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Wednesday, January 15, 2020

Moving Day, The Q, ¼ Century Birthday, Loss


La Posa South, Quartszite, AZ
This morning, Wednesday, Jan. 15th is a good day for one reason, a happy day for another and a sad day for another. We are moving from Pilot Knob RV Resort today which is good because we are going to Quartzsite where we will meet up with our friends again. This will be the one and only time we will actually boondock this winter. Other than the trip down and back home where it is necessary for the most part.

We took our usual walk this morning

Last morning this month in the park
It is a happy day because my oldest grandson, Taylor, turns 25 today. I helped bring him into this world by cutting his umbilical cord and I’m so happy to have been there for my daughter to do that. It was very special for me. 

Happy Birthday, Taylor (Tj)
The sad part of the day will remain with us for a long time. Our dear friend and fellow blogger and rv’er lost his battle today against cancer. We all knew it was coming but that doesn’t make it any easier to believe or accept when it actually happens. Rest in peace, George, you deserve it. 

I wanted to post this picture of Bill and I with George and Suzie
in 2016
Melinda and Barb also in the picture but this was the first time
we'd been to Quartzsite and it was because of George that we even came
(obviously the date on my camera was wrong, this was January)
I can’t begin to tell you all of the ways he has helped us and led us on this lifestyle from the day we met him and Suzie. We’ve learned lots in these short 5 years and enjoyed many places here in the southwest that we may not otherwise have visited. He was a very special man and earned a very special place in our hearts and memories. I can't breathe when I think of what Suzie is going through right now.

Here is another one with George and his winning smile
This was more recent, January 2018, in the Q
Deb, Tom and Nancy also present
Bill and I walked first thing and took our garbage to the dumpsters. We were packed up, without rushing, and out of the park by 10. It was the first time we’ve met the owner of the park, Pilot Knob, and Bill stopped on our way out to shake his hand and commend his staff on how they look after things in the owner’s absence. As Bill says, not often enough do the praises get passed along to the right people and it was worth mentioning.

All hooked up and ready to pull out
The drive along I-95 was painless and easy. Once out of Yuma, passing the Yuma Proving Grounds we saw two of the ‘blimps’ in the sky. 

Familiar sights along the drive today

It was an easy, pretty drive along the way
That's the blimp up there ahead of us

It was hard to focus on it while moving but I did my best
The sky was a mixture of blue and some white clouds and we even saw contrails in interesting shapes as we drove. I was so happy to start seeing the saguaro cacti as we got closer to our destination. It was with mixed feelings, leaving the park after a month, but we are both excited to get to a place we enjoy in a different way. Boondocking for two weeks.

We were amazed to see this formation being created right before
our eyes
And then it turned into a figure 8 before he disappeared
When we entered the gate to La Posa South Welcome Centre, I texted Kim so she could get their coach into a better position. They’ve been here since the 11th or so and have been ‘kind of’ reserving a spot for4 rv’s. 


Now that we’ve arrived today, and Tom and Deb (yesterday), they made room for us to move in and form a circle. Not the ‘Magic Circle’ (inside joke) but perhaps the Magical or Special Magic Circle. We got positioned and I’m liking our spot a lot, Bob and Jo-Anne closed the gap. Yay!

As we drove up, our friends were outside waving at us
so we moved in beside them
After getting things finished inside, I sat out in the warm sun with my book. Ken and Kim were doing the same and I believe Deb and Tom were either relaxing or puttering at their site. 

The organized book cupboard door came open
First time that's happened so it must not have been latched
Our little group of 4, waiting for one more
tilting panels
Bill was setting up lights, his flag pole, the barbecue, the satellite and tilting solar panels. Did I feel lazy or what? Finally, at 2:45 he finished and we moved our chairs out into a haphazard ‘middle’. Deb pointed out that it wasn’t really the middle so we’ll have to correct that tomorrow!

Bill stringing lights on his tall flag pole
Told you he doesn't give up!

Kim and Ken relaxing with their books
First thing, Bill raised his glass to George. George loved it here and knew that we were all going to be together this winter. We all joined in and smiled rather than cried at the irony of it all. Conversation flowed, laughter ensued and we watched as the big rigs moved in around us. When the sun dropped behind Big Red, the chill chased us to our respective units. It was 5:30 and the sun was beginning its decline behind the mountain.

Higgins shaking a paw for a treat from Papa Bill

First Happy Hour in Quartzsite this winter

Cute picture of Jo-Anne and Higgy walking around our sites
Bill grilled burgers with bacon and cheese and inside I opened a bag of American salad. Supper was filling and easy. 

It was a filling supper even without the bun
Even though it was a mostly sunny day, the charge from our batteries dropped quickly after dark so Bill started the generator. We could hear Ken’s and Bob’s running as well to boost things up before bedtime. 

First there was this
This has been a great day and the evening will be a quiet one as well. We are looking forward to our time here in the desert with the Big Tent show being one of the highlights.

And then this in every direction
I couldn't choose so you get them all!
Good night everyone

Dear God - please welcome George with open arms
and wrap Suzie in a warm hug of comfort
Thank you for stopping by!

20 comments:

  1. La Posa South must be crammed with rigs by now. Nice that you could wiggle in to your 'reserved' spots! Enjoy your time there. Don't be surprised if you get a few texts from me over the next few days. I may need you to watch for some things in the tent.
    Yep, we're gonna miss our friend.

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    1. It is a busy place but still lots of room. :) Glad Kim and Ken came when they did to get this great space.
      No problem with the texts. We'll be at the tent a few times.

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  2. Glad you are all set up. Higgins certainly knows who to go see! I'll be heading out tomorrow. Have fun!!!

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  3. Looks like a nice cozy group area you have there! Dinner looks yummy! Higgins is adorable! George will certainly be missed! Happy Birthday Taylor!

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    Replies
    1. We have a great spot and a great group. Wish you were here too!

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  4. My sympathies on the passing of your friend George. The photos certainly show he had an amazing smile.

    Have fun in Quartzite!

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  5. George introduced us through his Blogs the Quartzsite area. He will truly be missed.
    Those pictures are a reminder of the beauty that area holds.
    Be Safe and Enjoy the Big Tent.

    It's about time.

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  6. George will truly be missed and it only seems fitting that when we remember him it is with a smile.
    Glad to see you all pull in, Kim and Ken certainly did an excellent job saving this area for us all to spend this time together.

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    Replies
    1. K & K did awesome, blocking the area. For two such little people! :)
      Thank you, I agree about that handsome young man. :D

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  7. Beautiful tribute to George. Looks like you are getting all setup for two weeks of boondocking. Good to give your boondocking equipment a workout once in awhile. Have a pleasant time and I'll see you at Bloggerfest.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you. We are here for the 'long haul' (for us anyway!).
      Lookingforward to seeing you at Bloggerfest.

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  8. So glad you let us meet George and Suzie at your place.

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    1. Aah, we, including George and Suzie, were also very glad that meeting took place. I'm glad you had that opportunity to get to know them. :)

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