Mar 20th to 29th - Mesa

Mar 20^th – Fri

I know what I did this morning – caught up the blog - before going to the Wild Berry for breakfast. At 11:30 we picked up Terry H and took her to the hospital for a 12:30 appointment for surgery to remove a pin in her finger. When we got there she found out that her doctor was delayed and she would have to go back at 4! In the meantime we had gone to see Julie who had been admitted to the same hospital. She has not been well or out of her house for weeks. She was looking pretty good but a nurse was having a heck of a time getting a port into her vein. Larry came back after he finished lunch. Terry H found us there and we left shortly after when another nurse showed up to get some vials of blood.

We went to the courtyard and danced before Terry H got a phone call to return to the hospital. We dropped her off, stopped for a sandwich at Arby's on the way back and then went to Ray & Viv's for a party that John & Betty had invited us to this morning. Turns out there was lots of food and we didn't have to stop at Arby's.

We got a call from the hospital at 9 and went back to pick up Terry H. Terry stayed with the truck and I went up to sign Terry H out. She had just been given some medication for the shakes so I had to wait until she was dressed & ready to go. She was starving as she couldn't eat before the original surgery time and then the second time didn't allow her to eat either. So we stopped at McDonald's for the only thing she wanted – a Big Mac – and got home at 10:30.

Mar 21^st – Sat

We cruised around a bit looking at patio sales before having breakfast. Then we went shoe shopping as Terry's sandals are falling apart. I actually talked him into buying 2 pairs since they both fit his narrow feet. He felt guilty and talked me into buying a pair of sandals as well. We went to Izod for shorts for Terry because I purposely ripped a favorite raggedy pair. Very productive shopping day. We were back in time for MCY with Montana Guy.

We went to a farewell dance (first one was last night) with Davis Highway Band which turned out to be not so great. The band was late setting up, had microphone problems on the main singer for at least 20 minutes and thought the dance ended at 9 instead of 10. So at 9 they took a 20 minute break and then switched from country music to rock which was not well done by the singer. Good thing we were with good friends.

Mar 22^nd – Sun

Brad arranged golf this morning with 4 tee times starting about 10:30. Most of us gathered afterward at our place for snacks & drinks. Our place because we have our end shade in place which is definitely needed in the afternoon when the sun moves around the rig.

We went early to the pool area for a 6:28 ice cream social put on by Larry & Suz and Don & Susan. They had 2 big buckets of ice cream, loads of toppings and several bars/squares. Even root beer if you wanted a float. They had invited a lot of people and I don't think anyone passed on the goodies.

Mar 23^rd – Mon

Terry golfed this morning at Kokopelli GC so I had time to do whatever I wanted – or didn't want – to do. I had a nice long phone chat with sister Marg as I hadn't called her for a while. I wandered through the clothing sale that is set up periodically in the ballroom but didn't find anything interesting.

We went to MCY to dance to Guilty Pleasures. Then dinner at home.

Mar 24^th – Tues

We went to the $1 store and filled the truck with diesel before going for breakfast. I finished a “chicken poster” for later before we went to listen to Amazing Pianos in the courtyard. We were not here the first time they performed and apparently they were more “amazing” then. This time the main singer was not present so the second guy did most of the singing.

There was a wrap-up party for line dance lessons this evening. Everyone brought snacks and we did most of the dances that we learned this season. The previously mentioned chicken & chicks were for this party. At a dance this year, a group of line dancers got up to dance without prompting from Bobbie (instructor) and she said “I love it when my little chickies dance by themselves”. So we all signed a chickie and taped it to the big poster.

Mar 25^th – Wed

I cooked ribs outside and did some other dinner prep before we went to MCY with Rich Mancini. He plays music we like so we danced a lot.

We had Howard & Gina over for dinner – baby backs obviously. I even made crème brule for the first time in ages. Dave & Phyllis were sitting outside with some friends so we joined them after Howard & Gina left.

Mar 26^th – Thurs

We met other bikers at the Fiesta community center to leave at 7:00 am for a CalAm Motorcycle ride. We rode to Canyon Vista RV park in Golf Canyon where we registered and had a continental breakfast. Then we all rode through Florence to Eloy to watch parachutists. The ride was also a poker run so we got a card at breakfast, at the fairgrounds on the way to Eloy, at the jump school, at WalMart on the way back and at Canyon Vista where we returned for a nice lunch.

The Manager's Reception was scheduled for today as well so we didn't have much time after we got back to go get a seat. Terry went over before me and decided to sit inside to dance with Wayne & Deb rather than outside with a rowdier band & dancers. Food was included but I was still full from lunch so I ate 2 cookies that Terry didn't like. We ended up with a group here after the party.

Mar 27^th – Fri

Since we were going to be busy the next couple of days, I decided we better get the laundry done this morning.

We went to the courtyard about 1 to have lunch and secure a table in the shade for the pool party which started at 3. Sounds crazy to want shade for a pool party but we wanted to dance to North Star more than take part in water fights. It was a great party with some different games including a frozen tee shirt contest. The tee shirts had been wet & frozen solid. The teams of 4 could only use body parts to thaw & pull them apart so each member could put on a shirt.

When the party was done at 5:30, we came straight home so I could make deviled eggs and we could set up chairs & tables for an impromptu farewell party set up by Phyllis shortly before we went to the pool party. Five of the couples at the party were leaving Saturday morning – Jerry & Becky, Larry & Barb, Brad & Clare, Brian & Bev and Joe & Stella. Great, noisy group of friends!!

Mar 28^th – Sat

We picked up the toy hauler and put it back into storage before fueling up the motorcycle and going out for a sandwich for lunch. We went to MCY at 1 with Reign'n Country and did some line dancing in HOT weather. Terry got ice cream sandwiches for us & 8 friends which we all enjoyed but had to eat fast before they melted.

After dinner we went to the Saturday night dance with the Pam & Dave Trio. We have seen them before and Pam has a wonderful voice. The dance was very poorly attended as many people have left but we had a decent line dance group which didn't sit out too many songs. Pam even joined us a couple of times while she was singing.

Mar 29^th – Sun

We had 3 tee times starting at 10:42 this morning so it was very hot by the time we finished. A record high temp of 97 was set today but that would have been a couple of hours after we finished golfing!

We hustled home, washed up a bit and went to a party at Bonnie's. There were quite a few people and the carport offered enough shade for all but we did have to keep moving further into the driveway.

Dennis & Gloria had invited us for dinner but Dennis called when we were golfing to say they would have to cancel as Gloria had an intestinal upset and was in bed. So we asked Ernie & Dianne to go to the Chinese buffet instead. We traded the bike for the truck and picked them up at 5:30. This gave us time after dinner to play a game of Ponytail canasta which the women led early, nearly gave up the lead and finally won.

Mar 16th to 19th - Mesa

Mar 16^th – Mon

Oops – another mostly forgotten day! I know we went to the courtyard to dance to the Brookharts because that's on the calendar.

Maybe not totally forgotten after all! Stella & Joe came over to cut out “chickies” (more on that another time) and we assembled the “pot of gold” on the last part of the rainbow for tomorrow. I also hauled out the sewing machine and shortened a T-shirt that Elsie gave me.

Mar 17^th – Tues

This morning we decorated the motorcycle for the St Patrick's Day parade here in the park. A few bikes joined us here and then we all moved to 2^nd Street which was our spot to line up for the parade. There were 23 entries and we were number 21. There were lots of people viewing the parade with shady spots jam packed as it was already hot when the parade started at 10. Our pot of gold at the end of the rainbow “theme” didn't execute too well but we all had fun again.

There were snacks & door prizes in the ballroom for everyone in the parade and then it was home to undecorate.

We went to MCY and then right after headed to Larry & Barb's for their traditional St Patrick's dinner of corned beef & cabbage. A lot of people that were invited couldn't come as they had tickets for the Arizona Opry but I think there were 24 people which is a big group for dinner since Barb made it all except for Irish Soda bread from Phyllis and some desserts from others.

Another good time was had by all.

Mar 18^th – Wed

We picked up Don & Susan and Ruth at 8:30 for a trip to the casino. We visited the players' club and then went for the breakfast that is included in the coupon that we can buy every 30 days. We split up to gamble/donate. Terry did OK and covered my losses.

We went to the courtyard at 3 to listen to Dan The Music Man. We hadn't eaten since breakfast and there was a limited choice for food so we had chicken strips. Then we got to dance in the rain! Actually, first sprinkles and then rain but we danced anyhow. Silly seniors!!

We kind of crashed afterwards and ended up with dessert for dinner again.

Mar 19^th – Thurs

I forgot all about coffee & doughnuts this morning. We were supposed to go for a motorcycle ride to South Mountain with a group but we decided to cancel as it was cool & cloudy with rain forecast in the afternoon. So we had a lazy morning including a visit from Howard & Gina.

We got a burger for lunch and then shopped at WalMart and Safeway. I finished dealing with groceries and Terry went to the courtyard to get a table. Just before 3, Sandi came by with her friend Bev who is going to stay in our toy hauler with her husband Stan. Sandi & Bob went to Palm Springs for a few days and had arranged to rent the site beside us for the toy hauler. Unfortunately the people staying there decided to extend their stay for a few days. So Sandi & Bev went to the office to get another site which ended up across the street from Sandi &Bob. I called Terry at the courtyard and he came back so we could put the toy hauler on the site. We got it set up and went back to the courtyard. The musician – Fred Rutledge – was extended to 5:30 so we had an hour to listen & dance.

We had a nice dinner at home for a change and just kicked back.

March 10th to 15th - Mesa

Mar 10^th – Tues

We had a mostly lazy morning & early afternoon. We went to MCY with Palmer Howard (not a favorite) and then it was time to change for the second performance of the variety show. Terry & Ron had tickets for tonight and Terry went early to get front row seats. We were more relaxed and had more fun tonight. After the show, there was a “cast party” in the courtyard until 10:00 with drinks & pizza. 60 pizzas were ordered so there were leftovers to take home. Henry brought his guitar and there was a singalong as well. Good fun!!

The bad news was we had to say goodbye to Ron & Terri. They are leaving early as Ron is having knee replacement surgery and has to be there 4 weeks ahead of the surgery. They have a friend – Larry – here from Yuma to help drive the coach home to Vancouver/Surrey.

Mar 11^th – Wed

I heard doors & engines very early this morning as Ron & Terry pulled out. Then I went back to sleep!

I was ready for a slow day and this was it. The variety show ended up being fun but it was a lot of preparation and practicing. Darned if I can remember what we actually did today!!!

Mar 12^th – Thurs

We went for a motorcycle ride today – 5 Spyders & 3 regular bikes. We were supposed to leave at 10 but ended up waiting for a couple of people and then had a stop right away for fuel so didn't start riding until after 10:30. Ralph led us south on a very nice route to Eloy. We had a little glitch when Al lost sight of the group and blew past us after we turned & stopped. Terry decide we should try to catch him – wrong!! We went about 10 miles to Florence and he still hadn't stopped so we turned around and joined the rest of the group at the parachute jump facility at Eloy. We watched a couple of plane loads of jumpers and then had lunch. We came through Florence, north to I60 and back to the park.

We were in time to catch most of Dakota Kid in the courtyard. Another group was playing after so we, Richard & Nancy and Joe & Jean ordered pizza delivered to the courtyard. Then we moved to Rancho's patio to listen & dance to Wayne & Deb until 9. Great day!

Mar 13^th – Fri

We took the toy hauler in early for the rest of the warranty work. When we got back we ended up with an impromptu gathering for coffee on the patio which is one of the super things about this park. We went out for lunch at Little Mesa Cafe.

We enjoyed Fall River & dancing at the courtyard. We went right from there to Ernie & Dianne's for a chili dinner with a lot of friends. Good food, good friends, good time!

Mar 14^th – Sat

I went to the laundry room first to see if I had enough money on the card to do laundry. When I got there I found that I grabbed a casino card instead so I got to make another trip and got a few more steps on my Charge! I got everything ready and found lots of washers empty. We did our usual walking back & forth and had it all done shortly after 10.

We went to MCY at 1:00 with Wayne & Deb but left early to change into our swim suits and head to the Fiesta pool & multipurpose room for a steak dinner organized by Al for bikers and pool players. The dinner was catered by CalAm so we just got to sit back & enjoy.

We had plenty of time to decompress before going to a dance at 7:00 with Rare Collections.

Mar 15^th – Sun

There were only 3 groups for golf this morning. We played with Larry & Barb and then 8 of us went for lunch at BJ's. We sat at a large booth which was really nice as we could all talk easily.

We took it easy for the rest of the day and I finally thawed soup for dinner.

Mar 1st to 9th - Mesa

Mar 1^st – Sun

I put together cabbage rolls for later and then went for a line dance rehearsal at 11:00. We went shopping for PJs for a party tonight which is “costume, PJs or togas”.

The party today was our big Fouth Street Farewell which had to be moved inside because rain was forecast. We got all three sections of the new multipurpose room, hired Wayne & Deb for music and had a wonderful time. We all agreed that inside turned out to be better so we will do the same next year regardless of the weather. People really got into the costume thing, the food was great as usual and the dance floor got a workout.

Mar 2^nd to 4^th – Mon to Wed

Fairly uneventful days. MCY had to be moved inside on Monday due to rain. It was outside on Tuesday with rain threatening but not showing up. Before going to the courtyard on Wednesday, I took some time to check out the quilt show. PVC pipe & black fabric is set up in the ballroom and quilts are hung on both sides of the black fabric. The whole thing had to be taken down in time to set up for Thursday morning coffee & doughnuts. There are a lot of very talented quilters in this park. A freearm quilting machine was included in the new “fiber arts center” this season and it is obviously getting a lot of use. Dave & Phyllis had a group over on Wed evening for strawberry shortcake which was yummy

Mar 5^th – Thurs

After coffee & doughnuts, I started dinner prep for tonight. I made Broccoli Cheese soup and enjoyed a bowl for breakfast. I did a lot of chopping so things would be ready after a line dance rehearsal at 3:00. Then I skipped MCY and found out that I didn't miss a thing as the band was awful.

We had Ron & Terri and Dennis & Gloria over for dinner. I made pork chops & cabbage which requires a lot of time & steps before getting it in the oven. We started with soup, had my usual/favorite romaine/mandarin orange/onion salad, the pork chops accompanied by sliced tomato & avocado drizzled with balsamic glaze and ended with Velvet Hammer – ice cream blended with Kaluha & rum and refrozen. Bev and Chris (Bev's daughter's mother-in-law) came for drinks later.

Mar 6^th – Fri

We left at 10 for a motorcycle ride to Payson. We had 9 bikes & 11 people. There is quite an elevation change – UP – and you could notice the temperature change but it wasn't cool enough to be cold. We went to the casino where everyone got player's cards and then we all had lunch. After lunch some left soon and others stayed a while to play slots and/or check out the town a bit.

Ralph & Elsie, Bill & Linda and we were the last group to leave. We took Usury Pass back and stopped at Saguaro Lake for a drink. Jackets off on the way back – a very nice trip.

We had leftovers for dinner – perfect!

Mar 7^th – Sat

Today was variety show rehearsal for the whole cast starting at 8:30. It was mainly a tech rehearsal so sets and music cues could get sorted out. We did fine in spite of our music cutting out for a beat a couple of times.

At 2:15 I joined a group to do some line dancing for entertainment at the Western States party. We dressed as “western” as we could – I borrowed Terry's Stetson. The party was running late so we did 3 dances rather than 4.

We went to the Saturday night dance with North Star and had our usual good time. Most of the time we claimed room to line dance.

Mar 8^th – Sun

Stella & Joe and Phyllis & Dave hosted their 2^nd annual breakfast at the bocce court this morning. Because some of us had a dress rehearsal for the variety show, we ate first and got there in plenty of time. We did fine again.

In the evening we walked to Ralph & Elsie's to discuss the St Patrick's Day parade and enjoyed a drink with them as well. We went past Dennis & Gloria's on the way back but their place looked all buttoned up for the night so we didn't stop.

Mar 9^th – Mon

We went to the Dollar Store for supplies before everyone arrived at 10:00 to work on decorations for our Spyders for the parade. We also picked up a dozen doughnuts since we didn't have breakfast.

Linda, Lori, Elsie, Diane and I painted foam core boards with sections of a rainbow as the basis for our group decoration. Then Terry cut & stapled wood strips to hold the boards above our heads. Another “great” idea from me!!! Oh well, we mostly had fun and still have to wash paint off the parking area.

The first of 2 performances of the variety show was tonight. We had to show up about 5:30 for “makeup”. We watched most of the first act and then had to complete our outfits as we were the second group in the second act. All went well.

Feb 23rd to 28th - Palm Springs & Mesa

Feb 23-25^th – Mon to Wed - Palm Springs

We left a little after our planned time of 9 as Larry & Barb informed us when we picked them up that it was raining in Palm Springs so we stopped back at our place to get long pants and closed shoes. Turned out we didn't need them as it rained a bit early in the drive and then no more precipitation. We stopped in Quartzsite to have lunch with friends Clem & Marlene. We couldn't check into the condo until 4 so we spent some time in a casino – everyone donated! We still had time to pick up some groceries to make dinner so we could relax with a drink and not worry about driving to a restaurant.

We made breakfast at the condo and did some shopping on Tuesday. Then Larry & Barb enjoyed the pool at the condo while Terry & I went to another casino. We got back in time to join them poolside with a drink. Today was Larry & Barb's anniversary (the reason for the trip) so we went to Babe's for dinner. It is Barb's favorite restaurant and we had a very nice meal before moving to a fire pit area for a drink.

Barb's turn to make breakfast Wednesday morning and my turn to clean up. We stopped at a couple of stores looking for a retractable clothes line for Barb before we went to The Sands RV & Golf resort for 9 holes of golf. The weather was lovely and the course was in good shape so it was a nice walk. Then we went to Gilbert & Grace's in the park for a drink where a few other friends joined us. We went to Terry's brother Skip's and his wife Kathy's incredible new house for dinner. It was being built when we were in Palm Springs last year so it was fun to see it completed.

Feb 26^th – Thurs

We left at 9 for an uneventful drive back. We got a chuckle when Terri sent a text asking if she could borrow a “crackpot”. Gotta love auto word completion & correction! We were back in time to unpack & relax before going to Bob & Sandi's happy hour. We couldn't stay long as we were going to the Arizona Opry. We could enjoy a drink however as we rode with Dennis & Gloria. The show was “Country” and we all agreed that it was the best one that we have seen this year.

Feb 27^th – Fri

I was very lazy this morning and was still in bed reading when Sandi came over to return the crock pot at 9:30. We went out for lunch and then did some shopping. We went to MCY and danced to Wayne & Deb.

I had put dinner in the crock pot so we could eat as soon as we got back. We stopped at Neil & Robin's before going to a dessert party put on by Don & Susan. We were a bit late as we were confused about which multipurpose room was being used! Great desserts and lots of friends for another fun event.

Feb 28^th – Sat

Another marathon of activities today. The Sunday golf group played today due to a tournament tomorrow. Brad set up a Scramble format that was a lot of fun. He included a length of ribbon and a pair of scissors for each team which we could use to “enlarge the hole” by cutting off a piece of ribbon the length that a putt was away from the hole. You could do this as long as you had ribbon left. Then everyone went to our courtyard for lunch. The weather was cool & cloudy so there weren't too many other people even when music started at 1:00. We danced between bites of lunch.

We weren't very hungry but thought we should have something to eat before going to the regular Saturday night dance so we had dessert. Southwest Surfers played 60's & 70's music which turned out to be fine for a lot of line dances.