June 26th to 29th - Show Low to Texas

June 26^th – Fri

We didn't do much of anything this morning & early afternoon – blog, computer games, a bit of organizing to leave Sunday. We were going to leave today but talked to a guy (Andy) at the golf course on Monday and decided to stay and take part in a motorcycle poker run.

We met Andy & Meredith at the admin building at 3:00 to ride to the Hon Dah casino to register for the ride. We got registered ($20 driver, $10 passenger which includes dinner tonight & tomorrow, T-shirts and the possibility of winning $1000 for the best poker hand or $500 for the worst hand). There were a couple of huge tents set up with tables & chairs and we were soon joined by Elton & Marsha and John & Lyn. We had time to get acquainted and have a drink before the burgers & hot dogs were ready for dinner. Home to rest up for an early start tomorrow.

June 27^th – Sat

We met Andy & Meredith at 7:00 (I said early!) and went for breakfast. Then we went to 4 places for our poker hands. Each person has a paper with 5 spaces for numbers & initials. At each stop you pick a number from a container and the person at that stop puts the number and their initials on your paper. Each number corresponds to a card which you don't know until the end of the run. This prevents people from cheating and swapping cards for better hands.

First stop – Rendezvous Diner at Greer, 2^nd stop – restaurant at Eagar, 3^rd stop – tackle shop at Alpine, 4^th stop – store at Big Lake.

We got a bit of rain on our way to Big Lake but not the hail reported by some people who had hit Big Lake first. Then we got more than a bit of rain on our way back to the casino which provided our last “card” and the legend to decode the numbers into a poker hand.

We again found a table & chairs, waited and watched the rain! Dinner was steaks cooked outside on BBQs and served outside. We were among the first to brave the rain and get dinner. Quite a while later there was an announcement that everyone should move inside due to the lightening – and we were sitting under a tent with metal posts!!

We finally decided not to wait for results of poker hands (none of us had anything decent), drawings and prizes for custom bikes. The rain had mostly quit so we headed back with Andy & Meredith. Elton & Marsha had gone back earlier to pick up their dog from a kennel and came back in their car. John left on his bike before us and Lyn got a ride with Elton & Marsha. They offered me a ride as well but I had to brave the rain with my driver! Of course Juniper Ridge RV got very little rain all day.

June 28^th – Sun

We loaded up the bike and pulled out of Juniper Ridge RV about 8:00. We made a stop in Taylor for doughnuts and continued north to Holbrook and I40. We stopped at a Verizon store in Albuquerque and got 2 new phones which came with other “toys” that we didn't really need but they were included at no extra $$. There was a Total Wine store next door to Verizon so we stocked up a bit. Terry's Scotch was twice as much as in Mesa but my dark rum was only a couple of dollars more - ???. Our credit card was originally denied in Total Wine but a quick call to Bank of America to let them know that we are on the road again and everything's good. A denied credit card is a bit embarrassing but we do like B of A being on top of things.

We ended up at a Passport America RV park in Tucumcari. With an hour time difference we didn't get parked until 4:30 and nearby places to eat were closed on Sunday. So we unloaded the bike and went looking for dinner.

We were going to settle for Subway but saw a steakhouse next door. Should have settled for Subway!!! Slow, expensive and not-so-good food. Oh well, a well deserved drink back at the rig helped.

June 29^th – Mon

We decided to make a detour to visit Terry's cousin Teresa (Terri) and her husband Tom near Bowie TX. We stopped at McDonald's for breakfast & coffee to go. I took us on a slightly different route than Terri told me on the phone. It had Terry thinking I goofed up until we arrived and Terri said it was the shortest route but she thought going through Bowie would be easier.

We had a nice visit with Terri. Tom is working in Oklahoma (he retired once) so he popped in to say hi when he got home and then went out to bale hay. Tom & Terri raise cattle in Texas & Oklahoma so keep very busy. One of Tom's sons (Tommy) is staying with them right now and was raking the hay ahead of Tom with the baler. Terri made dinner for us and Tommy made a quick stop for his dinner and took sandwiches to Tom. Busy, busy!! We were sitting outside when Tom finished, showered and joined us for a short while.

It was quite hot until the sun went down and by the time we went to bed we could open all the windows & doors to get a nice cool breeze.

June 22nd to 25th - Show Low

June 22nd– Mon

We finally went for breakfast at Silver Creek Golf Course. Debra told us that they had good breakfasts and she was right. We sat outside overlooking a lake and part of the golf course – very nice.

Then I had to buckle down and catch up the blog again. I swear I am going to quit but we love to be able to look back on our travels and travails. We made a trip to the pool where we enjoy the people as much as the lovely, cool enough, clear water.

June 23rd – Tues

We stopped at McDonald's for a late breakfast on the way to the casino. Too bad we gave back most of the $$ that we took away on Sunday! We did some shopping on the way back. Then the now usual afternoon pool visit followed by dinner at home.

June 24th – Wed

I did some re-organizing in cupboards because I have pots stacked in fry pans and am always fighting to get them out. Of course this called for a couple of organization items so we hopped on the bike and headed for WalMart where we got what I needed. We stopped for some groceries at Safeway and luckily had to wear our helmets on the way back so we could fit everything in the bike compartments.

I say it was lucky that we wore our helmets because huge, dark clouds were looming and we saw lightening flashes as we drove – quickly! We only got a few rain drops but when we got back the keypad to unlock our door would not work. Terry had the truck keys with him and we were smart enough to put an extra set of trailer keys in the truck so I could unlock the bedroom door to get in. If the main door is locked with the keypad, it cannot be opened with a key!

In the meantime, rain had started in earnest. Terry put the cover on the bike while I messed with the doors and we got inside without getting too wet.

We changed the batteries in the lock and it still wouldn't work. Then Terry found another battery compartment on the outside of the door. It has a big, flat, round battery so will have to make another trip to town tomorrow. Needless to say we didn't go to the pool today.

June 25^th – Thurs

Since we were going to town anyhow we decided to hit McDonald's for breakfast again. We found the battery we needed at Kmart which is right next door to Safeway. Since I had some room in the freezer, we picked up a couple of items – like ice cream!! The battery fixed the keypad.

We did laundry and jigsaw puzzles which took us nearly to pool time. There were a lot of people in the pool today as it was quite hot – but nothing like Mesa. Another quiet evening at home with computer games & dinner on the BBQ.

June 16th to 21st - Show Low

June 16^th & 17th – Tues/Wed

Oops – too many days to catch up in the blog and don't have any idea what happened! Obviously nothing exciting! I am not even going to line dancing since I won't remember the dances or get to use them away from here. We have been enjoying the pool in the late afternoon.

June 18^th – Thurs

We spent a bit of time figuring out what bags would fit in which compartments on the bike (for our trip in Michigan) and then went shopping for what we were missing. We got a great toiletry bag and checked out another soft tote that made us realize we already had something that would work. Love “aah haa” moments! Of course we had to stop at Safeway and added $55 in groceries to our other purchases. This either says something about how much storage we have in the bike or how much groceries cost!

We went to the pool when we got back and enjoyed conversations with several people.

June 19^th – Fri

After another goof-off morning and late breakfast, we went to the casino. We took the truck as it was quite windy. We didn't leave any money at the casino so I guess it was a good day! We stopped at KFC for chicken and were just ordering a 14 piece special when I heard a guy say they were out of extra crispy which is a deal breaker for us. Terry knew where there was another KFC in Show Low so we stopped there and ordered the same special. The cashier said they didn't have that special but the manager was right there and said they would give to us as long as we came back to their store in the future! Yes, 14 pieces of chicken is about 10 too many for us for one meal but we were planning ahead!

June 20^th – Sat

We “hibernated” most of the morning and finally went to the library to return a book and ended up working on a jigsaw puzzle for quite a while. A couple of hours at the pool and it was time to watch golf on TV and heat up leftover chicken for dinner.

June 21^st – Sun

We went for another longer motorcycle ride today – 160 miles. We went to Springerville, through Eagar and then to Greer where we had lunch on the covered porch of a fun little restaurant (Rendezvous Diner). Greer is a small, tidy village where there must be permanent specials on red-toned faux logs and green metal roofing.

We were headed to Big Lake and could have cut across from Greer but it was 7 miles of gravel road so we went back to the main road and then south again. When we got to Big Lake and turned off the bike we were immediately attacked by deer flies so we didn't stick around. There were several boats with people fishing – don't know how they dealt with the flies.

We HAD to stop at the casino since we went right past it on the way back! Terry immediately won $137 on a bonus spin and I did OK for a while on the same machine 2 seats down. I wandered around and played several other machines with varying results. We left with $$ ahead for a change.

We watched the end of the US Open golf tournament and I used the last of the chicken for an easy, light dinner.

June 13th to 15th - Show Low

June 13^th – Sat

We were lazy this morning. In the afternoon we went to the library to exchange a couple of books and ended up working on a jigsaw puzzle. We were close to finishing the puzzle when I wanted to leave but Terry just had to finish it. Then we had to make & eat dinner quickly, put together dip & strawberries for a snack and get to the line-dance dance.

We sat with a lady (Betty, husband Ron) who is very encouraging at line dance lessons and knows a lot of the dances so I have made sure I am standing near her at the lessons. Ron doesn't line dance so Terry had someone to talk to since he only did a few dances. It was a fun evening.

June 14^th – Sun

There was no wind this morning so we went on a long motorcycle ride. We went to Springerville (stopped for breakfast at McDonald's) and then south on the Coronado Scenic Biway which is full of curves and hills. We are at 6071 feet here in Show Low and we climbed to 9427 feet which required a jacket at times. Dark clouds were looming when we neared the end of the scenic road so we decided to turn around. We did get some sprinkles and were going to sit it out at a restaurant that was at 9100 feet. The owners were sitting on the porch and said it was probably raining just until we dropped down a bit so we put on jackets and continued to find out that they were correct and we were shedding the jackets fairly quickly. We came back through Eagar & Pinetop which required a short stop at the casino. We were going to have a late lunch but decided to head for home and have an early dinner.

We put on 273 miles with countless curves and wonderful scenery. There is a section where vehicles over 40 feet are prohibited. A great day.

June 15^th – Mon

Another quiet morning with french toast & strawberries for breakfast/lunch – yum! Then it was time for laundry. When the clothes were washing and drying, we worked on another puzzle in the library which is nearby. Actually, most of the activity buildings are located in a central area so it is easy to walk from one to another.

We relaxed the rest of the afternoon. After dinner we were sitting outside when our neighbor returned with her 2 dogs – a retired/adopted racing greyhound and an Italian greyhound (little version). We ended up chatting with her for quite a while. Her husband passed away recently and she just bought a home for winter living at Viewpoint in Mesa.

June 10th to 12th - Show Low/Juniper Ridge

June 10^th – Wed

It took me a while to catch up the blog!! Then with nothing else planned we went for a bike ride to the casino to get information about a poker run near the end of the month. Of course we had to play slots for quite some time. We stopped at WalMart to get chicken for dinner but they didn't have any made up so we went to Safeway which is a really nice, big, clean store. Another quiet evening with games, TV & a book.

June 11^th – Thurs

Line dance lessons this morning. A lady (Lyn, husband John) who we met briefly at the dance Tuesday asked if we wanted to play croquet at 4:00. We don't know how to play but agreed that it would be fun. We had lunch & relaxed until 4:00.

We were joined by another couple – Frank & Eilsa(sp ?). We were only on the second wicket when it started to rain. We sheltered under a big tree and were just ready to go back out when it rained harder so we decided to bag it. We wiped off the bike, rode back, put on the cover and took the truck to follow John & Lyn to their house on “the creek”. They rent a spot here in the park so they can attend all the functions but have had a house a few miles away for 7 years.

We had drinks, chatted & ordered pizza from nearby Red House Pizza. A fun evening.

June 12^th – Fri

We skipped most of the first hour of line dance lessons since I have given up on learning them! The instructor (Linda) is reviewing a lot of previously taught dances as there in a line-dance dance tomorrow. I did OK in the second hour and we both did great in the third hour.

We took the bike to Show Low and had lunch at a restaurant that we had eaten at some years ago. We made another stop at Safeway since we have to take a snack to share to the dance tomorrow and of course I didn't have anything on hand that I wanted to take.

Terry got out the BBQ to cook steak for dinner. Afterwards we took the bike for a ride around all the roads in the park. People love the Spyder and we get a lot of comments as we ride. We also get lots of waves from people that we recognize and lots that we don't.

June 4th to 9th - Show Low

June 4^th – Thurs

We went to line dance lessons for 3 hours this morning. I try some of the intermediate dances and we both take part in the slightly easier dances in the third hour. We had lunch before going to Bashas in Taylor for groceries. Terry thought we should go to Safeway and he ended up being right as we weren't too impressed with Bashas.

June 5^th – Fri

Line dance lessons again this morning. A lot of different dances are taught as many people have taken the classes for several years and just need a refresher course.

I called the passport office and was told that my passport had been approved and sent to printing – hooray! I asked when I should call to get a tracking number for delivery and she said “next Friday!” A week for printing and overnight delivery?!

June 6^th – Sat

You can tell I am behind on the blog – AGAIN – as there are big gaps in some days.

We went to a dinner & dance here at the park this evening. The tickets said 4:30 with dinner at 5:30. We were there at 4:35 and all the tables had at least some people. We forgot to take our table service (BYOTS was not on the tickets or calendar) so Terry took the bike back to pick it up and I asked if we could sit at a table with 4 empty seats. Good choice as we ended up with great table mates – Jack & Lisa, Les & Kay, Linda & Jim. Music for dancing was provided by a DJ. Just like at VVV, people started leaving well before the end time of 8:30. We were among the last to leave (just us dancing!) and actually helped the work campers put away tables.

June 7^th – Sun

We made a trip to town for a few grocery items and then I prepped for lunch today. Mark & Colleen, Lynette and Bonnie drove from Mesa to visit us and see the park. They arrived about noon and we sat outside to visit before having lunch. Then we took them on a tour of the park & facilities before going to Show Low, Pinetop/Lakeside and finally Hon Dah casino where we agreed to spend an hour on the slots. I was the “winner” since I didn't lose any money!

By the time we got back it was time for goodbye hugs and they were on the road. Needless to say we had a quiet evening after a busy & FUN day with good friends.

We were sitting outside when Gloria & her friend George went by in a golf cart so they joined us for a chat before George had to go to organize a weekly card game.

June 8^th – Mon

We went on a loop bike ride today – Show Low, Heber/Overgaard, Taylor and back to the park. There wasn't much to see along the way. We rode through an RV park in Heber with no amenities and stopped at DQ for ice cream. We were surprised to see a lumber mill in the middle of nowhere as we hadn't seen forests with big trees.

After dinner we went for a walk (!!!) and ended up talking for quite a while with a neighbor – Bob – who turned out to be one of the work campers that we helped putting away tables.

June 9^th – Tues

Back to line dance lessons this morning. We are both getting quite comfortable with several of the easier dances and I do the occasional complete sequence in some of the others. People are really nice about encouraging us to join in and keep trying.
I was making lunch when FedEx stopped and asked if this was site 235.  She was delivering my passport!  We were told by the passport office that I had to show ID and sign for the package but the driver gave the handheld computer to Terry to sign!!  We took no chances and I signed with a mostly illegible scribble.

After lunch we went to town to get a fan. We have used the AC only once since we have been here but sometimes the nice cooler air doesn't move into/around the rig. We also picked up some chicken for dinner since we have a dance tonight at 6:30.

Music at the dance was provided by Armour Gomez who we have seen at VVV. We again sat at a table with nice people – unfortunately Pat & Bette and Craig & Jennifer are the only names I remember. We danced a lot including many VVV line dances that we did in our little “line” of 2. Near the end of the dance two ladies who winter in the Yuma area joined us for a couple of dances that they knew. Bob came in to put away tables and introduced us to his wife Snookie.

I had to get up after midnight to close windows as we had a huge downpour.

May 30th to June 3rd - Show Low

May 30^th – Sat

We have such a lovely breeze thru the rig in the morning that it is easy to spend a few hours on computer games before having a late breakfast. Unfortunately the breeze is sometimes a wind which we don't like too much!

We took the motorcycle into Show Low, browsed through a couple of stores and explored a few more roads just to see what's there. When we got back we wound around streets in the park again to see what what people have down with their homes and to see what is for sale or rent.

Dinner, TV & computer games for the evening.

May 31^st – Sun

We got sucked into free hours of lives on our computer games which used up most of the morning! Our neighbor Dianne (husband Jim) came over to introduce herself and to bring the newspaper which they had finished reading. I made a big lunch and then we went for a walk and checked out all the facilities – nice library & puzzle room, card/game rooms, pool/billiards, sewing rooms, laundry, 2 exercise rooms. We saw some people in the pool so we came back to change into swim suits and took the motorcycle back. Jim & Dianne were there and we met Ted & Lisa. A lady named Gloria showed up looking for a weekly singles gathering which we figured out probably wasn't starting until next week.

Then we had our first happy hour on our patio. We asked Ted & Lisa but they had plans for an early dinner (free tacos due to Dbacks scoring 5 runs) so we were joined by Jim & Dianne and Gloria. Jim & Dianne stay at Venture Out in Mesa and Gloria has a house in Sunland Springs. Ted & Lisa have a house in Surprise. Beautiful weather to sit outside.

We snacked just a bit with our drinks and weren't even hungry for dinner which made the evening easy for me. I enjoyed the DWTS special on TV.

June 1^st – Mon

We went to coffee & doughnuts at 7:20 so we could buy some tickets before it started at 8 with the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem. Newbies also got to stand up and introduce themselves. There was pretty much a full house which surprised us since we never saw a lot of people as we drove around. The summer season and all activities officially start June 1^st. The “clubs & classes” line here was huge with all sorts of announcements.

We took the bike to Taylor and had lunch. It was still early when we got back so we made a trip to the casino. For once I didn't spend all my allowance but didn't come out ahead. Terry did OK – up, down, up, down. You notice which word is last!

We took the truck (because it was windy and I got beat up on the bike) so we stopped for a few groceries on the way back. Dinner, games & TV for the evening.

June 2^nd – Tues

We went to line dance classes this morning. There are 3 different one hour sessions – advanced intermediate, intermediate and beginners. We went to all the classes and the only dance that we actually knew was the Electric Slide! The instructor who taught all the classes is fantastic and a very good dancer. Most of the people in the intermediate classes have been here previously and know some of the dances.

I made lunch when we got back and then took some books back to the library. We spent quite a bit of time finding line dance videos on Utube so we can practice some dances. We went for a bike ride to Springerville & Taylor again to do a little more exploring. Another quiet evening.

June 3^rd – Wed

We spent all morning goofing off (we do it quite well!) and finally had breakfast for lunch. Some roads in the park are being resurfaced today & tomorrow but they were very clever about paving one side of the main road in so people could get in & out each day. People living on the streets being paved had to park their cars by the admin building if they needed to get out but our streets were done last year so were OK.

We took the bike for a ride into Show Low and stopped at a few stores – some for specific items and some just to see what they were all about. Still windy. We were told that the wind would quit when the monsoons begin!!