Oct 28th to 30th - Mesa

Oct 28^th – Tues

Golf with the guys for Terry this morning. After I caught up the blog and puttered around, I went shopping. I started at Goodwill and got a different costume for Halloween. My first outfit from the costume shop had a heavy black slip with fringe and when I tried it on yesterday I saw that, indeed, you could see through the skirt. I browsed through Kohls & WalMart and only ended up with a few groceries.

There was leftover Mexican layered dip from yesterday so I invited Terri over to have lunch. We walked over to check out Dennis & Gloria's driveway project – still needs a clear coat. I had a little more “me” time before Terry got back.

A group decided to go to Taco Tuesday at Sun Life again so we drove and took Ron & Terri and Brian & Bev. We were there for an hour or so when someone mentioned that Jerry & Becky didn't come because they were going to Don & Mary's. That's when we realized that Don & Mary's party was today rather than Thursday as we thought!!!

We went to Don & Mary's when we got back and it was still hopping. They provided all the food & drinks and only a few chairs which results in more mingling and a great party. When we left we drove by Dennis & Gloria's to check out the driveway – looks great – and then stopped to chat with a group at Ron & Irene's.

Oct 29^th – Wed

Our shade for the end of the awning was delivered about 1:00. The guys finished installation of clips & rods on ours & Ron & Terri's. They look great.

There was a grand opening at the Courtyard today. It was to start at 2:45 with a ribbon cutting so we thought we couldn't get in before that time until someone said Julie was already saving tables just after 1:00. We went shortly after 2 and lots of people were already there. The ribbon cutting was accompanied by a champagne toast and the core group of workers were brought up front and given a well deserved round of applause.

Then it was time to party. Free beer & wine, full $ bar open for those who don't drink beer or wine. Brats with sauerkraut, chips & cookies were served buffet style in the ballroom. Rich Mancini did a marvelous job of providing dance music and an electric slide filled the huge new dance floor. The pool deck had been painted and chairs set out so Terry asked Jodie (manager) if the pool was open for swimming. She only needed to say yes to have Terry being the first to jump in fully dressed when music stopped.

We came home, Terry changed into dry clothes and went to Roosters. I have had some “intestinal discomfort” for a couple of days so I stayed home. Terry had a scare when he couldn't find his wallet after being at Roosters for a while. Being in a panic and having had a few drinks sent him home to see if he left the wallet here. When he went back, Julie pulled out a little flashlight and they found his wallet on the floor. I will have to replace the velcro on his pocket flap.

Oct 30^th – Thurs

We picked up Ralph & Elsie at 8 for a trip to Tucson to look at and hopefully bring back a 5^th wheel for them. We stopped for breakfast in Florence. It was a Mexican restaurant downtown and was very good. We had to wait for a sales rep at an RV park to see the 5^th wheel. Ralph had talked to people several times and had seen only a few pictures. After a thorough inspection by all of us and a discussion later in the park lobby, they decided to do some more looking as they didn't really have any comparisons and there were a few things that Elsie really didn't like – oak woodwork for one. One the way back, we stopped for a late lunch at Cracker Barrel in Casa Grande. Of course it was now time for a drink and more discussion about 5^th wheels & park models.

Ron was out riding his new bicycle so we chatted a bit with Terri before he returned. Vic & Jackie came by as they were waiting for Peter & Barb to arrive. When Peter & Barb got here, they had quite a story about a woman standing on the side of the highway and talking on a phone. Just before they reached her, she spun around and walked onto the road in front of them. Peter swerved & honked the horn but Barb is still not sure how they missed her. Bob & Dar stopped for a quick chat when they returned from watching a senior tour golf tournament. Ron Sr came by with no new information on Irene who was taken to the hospital in an ambulance last night with pain in her back & leg that kept her from getting out of bed yesterday. Results of a CT scan tomorrow will determine what treatment is needed. There is a very real possibility of Medivac for Irene and Ron driving the motor home back to their home in BC. Bummer!!!

When Ron started the BBQ for their dinner, we took the bike to see Bill & Beth to discuss park model rentals. Then we came home to crash.

Oct 24th to 27th - Mesa

Oct 24^th – Fri

Ron & Brian helped Terry install lights on the underside of the motorcycle so, in his own words, Terry will feel like he is riding on a cloud at night. It was quite the job with at least one trip to the store for more bits & pieces in addition to what they all had in their toolboxes.

Terri, Dar, Gina & I made a trip to BigLots since Gina had never shopped there.

I made a late lunch and then at 3 we went to listen to music by Fall River. After music, we were joined by Ron & Terri, Joe & Stella, Brian & Bev and Larry & Julie for snacks & drinks. They had barely left when Bill & Beth, Jerry & Becky and their friends Larry & Debbie came over. Terry & Terri had to cruise around to show off the new lights on the motorcycle.

Oct 25^th – Sat

I finally shortened a Tshirt that I bought a couple of years ago in Alaska! We went to a thrift store and found pants for Terry for Halloween. We stopped for lunch on our way to WalMart for some groceries and a few other items.

We went to Tina & Terry's (Terry Lee) for dinner. Also there were Larry & Julie, Jerry & Becky and Larry & Debbie. Sort of like last year – the guys were Terry, Terry, Larry, Larry & Jerry! When it got dark ,Terry wanted to show off the bike lights but they wouldn't work. We thought the problem was with the remote as Terri had noticed that the Off button didn't work well yesterday. Terry went to Ron & Terri's as they had an extra remote but Ron discovered that the problem was a loose wire. Will have to secure it somehow.

We didn't stay too long after dinner as Terry Lee was falling asleep. So we, Jerry & Becky and Larry & Debbie stopped to have a nightcap with Bill & Beth.

Oct 26^th – Sun

We had 4 groups golfing this morning at Desert Sands. The greens were a lot better than last week but the rough was still long & sparse so balls settled right down to the ground and were still hard to find & get out of there. It got quite hot and our group was struggling on the back nine.

Rather than going to a restaurant for lunch after golf, we are all going to chip in some money and take turns making lunch. Brian & Bev did today's lunch and provided burgers, potato salad, macaroni salad & coleslaw. They have park model with a large enough carport/patio to seat us all in the shade. We all brought our own drinks to keep things easy.

We were both tired so we rested (Terry's “rest” involved closed eyes!), watched TV & played computer games. There was a big gathering starting at 5:30 at the bocce courts but we just couldn't dig up enough ambition to go.

Oct 27^th – Mon

Terry dug out our rope lights and put them out while I got laundry ready. He still wasn't finished so I took the truck to the laundry room. I walked back to get 3 water jugs and filled them at the dispenser behind the laundromat. I had a few minutes to chat with Vic & Jackie, put clothes in dryers (Terry showed up about then) and we went back to visit again. Then the usual – hang & fold, put away & make the bed.

We picked up our Halloween costumes and headed to Total Wine. I remembered that I needed golf balls so we stopped at Dick's Sporting Goods and ended up with shoes for Terry as well. We stopped for a burger on the way back.

Dennis & Gloria are having a coating (paint?) put on their driveway/carport so they had to be out of the house – or stay inside! - most of the day. Julie invited them for brunch and they came to see us about 1:30. We chatted & had a drink which we barely had time to finish before going to MCY in the ballroom. Palmer Howard was a new-to-us musician and started out with a couple of songs not suitable for dancing. But he figured out what worked and we had a good time. We got to greet several couples who have recently arrived for the season.

Terry was inviting people to come over after music so we had a couple of tacos between dances. We ended up with friends arriving & leaving at different times so the mix was constantly changing. Ralph & Elsie just got back today and Terry talked them into coming as well.

Oct 21st to 23rd - Mesa

Oct 21^st – Tues

Terry went golfing with the guys and I had a lovely time puttering around doing bits & pieces of whatever I wanted – blog, light cleaning, computer games, visiting with Grace and generally relaxing. I had the use of the truck as Terry didn't drive today but I didn't even go anywhere.

Some major street “grinding & resurfacing” started today so we had to play sidewalk superintendent for a while and then check out the progress on the courtyard. We went to the pool later for a refreshing dip & chitchatting. After dinner we went to visit Howard & Gina as we still had to check out their new lights – great job – and Terry had to help them use up their Scotch since they are leaving on the 27th!

Oct 22^nd – Wed

We had coffee and watched asphalt trucks rumble by early this morning. We and Ron & Terri did some measuring for sun shades to hang on the ends of our awnings as the late afternoon sun comes right under the awnings and makes it uncomfortable to sit outside. Then Terri & I ordered the awnings which will be delivered next week.

We went to Harbor Freight for some ramps as Ron & Brian are helping Terry with a small addition to the motorcycle. More on that later. We made another grocery stop at Safeway on the way back.

I was mixing up some leftover turkey for sandwiches for a late lunch when Gloria called to say that Allan & Diane had arrived. They pull a motorcycle trailer with their motor home and it is hard to back it into their site so Terry helps them. Off he went so I enjoyed a sandwich before walking over to say hi. Allan, Terry & Dennis were enjoying a drink after getting the trailer situated (back it in with the truck then turn it around “manually” so the motorcycles can be parked inside) so I went to MCY in the ballroom by myself. Terry cleaned up and joined us shortly after.

Guilty Pleasures played enjoyable, danceable music. I finally talked Terry into having a loaded baked potato as we decided to go to Rooster's after music was done. We came home to get the truck and Patti and talked Joe & Stella into coming as well. We were going to park at the gate as usual but the asphalt crew was working there so we drove over.

There was a good mix of people there today with some excellent singers for karaoke so we had a great time. When we got back, Ron & Terri had some friends still sitting outside so of course we had to join them.

Oct 23^rd – Thurs

I did some dinner prep this morning. When I was starting to whip some cream, I realized it was 11:30 which was the time of my hair appointment! I put the bowl in the fridge and power walked to the hair salon where Holly had just finished the person before me. Then it was back to the dinner prep and lunch.

I did some stuff on the computer while Terry cleaned the motorcycle and then we relaxed – again! That's what being retired is all about.

Howard & Gina came for dinner. I introduced them to a “flattened, breaded chicken” dish and to creamed peas. I thought most people had eaten creamed peas sometime in their life. As they were leaving, we had to check out Ron's motion sensor alarm. He is getting a new bike and doesn't want it to disappear like his old one.

Oct 18th to 20th - Mesa

Oct 18^th – Sat

We had a lazy morning and I made breakfast for lunch. We took the motorcycle to Power Square where I looked for shorts but they have all been cleared out for the season. On the way back we stopped for a few groceries at Fry's. We saw diesel for $3.39 at a Fry's but the one where we shopped was still at $3.59. For every $100 per month of purchases, you get 10 cents off per gallon of fuel. We have to buy groceries anyhow so we often shop at Fry's.

Bob & Dar arrived across the street and they were followed shortly by Vic & Jackie who parked in a pull-through site to unload their motorcycle. They will move to their normal site tomorrow.

Of course new arrivals called for another happy hour. It didn't last into the dark hours as Ron & Terri made dinner for Bob & Dar. I had started cooking chicken thighs when I was making an appy and I popped in a couple of times to check on them so dinner was easy.

Oct 19^th – Sun

We went golfing at Desert Sands with Ron & Terri, Bruce & Ann, Bill, Grace, Howard & Gina and Bob & Dar. The course just reopened after overseeding and it was not in good shape. The greens were shaggy & blotchy – just smack the ball! - and the rough was so high that you couldn't see a ball unless you were right over it. Carts were “cart path only” which also slows down the game. Oh well, we were with friends and in sunshine!! We went to a sports bar for lunch and managed to get a table for 8 beside a booth for 4. The lunches were huge so we were all stuffed when we left. This led to a lazy afternoon.

We took the motorcycle to Safeway and stopped to say hi to Dennis & Gloria as they were sitting outside. Gloria asked if we could pick up a bag of ice for her so they could have us over for a drink. We put our purchases away and went back to their place. Gloria started her dinner and we left with a promise to be back to watch some fireworks that we knew were happening tonight.

We found out from Robin that the fireworks were starting at 6:30 so we and Joe & Stella were back at Dennis & Gloria's before they finished eating! We set up chairs in an empty site behind them and had a great view of fireworks – both man-made and natural as we had lightning as well. We moved back into their carport to continue the impromptu party and were joined by Patti who was out for a walk.

Oct 20^th – Mon

Terri came by this morning with a list of guests for yet another happy hour – this time to welcome Brian & Bev – and a request to have the gathering at our place since we have more chairs & tables. Makes total sense rather than carrying them next door and most readers know by now that we love parties & people.

I checked recipes for a different appy and we went grocery shopping again. On our way out we saw Terry & Tina unloading a trailer with stacks of boxes that they shipped from Washington. We had told them to let us know when the truck arrived so we went back to help since only Larry & Julie were there. Their carport was stacked 3 or 4 high with boxes when we finished. We had to come home to change shirts before heading back out.

We stopped at the CalAm costume shop and picked out costumes to be set aside for Halloween. This is a nice perk offered to everyone staying in a CalAm park. Just wear your name badge and clothes & accessories are free to use and only have to be cleaned before returning. When we stopped at Fry's we picked up some chicken for lunch since we didn't even have breakfast.

I started cooking some sauce for later, paid some bills online and before we knew it, it was time to head to the ballroom for music. Rick Jones is not my favorite singer but we still danced and had fun. Terri left a little early so when we got back our place was all ready for happy hour and everyone started arriving. So nice to see Brian & Bev again.

We did “heavy” appies today since we weren't starting until 5 and, as usual, the variety and quality of food was great. I think the last people left about 9:30.

Oct 15th to 17th - Mesa

Oct 15^th – Wed

We were supposed to go for a motorcycle ride with some others today so we went to get gas and then discovered that the ride was at 11:45 not 11. This gave Terry time to clean up the motorcycle. We went back and found that only Al & Marvin were riding and they decided to go to Globe for green enchiladas so we decided not to go.

We rode by Neil & Robin's and found a celebration under way – Robin had her last radiation treatment this morning. Bill & Lauri were there and enjoying Bloody Mary's so we joined the party. We moved outside and were joined by Joe and a couple of neighbors. Robin opened a tin of Cougar Gold white cheddar cheese which was really good and is made at Washington State University.

We came home to make a drink, pick up our name tags and go to MCY in the ballroom. Rich Mancini provided good music. We had pulled pork sandwiches since we had very little to eat since a light breakfast. We skipped Roosters and ended up sitting out with Ron & Terri until 10:30. A drink or two might have been included and Robin dropped in for a bit.

Oct 16^th – Thurs

We were heading to the costume shop and stopped at Larry & Julie's first as they couldn't get into Facebook on their computer. An error indicated a problem with the browser so I started to download an update to Windows Explorer which I started once and aborted when something else was needed first. The “something else” was an update to the OS – Windows Vista in their case. So I started the Vista update which ended up taking well over an hour.

I the meantime, Howard came over to hook up a satellite dish so Terry helped him with that. When they finally got it in the right position, the receiver was “out of date”. Julie had her curling iron out because we arrived before she finished her hair so Gina – hairdresser in pre-retirement life – took over. Quite the interesting morning. I never did get Explorer loaded but Terry got Julie's tablet set up to access FB so she is happy.

At 3:00 we joined Ron & Terri to go to an Octoberfest celebration at Tower Point. The tickets were $7 each and included all you wanted beer, wine & rootbeer. In addition to dinner, this year we also had big, soft pretzel rolls (too big to be called pretzel sticks) and cheese dip before dinner. An “oompa” band provided music and even gave non-traditional songs a good try.

It felt much later than 6:30 when we got back! Ron & Terri and Joe & Stella joined us on the patio and then Larry & Julie, Bill & Beth and Howard & Gina came by. It was Bill's birthday so Terry gave him a “redneck outhouse” that we got at Big Lots because the voice sounded like Bill.

Oct 17^th – Fri

Terry went golfing with Ron, Bruce & Howard this morning. But first a “crap” moment when Ron discovered that his bike frame had been stolen during the night. Yes, just the frame because he locks together the front & back tires of his & Terri's bikes and the thief just disconnected the tires from Ron's bike. It is an expensive bike and was behind their parked car which strongly suggests a knowledgeable thief that scoped things out earlier.

I used my “free” time to do the laundry, a bit of mending and helped Julie set up for dinner – nothing too strenuous. Terry got home just in time to go listen to music & dance. Music was provided by Gary Durston (Rockfella?) and was suitable for quite a few line dances.

I finished coleslaw that I prepped earlier and we went to Larry & Julie's for dinner to welcome Terry & Tina. A good time was had by all.

Oct 12th to 14th - Mesa

Oct 12^th – Sun – Mesa

It took me a while to update the blog this morning. I was still working on it when Terry told me that Joe & Stella had arrived. They were already backed in beside us and I hadn't noticed. And they bought a new motor home! We all had to get the tour and then we left them to get settled.

I made deviled eggs for later and cut up some watermelon while Terry took a little ride to pick up a bag of ice. We took the motorcycle to see Bill & Beth's 5^th wheel as they might be putting it up for sale and we may have someone interested in it. Ron & Terri also came to see it so we all had a little visit.

At 3:00 Dennis & Gloria were the first to arrive for a happy hour to welcome Joe & Stella. We were able to have a chat with them before others arrived – Jerry & Becky, Larry & Julie, Bruce & Ann, Ron & Terri and Grace. We did “heavy” appies so we ate, drank & rearranged chairs as the sun hit us. When the sun went down it was perfect!

Oct 13^th – Mon

The party wagon was supposed to arrive at 10. At 10:45 Terry went to the office to find out why it hadn't arrived and discovered that someone didn't check the appointment book. A bit later the wagon arrived and we took the 5 tables & 24 chairs that we needed. Then they took the wagon away which is a new development. Usually they leave the wagon so we can load the tables & chairs when we are done.

21 friends gathered for Canadian Thanksgiving dinner with people & food starting to arrive shortly after 3. Yesterday we changed our time to eat to 5:00 instead of 3:00 as it is still too hot at 3. 5:00 worked out perfectly. One more time with great friends and great food!

Oct 14^th – Tues

We left the truck parked across the street last night as tables & chairs were still in our driveway. We got a parking ticket as you are not allowed to park overnight in unoccupied sites. We went to the activity office to find out more information about the party wagon. They are not leaving it unless you use all the tables as this enables more people to use the service. We expressed our concern that tables & chairs could “disappear” overnight which probably won't be a problem as we leave all our patio stuff out all the time.

When Terry went to move the truck back on our site, he discovered a dead battery. Sometimes our GPS comes on so maybe that happened and was enough to drain the battery too much for starting.

After the battery was charged, we went for breakfast at Red Mountain Cafe. We continued on from there to Big Lots just because we haven't been there for ages. We found lots of good things we absolutely had to have. A while later we went to the pool where we found quite a few people but no one that we knew. We chatted with one couple until Howard & Gina and John & Gloria arrived. We decided to go for Taco Tuesday at Sun Life (a CalAm resort) where Chief is tending bar & serving food.

We asked Joe & Stella to go as well so there were 8 of us. Then Debra arrived with 3 others from VVV and we outnumbered the few people from Sun Life. There was a band so Terry & I did a couple of dances. The $1 tacos were good washed down with $1 glasses of beer.

Shortly after we we got back just after 6, we walked over to Dennis & Gloria's as they had a few things to get done today and we wanted to see what they accomplished. Of course they had to fix us a drink so we were ready for bed & TV when we got home.

Oct 7th to 11th - Mesa

Oct 7^th – Tues – Mesa

Terry helped Ron move stuff that he stored at Brian & Bev's park model – only 2 truck loads! - and I got the sewing machine out for a bit of mending & T-shirt alteration.

Dennis & Gloria arrived today so of course we planned dinner for them (which included another trip for a few groceries) and another happy hour gathering to welcome them back. Note to self – don't plan something on the BBQ when Terry has been enjoying a happy hour group! The first side of the pork chops had well defined grill marks but were still good.

Oct 8^th – Wed

Terry & Ron took the truck to the Chev dealer this morning for an appointment to see what is going on with the warning light. I made breakfast for lunch which was delayed a bit by a visit from Dennis & Gloria. I love having friends back & dropping in.

We went to the ballroom for music & dancing and continue to enjoy having Bobbie, Bob,Terry & Jean leading line dances.

Patti picked us up to go to Roosters for Karaoke. The owner had tables pulled together & ready for the largest group yet from VVV. We filled the dance floor a couple of times and the owners were taking pictures. It rained while we were there but had stopped by the time we walked back to the car which we left inside the VVV gates again.

Oct 9^th – Thurs

We went to coffee & doughnuts but forgot to take “stuff” to play Let's Make A Deal. We were chatting with Joe & Jean after coffee when Terry got a phone call saying the truck was ready to pick up. The best news – a computer update covered under warranty again! Joe offered to take Terry to pick up the truck and I did some much needed house cleaning while he was gone.

We went for lunch and grocery shopping on the bike – veggie market & Fry's. Once again we had to wear our helmets on the way back to make room for our purchases. I spent some time getting things ready to make fruit kabobs for tomorrow and Terry worked on his computer games.

We went to Larry & Julie's for happy hour with lots of food, fun & friends. Terry & Howard went to Julie's old place to pick up more stacking chairs so she is gradually getting stuff moved to the new home. We quickly discovered that it was too hot in the sun and moved to the shade provided by the wall behind their park model. There is some road noise from Val Vista Drive but not enough to put a damper on a party.

Oct 10^th – Fri

I finished up my fruit kabobs and we joined about 20 friends at Jerry & Becky's at 8:00 for a biscuit & gravy breakfast. There was also bacon, scrambled eggs, banana bread and lots of fruit. The tables were in shade from the neighbor's motor home which made it very nice. It didn't take long to get too hot once the sun peeked over the motor home and we all headed home.

Terri & I rode our bikes to friends' places to invite them to a couple of gatherings which of course include food so now we had to go grocery shopping again after a visit to Jerry & Becky. Our first stop was Costco and then Fry's. We found turkeys on sale (!!) which we needed for our Canadian Thanksgiving dinner. I also picked up 6 pounds of boneless chicken breasts for $14 – buy 1 get 2 free – which is hard to resist especially when I have some room in the freezer.

We just had time to put everything away (Ron & Terri borrowed a cooler to defrost the turkey) before heading to the ballroom to listen to music & dance. We had prime rib sliders there so I just made dessert later in the evening.

Oct 11^th – Sat

After dealing with the chicken breasts and having breakfast, we went to Larry & Julie's where I set up a gmail account and a Facebook account for them. Terry changed both their tablets to use their own wifi connection. Just as we were finishing, a truckload of friends stopped by so Larry & Julie could follow them to Superstition Springs bar to listen to music.

We took the motorcycle to Ft McDowell casino to make a routine contribution – Terry less than me. When we got back it was time to go to Dennis & Gloria's for dinner. We played Sequence after dinner and the guys skunked the ladies.

Oct 3rd to 6th - Mesa

Oct 3^rd – Fri – Mesa

We went to Fry's for a few groceries and otherwise hung around waiting for a call saying our motorcycle was ready to pick up. That call finally came shortly after 1:00. We paid the ransom and came home. Terry says the power steering is noticeably better! We also got a 6000 mile service and a new battery so we are ready to ride.

We went to the ballroom at 3 to listen to Wayne & Deb, have a drink and dance. We even did half a polka and got a round of applause from our friends. As soon as MCY was over at 5, we packed up salad ingredients & a bottle of wine and went to Howard & Gina's for dinner. Howard made his baby back ribs which were very good. He uses oyster sauce in a marinade and when the ribs are cooked he sprinkles them with lemon juice for a slight tang. Another lovely evening.

Oct 4^th – Sat

We were ready for a lazy morning and breakfast for lunch. We got really ambitious later and joined a group at the pool! Tough life but someone has to do it!! Steaks on the BBQ, TV & computer games to finish off the day.

Oct 5^th – Sun

Becky put together a gathering at the bocce courts so I made deviled eggs. I often buy hard boiled, peeled eggs at Costco but I had an extra dozen in the fridge and boiled them up. I used my supposedly foolproof method so they would peel easily even if they were quite fresh. Not this time!! After a bit of cussing I had some messy looking eggs that taste just the same as pretty ones.

We didn't get too ambitious before going to the bocce courts at 4. I think Becky said there were 32 people invited and only a couple didn't make it. We had good appies for a light dinner before hitting the courts. Gina & I were on the sunny end of court 6 and ended up with sun in our eyes for most of our close game which Gina & Teresa won. A few hardy souls (of course including us) stayed to chat & have another drink after most of the people left.

Oct 6^th – Mon

Terry went to help Neil move a heavy concrete fountain and I started the laundry. After I got the clothes in the washers, I went to Dennis & Gloria's park model and swept out the carport. Back to put clothes in dryers, walk home for a bit and then we both went back to hang & fold. A guy at the laundry was admiring the motorcycle so Terry let him take it for a ride around the park. His wife is worried that he wants one now!

After putting everything away and making the bed, we took the motorcycle to have lunch and get a few groceries. We kind of overdid the grocery shopping and Terry had to wear his helmet back so we had enough room to carry our purchases. Put away, dinner prep and kick back a while.

Ron & Terri arrived today so we planned dinner for them. Then Terry invited some friends over to have a drink and welcome them – Bruce & Ann, Jim & Grace, Jerry & Becky and Larry & Julie were all here when Ron & Terri arrived shortly after 4. Everyone knew we had dinner ready so they all left about 5:30 and we and R&T moved inside for a nice evening.

The weather is cooling down a bit so this is the first time we had a group outside. The A/C even shuts off a lot during the night.

Sept 29th to Oct 2nd - Mesa

Sept 29^th – Mon – Mesa

We had a late breakfast and then rode our bikes to see Jerry & Becky. We all decided that we should check out the Salt River and the road that was closed to see about doing a float trip this week. We brought our bikes back & Jerry picked us up.

The road is open with lots of dips that have dirt graded to the side of the road which shows how much water washed across the road. We stopped at a sheriff's station to see when the dam will be closed and shut off the water to the river. They said we can float the river for another month but you have to organize your own transportation as the company that runs float trips closes at the end of September. We checked out the take-out point to make sure we knew where it was and then continued on the the spot where we start the trip. The water doesn't look much lower than last year so a trip will be planned.

Jerry dropped us off and we took the truck to get a late lunch at a Mexican restaurant just down the road. We have not eaten there before – Losbelos - and found the chimichangas to be very good. Now it was time to join a group at the pool.

We were playing computer games and watching TV when Bob & Bobbie knocked on the door. They were out for a walk and decided to visit which was a nice surprise.

Sept 30^th – Tues

We made three trips to the hair salon to change an appointment for Terri since they weren't open on the first 2 trips. We went to Larry & Julie's so Terry could drill holes in cabinets to route cables for TV through the shelves rather than having them hanging over the front. We stopped at Patti's to help her determine how she could fit a larger TV in her place.

At 3:30 we went to Mesa Regal for a steak fry. There was happy hour from 4-6, dinner at 5 and music continued until 7. Harry Matthews provided the music and he is really fun. He gets lots of people up to do easy line dances. Jerry & Becky asked us to come over later but after we played a few computer games and rode our bikes over, they still weren't home.

Oct 1^st – Wed

We took the bikes to run some errands & visit some friends around the park – picked up my left-behind sunglasses, checked out 2 new floors installed in motor homes by the owners, bought tickets for the Halloween dance and picked up some float tubes from Neil and delivered them to Rick & Barb. By this time it was time for lunch so we went out & grabbed a burger.

Next stop was Fry's for some groceries. Larry came over with our old MiFi that he had activated at Verizon and Terry helped him set it up on his computer.

We went to listen to music and dance in the ballroom at 3. It was really nice to have Bobbie and Terry (also knows a lot of dances) to lead us in some line dances. Then a whole group went to Roosters for karaoke. We did the same as last time - picked up Patti, parked the truck by the Ranchos gate and walked across Main Street.

Oct 2^nd – Thurs

We went on our delayed float trip today. There were 11 on the outing – us, Jerry & Becky, Chief & Debra, Howard & Gina, Larry, Charlie and Linda. We left here about 8:30 and were delayed a bit when Howard & Gina's tubes weren't tied securely in their truck. We all went to the put-in spot and blew up tubes that were carried there not inflated. Then the four vehicles were taken to the take-out spot and all the drivers came back in one rig.

We were ready to float at 10. The water seemed a little cool when you first got in but it only took minutes to get comfortable. We made a stop for lunch and got off the river about 2. Howard took Jerry back to get his rig and we all headed home.

After completing the tube deflation, washing sand out of our water shoes and putting everything away, we took it easy. Terry got a message from the motorcycle repair place yesterday and finally got hold of them later this afternoon. They thought it would be ready to pick up today so we delayed our “happy hour” and then it wasn't ready. Lazy evening.