Apr 26th to 28th - Mesa

Apr 26^th – Sun

We went to Costco to pick up my contacts and then stopped at Walmart for groceries. Then we had a quiet, lazy day or else I can't remember what we did!

At 4 we went to Jim & Virginia's for another happy hour(s). It seems like people are leaving in great numbers but there were still 25 partyers. There was lots of food at Jim's but we didn't eat much and had dinner at home.

Apr 27^th – Mon

I tried calling the passport office and got 25 people waiting, next call 16 people waiting and then 11 people waiting so I didn't stay on the line. We went to the office to ask for our meter to be read and got permission to park the toy hauler next to us so we can load it easier. We are planning to leave on Thursday.

I discovered that Terry's tablet requires music in “mp3” format rather than “wma” which is why it doesn't show/play everything that we downloaded. I put a conversion program on the laptop and converted some music but then couldn't figure out where the heck it was even when I selected a location! I really hate computers sometimes!

We took some Coke to Colleen and then rode all around the park but couldn't find anyone to harrass. It is very quiet here.

Apr 28^th – Tues

We got going fairly early and moved the toy hauler to the site next to us so we could start loading it up later.

We went to the DMV for my motorcycle skills test. The line moved fast and I didn't have time to finish filling out the form before they called me for my picture and then to be processed. Then shortly before 11 we were told that the driving test was scheduled for noon. We went to Carl Jr for a bite to eat and decided we had time to come back so I could call on my passport.

More bad news! My second picture was rejected because the facial recognition program could not process enough points due to shadows. I was already nervous about my test ride and now I was really wound up! Back at the DMV I had to wait until 12:30 and then, after the first part of the test, the tester realized that he had been given the 2-wheel test and had to walk back in to get the correct one while I waited some more. At least I could drive into some shade! As a lot of people know from FB, I did pass the test but at this DMV the license is mailed rather than processed immediately. Then it was on to Costco for another passport picture and then to the post office to mail it.

When we picked up the toy hauler, a check engine light came on in the truck again so Terry took it to the Chev dealer that fixed it last time. He had to leave it and got a ride back from their courtesy shuttle.

Now we got to work on moving stuff into the toy hauler but first I had to tape all the non slip shelf liners using the super sticky double sided tape that Joe introduced us to earlier this year. I didn't remember moving so much “stuff” last year and I have no idea where I stored some of it!

The Chev dealer called to say the truck was ready so we took the bike to pick it up and I got some practice riding it back. A sensor for the exhaust system had to be replaced AGAIN and was still under an extended warranty from last time.

We made a drink and went to see Bruce & Ann who were at the pool. We chatted with them a bit and then went back to their place so they could have a drink while we continued our visit. Home, dinner, bed.

Apr 21st to 25th - Mesa

Apr 21^st – Tues

I called to check the status of my passport and they had done nothing with the new pictures yet. I told them that we would be leaving soon and needed it before we left. An hour and a half later I checked our credit card statement online and it had been charged by the passport office.

We had a coupon so we went to 5 'n Diner for breakfast and then continued on to Total Wine to stock up for our summer trip.

Ralph came over to make everything was set to move their 5^th wheel tomorrow. Then he wanted to see if he could fill out an online form to import his motorcycle into Canada. We got it partly done but he needed more info and we had to change to go for dinner.

Dinner was a steak fry & dance here at the park. Round tables were decorated nicely and set with salads & dessert (cheese cake – yum). My steak ended up great because Bobbie had a steak that was too rare and mine was too well done so we swapped. Terry's steak was good too. Anyone following the blog might know that we have mixed feelings about the steak dinners because they are not always consistent. Wayne & Deb provided the music and we took advantage of it to line dance after we ate.

 

Apr 22^nd – Wed

Ann came over to claim an earring that she lost last Wednesday and that I found on the driveway yesterday. I got in the truck and spotted the earring about a foot behind the front tire which was odd because we back into our driveway and the rear wheel should have driven over it. We had a nice visit with Ann!

We went to Ralph & Elsie's where they had their 5^th wheel closed up and the cover laid out beside it. Terry pulled the cover up to the roof and we had some problems pulling it down as the straps to go underneath and hold it in place were still snapped together! But we got it all situated, pulled the 5^th wheel to storage in Ranchos and got it parked. Whew!

We had lots of time to clean & relax before going to dinner at Doug & Delores'. Also there were Joe & Jean and Dave & Phyllis. Doug & Delores had tables set up in the driveway/patio which was in the shade so it was very nice sitting outside. We had a great dinner again with good friends.

Apr 23^rd – Thurs

Terry got busy organizing & putting away more “stuff” and I did the laundry. Terry got done in time to hang & fold. After a late breakfast, we went to see Larry & Julie as they are leaving soon. Julie's doctor suggested she should head for home and her own doctors as doctors here cannot figure out some problems that continue to return.

On the way back we saw a big 5^th wheel toy hauler, stopped to chat with the owner and he invited us in to see it. It is very nice with a fold down patio on the side and the back but it still has some issues with seating and the bathroom that we don't like.

Ralph & Elsie took us to dinner at Applebee's as thanks for helping with their 5^th wheel. We went early so we could all go to a gathering in the courtyard that started at 6. Joe & Jean brought their boom box and music for line dancing. It was really nice to dance in cooler weather. I even tried the Irish Jig dance that we missed and didn't do too badly.

Apr 24^th – Fri

Terry was antsy again this morning so we went to Ft McDowell casino. I won a bit early so I had more to give back (!) and Terry ended up covering most of our original stake.

We didn't do much before having an early dinner. Then we went to a dance at Towerpoint where Reign' n Country was playing. Ralph & Elsie were also there and we were joined by another couple who stay in Sunland Village. A lot of people at TP do a type of line dancing done as couples. The band was good and we danced a lot including some line dances by ourselves and one that we started and were joined by several others. Another good time!

Apr 25^th – Sat

We put some more music on Terry's new tablet and then realized we could not “see” everything that we had loaded. I unsuccessfully messed with it until we only had a short time to eat some breakfast and then pick up Bruce & Ann for our tee time at 12:08.

Terry has played Los Calinas GC with the golf group from the park many times and I finally got to play it today. It is nice and the weather was great – not too hot and slightly windy. We actually teed off early and finished shortly after 3.

We went to say goodbye to Larry & Julie but they were at the courtyard at a goodbye gathering for Mary Ruth. We headed that way and met Bruce & Ann who were going to Larry & Julie's so we all continued to the courtyard. There weren't too many people left but we enjoyed a drink, a couple of dances and friends.

I had put a roast in the crock pot and was making veggies when Doug & Delores stopped to say goodbye. We had a drink with them and then got to eat dinner. Phyllis came over for a short visit.

Apr 18th to 20th - Mesa

Apr 18^th – Sat

I walked to Albertson's to buy a few groceries and then put together a dessert for later. We didn't get too ambitious otherwise.

Just before 2 we went to Bonnie's for a party. We got to tour Mark & Colleen's and Lynette's houses on the same street as Bonnie. Quite a few of the people at the party were going to a cruise with music on Saguaro Lake so a smaller group partied into the evening. We had a nice surprise not long after dark when a church had a fireworks show which we could see right from the deck.

Apr 19^th – Sun

We got busy this morning and cleaned out the large storage compartment and the storage box in the back of the truck. We have to be able to put the 5^th wheel hitch in the compartment when we leave at the end of the month. Amazing how much room we have when we organize and toss some things.

Not too long after we were done and I had updated the blog, Ralph & Elsie came by to see if we wanted to join them, Al & Linda and Jerry for a motorcycle ride. I made Terry clean the bike before we went! We went to Casa Grande where we had something cool at McDonald's and then went to Ak Chin casino.

I was starving when we got back so I made a couple of snacks for us and Ralph & Elsie who we invited over for a drink to wash down the road dust.

R&E were still here when Doug & Delores stopped in to find a date when we could go to dinner with them. Of course they joined us for a glass of wine so it was a good thing that we had eaten something.

Apr 20^th – Mon

The battery in Terry's tablet died and we figured it would be better to get a new, smaller tablet than fool with the old one so we went to Best Buy which wasn't open yet at 9:45. We checked at WalMart nearby and I ended up getting a pair of shorts. Back at Best Buy, a rep from Amazon was just posting a one day, unadvertised sale on a 7” Fire (reg $139 for $79) so that is what we got. We stopped at Costco for a couple of items – we were on the bike – and headed home for lunch. Ron came by with some lemon pie that Mary made using lemons from a friend's tree – yum!

Terry figured out how to make both tablets sync to the Bose speaker so we loaded lots of music from our old computer to Terry's new tablet and some songs for dancing to my tablet.

We took a drink to visit Bruce & Ann but they weren't home so we walked to the pool and found them there. We sat and visited with them for a while and listened to some guy practicing his singing in the courtyard.

We went to Albertson's for salad to go with a steak and ended up getting fried chicken so Terry didn't have to BBQ!

Apr 14th to 17th - Mesa

Apr 14^th – Tues

Laundry took up a couple of hours this morning.

I spent some time trying to print the picture of Phyllis on the motorcycle and finally gave up and went across the street to CVS. We dropped it off on her doorstep on the way home. We tracked down some friends to invite them to an impromptu happy hour/farewell party on Thursday after MCY.

Fall River was in the courtyard and Bob & Bobbie were there to join us in line dances. Once again it was very warm. I actually had dinner planned but Terry figured we needed to go across the street to Roosters as Curtis was singing there for the last time this season. We hopped on the bike and joined a large group of people from VVV and even danced a couple of times. When we got back shortly after 8 we were sort of hungry so I made quesadillas and we crashed.

Apr 15^th – Wed

I made dessert and did some other prep for the party this afternoon before we went to Red Mountain Cafe for a late breakfast. We rode around issuing party invitations to people that we weren't able to contact yesterday and by then it was nearly time to go to the courtyard.

Dakota Kid was the singer and he played quite a few slow songs that weren't right for line dancing but the weather & company were great so it was fun as usual. Does anyone else notice how many times I use the word “fun”?!

Terry got the key for the party wagon (parked a couple of sites from us) and set up some tables & chairs while I cooked and/or set out some appies. We barely got started setting up when the first guests appeared and we ended up with 50 people. Everyone brought their drinks and an appy. Jim brought his speaker (ours wasn't plugged & charged?!) so we had some music which kind of got drowned out by conversations. Terry lit 3 buddy burners and we extinguished them one at a time as the crowd dwindled & consolidated. Good friends, good food, good time.

Apr 16^th – Thurs

Terry got up early to put the tables & chairs back in the party wagon and to park the truck in our spot rather than next door which resulted in a “parking violation”! So silly with tons of empty sites.

Howard & Gina had offered the use of their carpet cleaner so I called to see if we could borrow it today. Terry went to pick it up and came back with the cleaner and Howard who insisted that he would be happy to do the job for us. I had already vacuumed so he got right to it and did a great job. We had time to stop at the Wildberry for a late breakfast and at WalMart for a couple of items before going to Costco for my followup eye appointment at 12:40. I ordered contacts and we headed back to rest a bit before going to MCY.

Guilty Pleasures did their usual good job of playing danceable music. Then we went to Howard & Gina's for another great dinner with super friends.

Apr 17^th – Fri

Terry was a bit antsy this morning and noticed that we could get another casino coupon so that is what we did. We had breakfast while our slot play was being activated on our cards. I had a crappy slot day and Terry ended up losing but having way more fun doing it than I did!

At the courtyard we split an order of chicken strips as breakfast was long gone from our tummies. Road Runner played until 5:30 because it was the last day of MCY for this season. Jim took a group picture from the upstairs card room window – just as I came back to get a new drink for us – so look for Terry right in the front row in the pictures posted on FB.

We stopped at Joe & Jean's new park model for a tour and had a nice chat with them. Terry had wanted to go to Rooster's but by the time I made dinner and we ate he was ready to crash.

Apr 10th to 13th - Mesa

Apr 10^th – Fri

We went to Big O Tire to get a couple of tires for the truck. We started walking to a restaurant for breakfast as the guy said it would be an hour or so. Then we decided it would be just as easy to walk back to the park, get the motorcycle, go to breakfast and then pick up the truck. As we walked past Big O, we saw that the truck was already moved and one tire was being removed so we went in and waited and then had a late breakfast at home.

Ricky Ricci was in the courtyard and we didn't dance much. We went to Ernie & Dianne's for dinner & cards. We played 2 games of Ponytail Canasta and each team won one game so we ended the season on a good note!

Apr 11^th – Sat

Dianne included a tube of Grands biscuits in the food she gave us yesterday so I invited them over for breakfast which included cinnamon rolls made from the biscuits. We enjoyed our meal out on the patio.

We were supposed to get 2 Visa cards renewed early but only one arrived – the very next day by UPS – so I called on the second one this morning. The very nice service rep will have to complete the transaction on Tuesday.

4 bikes and 8 riders (us, Ralph & Elsie, Al & Linda and Jerry & Jann) left our site at 11 for a ride to Fountain Hills where we had lunch at Chan's which is a Chinese restaurant. It was very good and reasonably priced. The many lunch choices included entree, soup & steamed rice for $4.99 or you could get fried rice instead and add an egg roll and 2 fried wonton's for a total of $5.49. We will be going back there in the future.

We continued from there to Ft McDowell casino (not our suggestion!!) where we agreed to meet in 45 minutes. I came out $45 ahead for a change. Shows what can happen if you leave at a designated time.

After dinner we went for a walk and stopped at Howard & Gina's for a visit.

Apr 12^th – Sun

After computer games & breakfast, we did some organizing in the toy hauler. We took the 2^nd bed/couch off the wall and then figured out how to fasten a step stool and 2 folding chairs to the wall for when we put the bike in and travel. I hate putting everything on the bed each time. Of course this included a trip to Home Depot and then WalMart. We were on the motorcycle and decided to also buy pans to use on the convection cooktop so I had to hold the large box on the way home.

Terry H came over to say goodbye and we ended up using MapQuest to find & print alternate routes rather than her using the same one all the time.

Phyllis stopped to give me a deviled egg serving dish and to chat a while. Terry took her home on the motorcycle so I took a picture and posted it on Facebook. People commented and liked it even before Terry got back.

We had an early dinner so we were ready for Harland & Barb to join us for chocolate martinis. Bill & Linda also stopped in for a chat and information on buddy burners and bucket lights.

Apr 13^th – Mon

Howard & Gina stopped by for a chat and Howard ended up helping Terry & Bill put the 5^th wheel hitch in our truck. Terry moved Bill & Beth's 5 wheel to a site opposite their park model while Gina & I walked to the toy hauler as Gina had not seen it inside. Then we walked back to where Terry was almost done parking the 5^th wheel with plenty of “help”.

We had a late breakfast for lunch. We rode the bike to get a new torque wrench and then stopped at Camping World to look at toy haulers with no intention of doing anything now. Saw one very interesting rig.

Rich Mancini was in the courtyard today and we were surprised how many line dancers showed up. It was HOT but we danced anyhow as we really like Rich's music. Then it was time to make a drink and head across the street to have dinner with Dave & Phyllis. They also invited Doug & Delores and we had a fun evening. I got some scattered drops of red wine (won't point a finger!) on my shirt and Wine Away did the job again. Love that stuff!!!

Apr 7th to 9th - Mesa

Apr 7^th – Tues

We had the 5^th wheel washed & waxed this morning by the same company (A.N.S. Detailing) that we have used previously and they did their usual great job. I caught up the blog and we did a couple of errands in the park while they were working. We went to Home Depot & Camping World for a few items and I sprayed our largest weeds with Roundup. The park sprays weeds but they had some issues this year so we hit the biggest ones so it doesn't look so bad.

A new singer was in the courtyard – Tiana Ricciardi. She is 21 years old and recently started singing for a living. She also line dances very well and joined in for a couple of dances. Nice voice and eager to learn new songs based on requests.

After dinner we went to Rancho's patio for a birthday party for Nancy. We did a little line dancing, a little drinking and a lot of talking & laughing. In other words, a great time.

Apr 8^th – Wed

I called the Canadian passport office this morning and found out that they had tried to call me on Mar 24^th & 25^th (didn't leave a voice mail) and then sent a letter to let me know that my picture was rejected because my mouth wasn't closed and that I did not provide a credit card number! It was tough to tell that my mouth was open maybe ¼ inch and I had put a credit card number on the interactive online form which apparently did not translate into a bar code. I gave them the credit card number, looked up somewhere to get a Canadian passport photo and we headed to UPS in Scottsdale based on a big ad and a phone call.

Of course they didn't know what the heck they were doing so after 3 disastrous results we went to find somewhere else. But first we stopped for a quick sandwich and got to the hair salon just in time for my 1 o'clock appointment. Then we went to a different Walgreens than we used the first time and got a picture. Next to the post office to send another registered letter to the tune of $13.66. Hope this works out better.

We were ready to relax at the courtyard but didn't dance much to Tommy G. since most of the line dancers don't like his music and weren't there. But I got to talk to Julie quite a bit which was nice. We left early and stopped to talk to our back yard neighbors (Dave & Mary) on the way back.

I made deviled eggs and we went to Ralph & Elsie's for a party. They had 4 tables & 20 chairs from the party wagon (do it yourself delivery these days!) set up in their carport in a big rectangle so you could talk to people beside you and across the table. They provided roasted chicken and everyone else brought salads, hot dishes and desserts. No, we never get tired of having a great time with old & new friends!!

Apr 9^th – Thurs

I had an eye exam at 10:30 at Costco and we actually walked out of there without buying anything. We stopped at Fry's for a few groceries on the way back. After lunch Terry took Bob's grandson Brock for a ride on the motorcycle.

The Breeze was in the courtyard and we danced a lot. It wasn't as hot as it has been lately but I had to wipe sweat from my face after every dance.

We went to dinner at Harland & Barb's. Harland smoked/cooked pork tenderloins on their Trager (??) barbeque – very good. We finished up with a shot of rum that they brought back from Hawaii that has macadamia liqueur added. Yum! And we even walked rather than take the bike the short distance.

Apr 3rd to 6th - Mesa

Apr 3^rd – Fri

Terry took the motorcycle to Ralph's this morning to install lights on the front fenders. While he was gone I tracked my passport application – it cleared Customs on March 3^rd and the web site said to allow 20 working days for processing so hopefully it will be on its way soon.

We rode over to see a backrest for the driver on Billy & Lory's motorcycle and figure we will be adding that accessory sometime. Then we made a quick trip for a few groceries.

Bryan Keith was a new singer in the courtyard today and has a very nice voice. Once again we “braved” the heat and danced. We went to Dennis & Gloria's for dinner and Don & Susan joined us later for a visit.

 

Apr 4^th – Sat

We were up early so we were at the Mesa Marketplace by 7:20. We had breakfast and shopped all the rows with only a couple of purchases. We were looking for business card holders but couldn't find one like we have.

I talked to sister Marg to get the scoop on the “extreme wienie roast” pictures that she emailed. She decided it was time to burn some grass in her farm and when the wind came up the fire department had to be called. She guesstimated that about 7 acres were “cleared” of grass and small pieces of wood.

MCY is early on Saturdays – 1 to 3 – and we had another singer who has been here just once before – Armour Gomez. Very few line dancers but we gave it a good shot.

We went to a happy hour/goodbye party at Harvey & Vicki's right after the courtyard. We can manage 2 drinks and 2 folding lawn chairs on the motorcycle! We had a tour of their nice new park model with AZ room. It is situated so the driveway/patio is shaded in the late afternoon and most of us got a nice breeze where we were sitting.

Terry made a quick trip to McDonald's for burgers before we went to the dance with Saguaro Sunset. There were more attendees than last week and quite a few line dancers but we shared the dance floor quite nicely.

Apr 5^th – Sun

After coffee, some computer games and putting dinner in the crockpot , we headed to the casino. There were acres of bright yellow palo verde trees along the way. We had a nice breakfast at the casino and it took us several hours to donate $$ today.

We relaxed at home before having an early dinner. We walked over to see Dennis & Gloria but they had to leave shortly after we got there so we stopped for a nice visit with Bruce & Ann.

Apr 6^th – Mon

It was a morning for cleaning up some issues with phone calls & emails. We actually lost track of time and at 10:57 realized that a group was leaving at 11 for a bike ride. We were on our way back from the office and needed gas so I called Al to see if they were ready to leave. They were so we said we would follow after getting gas. We caught up just as we were arriving at our destination – Tortilla Flats. The outside patio closes from Easter to December so we waited a short time for a table and had lunch. Part of the winding road is very rough and not too comfortable for female riders!!

We were back in plenty of time to head to the courtyard where North Star was playing. They bring out more people and for a couple of popular line dances there were lots of dancers joining us.

We dropped our drink glasses off, got on the motorcycle and headed to Neil & Robin's for dinner along with Larry & Julie, Terry & Tina and Ernie & Holly. We had way too much great food and after dinner we played Rummoli for pennies. I ended up being the “big” winner.

Mar 30th to Apr 2nd - Mesa

Mar 30^th – Mon

Another marathon session catching up the blog this morning! We got out the old computer as it has Print Shop to print more cards. We only got 2 pages done when the black ink was too low!

We ran a few errands including ordering a motorcycle helmet for me. Mine is too small and hurts my jaw & cheeks after just a short while.

Wayne & Deb played at the courtyard so we danced a lot even though it was hot. We had a quiet evening and got to watch an episode of Dancing With The Stars.

Mar 31^st – Tues

4 Spyders with 7 riders left at 9 to go to Boyce Thompson Arboretum which is on I60 just before Superior. Of course there are lots of cacti, many of which are blooming right now so it was good to “brave the heat” and wander around for a couple of hours. Linda, Elsie & I decided that next year we will get a group of women together for this trip as the men just weren't as interested in the plants or the walking. Of course when I turned on my camera for the first picture I got a “battery exhausted” message! I used Terry's phone for some pictures and will get some from Elsie.

We went into Superior for lunch at Porter's Cafe where we sat outside for a good lunch. Something had Terry's nose running & eyes watering from when we got up and they didn't improve with the bike ride and the gardens. He didn't even finish his burger but they were huge.

We had a brief rest before going to the courtyard where we mostly sat and listened to music & chatted with friends rather than dancing. A lot of the songs were too slow for line dances.

We got one rib dinner from the courtyard and took it home to split for dinner. We went to the Fiesta multipurpose room for the last line dance lessons of the season but Terry left early after watching a few dances.

Apr 1^st – Wed

Don & Susan came over for cinnamon rolls – and fruit provided by Susan – for breakfast. It was lovely to sit outside to eat & chat. Terry's nose & eyes were much better this morning.

We picked up my new motorcycle helmet and left it & my old one there so they could transfer over the microphone since they would do it for free. Not a hard job but we would rather have them do it than risk breaking something. We were still shopping nearby when they called to say it was done. We continued with some more shopping including ink for the printer so I could finish up the cards.

Jeff Stevens was in the courtyard today for our dancing pleasure. Dinner at home.

Apr 2^nd – Thurs

Dennis & Gloria stopped to chat on their way back from coffee & doughnuts. Again a perfect time to sit outside.

Terry said the laundry basket was overflowing again so that was next on the list. I squeezed in a late breakfast while the clothes were in the washers and after we put them in the dryers we moved a trailer to storage. Someone had left a note on our door a couple of days ago asking if we could do it for them. The clothes were ready to hang & fold when we got back to the laundry room.

We had some time to relax & play computer games before going to the courtyard to dance to Dakota Kid. Yes, it is hot but it beats the heck out of rain or snow! Terry got ice cream Snickers bars again to cool us down. And some kind of record lately – dinner at home again!