FUN WEEK

Wow, this week flew by, and a great time we had.  So glad that Barb & Bob stopped by for a visit, hoping to get in some down time.  And to be fair we did let them put their feet up and catch their breath.  The weather was great with the exception of the day we went to the beach..Murphy’s Law kicked in.  The coastal fog did not totally burn off, but we had a nice lunch over looking the ocean.  

We took in the “lawn mower” races one day.  Not exactly what we expected, but we did have some good laughs.  Imagine Tim Allen on steroids. Jenny, if you are reading this, you & Don are signed up for next Saturday. 

We also had a few other friends in one night for Mexican.  Lots of food, fun and laughs.  Most of the people are gone, but there are enough left to have a good time.  Our neighbors have put their site in the rental pool, so Bob & Barb were able to park next to us.  Made it nice.  We took a tour of the wine country, but being as I was the only one who indulges, we only toured.  Some beautiful scenery, it is also horse country.  Great combination.  Barb and I took off one day, did a little shopping, lunch and got our hair cut.  Left the guys alone and Bob was visiting Chuck, when Chuck just fell asleep on him!  Nothing stands between Chuck and his nap.  We did get in a few games of hand and foot.  One night we went to the club house and played the real one, girls lost, then our own special skipbo, girls lost really, really bad.  Tried Mexican train, but never finished that one.

An iron work sculpture on the road to Temecula that has started displaying there work, some of it pretty amazing. We stopped on walked around, but there was no one there, most of the items are life size or bigger.

Barb and the 3 Amigos.

Our SIL would love some of these.

Our pool deck finally got finished and we were able to enjoy a few afternoons bobbing around.  Sure felt good to have it back.  I’ve been going to aerobics, which means up early.  Well at least by 8.  Have not been a morning person for a long time, and it is amazing how much gets done before noon. 

Before we knew it, they were hooked up and moving down the road. 

Last night was Yippee, the pool is open party.  Had quite a large group, lots of food, live music, great time.  Don’t think there is ever an Escapees event where there is a food shortage. 

Till next week, Laugh, Love, Live, it is the first day of the rest of our lives.

COMPANY COMING ROUND THE BEND

Our good friends, Bob & Barb Williams, “aka Bob/Chuck”, are due in tomorrow.  Really looking forward to seeing them again.  We last crossed paths when Bob was working at Amazon in Coffeeville. 

We have had a busy week  doing the same thing, but doing it differently.  Tuesday is golfing day for Chuck, so I try to plan running into town and doing my thing.  We also planned to go to dinner at a restaurant that runs a special on Tuesday just for our park.  Course we have to go  by 4:30, and they like to have a minimum of 12, but the price is right, wine is good and the food is great too.  Friday we meet some friends for lunch and we moved on to their house for more chat time.  We are all hoping to manage to get together for Mexican here later in the week.  Margarita’s ……oh yes!

They are still working on the pool deck, everyone is getting antsy.  And because of all the dust they caused, the pool will have to be drained and refilled.  The deck is looking really good, and it is supposed to last for years. We also have a large group of workers cutting a fire break around most of the park…..more dust, but well worth it.  Been a dry year here, every little bit helps  if a fire happens any where near. 

Played bridge tonight for a few hours, there are still enough of us here to get a game together, think it will hold the rest of the summer.  Not sure when we are leaving to go north, but probably around the middle of July.  Our grandson will be coming down to the Los Anglos area for the state bowling tournament, and as the Jell-O plans now stand, he will be with us for awhile as we make our way north taking him home.  Only time will tell, we will see. 

Enjoy, love, laugh.   

 

EXERCISE FOR PEOPLE OVER 60

 

1. Begin by standing on a comfortable surface, where you have plenty of room at each side.

2. With a 5-lb potato bag in each hand, extend your arms straight out from your sides and hold them there as long as you can. Try to reach a full minute, and then relax.

3. Each day you'll find that you can hold this position for just a bit longer. After a couple of weeks, move up to 10-lb potato bags.

4. Then try 50-lb potato bags and then eventually try to get to where you can lift a 100-lb potato bag in each hand and hold your arms straight for more than a full minute. (I'm at this level)

5. After you feel confident at that level, put a potato in each bag.

WHAT HAPPENED TO SATURDAY?

Or for that matter last week.  Considering that we are not in travel mode, the time just seems to fly by and we are enjoying our selves immensely.  No hitch itch, no wanderlust, just contented to take advantage of down time.

Will admit to having a on going bridge group here and we still  have enough people to get two tables most of the time, and we have been playing most every day or evening. 

Today we took a run to a fruit market out side of Temecula, that we have found, to stock up for the coming week.  Stopped and had lunch at an Irish pub, and it was excellent.  Will be a place that we will return to. We have not been eating out like we used too, mostly because of the drive, and the food is better at home….well, most of the time.  Chuck tried out his smoker last week, with ribs and chicken.  Wow, they were so good!  The ribs were the best, just slow cooked them and they were fall off the bone tender.  When we were in Colorado Springs last fall, our son sent us some smoked salmon that he had done.  Well, we forgot to share it with the kids there, so saved a package for when they came here.  Sorry, forgot it again.  Made a smoked salmon spread and took it to happy hour Friday.  Lots of compliments, I’d say it turned out good.

Weather has been as near perfect as it can be.  Few hours in the early after noon when it is on the warm side, but cools off early and fast.  Our pool area is still under renovation, hopefully they will be finished by this week.  They have a women foreman running the job, and they seem to be going at it full force. 

That’s all folks, travel safe, stop and smell the roses. 

 

FIRST THE ZOO, THEN ON TO LEGOLAND

Our daughter and SIL arrived in the early afternoon on Monday.  Long hard drive coming from Colorado Springs, but they did take their time and a short side trip to the Grand Canyon.  Coming across the dessert the temperature went to 113.  Scary, with the two little ones in the car, in case of trouble.  Nice evening, everyone got rested and the next day it was off to the …..

We took two cars, and were off early so we arrived when it opened.  There were quite a few school buses, as school is still in session in California, and they were having field trips.  But it was not really crowded, and it was a great day.

The highlight for me was the baby hippo riding on his momma’s back.  Actually they were just sitting there, but made great pictures.  And the kids loved it. 

Unfortunately our daughter had picked up a bug that seemed to get worse as the day progressed, but refused to leave.  Said she would die before she disappointed the kids who have been looking forward to this for almost a year.  We did managed to see it all and got back home safe and sound.  She hit the bed and kids were still ready for a little pool time.

Roinn enjoyed the water, but Kylee is still a “sitting on the step, makes me a happy girl”.  The next day we rested up, gave Chuck’s new smoker a try out.  Make some fantastic baby backs.  They were sooooo good, fallen off the bone good. 

Then it was LEGOLAND, here we come.  Roinn has been a Lego lover for years, and he is so into them.  It was amazing to watch his eyes light up no matter where he was looking.  Surprised us that we enjoyed seeing all the construction of the Legos. Figures and towns, Landmarks, all made of the little plastic pieces.

                                          

Great place for the younger kids, and thankfully not too crowded.

The people are real, the rides are fun, but the food and drinks are way too expensive! Hamburger…9 dollars!  We had snacks in our backpacks, and managed on those.

This Memorial was almost life size.  Awesome.

Kylee is a girly girl, but a real dare devil and loves the roller coasters.  She could have  gone all day, lucky she was just big enough for all of them, as long as an adult was with her. 

They saved the waterpark for the second day, and unfortunately the weather was down right chilly.  Didn’t stop them though, the air might have been cool, but the water was heated, AND they had the whole place to themselves.  They took extra clothes and there is a family dryer that will blow you dry once your done.  Chuck and I passed on going the last day.  The old folks wear out fast.  It was a great visit, know the great grand babies enjoyed them selves to no end, which means we all enjoyed it. 

Till next week, travel safe, enjoy each day.

WHEN YOU HIT THE BUTTON THINGS SHOULD WORK!

Well not always.  Tried to write the blog yesterday, and computer was trying it's best to play sick.  Finally got it off life support and now Livewriter has pennies on its eyelids.  Going to try doing it in Blogger, hope it goes through.  Which didn't work out too good, kept loosing them, and believe me each retry got shorter, when I finally went to publish a 4 line blog, consisting mostly of  %$#%*&%$#%@^, by golly there they all were.  Life is once again good, but it still call for a drink, make it a double.  
Pictures are of some of the flowers near Legoland.  There are so many nurseries in this area, seems no matter where you look there is something in bloom.  Also lots of wineries.   And I can also get my ocean fix so easy.  Love, love the ocean.  Think in another life I crawled up out of it and grew legs. It just seems to rejuvenate me.

Fields of Flowers, 

www.theflowerfields.com

but they bloomed early this year, so no longer doing tours.

Below, the parking lot.

Busy week getting everything ready for the kids visit.  You would think that I have bought all the food in the stores out, and they are only stay 6 days!  Made a run over to Pendleton Marine base and got the tickets for Legoland and the San Diego Zoo.  Great saving, almost half price, but still they are pricey.  And gas in California has jumped 30 to 40 cents over night.  Pushing 4.40 for regular, but diesel is 10 cents cheaper....well it was yesterday, what a bargain.  But the weather, it is wonderful, there is nothing like it any where. 

The kids should be here tomorrow, looking forward to seeing them again, the babies grow so fast.  Glad they are making it this week, next week they are closing the swimming pool for 4-5 days, due to resurfacing  the deck and poolside.  Memorial Day they are having a special tribute, and Chuck is taking part in it, along with the rest of the retired military that are still here.  They wanted them all in long dark pants and white shirts, well, that was two items that Chuck doesn't carry any longer.  So we stopped at the Goodwill, and for 12 bucks he now owns a pair along with a gorgeous white silk shirt.  And when we are done they will go into the parks yearly yard sale.  Each year the first of October they hold a big sale, and make quite a nice sum to support some of the activities that they have here. 

Yesterday went to town and had my toes and nails done.  None to happy, but hard to get your point across of what you do want, when all they hear is "5 dollar more".  Have yet to find one that I would consider going back to, just have to keep trying.  At least my hair is finally growning back.  We both took our "spots" to the doctor this week and everything checked out good.  Still have to get my boobs ironed and then, should be it for this year.  I know TMI........till next week. 

COMPANY COMING

Our daughter and SIL are going to be taking their grandkids, (our greats) to Legoland next week, which just happens to be 40 miles from us.  They will be leaving Colorado Springs and the plan is to swing by the Grand Canyon for a quick look see and then make their way here.  They plan on staying about a week, so there will be some side trips in the planning.  The San Diego zoo is pretty high on the list.  Thank goodness it is not Disneyland, still not ready to do that one again.

The week seemed to only take 2 days to fly by, can not believe how fast the days seem to go.  Today our neighbors from across the street came back to the park, and we had a nice visit.  They have both been fighting the Big C, so it was good to get to spend some time with them, now that things are looking better.  They have a house in town, and do not live here any more, but hope to spend more time visiting.  We went with them to dinner at a Mexician restaurant, fun time, great food.  I had the special, which was shrimp wrapped in bacon, and a seafood enchilada.  That was a really great dinner.  Everyone was happy with theirs, but the my shrimp were out of this world. 

We also made plans to spend a few weeks in Hawaii come the end of October.  A lady in the park has for years, rented a 3 bedroom home on Oahu, and rents out several of the bedrooms, that makes it affordable for everyone.  She had one opening left, and we took a few seconds to make up our minds, we were going!   Seeing how we are only planning on staying close to “home” this summer, this would make up for it some.  Still plan on traveling slowly up the coast July and August, but not going further than our home town in northern California, of many years.  Not sure what our grandsons Little League schedule is like and he has become quite the little bowler, and will be competing in the state tournament in southern California some time in July.  Hope on working something out that he can spend some time traveling with us.  But once they reach their teen age years, they do get busy with their own lives.  Miss him bunches, but the memories that we have of all the time that we did get to spend together are priceless.

Till next week, travel safe, laugh loud, make each day the best of your life.

REMEMBERING

It has been 7 years since we took our first 6 month extended trail run of possibly full timing.  We had been tossing the idea around for some time, but were unable to fully act on it, due to the fact that my father needed our help.  After he was reunited with my mother, who had passed away 6 years earlier, we were still a little leery of taking that final step.

With lots of thought and hope we decided that a extended travel vacation would help us decide.  If we both returned and were still inclined then we would take the final steps to make it all happen. 

Surviving the first 50 miles was the  biggest challenge on day one.  We had a new kitten, who we had tried to get her used to riding in the truck, but not with much success, and we did not want to try tranquilizers, so we decided that she would ride in her traveling cage.  Not good!  She messed all over it, and herself, which put us on the side of the road trying to clean a totally scared cat using bottled water and paper towels.  Yeah, it is funny now, believe me at the time it was not.  Once every thing was as clean as a case of water could make it, we decided that we would let her be free in the back seat, and have a litter box.  Well, when you have a wet cat, and clumping litter, it is just minutes before you have yet another problem.  The rest of the day fades in my memory. 

We traveled to Colorado Springs, on up into Minnesota, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Virginia and made our way back to California.  We were in vacation mode, and we seen soooooo much.  There were many times we stopped just because we saw a golf course that needed playing.  We never made a reservation and always managed to find a RV park.  Do wish though that we had known about Escapees, rallies, even passport America was not part of our planning.  Basically we were wandering wanders.  But in a way we did things that we might not have done had we “know better”.  And thank you, Lord, for GPS. 

The week has gone flying by once again.  Yesterday we did a run to a fruit and veggie stand that we have found.  Lots of good stuff.  And avocados galore.  We are near the avocado capital, so there seem to always be plenty.  Yesterday it was 25 for 5 dollars.  That is one heck of a lot of guacamole.  Took a big bowl up for happy hour and it all went.  Tonight I fixed sole almandine and watermelon on the side for dinner.  Weird, but it was so good.

This week Chuck and I have been trying to shuck off the “older than dirt” feeling.  Our baby had his 50th birthday last Monday.  Seems like only yesterday it was his 1st. Till next week.

  

I’M LATE, I’M LATE……MADE IT!!

Two hours before I miss my dead line.  Honestly the week just seems to fly by.  We have not done anything special this week.  Chuck did his golf on Tuesday, I took the day and spent it in town.  Thursday he runs off and does breakfast with the Romeo’s.  (really old men eating out)  I was desperate for something to have for the blog, so took some pictures of some of the cactus that are in bloom around here.  They are so delicate and awesome.

      

The cactus above is just a little bitty guy with these huge flowers.  Love them.  The park is becoming very empty, but most of the lots have RVs on them,  as a lot of the people have smaller travel rigs, or homes in the north some where.  We will still have lots of people to play cards with, and the pool will not be crowded…lol.

Till next week then, everyone on the move, travel easy, stay safe.

SUNNY DAYS, COOL NIGHTS

The other day while I was doing laundry, took a drive around the park and took a few pictures.  The cactus is starting to bloom and the roses are spectacular.
Here is a guy/gal made out of pots, and the get up changes for the occasion. The gator pond is almost finished, they had a liner installed so it wouldn’t loose water so quickly.  There is going to be a water wheel and quite a bit more landscaping in the works still.

Pond near the clubhouse, not sure that it is really big enough to canoe in though.



On Thursday about 35 women of the Madd Hatters group (aka Red Hatters) went to a near by winery for lunch.  It was an absolutely beautiful day, and we had a fun time.  The thyme for the hats was Easter, and my gaudy concoction took 1st. 
                   

Fields of grapes surrounding the winery.

Friday one of the ladies turned 80 and threw a big party.  It was a lot of fun, she is a really sweet lady and her husband has been having some health problems, so she deserved a big pick me up, and she had a ball. 
Today we went into town and seen the Hunger Games.  I read all 3 books and they were great, which surprised me, when I started almost didn't keep going, just not the story I thought I would like.  The movie was okay, but do think that it lost a lot, there was so much more into building the characters that didn’t come through.  Do highly recommend reading the books, not so much seeing the movie. 
From there we HAD to stop at Costco.  Will some one tell me, how you can walk in that store not needing anything, yet manage to spend a few hundred dollars every time?  And now that I have a storage shed, the sky’s the limit.  T.P. for a life time! 
Well that does it for another week in the life of the Donleys.  Happy Birthday to our SIL, John. 

WINTER’S FINAL PUNCH

This week has been a full range of weather.  We’ve had summer, rain, even snow on the near-by hills.  They are saying we will be having very pleasant days ahead though, which I’m all for.  Feel for the people having to deal with all the bad weather in the mid west, it seems to be very extreme this time. 

We spent the week pretty much just doing what we do best.  Relaxing.  Tuesday, Chuck golfed with the guys, I ran to town and wondered around.  We have been playing a lot of bridge in the afternoons, just casual easy kind. We did go for brunch one day to one of the near by casinos.  They have a free lobster buffet for new members, so we decided to give it a try.  The casino was down some back roads and then some, with out a GPS don’t think we could have found it.  We signed up, got our coupons for the buffet, and got in line. Which took over an hour, but we had a good time with the other people who were waiting. Now if you were paying cash this buffet, it cost 35 dollars a person.  Can’t say that it was worth any where near that, and as for the lobster they were doling it out one half at a time.  And it was slightly frozen yet.  But the dessert bar was unbelievable.  Really, really good!  Would I go back?  NO.  But the price was right, and after we were done, went to loose our 20 dollar contribution, and won 75, and we were out of there, faster than a speeding bullet. 

This coming week, the ladies group here are going to lunch at a near by winery, and we are wearing Easter bonnets.  Spent the day making one, the darn thing got so big not sure that it will stay on my head.  Will get some pictures at the lunch, and of the winery.  Sure that it will be fun.  Anything with wine has got to be good.

Our neighbors from across the street popped into their site, the other day, and I got them to stay for dinner.  Fortunately I had a pork roast cooking, so throwing together the rest was a breeze.  They still have their lot here, but have bought a house on the other side of town, as they are having severe medical problems, which involve their driving into the L.A area for treatment most days.  Really nice people, sure hope that all goes well.

   Have to share this picture of our great-grandchildren at Easter.  Check out Kylee’s eyes and feet.  I just love it!  See you next week! 

Happy Easter

 

The best things in life are still sweet and gooey.

May the joy of the season fill your heart.

AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU!

Happy Easter!

 

 

This week has just flown by once again.  Tuesday we went to Hemet, which is about 30 miles away.  Chuck and John played golf, and Betty invited 2 friends over so we could play bridge.  It was a great time, and then we tried out a Mexican restaurant that had been recommended.  Funny, seems the closer you are to Mexico, the harder it is to find good Mexican food.

We have also been building a corner cabinet for the gazebo.  One that will be fully enclosed as we would like to have a TV out there, especially come summer.  It will be much nicer than trying to cool down the inside, at least that is the idea.  There is a huge wood working shop here with just about every tool you could possibly want.  Course they were all mostly unfamiliar to Chuck, so he would take the wood with all the cuts marked, and sure enough, there was some one who  couldn’t stop themselves from helping.  Could be they didn’t want blood all over their tools. What ever works!  Now I’m working on sewing side panels, seems one thing just leads to another, be glad when this is all done.  We thought we were done, but could not find a cabinet that would work that we could buy.

People are slowly starting to leave the park, although think there are quite a few that stay the year.  I’m kind of anxious to see what the weather is like come summer.  Know that if it is bad we can always head for the coast, which is usually cool.

Got my hair cut this morning and it is very short, think Chuck has more than I do at the moment.  It will grow I know.  Well, I am so proud of my self that I actually managed to do a blog of sorts like I said I would do.  Got seven days to work on the next one.  LOL  Till then, happy travels!

 

UP TO MY NECK IN ALLIGATORS

Here at Jojoba Hills they are redoing and enlarging one of the ponds.  The gators were in dire need of a fresh coat of paint, so I spent some time helping out there.  That and trying to learn the process of loading the slide program to the parks computer system without messing the whole thing up has become a challenge.  But think that I am slowly winning, the only way that I seem to be able to learn anything new is to do it over and over again.  Which works on my own, but when I’m trying it on the parks……..well, whole new story.  But getting better, Lynda left me step by step instructions, and as long as nothing goes wrong, all is okay. But yesterday I put up a slide for the Wheels ride, and used a motorcycle picture, the guy in charge called and said they were a bike group and he wanted a bike.  No problem!  Took the slide, highlighted the motorcycle, hit delete……and there went the whole program, every slide.  Thankfully it was all backed up on a thumb drive, and I could recover all 35 other slides, but my blood pressure was HIGH!

I finally got pictures of the patio area and my decorations from Yuma.  Even bought a couple of baskets of cacti and pots of bougainvillea, always thought those are so pretty.  Hope I don’t kill them off, unlike my mother I have a brown thumb, where as she was known to make a broom handle flower.  Will hook a drip system up to them when we are gone, that is why they are in pots, so I can move them around. 

The time sure has flown since we have gotten here, hard to believe that we have been here for 5 months.  Although we have taken a few short trips, we didn’t stay much more than a week each time.  Wonder how the summer will go as we are just planning to travel up the coast, near Pismo, Morro Bay area, a few times, an maybe do a week or so on the coast near San Diego.  We are getting together next week with some friends that we knew when Chuck was still in the service…..40 some years ago.  We ran into them in the commissary a month ago, and did not recognize each other, but the guys kept eyeing each other, and finally spoke, and it all came back. So they are going golfing and Betty has two more ladies coming in, and we are having a afternoon of bridge.  The bridge here is picking up, just about every afternoon we have at least one table, sometimes we are up to four tables.  But officially we only play once a week at night.

I promised myself that I would try and do better with the blog, and once a week is my goal.  Even if I just stick my head in and say Hi Everyone,  all is fine. 

 

Green Beer For All

All week we have been hearing that we have the “storm of the season” coming in any time.  Today is the first day that the sun is not shining, and we did have several hard gusts of wind, and a few sprinkles.  Guess we will just have to wait a little longer.

Matilda, has some new friends, although I can’t say that I approve of her hanging around with a bunch of naked “boids”.  There is this hill here that seems to attract flamingos and it is sort of a game with the walkers to rearrange them.  So I snuck her in, dressed for the occasion, and when I came by the next day, there they all were, gathered around her.  Doesn’t take much to amuse us!

We have gotten all our patio projects completed, but pictures have not been taken, so that is yet to come.  I’ve taken on a project for the park of posting information on our in-park channel.  There are other people that help and they say in the summer things really slow down. Think that it will be fun, I like fooling with the computer, now if I can conquer loading it into the master program, well life will be good. 

Days here just seem to blend together, there are cards of some sort every night, bridge game going most afternoons, large variety of classes.  I’ll be glad when I can utilize the pool.  Doctor is getting ready to finally release me, and I am so glad. Getting old is not for sissies. Oh, and then there are the happy hours. Yesterday we went to the ranch house for happy hour with the S.M.A.R.T. (special military and retired travelers) group that are having a mini rally here.  They had also prepared a huge pot of hobo stew, with bread and salad, and then finished off with brownies and ice cream. 

The scenery is starting to get so pretty.  The ground cover that is utilized in a lot of landscaping is coming into bloom and it is just brilliant.  Took the road through the wine country on our way to town the other day and was totally awed.  There are about 10 wineries in the area, looking forward to have our daughter and SIL for a visit.  They love doing that, and being as Chuck doesn’t drink we will have a designated driver. Planning on taking a drive through the area soon, with the camera, there were some beautiful views.

Right now we are getting just a little more than a sprinkle, so maybe the storm is here.

Happy Saint Patrick's Day to all.

To Yuma, Arizona & Back Again

Took us a week, but we made it to Yuma and back all safe and sound.  Our main purpose was to visit with Mac & Netters, and Donnie & Karen, as they were sitting out the winter there.  We parked the rig at their friends, well maybe should say we shoe-horned it in.  And getting it out almost had to grease the sides, but all went well.  The second day there we got news that a good friend, Kevin Sullivan,  had died suddenly.  We had spend a good part of the last two summers traveling off and on with him and Arlene, we will certainly miss him, he was a great guy.  So glad that we were will other people who knew him, it helps to share the grief, and we did.

Of course when you are that close to Mexico it calls for a trip across the border.  We went to Algodonas and must say it so much nicer than Progresso.  Like night and day,  picked up some meds, mainly for our kids.  When their co-pay is 10 times what you can buy a months supply for, seems like something is not right.  We had a nice lunch, only one margarita, and then the fun of getting back in the good U.S.A.  There is a good hour wait in line, and it was a good day, some are much longer they say, so that part is not better than Progresso.  There were benches where you could sit and wait for your people that were standing in line, which is what I did,  and then shopping comes to you.  Couldn’t resist, I did buy a few things, heck, didn’t have to carry them far.  We had planned to go again, but the wind was blowing something terrible that day, so decided to hit a indoor flea market.  There are several rather nicer markets in the area, and I was looking for some outdoor metal décor for our lot here.  Think I got it taken care of.  Also had dinner one night at DaBoyz, what great Italian food.  Mac and Chuck went golfing one day, but they came back feeling kind of somber.  Seems they both couldn’t over come the memories of the last time they had played together and Kevin had filled out the group. 

The last night we all got together at Donnie & Karen's, where we ate too much, but that didn’t stop any of us from having dessert.  We followed that with a few games of ‘chase the ace’.  Karen won the first, then Karen an Mac tied, so double pot…..whoohoo…Chuck won that, then it was Netters turn to take the pot.  We had a great time visiting it was so nice to see everyone.  Might be awhile before our paths cross, as everyone is heading east and we are planning on staying on the west coast.  And with prices like this, there maybe a slow down for most.

Felt good to be back “home”.  Seems when we have been sitting awhile, when we first start to travel, I always have the what did we forget to check, what will go wrong feeling.  The did I leave the iron on feeling?

Well, Chuck is out with the guys on their weekly golf outing.  We are going with a group to play bridge on Thursday, which means Chuck has to give up his outing with the Romeo’s (really old men eating out) for breakfast. And the big project of getting the steps set up, should fill out the rest of the week.  Trying to figure out a way to make them easy to move when we want to take the rig out cause they are very heavy and impossible for just the two of us to manage.  We’ll figure something out I’m sure. 

Busy, Busy, Busy

Busier than a one armed paper hanger, and accomplishing about as much.  But it has been fun most of the time.  We have been to dinners, lunch's, and if breakfast wasn’t usually in the morning we would have done those too.  The other night some friends took us to one of their favorite Mexican restaurants, we had tried a few that were not very good, but this one was amazing.  The only bad thing, I was having some blood work done the next day, and there was to be no liquor for 24 hours before. 

We finally got our frig fixed.  Have been running it on gas since September. There are several mobile repair services that are in the park, but business was so good that they were booked for a couple of months.  And ours was not an emergency as we still had refrigeration. We have a extended warranty, 200 dollar deductible, and the bill was just under that, guess I shouldn’t complain. 

Those of you who have not been to Jojoba Hills, it is located in very hilly, rocky country, that has  few residents.  On the way to town, 3 miles from our entrance, is a small gas station/bar/restaurant.  Ever since ( first of November) we have been here, diesel was priced at 4.30.  Even when in town where it went down to 3.98, for a very short time, it stayed the same till the other day.  Monday it rose to 4.68 and the very next day it was at 4.80.  In Temecula it is around 4.25 to 4.35.  Now I know why unemployment is going down, everyone had to hire 1 person whose job, and only job, it is to change the prices….hourly.  California is so much more expensive, but I love the weather, love being 40 miles from the beach, no humidity, and on and on.  Thankfully Jojoba has managed to ensure that the monthly maintenance is very affordable. 

We have finally firmed up plans to make a run to Yuma, for a week or so, leaving Monday.  Thought we could get away sooner, but there is a street party Sunday and we decided that we wanted to attend.  We have just about got our outside area all done, even to the point of having furniture. 

Just wanted to get a post on the blog, as I’m sure that it will be a while before I get another chance.  And to let everyone know “We are still here”.

Life is Good

MY TRAVELS
I have been in many places, but I've never been in Cahoots.
Apparently, you can't go alone. You have to be in Cahoots with
someone.
I've also never been in Cognito. I hear no one recognizes you there.
I have, however, been in Sane. They don't have an airport; you have to
be driven there.  I have made several trips there, thanks to my
friends, family and work.  I live close so it's a short drive.
I would like to go to Conclusions, but you have to jump, and I'm not
too much on physical activity anymore.
I have also been in Doubt. That is a sad place to go, and I try not to
visit there too often.
I've been in Flexible, but only when it was very important to stand firm.
Sometimes I'm in Capable, and I go there more often as I'm getting older.
One of my favorite places to be is in Suspense! It really gets the
adrenaline flowing and pumps up the old heart! At my age I need all
the stimuli I can get!
And, sometimes I think I am in Vincible but life shows me I am not.
People keep telling me I'm in Denial but I'm positive I've never been
there before!
I have been in Deepsh*t many times; the older I get, the easier it is
to get there.  I actually kind of enjoy it there.
So far, I haven't been in Continent; but my travel agent says I'll be
going soon.
Wishing you all safe travels

YOU KNOW YOU ARE LIVING IN 2012

YOU KNOW YOU ARE LIVING

IN 2012 when...
1. You accidentally
enter your PIN on the microwave.
2. You haven't
played solitaire with real cards in years.
3. You have a list of 15 phone numbers

to reach your family of three.
4. You e-mail the person who

works at the desk next to you.
5. Your reason for not staying in touch

with friends and family is that they
don't have e-mail addresses.
6. You pull up in your own driveway and use your

cell phone to see if anyone is home to help you

carry in the groceries...
7. Every commercial on television

has a web site at the bottom of the screen

8. Leaving the house without your cell phone,

which you didn't even have the first 20 or 30 (or 60) years of your life, is now a cause for panic and you turn around to go and get it
10. You get up in the morning and go on line

before getting your coffee
11. You start tilting your head sideways to smile. : )
12 You're reading this and

nodding and laughing.
13. Even worse, you know exactly

to whom you are going to forward this message.
14. You are too busy
to notice there was no #9 on this list.
15. You actually scrolled back up to check that there wasn't a #9 on this list .
~~~~~~~~~~~AND FINALLY~~~~~ ~~~~~~~
NOW you are LAUGHING at yourself!

"Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves, for they shall never cease to be amused!" (Unknown Author)
------------
--------- --------- ---------
Go on, forward this
to your friends. You know you want to! Oh and go lick your elbow!

Beautiful Days, Cool Nights

That sums up our weather for the past week, with the exception of wind one day.  It has been just lovely, and we are taking full advantage of it.  Relaxing and doing bits and pieces on the patio area.  Planted two trees, tore out all the fuzzy bushes, and will be putting down an extension to the patio area.  Won’t be long before we have it all done, and then we can relax full time.  No, then I get to buy some furniture for that area. 

Some friends of ours came for a visit last week, and that meant we, what else, we went out to eat.  And only to the best places!  This place is out near Jojoba, and even though the they manage to disguise the fact that it is a very good restaurant, they do a great business.  Thanks, Rollie & Janet for being good sports, it was fun.

Matter of fact we made reservations for Valentines dinner.  Been busy here, as they are putting on a play tomorrow night, the musical, Gypsy.  Think that it will be a fun night, they certainly have worked hard, and everyone assured us that it will be great. 

We are enjoying our time here, and meeting new people every day it seems.  With my memory sure glad that everyone is encouraged to wear name tags.  Not only am I not good with names,  having a hard time with faces.  Whoooow is me.

Till next time, time flies when you are having fun.

Life is Good

Day By Day

This week has gone by so fast, guess it was cause we did nothing much, but we did a lot of it.  Took in the movie Warhorse, which was actually what you would expect, but didn’t stop me from blubbering like an idiot.  Yesterday we did brunch at one of the near by casinos.  The only thing that we managed to fill were our tummies.  But it was an awesome brunch.  Didn’t eat again till lunch today.  There are about five casinos near here, but we have only been to two so far.  Have not been a winner at either one, but not a big loser either.  I like to play blackjack, but the tables are ten dollar minimum and I just can’t handle that.  That gets to be real money way too fast for me. 

Chuck has an appointment with the VA for hearing tests Wednesday in the morning, and I have one for the afternoon for a problem that can’t seem to get rid of.  Oh, the woes of getting old!  I’m also going to start a gourd decorating course.  There is a gourd festival in Casa Grande, the first part of February that I would love to go to, but depends on my problem.  Also a quick week trip to Yuma, but no definite plans yet. 

Life is Good

January Fading

Last night was down right cold, but this morning the sun was shining and once the furnace heated the RV up the world looked pretty rosy.  We have enjoyed the sunshine here, even though it has not been as warm as the valley in Texas.  We have virtually had no wind, and there is seldom a day without wind there.  Seems no place is perfect, weather wise, and the good part is we can always move on down the road.  Our travels this year will most likely keep us close to Jojoba Hills.  We are thinking to taking short jaunts, up the coast, (it is cool during the summer) Grand Canyon, Zion NP, there are a lot of places that we would like to spend more time at.  At least that is a sort of, maybe, might be, could be plan, if….. Yeah, let’s write that in Jell-O and nail it to a tree plan.

Our new site, this one will be the one we will make some improvements to and call home for awhile.  About ready to lay the rest of the pavers and get the gazebo recovered.  I ordered 2, 20 yard bolts of fabric for side curtains, think that should be a fairly easy project.  Will use grommets for easy hanging.  Was able to order a replacement top, and Amazon did it’s speedy delivery.  It is so easy to find whatever you want with the internet, think back when all we had was the Sears catalog.
We have been staying busy, playing cards, peg and jokers, and what ever else is taking place.  Chuck has been getting in a few rounds of golf each week, and of course we have all those doctor visits that seem to go on forever.  And the tests, vampires would require less blood.  Sure glad that we are feeling good and don’t have any real problems to speak of.

Have a glass of Wine.

To my friends who enjoy a glass of wine..and those who don't and are always seen with a bottle of water in their hand.
As Ben Franklin said:
In wine there is wisdom,
In beer there is freedom,
In water there is bacteria.