Jan 18th to 21st - Mesa

Jan 18^th – Mon

After breakfast we made a trip to Fry's for groceries and then ran around on the bike doing a few errands in the park.

Lovely sunshine for MCY with Howard Palmer and line dancing. After dinner we went to visit with Harlan & Barb for a bit.

Jan 19^th – Tues

This morning Terri, Elsie & I baked mini cupcakes in Terri's lovely big oven. We made 2 cake mixes – many little cupcakes – and Susan made one mix and brought them over. Then we frosted all the little buggers and put together a “cake” on a big piece of plywood (thanks Dennis) covered with foil. The center of the cake was a grid of 10 by 7 rows of white frosted cupcakes and I piped the numbers from 1 to 70 on top. We surrounded that with chocolate cupcakes and arranged the leftovers on a foil covered foam core board. Turned out great if I do say so myself!

MCY with Guilty Pleasures and sunshine. We left a little early to have a look at a park model that Jerry & Becky bought and are going to fix up. They had a little open house since so many people wanted to see the before & after.

We had to rush right back to the ballroom for an early start (6:00) to line dance lessons and were 10 minutes late. Bob was teaching a dance (Dancing in the Dark) that was not included in their schedule this season. We were there until 9 so had lots of exercise.

Jan 20^th – Wed

We were still goofing off when Jerry & Becky came by to see if we needed any help setting up for Terry's party tonight. When they came in they said they thought Terry wasn't home since the bike was gone. Terry just about had a heart attack until he remembered that we drove right from Jerry & Becky's to line dancing and then walked home and forgot the bike in front of the office!! Of course it had a parking ticket from the park on it.

We made a trip to the bank, Costco (including lunch), WalMart and the dollar store for balloons so I could finish some decorations when we got back. MCY today was a Manager's Happy Hour with 25 cent beer & wine so the place was packed. Terry went early and I went for a while. We had to leave early to be at the multipurpose room to set up tables at 4:00. We talked to a work camper earlier with a general idea of the set up and they had it mostly done but we needed more tables & chairs. We had lots of helpers and were done shortly before 5. Terry had to wait for Rich Mancini (hired to play music) to arrive and then he came back to change & head back.

The party was amazing!!! Everyone brought food and their own drinks. We started the food line

about 6:30 and managed to get everyone through before Rich started playing at 7. We pushed the food tables right against the wall and when Rich took a short break moved them out completely to make the dance floor bigger. People brought cards, gifts (not supposed to!!) and lots of energy to party & dance. Dar did a huge job of collecting money from people who wanted to bring something but didn't know what or who were going to bring a bottle of Scotch! Many, many thanks to Dar and all contributors to our cruise booze fund!!!

Rich played until 9:30 with enthusiastic dancers right to the end, we had lots of help to fold tables & chairs and Larry H swept up. Great, great party!!! Some people missed the fun so we ended up with “only” 130 guests!

Jan 21^st – Thurs

We went to coffee & doughnuts this morning as there was to be an announcement about bringing your own alcohol to events. We cannot BYOB (or food) to the courtyard any more since there is a licensed bar & grill. Apparently Mesa is cracking down on parks. VVV is going to bring back reduced happy hour prices when there is music in the courtyard.

Terry went to MCY but I stayed home to alter some blouses. We picked up Harlan & Barb and Terry H at 5:15 for a trip to the AZ Opry. This was the first visit for all of them and they were amazed at the speed of dinner being served to so many people. We saw the variety show which was excellent as usual. Another great outing with good friends.

Jan 8th to 17th - Mesa

Jan 8^th – Fri

The blog entries posted today will be brief!!! Way too far behind but I have come to the conclusion that it will happen again!

The weather has improved so MCY was in the courtyard with Dan the Music Man and the usual line dancing for a little exercise. I was thawing some chicken for dinner when Elsie came over to invite us for a drink. We ended up staying to have a yummy dinner with them!

Jan 9^th – Sat

It is still cool so Terry had to fill a propane tank this morning but otherwise pretty forgettable.

MCY from 1-3 with Sam the Band. I finished preparing the dinner that was put on hold yesterday before we went to the usual Saturday night dance – this time with the band Shift Work.

Jan 10^th – Sun

It was cold for golf today. I pulled out a jacket & winter golf gloves from my bag. Haven't worn them for quite a while and only took off the jacket about the 16^th hole. A pizza lunch was put on by Jim & Grace and held in Brad's carport for warmth.

Larry & Barb arrived late this afternoon and Terry had agreed to park their 5^th wheel down the street a couple of sites. It took a little longer than usual as their truck is a bit shorter than ours and the turning radius is different. Also there was no room across the street to pull up further. Oh well – got it done, helped them hook up & then had them over for dinner. Great to see them again!

Jan 11^th – Mon

We picked up Ron & Terri at the airport today and were having them over for dinner so had to make a trip to Fry's and do some dinner prep in the morning. After picking them up, I put a couple of things in crock pots and went to MCY with Rich Mancini.

I was not super happy with the dinner results but everyone had enough to eat – and drink! We introduced Terri to Moscow Mules and possibly created a monster! Bob & Sandi came over for a nightcap too.

Jan 12^th – Tues

We had a morning to rest & relax. MCY with the popular band North Star so the courtyard was packed. I didn't have anything planned for dinner so we took advantage of the Tuesday dinner special served in the courtyard. Today was BBQ ribs and the weather cooled off enough after the sun was mostly gone that I convinced Terry to take dinner home. Definitely not our ribs but filled the tummies. Then it was time for line dance lessons from 6:30 to 9.

Jan 13^th – Wed

Nothing special this morning – games & a late breakfast. I went for a haircut at 1:00 which ended up a little late but not bad. The weather continues to be clear and warm which was perfect for MCY with the Brookharts. Dinner was in the crock pot – lovely.

Jan 14^th – Thurs

Terry went golfing this morning and I went to coffee & doughnuts with Terri & Dar. Terri was making a trip to Total Wine so I went with her. Always need something there! Our next stop was the dollar store for some things to figure out decorations for next Wed and then we picked up a few items next door at Fry's.

Terry was back in plenty of time for MCY with Wayne & Deb.

A few of us decided to go on a cruise so our place was operation central to make reservations. We and Bob & Sandi were the original “cruisers”. We made our reservation first then Gloria as she had company and needed to get back home. Then Julie & Larry, Barb & Larry and Barb & Harlan. Going to be fun! The cruise is with Norwegian on the same ship (Jewel) as our cruise last year. This time we are going out of Los Angeles (San Pedro) for a 7 day trip to the Mexican Riviera.

Jan 15^th – Fri

Dennis & Gloria dropped by to discuss the cruise as Gloria left so quick last night that she wanted to find out what she had missed – if anything. We played a few more computer games and then had a very late breakfast to use up the rest of the morning.

A few chores & errands before MCY at 3 with Van Arlon. Sunny but still cool so long pants and a jacket for me. Terry was tired of long pants so he braved the day in shorts. After music, Chris & Anne and Ann & Susann came over to join the cruise group and book tickets. Ann's husband Bruce was not interested in the cruise and Susann's husband Kim said he would stay home to look after their 2 dogs so the sisters could go on the cruise.

This activity was accompanied by Moscow Mules and I didn't have anything planned for dinner so we went out for a burger.

Around 8 we went to Rooster's Bar & Grill for a birthday party for Beth. The place was packed with a majority of the people from VVV for the party. A band started at 9. Decent music but way too loud for my liking and we were sitting at the edge of the small dance floor which put us close to the band. A lot of people from VVV park their cars inside the Rancho's gate and walk across the road so we ended up giving Ralph & Elsie a ride to the gate and then dropped off Irene at her site as she had asked shortly after we got there if we would take her across the road when we left.

Jan 16^th – Sat

There was a one hour frost delay for golf this morning. We had a good time playing with Jac & Karen. They had other plans so we dropped them off and then joined the rest of the group at Fat Willy's for lunch. Since we were late and a big group, we didn't get back until the middle of the afternoon.

We had time to rest before going to the dance with HotFoot. They started out with an “undanceable” rock song but we ended up being able to dance to almost everything they played.

Jan 17^th – Sun

Laundry duty late this morning. Ron & Terri were having an open house so the street was busy with people helping set up & generally enjoying a nice day.

Appies brought by everyone were set up across the street at Bob & Dar's site and a TV was outside at Ron & Terri's for football viewing. Ron & Brian hung huge tarps on the back & side of Ron's carport so it could be heated with multiple propane heaters. Those of us not watching the games spilled out onto the street and enjoyed the sunshine. Great gathering again!

Jan 2nd to 7th - Mesa

Jan 2^nd – Sat

Our tee time this morning was 9:45 with cool but not cold weather. We all came back to the courtyard again for lunch. It had warmed up nicely and there was music from 1-3 (The Breeze) and 4-6 (Sam the Band) so there were a lot of people in the courtyard. Unfortunately it put a lot of pressure on the grill & bar so we waited a long time for lunch.

After a quick, light dinner we went to Dennis & Gloria's to play Newfie Bingo with Jerry & Becky and Terry & Tina. I was the only person who didn't win at least one game. Luckily Terry won the last large “pot” so he covered most of our losses.

Jan 3^rd – Sun

We worked on the storage frame for the upper bed in the “garage” and got it done before it was time for MCY at 1:00 with Van Arlon. Lovely weather and lots of line dancing.

Rain was forecast to start tomorrow so we decided to have an impromptu happy hour at our place after music finished shortly after 3. We invited people at the courtyard, made a few phone calls and ended up with about 30 guests. There was a football game on so a group watched the game on the outside TV while the rest of us gabbed, ate & drank at the other end of the patio. It is nice to have the TV further to the back of the rig so the larger group can keep out of the way of the “fans”. A good time was had by all!!

Jan 4^th – Mon

Rain started last night as promised and included one huge snap of lightning and rolling thunder. I had a nice chat with sister Marg when I called to wish her a happy birthday.

We sloshed through puddles for MCY with Dakota Kid which was moved into the ballroom. Otherwise it was a lazy day playing games & watching the rain.

Jan 5^th – Tues

The ballroom was being used for a concert so MCY had to be canceled today which resulted in another casino trip after a bit of grocery shopping. We played a long time but no big wins to cut the losses today.

Line dance lessons were moved to the Fiesta multipurpose rooms and we actually took the truck as it was still raining. We reviewed dances and learned a couple of new ones. We went to Harlan & Barb's afterward to visit and have a Moscow Mule.

Jan 6^th – Wed

We did some shopping including a new printer so then we spent quite a bit of time setting it up for wireless operation. Lynn, a friend that we first met in Desert Hot Springs, is here for a short time so we invited her over to see our new rig and have a drink. She was still here when Ron & Mary came for dinner so we all visited for a while before dinner. We continue to be a bad influence and introduced Ron & Mary to Moscow Mules!

Jan 7^th – Thurs

It was still raining this morning and we slept in so didn't go to coffee & doughnuts. We waited long enough to get a break in the rain and got laundry in the washers. It actually stayed dry long enough to get the laundry done. A lot of other people had the same idea based on the crowd when we were finishing up.

MCY with Harry Matthews was moved into the ballroom with a smaller than usual dance area so it was full the whole time. We sloshed through puddles both ways but didn't have to dodge rain drops. Dinner was easy with leftovers from yesterday.

Dec 27th to Jan 1st - Mesa

Dec 27^th – Sun

Time for another casino trip after morning coffee & games. We went to Wild Horse and for a change played a long time and lost very little. Actually, I did well enough that I was able to give Terry money which doesn't seem to happen that often.

We continued the lazy streak and stopped at Subway to pick up sandwiches for dinner.

Dec 28^th – Mon

We made a trip to WalMart to exchange one of the pairs of pants that we bought for Terry and of course had to wander around to pick up a couple of items. MCY with music by Rockafella. It was not too hot in the sun and not too cold in the shade – very nice couple of hours with friends.

We went to Howie & Gina's for dinner. They are leaving soon for Mexico so this was goodbye for the rest of the season.

Dec 29^th – Tues

Another fairly uneventful day. Danced a lot in the courtyard with music by Ricky Ricci. Not our favorite singer but with electronic gizmos keeping the beat we can dance just fine.

Bob & Bobbie (line dance instructors) went to Florida for a short trip so Ron taught line dancing. It was in the Fiesta multipurpose room and luckily there were fewer people than usual as the room is smaller than the ballroom where we usually have lessons. Ron had decided to teach the Clogger which is done to a polka beat and in a circle. There were enough of us who knew the dance that we could form 2 circles and have “teachers” in each one. Ron had a good method to teach the steps and most of people did really well while a few managed not to get run over too much. We reviewed other dances as well and got quite a workout in just under 2 hours.

Dec 30^th – Wed

We decided to have fondue for dinner tomorrow so back to the grocery store after our customary morning goofing off.

We got in our line dance workout in the courtyard with Midnight Moon. Ron asked them to play a polka and his 2 circles of Cloggers did a great job. Except they played several songs right together so we got our exercise again. And then we did it one more time right at the end of MCY. Fun afternoon again.

Dec 31^st – Thurs

We did some rearranging and set up the garage as our party room with the large round table and 6 patio chairs. While we were doing it, Terry checked out the upper bed which will only be used for storage and came up with an idea to corral items so they don't shift when we are moving. A project for another day.

I put together a potato casserole and a couple of dips for dinner. I was short 2 ingredients so we took the motorcycle to Fry's. What a zoo! Every checkout open and still long lines. We used the self checkout which had a line but it has 4 registers so moved fairly fast. Filled the bike with gas & headed back on Main. A guy came up beside us honking his horn and let us know that the side compartment came open and said a green bag blew out. Luckily the helmet was still there so we turned around because my helmet-hair hat was in that green bag. We found the bag – empty – and then saw the hat on the other side of the street between 2 lanes. Of course there is a median the whole way at this part of the street and tons of traffic but we turned around again and picked up the hat which was little worse for wear. Just a few dirty spots that I sponged off.

Dennis & Gloria and Duane & Sue came over for dinner & cards. The fondue was a great hit – the first time I have used the convection cook top for this purpose. It came with a large, shallow pan and an insert with slots to hold fondue forks. Gloria brought steak & bread, Sue brought chicken & salad, I did shrimp, potatoes & sauces. I even had a dessert in the fridge from another occasion when we were too full for dessert. Lots of fun and tons of laughs. Oh yeah – the ladies won the card game.

Our guests left before midnight so we took the bike to the Fiesta activity room and joined a small gathering hosted by Chris & Anne and Bob & Trinette. They had been trying to do some line dancing so were happy to see us so we could lead a few dances. We stopped for a nightcap with Ralph & Elsie on the way back. Terry said it was after 2 when we got home. I didn't even look at the clock on the way to bed!

Jan 1^st – HAPPY NEW YEAR!

My body told me this morning that I had way too much fun yesterday! Terry had to leap out of bed and throw on clothes to take out the full recycle bin when we heard the truck on the next street. We are lucky that they usually pick up on Third St before our street and the truck is quite loud so we have a chance to get the bin out if we have forgotten to do so the night before.

The fondue was great but there was a definite smell of grease in the rig. Will have to do it again when the weather is nice and have it outside.
Brian came over to see if Terry was ready to move Dennis & Donna's motorhome from storage to their site across the street.  They went home for a month and stored their motorhome but it had to be out of storage today and they are not back for another week or so.  Seems like it took me longer to send a text to Donna than it took Terry & Brian to move the rig.

Terry figured that since we did OK at the casino the last time that we had to go again. This time I was his turn to win and keep our losses low. We had a sandwich for late lunch/early dinner at the casino. He went to Home Depot and bought lumber for the storage “frame” and I helped him stain it. We were supposed to ride to Bike Night in downtown Mesa but when Jac showed up at 5:20 his wife Karen wasn't with him so that meant that I didn't have to go. It was way too cold and I knew I had to catch up the blog.