Jan 11th to 14th - Mesa

Jan 11^th – Sun

After a lazy morning, we went to Red Mountain Cafe for a late breakfast but there was a line out the door so we checked out Wild Berry – same thing there. So we went to Fry's for a few groceries and picked up chicken for lunch.

I continued with minor alterations and finally put the sewing machine away. Terry had promised to take Beth on a motorcycle ride so he did that and then took Terry Hensley for a ride. She wasn't sure about the whole thing and wouldn't let him go out of the park and drive too fast.

I made deviled eggs for a party at Bob & Gail's that started at 4:00. It was originally a farewell party for us and for Gail who is going to Ontario to visit family. Any reason for a party is good enough! Their driveway & patio were jammed and people spilled out onto the street. Luckily we had eaten by the time a light rain started. Tables were moved at Bob & Gail's to allow seating under the awning and a bunch of people moved under our awning and inside our place.

After everyone left our place, we went to Bob & Sandi's to decide which excursions we want to book. We finally decided on a zip line trip and will figure out the other stops when we get there.

Jan 12^th – Mon

We did laundry late this morning and then separated clothes that we are taking on the cruise so we won't wear them again. Terry brought the motorcycle to the laundry room to help me fold clothes so I drove it all around the park for some practice before I brought it back.

Terry went a bit early to the courtyard to get a table and I put a roast & veggies in the crock pot for dinner. One of our favorite singers – Rich Mancini – was playing so we line danced a lot. When a group got up for the first line dance, he said (about Terry) “I wonder what this guy eats for breakfast because every time he gets on the dance floor he is followed by 9 women”.

When MCY was over, we walked to Larry & Barb's site. They are on 7^th Street this year rather than 4^th Street with us as the site they were in had a streetlight that made it hard to park and there was a big, humming power box in the site next to them. They weren't home so we stopped at Harlan & Barb's. Barb promised to make me a Moscow Mule and she had just fixed one for herself. She had me taste it to see if I wanted it – yes! - and then made a couple more for herself & Terry. Our dinner was ready when we got home and we had a quiet evening.

Jan 13^th – Tues

We started packing for the cruise and then went shopping. But not for anything fun – underwear for me and Terry just LOVES hanging around near that department! We stopped for lunch at Subway on the way home.

It started raining when we were shopping so MCY was moved inside to the ballroom. Line dancers claimed half the dance area and everyone was happy. I used leftovers from last night for dinner and we had time to walk over and see Larry & Barb before going to line dance lessons. Line dancing was all review so we didn't have to get there until 7.

Jan 14^th – Wed

Clear & sunny this morning which brings out the neighbors in little groups on the streets. We did some more organizing/packing and then went to talk to Bob & Sandi about the trip. We are leaving tomorrow morning at 9. I doubt if I will post to the blog until we get back on the 26^th. I will have to make notes for a big entry then.

Of course we had to go to Albertsons for a few last minute items and ran into Bruce there. He has been sick and is on the mend but not 100 percent. He was buying medication because now Ann is sick! After another “street” powwow with neighbors, I gave Terry a haircut and sent him off to the courtyard so I could putter in peace. We are going to the variety show at Arizona Opry this evening so have to get everything finished up.

Woohoo! “Talk” to you in a couple of weeks!