Dec 17th to 20th - Mesa

Dec 17^th – Wed

It rained during the night but quit in time for the Christmas parade in the park. Terry wiped down the motorcycle and we put on the decorations. Our group started on our street which was handy as everyone could put on the finishing touches and I could get any bits & pieces that were needed. We made Santa faces on our windshields and they were very well received by everyone along the parade route. We had 6 bikes with faces and one smaller bike with the “Cal Am Can Ams” sign. There were coffee & cookies in the ballroom after the parade. We won second prize which was a $50 gift certificate for Costco. We still haven't decided what to do with it!

Five of us rode slowly down University to Mesa Regal (another CalAm park) and we rode a lot of the streets honking our horns and waving at the few people on the street or in cars. Then we went to Towerpoint (CalAm park) and did the same. Here there were more people outside and we got lots of smiles & waves.

We stopped for lunch at a small cafe (RaVeS) in the building used by the catering services of CalAm. We kind of overwhelmed them but ended up with good sandwiches, chips & a cookie. When we got back I did a few repairs to beards & eyes caused by wind when we drove.

MCY was moved inside due to cold weather and we danced to the music of Wayne & Deb. Then dinner and a quiet evening.

Dec 18^th – Thurs

Terry was lazy again and stayed in bed watching TV when I went to coffee & doughnuts. I even brought him a doughnut since there were plenty left over. I guess lots of people have gone home for the holidays.

Ernie & Dianne stopped in to deliver an invitation and we had a nice chat over a cup of coffee/hot chocolate. After breakfast for lunch, we went grocery shopping. I put ingredients in the crock pot for a new chocolate/peanut candy recipe and then we took the motorcycle for a couple of errands. The temperature was quite cold this morning but it was comfortable riding with a jacket on.

Duane & Sue were sitting outside when we returned so we made a drink and joined them. By the time the sun went down and Duane lit the propane fire pit, we were joined by Dan & Robin, Bob & Gail and Peter & Barb.

I finished the candy – recipe is a keeper – and made dinner.

Dec 19^th – Fri

I made a couple batches of peanut brittle before we went to the Mesa marketplace this morning. We had breakfast there first and then bought some things as we wandered the aisles.

We returned items to the toy hauler and made sure everything was secured as we will be taking it in for some warranty work next week. On the way back we picked up bags of cans from Terry & Tina to add to the horseshoe club recycle can in front of our rig. Of course we had to chat for a bit.

We went by Larry & Julie's to see how they were doing and ended up helping Terry & Tina with some window toppers and modifying a rail to hang vertical blinds. Now it was time for MCY with The Breeze and line dancing. It was lovely sitting in the sun – no hunting for shade at this time of year.

Computer games, dinner & TV in the evening.

Dec 20^th – Sat

I had help with the laundry today. We were just finishing a late breakfast after putting clothes in the dryers when Nancy called saying Billy needed help unloading the CanAm they just bought so Terry took the motorcycle there while I went back to the laundry room. Terry arrived to help load up and I suggested that he could drive & park the truck while I rode the bike back. Have to get a bit of practice when I can!

I needed a few more candy ingredients so we made a trip to Fry's and then I made 3 more batches of peanut brittle since once batch got a little overcooked. We went on the motorcycle to deliver some candy but didn't get too far as Ralph & Elsie figured it was time for a drink and a nice visit.

We got back just in time to change clothes and take chairs & drinks to Jerry & Becky's as they asked us over for dinner before the dance tonight. Larry & Julie, Terry & Tina and Bill & Beth were also there. Comeback Buddy played for the dance. They do 50's, 60's & 70's rock & roll type music - much of which is still suitable for two stepping. We only did a couple of line dances.