Nove 25th to 29th - Mesa

Nov 25^th – Wed

Terry golfed this morning which gave me time to catch up the blog. There was a planned power outage from 9 to 3 today which of course didn't bother me much especially since I leave the laptop plugged in so it was charged up. I went shopping and finally found a belt and an electric mattress pad. I didn't even realize but there was a promotion at Kohl's with $15 Kohl's cash for each $50 spent so I got a $30 certificate and one for 25% off an entire shopping trip. I can use them both on the same purchase from Dec 2^nd to 6^th so will have to remember to do so.

When Terry got back we went to the courtyard for a Manager's Happy Hour from 3 to 5 with 25 cent beer & wine. There was a large crowd and The Brookharts provided great music for dancing. We sat at one of the couch/firepit areas for a while afterwards.

Nov 26^th – Thurs

Happy Thanksgiving! I didn't even have to cook as my contribution was a pumpkin pie from Costco which I forgot to mention that we stopped & got when we were with Dennis & Gloria on Tuesday. The dinner was organized by Phyllis & Dave and Margie & Bill and was held at the bocce court from 1 to 5. The weather was not supposed to warm up higher than 60 but we were pleasantly surprised to find the forecast wrong and enjoyed quite a bit higher temps. Most people played bocce before dinner which was at 3. As usual after a big turkey dinner, we were pretty lazy for the rest of the evening.

Nov 27^th – Fri

Terry had a couple of things that he wanted to get at Harbor Freight and we woke up early so we were in the truck shortly after 7 – almost unheard of unless golf is involved. After Harbor Freight we stopped at Target and got some blue, ? rope lights. Then we went to the Marketplace to get a couple of decals to put on our sliding glass doors into the garage so someone doesn't walk into a door sometime. We thought the vendor was on the first or second row. We entered about 1/3 of the way down the first row and started walking. After the first, second & third rows we figured it was on the part of the first row that we missed so we went down the end and all the way down the first row. Still no vendor so back to the 4^th row where we found it about halfway down. Terry had 6400 steps on his FitBit as we were walking back to the truck! Good trip though as we both got sunglasses as well.

We continued east to Mickey D's for breakfast. When we got back, we put out the new lights and decided we really needed to get 2 more strings. I saw that the shelf was empty behind the boxes that we got at Target so we took the motorcycle to another Target store and got more lights.

We went to MCY from 3 to 5 and line danced. The band (Triplicity) started with rock 'n roll and then put on some cowboy hats for country music which brought out more dancers. Right after MCY we went to Moe & Trish's for dinner along with Bob & Dar. One more time – good friends, good food, lots of laughs.

Nov 28^th – Sat

We had slightly later tee times this morning which was good as it was cool. Unfortunately there were a couple of groups ahead of us who were walking so play was a bit slow. Bruce & Ann were hosting lunch and for a change we were looking to sit in the sun rather than the shade. By the time everyone got back from golfing and we finished lunch, it was 3 o'clock.

We went to a dance with Road Runner from 7 to 10. They play a lot of rock 'n roll so we danced less than usual. Maybe we were tired?!

Nov 29^th – Sun

We had a quiet morning as the Grey Cup festivities didn't start until 2:30. Terry did a bit of running around on the motorcycle and I put together a potato casserole for dinner. I also had a nice long phone call from my sister Marg.

At 2:30 we went to Brian & Bev's park model where everything was set up in the carport to watch the football game. Across the street at Larry & Suz's there were chairs & propane heaters for the people (mostly women) who didn't want to watch the game as there is not enough room to seat everyone in front of the TV. Also, this prevents the chatting of non football fans from disturbing the hard core fans!

We had appies before the game started and ate dinner at half time. In the past we have had dinner after the game but it gets too late and too cold. We had turned on the mattress pad before leaving so we crawled into our nice warm bed to watch TV when we got back.

Nov 16th to 23rd - Mesa

Nov 16^th – Mon

I am totally shocked at how far behind I am in the blog! I was thinking 5 or 6 days!

We went to Ft McDowell casino at 9 with Don & Susan. Rather than having breakfast at the casino, we “donated” some money and then introduced Don & Susan to Chen's Chinese Restaurant in Fountain Hills. They loved it as much as we do.

It was very cool with possible rain so MCY was moved into the ballroom. Tiana Ricciardi sings and teaches line dances if people want to learn. We did some dances that we already know and a couple that she taught. Unfortunately the notice that music moved inside went out rather late so there weren't a lot of people there.

Nov 17^th – Tues

We have been doing a lot so we skipped line dancing at Towerpoint and had a nice, late breakfast at home for a change. I wanted a baking dish that would be similar in volume to a 9x13 pan but would rotate in the convection oven. We went looking and found one at a Corning store after checking a couple of other stores.

We went a bit early to MCY as North Star was playing and they are popular. Lots of line dancing and fun with friends. After dinner we went to line dance lessons with Bob & Bobbie. We missed the first evening of a 4 week session but picked up the dances OK.

Nov 18^th – Wed

It was time for a visit to Total Wine today. We were also looking for folding patio chairs and found some at a Big 5. We were waiting for our favorite chairs to be back in stock at but decided to give up and get chairs that have a little side table and can be pulled up to a table for eating. Big 5 had some on sale and they were $5 less than the marked price when we checked out! We also each got a “chipper” golf club. I have thought about getting one and tried Lynne's when we golfed on Sunday.

We went to the courtyard early to get a table in the shade and then dance to Rich Mancini.

Nov 19^th – Thurs

We golfed at Las Colinas with Joey & Lynne. There was another foursome from here in front of us and we all stopped for lunch at Uncle Bear's after golf. Terry plays Las Colinas fairly often and says it is his favorite course so I wanted to try it. I did enjoy the course and lunch was good.

Seemed like we barely had time to catch our breath and change clothes before we went with Ron & Terri to a dinner show with the Rhythm Cats. George Staerkel left the AZ Opry and started this new group. We left a little early as Ron & Brian wanted to look at a golf cart on the way but it wasn't there any more so we had lots of time to find the new location at the Gold Canyon Golf Resort. The new venue leaves a little to be desired but the show was excellent.

Nov 20^th – Fri

Once again line dancing at 10 at Towerpoint bit the dust! This time I had a valid excuse – we had to get stuff ready for a park-wide patio sale tomorrow. Lots of stuff so it took a while to organize & price everything. We took a break for MCY with Wayne & Deb.

Nov 21^st – Sat

We were up early to get everything put out on tables for the sale that started at 8 but we had some shoppers quite a bit earlier. Terri, Elsie and Bob & Gail had some items also so we put everything on the empty site between us & Ralph & Elsie. We sold a lot but Terry was out spending money as I was taking it in! Joyce came over to talk about buying a group housewarming gift for Brad & Clare and shortly after Terry heard about a nearly new patio heater for sale so he took off and got it. Used twice and the full propane tank was available also. So then Joyce had to run around with a card to sign and money to collect.

We wrapped up the sale just before noon and went to the courtyard for lunch before dancing from 1 to 3 with Jeff Stephens who is now one of the members of the Rhythm Cats. He played a little longer but we had to leave to attend Brad & Clare's open house at their park model which they purchased late last spring. Of course not everyone was ready to quit so we sat out with a group after that party.

Nov 22^nd – Sun

The Saturday golf group played today due to activities yesterday. Cool in the morning but warmed up nicely. We all went to Fuddrucker's for lunch.

After a brief rest, we did some grocery shopping and got a propane tank filled. Raspberries & ice cream for dinner!

Nov 23^rd – Mon

We were having Dennis & Gloria and Ernie & Dianne over for dinner & cards so we set up the garage with a large round table and 6 plastic patio chairs. It worked really well.

I didn't go to MCY as I was cooking and I'm not fond of Dan the Music Man. Everyone arrived just after 5 and we first sat outside to enjoy a drink before dinner. Ernie & Dianne sold their park model and will be leaving in a month which makes us very sad. They just couldn't justify the expense with the devalued Canadian dollar and they have a condo in Kelowna which is one of the least ugly areas in BC for the winter.

I made seafood lasagne for dinner and then we played Ponytail Canasta. We were nice to each other (!!) and the ladies won one game and the guys won one. Tons of fun and lots of laughs.

Nov 24^th – Tues

It was Dennis' birthday today and Gloria asked us to golf with them and then go to lunch at the Cheesecake Factory. Gloria thought our tee time at Royal Palms was 10:30 but when we got there early we found it was at 10:40. Luckily the tee box was empty so we got to start early. Royal Palms is a short 9 hole course which Terry has not played. It is lovely & green with strategically placed ponds waiting to gobble golf balls. The weather was perfect and the golf was fun. Notice that I didn't say that the golf was perfect!!

Lunch was good and we all took our cheesecake home as we were full but Gloria insisted that if you go to the Cheesecake Factory you have to order dessert.

Terry went to MCY with Guilty Pleasures and I rested for a bit and then joined him. I chatted with Gary Kullman and then Bob rather than dancing – a nice change. We joined a group around a fire pit after the music. When we got back, Linda & Bill's motorcycles were parked in front of our place and they were over at Ralph & Elsie's so we made a drink and joined them. When Bill & Linda left, we left Ralph & Elsie to eat dinner and we went to Dennis & Gloria's as a group was supposed to be there having a birthday drink with Dennis. The group was next door at Duane & Sue's so of course we sat down for a bit. When Duane & Sue were ready for dinner we went back to Dennis & Gloria's. Whew!!!

Nov 9th to 15th - Mesa

Nov 9^th – Mon

Here I go again trying to remember a week's worth of fun! After coffee & games we decided to go to Ft McDowell casino as Terry was needing his slot fix! We had lunch in the snack bar first (very good sandwiches and burgers) and proceeded to win & lose in the usual fashion.

We had a light dinner before going to MCY from 6 to 8 with Harry Mathews. The courtyard was already quite full when we got there so we sat with Colleen & group who were having her birthday celebration a little early.

After MCY we joined a rowdy group around a propane firepit at Bob & Dar's.

Nov 10^th – Tues

We skipped going to line dancing at Towerpoint so we could attend the grand opening at 11 of the new shuffleboard courts and the redo of the putt putt golf course. The park provided burgers & brats for lunch along with beverages including wine & beer. Of course there was a huge turnout and a chance to say hi to more friends who have recently arrived at VVV.

We went to MCY with Dakota Kid which means lots of line dancing. Barely time for a bite to eat before going to line dance lessons led by Bob & Bobbie.

Nov 11^th – Wed

Terry went golfing with the guys. I phoned my brother Bob to wish him Happy Birthday and had a nice long chat with him. I don't talk to him often so it is good to catch up. I continued my organizing by cleaning up a couple of shelves in the pantry and then put together a salad for later.

We went to a gathering at 3:30 hosted by Moe & Trish, Duane & Sue and Vic & Jackie. It was held at the bocce courts so we played before eating the yummy planned “pot luck” dinner. I say “planned pot luck” as dishes are coordinated to avoid several potato dishes and no dessert. Another great afternoon/evening with super friends.

Nov 12^th – Thurs

The Camping World ambassadors (Larry & Wandella) sponsored coffee & doughnuts this morning. There was a huge turnout as they bring lots of items for door prizes. I won a goodie bag from the VVV sales department and Terri got one of the gifts from Camping World.

We had plenty of time to do laundry before going to the courtyard to dance to Reign-n-Country. We had a few people over after MCY to have a drink, sit around the buddy burner and a couple of people had to check out our rig.

Nov 13^th – Fri

We skipped line dancing at Towerpoint again as we were feeling lazy! We spent the morning with games, Terry buzzing here & there on the motorcycle and me puttering around in the kitchen. We went for a few groceries at WalMart and had lunch at McDonald's while we were there.

At 3:30 we took Ron & Terri and Bob & Dar with us to Milo & Laverne's in Queen Creek. We filled the back of the truck with chairs and other belongings. We were stopped at a light just before getting on the freeway when a young lady knocked on the window and said our tailgate was open. Oops. Terry ran back and found some items on the tailgate but we didn't lose anything.

Milo & Laverne are from B.C. and know quite a few people who come to VVV for the winter so their entire guest list was from here. It was another pot luck dinner with lots of great food and the weather was perfect to sit outside by a huge propane fire pit. I was the DD going home which was good for a lot of ribbing & laughs as Terry sat in the middle of the front seat in the truck.

Nov 14^th – Sat

Terry cleaned up the motorcycle and I put dinner in the crock pot so we were ready to go for a ride at 11. We went to Fountain Hills with Bob & Claudia, Ralph & Elsie and Reese & Diane. We had lunch at Chen's – as good as usual – and then went through the huge art & craft sale that is held twice a year in Fountain Hills. It was not as hot as previous years so it was very enjoyable to wander up & down the vendor tents.

Diane wasn't feeling well and they had to leave early. When the rest of the group got back we had a drink at Ralph & Elsie's where we were joined by Joe & Jean. After dinner we went to a dance in the ballroom. The Brookharts provided the music which was varied and very danceable which meant we didn't sit out many dances. They didn't even take a break so that was 3 hours of great exercise.

Nov 15^th – Sun

It was a cloudy, cool day for golf and the last 3 groups got wet as it started to rain just as we were leaving the parking lot. Lunch was at Bill & Beth's park model. Beth had tables & chairs set up and then had to wipe them all down and we helped move some under cover next door and the rest of the group ate on the porch or inside. Good lunch again.

We were definitely ready to kick back & relax for the rest of the afternoon. I made dinner and had it in the oven when Moe & Trish stopped by with information on an outing this week. We persuaded them to stay for a drink so we had a nice chat with them.

Nov 4th to 8th - Mesa

Nov 4^th – Wed

I made breakfast before going for a haircut at 12:30. Not sure what we did for the rest of the afternoon.

At 4:00 we dried off the bike and went to Ron & Mary's for dinner. We had a lovely dinner & evening with them. Had to wipe rain off the bike again before going home but at least it wasn't still raining.

Nov 5^th – Thurs

Terry played golf this morning and I went to coffee & doughnuts with Terri & Dar. Then I had some time to leisurely reorganize the cupboards & drawers in the bathroom. Love to get that sort of thing done.

I had the truck so I did some shopping as I was looking for things that might have been to much to carry in the bike. Turns out I didn't get much. When I came back just after 1:00, there was a sign saying power was out in part of the park from 1 to ? due to something being replaced.

At 3 when MCY was to start, the power was still out but when it came back on around 4 Van Arlon was there to play and we were there to dance.

Nov 6^th – Fri

Ron & Terri had their concrete poured this morning so Terri asked if I would take videos of the work. It is obvious that the crew has done this before! We were a little surprised to see a woman driving the big cement truck and carrying the metal trough extensions.

We went to line dancing at Towerpoint at 10. It was cool enough that I put on long pants but was wishing I hadn't when I danced in the sun. Jean gave us another bowl of stew so we enjoyed it for lunch – yum!

We went to MCY (not the best singer) and weren't too hot sitting in the sun. Just needed shade if you were facing it directly. Ken & Susie have been wanting to see our rig but Ken had to play poker so Susie came over anyhow. Bill & Linda were out for a walk and joined us along with Larry & Julie.

Nov 7^th – Sat

Golf tee times started at 9 but we were delayed by a tournament in front of us. I was put with 3 guys – Ron, Terry & Bob C. - and I had a good game with a birdie for a change. The nice thing about the birdie is that it was on a green with a really wicked hole placement on a slope and if my putt had missed I could just a easily putted a couple more times.

We all went for lunch at The Hub and we were joined by some spouses who didn't golf. The place was packed as usual on the weekend but we had a good lunch washed down by $7 pitcher of beer. Needless to say we needed a rest when we got back.

We went to a dance at 7 with music by Tory Edwards (fiddler) and his band. They are good but take a couple of long breaks. Luckily they play recorded music and we still danced during the breaks. Ralph & Elsie and Chris & Anne joined us around a buddy burner for a nightcap.

Nov 8^th – Sun

We had a quiet morning and a yummy, late breakfast. We took the bike to get a few groceries and ran around a bit looking for “party picks” which we finally found back at Fry's where we had shopped first.

I had to make a couple of items for a party today. It had a Hawaiian theme so I made Spam kabobs – a cube of Spam and a pineapple chunk on the previously mentioned party picks. They looked nice on a green platter and disappeared quickly – who knew?!!

The party was held at the Rancho's pool & patio and hosted by Dennis & Gloria. A lot of the guests played in the pool first, everyone ate as much as they wanted and some people danced to music by Bruce & Duane. A super evening all around!

Nov 1st to 3rd - Mesa

Nov 1^st – Sun

Good thing we didn't have too much fun last night as we golfed at 8 this morning. I was in a cart with Trish and we always have a good time. We have gone back to taking turns making lunch for the group rather than spending too much time & money at a restaurant. We put in $10 per couple and 2 couples (OK, mostly the women) decide what they want to make. Today was Dar & Terri's turn and we had a great lunch as usual.

We were relaxing when Elsie came over to invite us for dinner along with their friends Jim & Sherry and Bob. Jim & Sherry still work (nasty word!) and rent out their park model for part of the year. Bob is Sherry's dad who we have met previously and we enjoyed getting to know him better.

Nov 2^nd – Mon

I started the day with coffee and oatmeal/raisin cookies from lunch yesterday – yum!! We had to do laundry so I started separating the clothes when Terry said the “Country Store” was in the ballroom this morning so laundry was put on hold. It took us a long time to get through as we kept stopping to talk to friends – especially some who had just arrived.

When we got back I finished up sorting and we headed to the laundry. We walked back intending to have a late breakfast while the clothes washed. I had started cooking some onions & peppers when Ron & Ria stopped to see us – and the new rig of course. They went next door with Terry to see Ron & Terri's park model and I went back to put clothes in the dryers. We finally were finished with the laundry and just about finished eating “breakfast” when Don & Susan stopped.

At 3 we went to MCY and did some dancing but not as much as usual as the music was not quite as good for dancing as normal. We sat out with Ron & Terri and Bob & Dar before coming in for dinner. Larry & Suz had arrived during MCY so we walked over to say hi and have a chat. We were ready to leave when Harry & Cathy stopped so we finally called it a day.

Nov 3^rd – Tues

Terry had a sore back and was feeling lazy so I picked up Barb & Harlan to go to line dancing at Towerpoint. It was a bit cooler and there was often a nice breeze so it was nicer dancing outside than on previous hot days. 

Terry helped Ralph trying to get his hot water working correctly and I enjoyed some down/alone time with a bit of puttering to ease my conscience about not being productive!

At 3 we went to MCY to listen to Dueling Pianos. The 2 guys are great pianists and decent singers. Last year they brought “empty” grand pianos which held their electronic pianos but this year they didn't carry along all that unnecessary baggage.

Right after MCY we went to dinner at Dennis & Gloria's. Brad & Clare arrived today so Gloria made dinner for all of us. Same as usual – good food, great friends!!

Oct 29th to 31st - Mesa

Oct 29^th – Thurs

We remembered to go to coffee & doughnuts at 8:30 – nothing much new & exciting. I caught up the blog and Terry hooked up to Ralph & Elsie's 5^th wheel to level it as it was off from side to side after the slides were out. I spent quite a bit of time browsing on the Grand Design forum while Terry went to get some information on electric blinds. Our big windows and the 2 on the end of the slide have pull down blinds but we have to stand on the dining chairs or recliners to pull them down & put them back up.

We went to Bob & Dar's for dinner along with Dennis & Gloria. Dar had set a table up outside and we were enjoying a drink when the wind came up and the temperature dropped so we moved everything inside. After dinner we played cards and I won one game and Bob won one. Great evening.

 

Oct 30^th – Fri

We went to line dancing at 10:00 at Towerpoint and then stopped for lunch at Red Mountain Cafe – so so food this time. We ran a couple of errands before coming back to enjoy a little “down” time. MCY was moved to 6-8 again and it was great dancing to The Brookharts in cooler weather.

We were walking out of the courtyard and saw Ernie & Dianne coming towards us. They had just arrived so we came back to our place where we were joined by Pender & Donna, Terri and Ralph & Elsie. Tours of our rig, drinks & lots of catch-up & laughs. Howie & Gina had invited us to their place after MCY so we headed there when everyone left. We were just in time to enjoy chatting with them and a few of their remaining guests.

Oct 31^st – Sat

Bill & Linda sent an email to us & Ralph & Elsie suggesting a motorcycle trip to Fountain Hills for lunch. We shined up the bike and Terry had time to rush out for fuel before everyone was ready to leave. Bill & Linda each have a Spyder so we were a caravan of four bikes. We detoured by the lake & fountain before lunch and only had to wait 10 minutes for the fountain to shoot up at noon. It goes for 10 minutes at the top of the hour. I got a nice shot for FB.

We had lunch at Chen's Chinese restaurant. We have been there before and it is inexpensive and very good. We came back on a different route (Bush Hwy) for a little change of scenery.

We made a trip to Total Wine where we found the parking lots packed. Note to self – don't go there on the weekend! We made a couple of stops looking for plastic spiders for me for the Halloween dance tonight.

We are not costume lovers but we made a small effort for the dance. Not everyone was in costume and some had gone all out. We had our usual great time.