.

Dinner, drinks and more CC filled the evening.