Nov 25th to 27th - Mesa

Nov 25^th – Tues

I put a roast in the crock pot to experiment with that cut (sirloin from Costco) for pulled pork.

I am looking after our bi-weekly Saturday golf game while Dar is away so after breakfast we rode around on the motorcycle to find people and see if they could play this week. It ended up taking a while as it was after noon when we went to Chris & Anne's so we had to have a beer after checking out the park model they bought just before they left last season.

We needed a few groceries so we rode to Fry's. We went to MCY to listen to The Breeze and danced less than usual but enjoyed being able to sit in the sun to compensate for a bit cooler weather.

After dinner we went to line dance lessons for 2 hours. We reviewed the dances that we learned in the last 3 weeks so didn't have to concentrate and learn a new dance. We watched DWTS when we got back as we had it recorded. I was happy that Alphonso won.

Nov 26^th – Wed

At 8:57 I remembered that I had an appointment for a haircut so I checked the calendar and saw that it was for 9:00. I had Terry run me up there on the motorcycle and found Holly in the middle of a cut & style that she had to fit in because of a water outage yesterday so I ended up waiting for over ½ hour.

We finally contacted everyone for golf so we drew names for pairings and I sent out emails. Of course AOL picked today to not have old mail available and I had to enter all the addresses rather than using an email sent by Dar. OK, there were only 9 and some were already in my contact list!!

At noon we joined a group of 10 other motorcycles for a ride to Saguaro Lake where we had lunch on the patio in perfect weather. We stopped at Ft. McDowell casino on the way back and some of the group hit the bar for a beer and others played slots for an hour. We got back about 4 so Terry immediately went to the courtyard and I stayed home to do a bit of tidying up and then walked to Albertsons for a few groceries.

John & Gloria came for dinner which was easy as I had leftover pulled pork and just added an appetizer, apple slaw & dessert.

Nov 27^th – Happy Thanksgiving

Terry golfed with Bruce, Ron & Chris (D&G's son) today so I had another morning to putter around – computer stuff, cleaning, walk with Terri to get water and visiting on the street with neighbors in the lovely sunshine. When Terry got back I was trying to line up some music on a tablet for later and getting very frustrated as our new computer does not recognize the tablet.

I put a casserole in the oven and we headed to Dennis & Gloria's site for Thanksgiving dinner with 38 friends. Since our toy hauler is in the adjacent site, we used that paved patio & parking area to set up 7 tables and put the food in D&G's carport. We scheduled an hour for assembling & chatting and ate at 3:00. Three of the tables were in the sun and it was quite warm (high of 82) but wonderful.

After dinner, tables were folded & stacked and the chairs were moved to the carport & sidewalk. We did/taught some line dances on the street before Ernie & Dianne and Duane provided entertainment with their guitars & singing. Viv added a lovely song with no musical accompaniment. By 7 Terry was exhausted from the golf, dancing and too much food so we headed home. It think he was asleep by 7:10! I watched TV & played computer games.

Nov 21st to 24th - Mesa

Nov 21^st – Fri

We took Ron & Terri, Bob and Bruce to an RV sale with multiple vendors at a stadium in Tempe this morning. There were a lot of interesting rigs including many large 5^th wheel toy haulers. No one actually got as far as buying anything but we all got good ideas & information. On the way back we stopped at Olive Garden for lunch. As I mentioned before, Terry isn't particularly keen on it and is now even less so! I told him he should have spoken up when it was mentioned – everyone in the truck was entitled to their opinion.

We didn't have too long before heading to MCY. I waited just a bit and ended up having a nice little visit with Gloria. Wayne & Deb were singing and we did a lot of line dances. The weather was cold this morning but warmed up quite a bit. I optimistically put on shorts before going to the courtyard and immediately returned to get a jacket and put my long pants back on.

We had a light dinner and then went across the street to Bob & Gail's to join a group sitting around a propane fire. Duane got his guitar and entertained us all with a few songs. The group got large enough to add 2 buddy burners for a while and then back to just the propane fire for the diehards.

Nov 22^nd – Sat

Terry & Ron helped Joe install 3 window awnings on his motor home. At times there were all 3 guys on 3 ladders with Terry & Ron holding everything steady and Joe drilling holes in his new coach. I spent some time messing about with this & that and popping outside to supervise!

We and Bob & Dar went to dinner at Larry & Suz's. We were then all going to a dance and Suz didn't realize how early we would want to be there to line up & get tables. Luckily Ron & Terri were in line ahead of us and got a decent table. We had time to help with the dishes and decided to got back later for dessert.

Music was provided by Rare Collections and we didn't remember that most of their music is rock and roll. But it was still fun and we did quite a few line dances. Back to Larry & Suz's for banana cream pie & a toddy.

Nov 23^rd – Sun

We golfed with the Whiskey Row Hackers this morning. Again pretty cool to start but not long to warm up. I didn't do too well but Terry had one of his better games. We had chili for lunch which was made by Milo & Laverne and served at Bev & Brian's. Yum again!

We moved our toy hauler to the site beside Dennis & Gloria so their son Chris can use it for 10 days while he visits his parents. I started cleaning it up a bit while Terry set up water, satellite, etc. Then we ended up visiting & having a drink with Bruce & Ann and Dennis & Gloria in the toy hauler.

After dinner we went to Dennis & Gloria's to say hello to Chris and to turn on the hot water heater which we forgot to do.

Nov 24^th – Mon

Terry golfed this morning and I had a lovely time – computer games, talked to Marg (Pat discovered a young cougar in the chicken house when she went to do morning chores!), looking after some computer chores and shopping but not buying.

Bill & Linda (also have a Spyder) dropped by to see if we were entering the motorcycle in the park's Christmas parade. We visited until it was time for MCY where Rich Mancini played very danceable music. Dinner & TV for the rest of the evening.

Nov 17th to 20th - Mesa

Nov 17^th – Mon

Terry went golfing this morning so I caught up the blog, paid some bills, put a roast in the crock pot and had a nice long chat with sister Marg. I even worked on a jigsaw puzzle for a short time.

Of course we headed to the courtyard for MCY at 3. Not our favorite singer but we did some dancing.

Nov 18^th – Tues

Terry helped take clothes to the laundromat and then he & Dale rode their bikes to the motorcycle dealer so Dale could get a couple of items. They stopped for lunch so I finished the laundry by myself. While the clothes were washing & drying, Gloria & I took her golf cart to visit some people to set up a dinner. I joined Dennis & Gloria for lunch in the courtyard and was still there when Terry got back.

John & Susie were the singers today and weren't as good as usual but we still did a lot of line dances – I even did the Clogger which is done to a polka.

I used leftover roast to make a fairly quick dinner so we could get to line dance lessons at 6:30. Actually we were a few minutes late and everyone was lined up and into the first dance.

Nov 19^th – Wed

We took the motorcycle to run some errands in the park this morning and chatted with John & Gloria who were here earlier and had gone home to Saskatchewan for a while. I made a late breakfast and then went through a practice test on the computer before going to the MVD to get my motorcycle learner's permit. There was no line to check in but a lot of people waiting to be processed. It ended up taking 2 hours to get my permit.

A new couple – Pam & Dave - provided music in the courtyard and were very good. I didn't have any dinner planned so we went to Midwestern Meats where Terry had his favorite pork ribs and I tried the salmon which I will have again some time.

Service is quick at Midwestern Meats so we had plenty of time to get to Dennis & Gloria's at 6:30 to play Newfie Bingo along with Ernie & Dianne and Bob & Dar. It wasn't a late evening as Ernie & Dianne had to get up early to go to Algodones for dental work.

Nov 20^th – Thurs

Terry joined me to attend coffee & doughnuts this morning. Then we decided to go to the casino to have breakfast & gamble a bit. The truck would not start so we hooked it up to the charger, put on our jackets (cool this morning) and took the motorcycle. When we got to the casino, Terry put his jacket & helmet in the front compartment, closed it and realized that he put the key in his jacket pocket. Not a problem except you need a key to open the compartment! Some friends had already headed to the casino so we had breakfast and went looking for them so Terry could get a ride back with them, pick up the spare key and come back in the truck.

He met them at 12:30 and Dar decided to stay and gamble and come back with us. Terry called me so I could meet him at the bike as he had to get a jump-start for the truck and couldn't turn it off. We took the truck across the street from the park to get the batteries tested and the “check engine” light checked out.

We went to MCY to dance and got a call about 4:30 saying we could pick up the truck. One new battery and multiple weird codes associated with the check engine light. Will have to see what the internet has to say.

Dinner at home and a quiet evening.

Nov 12th to 16th - Mesa

Nov 12^th – Wed

Pretty lazy morning & a bit of shopping in the early afternoon. At 4 we went to Bruce & Ann's for dinner – along with 26 other good friends! After drinks & otherwise enjoying the great AZ weather, we were served an excellent “All American” dinner featuring Sloppy Joes and Mac & Cheese. We are so lucky to have such amazing friends!!

Nov 13^th – Thurs

Terry played golf with the guys and I joined a group at Greenfield Lakes GC. It is a short course that we played earlier this year. The greens were very fast so it was an adjustment for all of us. I did fairly well and even parred one of the 2 par 5's.

I went to the courtyard to have lunch with Terri & Dar. We decided to stay there to save the table for later as lots of people were starting to arrive for the Manager's Happy Hour which started at 3.

The Happy Hour was held in the ballroom and the courtyard. Both areas had a band and were full of tables. There were also food tables set up in the ballroom. Beer, wine & soft drinks were free from 3 to 5. We had to sign up ahead of time and get a free ticket for the food so they could calculate how much food was needed. It was reported that 920 people attended the function but there could have been more as the count was from the food tickets.

Nov 14^th – Fri

I tried to find a document to plan a dinner and realized that it was done in Print Shop on our old computer so we dug out our old computer and then figured it was 2 computers ago. We couldn't find the last one so Terry went to look in the toy hauler. In the meantime I found the computer – in the computer bag of all places!! Now we started to look for Print Shop to load on the newest computer. We looked everywhere – including places it should never have been – and couldn't find it. But Terry did toss out a bunch of old, useless junk that I have been trying to get rid of for a while. It is amazing how long something like this can take.

Terry went to the courtyard to listen to music while I finished updating & printing and then I joined him. The music wasn't the best but we did a couple of line dances. Then we actually had a quiet evening.

Nov 15^th – Sat

The park had patio sales today and we signed up to try to get rid of a few items so we were setting up about 8. We sold the few most expensive items, gave away a couple of things, tossed some items and put the rest aside for later action. Of course Terry had to take the motorcycle to check out other sales. When we were done, we both took off on the bike to see what still remained – not much! We stopped and chatted to a couple with a CanAm (staying in Mesa Regal) and their friends who are here in VVV.

About 10 Neil (& Robin) called to finalize plans for a trip to a casino later. They asked a couple of weeks ago (when we were all partying) if we wanted to go. Of course Terry said yes and I told Robin we would talk more about it later – which never happened – so I am happy they reminded us a few hours before departure time! Robin had free rooms & tickets for a County music show so we packed an overnight bag and followed them to the casino. We needed 2 cars as we were playing golf on Sunday.

We had a great time! Thanks again Neil & Robin! We had appies after we checked in about 4, gambled a bit and then went to the outdoor show. We had wristbands to get into a VIP area, 4 drink tickets each and vouchers for food which the guys used. Music was provided by several young, new artists and not really our cup of tea but it was a fun experience. Then it was time to get down to some serious slot play! I was lucky and won enough money to keep us both going for the rest of the night. Robin had more food comps so we had decided to have dessert which we did at 11:00. Neil actually joined us which was a good thing since we ordered 3 fabulous desserts! We finally called it quits at 2, Terry was asleep 4 seconds after his head hit the pillow and I couldn't get to sleep even after reading for ½ hour.

Nov 16th – Sun

We had to get up early to get to the golf course for our 8:40 tee time. With light weekend traffic it didn't take us as long as we expected so we had lots of time. Today was the group organized by Dar so Terry & I played with Jac & Karen. I haven't played with Terry for quite a while so it is a nice change. The only thing I don't like about playing with “long hitters” is looking for errant balls!

Most of the group went for lunch at the Hub - a sports bar very close to the golf course. Dar arranged for a private dining room which is a nice way to accommodate a larger group. The food was good and a Bloody Mary for $2 was very affordable.

We stopped at Costco on the way back to get a new step stool. We saw one at Ron & Terri's and figured we had to have one too! Of course we had to get a few other items. By the time we put stuff away we were pretty much done for the day. It didn't take Terry long to have his first nap while playing computer games.

Nov 9th to 11th - Mesa

Nov 9th - Sun

Golf at Desert Sands again this morning and I had my best game ever on this course. On the 18^th hole, the cart that Terri & I were using decided to quit. We were partway down the cart path so we loaded our clubs in Ann & Dar's cart and walked the rest of the hole.

Lunch was provided by Dar & Bob. They went with make-you-own sub sandwiches which were great. Dar kind of over estimated our appetites so we all took home leftover meat, cheese & buns.

We had a lazy afternoon with riding around on the motorcycle and visiting people.

Nov 10^th – Mon

We went for breakfast at the Wild Berry. They have a senior omelet with hash browns & a huge biscuit for $4.99. Add a side of gravy for 50 cents and you have more than you can eat. Or at least more than I can eat!

We had to hook on to the toy hauler and pull it out so we could extend the awning and take a picture of the serial number on the awning roller so it can be replaced under warranty. It wasn't bad as Terry could drive out onto an empty site on the opposite side of the road and then back straight in. We printed the picture and Terry delivered it to Desert Autoplex.

We went to MCY with Rich Mancini and did a lot of line dances. We sat near the pool for a bit afterward and then came home for dinner & TV.

Nov 11^th – Tues

After coffee & games, we went to WalMart. Terry's razor quit yesterday and we needed some groceries. By the time we got back and put stuff away, it was time to use leftovers from Sunday for an early lunch.

April Walker provided music in the courtyard for 2 hours of dancing to most of the songs. By the time dinner was cooked we had to gobble it down and head to line dance lessons. There are lots of people at the lessons already. Should be really crowded when everyone gets here in January.

Nov 4th to 8th - Mesa

Nov 4^th – Tues

Golf for both of us today. Terry drove for the weekly guy's game and Dar took me, Terri & Ann to Shalimar GC for 9 holes along with 3 other groups. Terri & I decided to walk so Terry loaded our clubs & carts yesterday. Too bad he didn't check my cart – I had 3 flat tires! Luckily the pro shop had a hand pump and Vic helped me get enough air in the tires for today. I started out great and parred the first hole which was a par 4 – rare for me. Too bad I got a couple of 8's later.

The four of us decided to stop for lunch and ended up at Olive Garden for their unlimited soup, salad & bread sticks which I love but Terry only tolerates once in a LONG while. I told Ann that I would take her shopping until I got home, saw the empty parking spot and remembered that Terry took the truck!

We didn't do too much before going to MCY about 2:30. Wayne & Deb provided the music and once again we danced a lot. We bought steaks a couple of days ago so we put them on the BBQ for a nice, quick dinner. I had to be fairly quick as line dance lessons started at 7.

When we got there it was obvious that lessons started before 7. Lessons are from 7-9 this year so I didn't think they would be starting early. Terri has a “FitBit” and her step count today was over 18,000. Recommended steps per day is 10,000.

Nov 5^th – Wed

Another day when I can't remember what the heck we did before MCY except Terry got the battery from the toy hauler and hooked up the charger. North Star was playing at the courtyard today and there is always a big turnout for them so we went early. Luckily Ron & Terri had lunch at the courtyard and Terri stayed to get a table in the shade. Lots of dancing.

We went to dinner with Wayne & Ruth at Midwestern Meats just down Main Street. They serve a lot of good food at decent prices but the atmosphere is nothing special.

Nov 6^th – Thurs

Terry went golfing with the guys. Terri, Dar & I went to coffee & doughnuts which was sponsored by Camping World and well attended since the Camping World rep who lives in VVV always brings lots of goodies for door prizes. He also had tickets for NASCAR truck races and Dar got 4. After she got her hair cut, Terri took me, Ann & Dar shopping at a couple of thrift stores. Ann wanted a metal spatula which is hard to find and she got one at Goodwill.

Brad & Clare arrived shortly after noon with Larry & Suz not too far behind them.

We went to MCY for a short time and then attended a small, short “welcome” happy hour at Ron & Terri's. Then it was off to Dennis & Gloria's for dinner along with Larry & Suz.

Nov 7^th – Fri

I got the laundry ready while Terry took the battery back to the toy hauler and tested it out. We drove up to put the clothes in the washers and I made a couple of trips for water. We had to chat with Ralph and then Dale who were riding around on their Spyders. Hauled the laundry back & put it away – done for another 10 days or so. Time for a late breakfast for lunch.

We went to MCY with Keven Moen who is not our favorite singer but we did a few line dances. Jac invited us to go to bike night in downtown Mesa so we had some chicken wings at the courtyard before he picked us up just before 6 in his convertible.

Jac has been to bike night (first Friday of each month) previously so he knew where to find a parking spot. We wandered up & down a few blocks of Main Street a couple of times looking at all the bikes parked along the street which is closed to other traffic for a few hours. In between we enjoyed a cold beer and watched everyone riding past. What a huge range of bikes & riders!

I put on a light jacket for the drive back about 8 – wonderful weather.

Nov 8^th – Sat

We goofed off a bit in the morning, ate breakfast and went grocery shopping. I made some Crabbies to get into the freezer for later and we started some setup for a party tonight which we hosted along with Ron & Terri. We had time for more computer games before people started arriving shortly after 4.

We ended up with 64 people at the party. Everyone brought drinks & food and we had to bring in more tables for all the food. We ended up with a smaller, quieter group next door at Ron & Terri's but the people in that group were constantly changing. We had a GREAT time! Terry got out a couple of buddy burners for the ambiance as no heat was needed. Duane (he & Sue arrived just as people were arriving) brought his guitar & sang a few songs with loud if not harmonious accompaniment from slightly tipsy friends. At 9:55, Terry announced that quiet hour was 5 minutes away and the party had to be shut down. Everyone was packed up & out shortly after 10.

Oct 31st to Nov 3rd - Mesa

Oct 31^st – Fri

Just when I think I am doing great keeping up the blog I get way behind! So I don't know what we did before going to Music in the Courtyard (MCY from now on) which is now actually in the courtyard. We left a little before it ended at 5, gobbled down some leftover dinner that I had heating in the crock pot, put on our costumes and headed to the Halloween dance.

Music for the dance was provided by Harry Matthews. He is not too tall and showed up in a white Elvis costume which actually suited him great. He really gets people involved in dancing.

After the dance, a large group went to Dennis & Gloria's to “christen” their resurfaced driveway/patio. We left about 10:30 and nearly made it in the door when other friends showed up to party some more. Our apologies again to our neighbors for noise after quiet time.

Nov 1^st – Sat

Terry went to get tickets for dances in Nov & Dec and then we returned to get tickets for New Years Eve, the managers' happy hour and a Sunday Brunch. Their wasn't much going on at the park today so we went to the casino where we had a late breakfast and donated some money again.

We took it easy the rest of the day and I actually made dinner for a change. Too bad my stomach was queasy and I didn't really enjoy it.

Nov 2^nd – Sun

We left for golf before 7 this morning. When the alarm went off at 6:10 I told Terry that I didn't think we could golf in the dark! Terry reported that he did very well on the front nine and I did quite a bit better than last week. The weather was perfect – a vest felt good for the first few holes and it never got too hot. Vic & Jackie took their turn for lunch and did burgers, veggies & chips.

Lots of people are arriving daily now. Terry drove around on the motorcycle and greeted several new arrivals while I rested. We went to say hi to Pender & Donna and chatted a bit until they had to go to dinner with friends. Since I didn't eat much yesterday we had enough for leftovers for dinner.

Nov 3^rd – Mon

It was cool enough to turn on the fireplace for a while this morning while we had coffee and played computer games. We returned our costumes, went to the Wild Berry for breakfast and then stopped for groceries at Frys.

Terry got a phone call from the people who are going to do some warranty work on the toy hauler and they needed a serial number from the awning. We have to pull the toy hauler out to open the awning as a motor home is parked beside us. Terry couldn't get to the storage area because of road closures for road sealing so the guy will have to come another day. We stopped at the toy hauler to look for something recently and the battery was dead so Terry will have to charge it before they awning will go out.

We went to MCY and didn't even require full shade – perfect. Lots of hugs for new arrivals and lots of dancing. We had Dennis & Gloria over for dinner and talked about playing cards but somehow the evening got away from us and we just enjoyed drinks, dinner & visiting. And a little bit of Dancing With the Stars that we had recorded.