Return to Mexico, Longer Wait, Happy Hallowe’en!

Pilot Knob RV Resort

On Thursday, Oct. 31^st we slept in until 6:30 and 7. You know who was up first, the early birds. I woke up a few times from dreams but can only remember fragments of who and what they contained. 😊 Typical. It was a cooler morning but not cold. We didn’t have to be at our dental appointments until 12 noon so relaxed for the morning.

Good morning!

Gibbs and I went for our walk 
around the park before we left.

It gave me the opportunity to vacuum the floors and do a bit of high dusting – of course, using my Norwex duster. We had our morning drinks and Bill had his cereal. I waited until around 10 and had a banana and yogourt cup. They aren’t exactly yogourt, but they are keto approved. Ha ha, and they fill in the gap when I’m hungry for something. I’m hoping Parker’s Walmart is still carrying my Keto Yogourt so I can stock up.

There isn't a lot of fat grams but it
still tastes pretty good.

At 11:15, we left Gibbs in charge again and drove back to Los Algodones. A bit of banter on our way to Dr. Eva’s and we weren’t waiting long and we were both called in. I’d decided to get the left upper quadrant deep cleaned today, all periodontal work that is necessary but I haven’t had done since we lived in London. If that is shocking, I shrug at that, oh well. Our regular dentists used to do deep cleanings every 6 months but these in Mexico, do not until requested.

Not sure what this plant is,
my Google lens didn't detail it in English. 

It is pretty though, isn't it?

Bill was in the other room getting his crown put on and we met back in the wait room, paid for my cleaning and we left. It was cute seeing Miriam, her mom, Dr. Eva and her 3 assistants all either wearing Hallowe’en scrubs and/or earrings or both. 😊 I wore my bat earrings and my ball cap with braids in honor of the day. Not like days gone by, when I used to dress up every year at work and every trick or treat evening. I used to love it but now we’re on the road and I don’t.

This was shortly after we joined the line
to cross the border back into the US

The fact that it didn't move in the usual
spurts had us concerned.

We were out of the dentists by 12:45 and joined the line at the border. It was already long, yet the same time as yesterday. Things happened, 3 heart attacks and 2 strokes today alone took away from staffing so only one door was open into where the guards check your passports and purchases. LOL We were in line for 2 hours, hardly moving, while 2 guards checked us through. Oh well.

What an interesting stone house in Yuma
It would be lovely out in a country setting.

The thing to be grateful for was after an hour of waiting, realizing there were still people coming to join the end of the line. It was a w-a-a-a-a-y back there and over the hill. After leaving Mexico, we drove to Yuma for Black Beauty to get washed. Bill found the do it yourself that he likes and she came out the other side looking much brighter and happier. For now. 😊

Black Beauty gets a bath.
Bill was happy to find his usual DIY wash

We hadn’t had lunch but at 4 when we returned, we decided to wait eating until supper. I started my blog and took 2 Advil as I noticed the freezing was almost out and my mouth was a bit tender. Then, I layed down for a while and skipped the pool today. We had hoped that our wait time would have been quicker so we could stop in to visit friends. But time wasn’t on our side.

In Yuma, agriculture is key.
Above the beginning stages of new crops.

We pass this rv on our way home
and a certain name jumped out at me.

I felt better when I got up and Bill and had a breakfast meal for supper. Scrambled eggs with bacon on toast or in a wrap. Yum, it was good! After clean up, I finished my blog and we relaxed for the evening. Moving day tomorrow, we’ve enjoyed the time here.

Breakfast for supper. Yum.

It was a good day, 76F/26C and a nice evening on the way. 

I wasn't dressed like this today
but
Happy Hallowe'en!

A cute little cow
(our youngest grandson)

Mooo not Booo!
(Krystal's words, not mine)

Alexander and his Daddy
doing chores
Good night!

Thank you for the visit.

Wetter Still, Making Some Bookings, Great Visits, Happy Hallowe’en!

Road 111, Stratford, Ontario

On Thursday, Oct. 31^st Bill and I were the only goblins in our Suite. We both slept in until just after 7 though so something ghostly was afoot. I was gung-ho to get out for a walk so got my runners on and prepared to layer up under my safety vest. I opened the door and it was misty rain falling and quite foggy out towards the train tracks. Darn! I left my shoes on, not prepared to give up yet, and made my tea to sit with Bill.

Happy Hallowe'en
Didn't dress up this year - this was 2015 how I greeted
the little ones

As the cloudy day dawned, and while we were catching up on blogs and Facebook posts, the rain stopped. Donna and I went back and forth and I placed an Avon order for each of us. It will be delivered to her home and that works perfectly for me. I never order what I ‘need’ at this point, only what I want. Bill had a second coffee and some toast and peanut butter. I wasn’t ready to eat anything more than some yogourt.

Misty and foggy this morning

We discussed some plans of visits today and/or tomorrow and Bill called Coast to Coast to make our first resort booking for the 4 of us. NOW, it feels like we are really starting the journey. As we finished that call, I looked outside and the rain had started up again. Double darn! I dished out some of my plain high fat Greek yogourt and added some of the choke cherry jelly that didn’t set completely. Oh my! Not only did it look lovely but it tasted wonderful!

Yogourt and choke cherry jelly/syrup

Bill called AOR, one of our memberships, and reserved our favourite Christmas destination for a month and then a further month after Quartzsite. This year, we will be more prepared. I texted Jo-Anne and we told Bob when he popped in that things are getting more real now with reservations made. 😊 They are excited. At 12:15, I started making Resort Omelettes. My name for them. It doesn’t quite work as well on 2 gas burners as it did on her grill but they were still good.

The rain didn't stop

We did the dishes up and I checked on the Orange Jell-o that I had put in the fridge earlier to set. It wasn’t quite ready but I blended the cream cheese and whipping cream so it was prepared. We hadn’t had creamy Jell-o for a while so it was time for a new batch. Plus, I wanted some to share. We were getting Suite fever so after brushing our teeth, we drove into Stratford for a couple of things. The rain is making everyone frumpy.

Making the Resort Omelette

When we got a text from Suzie that she and George were home from some errands, I finished making the dessert snack and put some into a dish for George. Being a sugar-free snack, I hoped that he would enjoy something nutritious and get some good fat into him. It was around 2 when we first drove into Stratford to pick up a card and then to Tavistock for our visit. The rain hadn’t stopped but it wasn’t a downpour either.

Sneaky, I didn't know he took this one

George’s colouring isn’t good, we can all see that in pictures of him but his spirits are certainly top notch. This positive thinking just might be the cure for this nasty disease. We had a nice visit with us asking some questions about travel places and George and Suzie reminiscing about their past 13 years. Places they went and would recommend and especially pointing out that no one needs to see everything in the first, second or even third years. That is one of the first things we learned from them when we met in 2014.

It tasted wonderful but sure didn't look like hers

 We didn’t stay longer than half an hour, at least we tried not to, as George does tire easy. He didn’t kick us out but we tried to be cognizant of his needs. I didn’t even get a picture so will post the one from our last visit. It was great to see them one more time before we leave and you can follow his story here if you aren’t already. We missed Jo-Anne today, as she was coming out to their Redwood to pack some more items. She had just left by the time we returned.

This was the picture I took on our last visit

We’ll see her in the morning. When we returned, Bill sat with his book and I peeled 6 of the dozen hard boiled eggs and mixed up the egg salad. Then it was good and well time for a creamy tea so I made one for each of us and caught up on this post. Sitting with Bill with our books, oh! I’m now reading a John Sandford book called The Devil’s Code and it seems to have piqued my interest at 5 chapters in. This is more like it.

Light snow this morning on the ground and rooves

This is quite a little Service Centre beside Bob’s shop. I can sit at the table and watch the goings on. There are 2 or 3 businesses here that rent space from Bob and I can’t get over how busy Jamie’s Service Centre is. They must do a good job and business. It is a constant turn around of vehicles, in and out. We sat and read for a while and Bill called friends of his/ours who live in Stratford. We haven’t seen them for a few years, since we had the Jayco I think, so wanted to try and meet up.

This is our portion of the Orange Creamy Jello
I hope George enjoys his

Shortly after 5, I started sautéing the beef roast in Madame IP and began the cooking process of 60 minutes. I didn’t have any potatoes to add and since Bill isn’t keen on carrots, didn’t add those either. We did have some Stovetop Stuffing in the cupboard so I prepped that for when the roast was done. It only takes 6 minutes in the microwave. I should have started a bit earlier so as to meet the time we were to be at Jim and Sharon’s but I’m sure if we’re a few minutes late (us, oh no!) they will understand.

A batch of egg salad
Bill will pick up buns today for a change from the rye bread

We’d forgotten that it was Hallowe’en, not having children and not expecting trick or treaters here but hoped that our hosts didn’t mind too much. As it turned out, the roast was done perfectly at 6:15 and with just a 5-minute N.R. I brought it out for Bill to slice. I made gravy at the same time as the dressing was cooking. I thought I was pressed for time so skipped the veggies but I would have had plenty of time to include some. We had enough to fill us and leftovers for roast beef sandwiches, hot or cold.

This sure doesn't look very nutritious! I
should have added the mixed vegetables
but it tasted good

With the dishes done, we finished cleaning up and getting dressed for a couple of hours out. No funny masks tonight, gave those away long ago. Well, other than our own! Have fun tonight if you entertain the trick or treaters, some of the efforts put into the costumes are wonderful. I’m just sad that the little ones had steady rainfall around this area between 5 and 6. Now, at least it has stopped and is a mild 9C.

We left the Suite around 7:15 to arrive in town around 7:30. Saw a few straggling children with their parents but not too many. Such a yeuchy night for them. ☹ How great it was to see Jim and Sharon C. Bill and Jim met many moons ago and Sharon was in the picture soon after. I’ve only met them 3 or 4 times but really enjoy their company.

Getting organized for the group picture
Bill and Sharon are looking quite cozy
Jim is waiting for me to rush over and sit

They told us that her Mom likes to attend a church east on North Line and they’ve tried a couple of times this past summer to look us up. Now they have good directions for a summer 2020 visit. It is sad when friendships drop off, not for any real reason, just circumstances so we were happy to hear that they are also trying to keep that connection alive. J & S are not as socially active in the media stuff so texting is not their forte and they’ve not had our phone # before.

They 'don't do' pictures they kept saying so I rushed more than I normally do
Jim's eyes are closed and my sweater doesn't do me justice
But I'm happy to get one of them with us
Good night!

We extended the evening because we were all enjoying ourselves so hope we didn’t over-extend by staying until 10:30! We couldn’t believe the time had flown by. We said goodbye with promises to stay in better touch. When we got home, I was in bed almost immediately and Bill soon after. A wonderful day and evening.

Happy Hallowe’en and thank you for visiting!

Happy Hallowe’en, Too Early for Tricks, Memphis here We Come!

We were both in bed just after 10, well all 3 of us, last night and other than one wake up at 1 am (Clemson needed a piddle) we slept well. Bill was up just after 6 but I snoozed on undisturbed until closer to 7 on Wednesday, Oct. 31^st. Hey! It’s Hallowe’en! I get to wear my funny face today!

I took a walk along the Cumberland River this morning

I immediately got dressed and went out for a 30-minute walk getting 1.5 miles in at least. I’ve missed walking. I didn’t do the pedestrian walkway, we’d do that later (so I thought) so instead I walked along the Cumberland Riverfront at the back side of the stadium. It was a beautiful morning, around 66F at that time. The sky had wispy light clouds of which we expected to thicken up before the day’s end.

I made my tea upon my return and started to work on my blog post before we headed out for some sightseeing. Rob came over to discuss the time to go and we were all but ready to put our running shoes on when another security guard came around and told us that without a permit, we couldn’t stay there. If we left our units to tour the town, we might return to a ticket OR finding our units had been towed. No way would we take that chance.

History lesson of the day
And no, this isn't referring to my cw singer 'Willie Nelson'

He gave us another alternate Lot “T” to park in but why would we trust that after this mix up? So, we had a group meeting and decided to just leave the area and head towards Memphis today. We plan to come this way on our return trip in the spring and if we find a park for a few nights, we can take advantage of Nashville’s offerings. I was quite bummed, saddened since I was so excited to be in this popular city, but I totally understood that we had no choice.

There was something about this skyline that I was attracted to
Maybe just because it is Nashville

today's selfie, because I can

Of course, had I known, I would have walked downtown this morning just to take a quick peek. So, with a “we’ll be back!” we caught I-24E to I-40W and began the journey to yet another popular destination. It was 8:50 when we left the lot and it was 10:30 when we pulled off to get fuel at a Speedway to the left. It was $3.159/gal compared to $3.319/gal at Pilot to the right. No brainer even with the Pilot card. 

The back of the Nissan Stadium
Home of the Tennessee Titans

We had a very dirty windshield from our night at the Walmart from late night street workers so I hopped out and washed the windshield once more. I thought I'd be nice to Rob and wash theirs too. He was grateful and gave me a hug later.......or was that to take away the sadness? It worked, either way.

Last night when we were sitting out, there were some young people scooting
around on these electric scooters
today, I saw 2 of them parked and understood a bit more

They've got an app for that!!
Anyone can use them

We visited the restrooms and got a coffee/tea and had a Hallowe’en treat at their store. That hit the spot and while finishing our drinks, we pulled next door to an empty lot to discuss the day’s agenda. 

Mountain Roast coffee with double cream and sweetener
Plus some Krispy Kreme bits

Bill called our Memphis destination park to see if we could arrive a day early and leave a day early and that was approved. Yay! When one thing unfavorably jiggles, another good thing takes its place. We got back on I-40W and even though clouds did appear heavier, we had brief patches of sunshine. It was 72F and a beautiful day!

Let's just go!

The drive was uneventful and actually quite smooth. We made a couple more stops, one at a very full Rest Area that Rob and Pat were able to park at but we weren’t. In that case, they needed to stop and we didn’t so we waited on the ramp at the exit. Next was our turn and we all turned into a Pilot fuel station for all 3 of us to take care of business. Once loaded back in the trucks, we carried on the journey.

It really was a nice drive with nice roads and good weather

We crossed this large Tennessee River Kentucky Lake

Arriving in Memphis was much less congested than Nashville was and we found Graceland RV Park easily with some guidance from Rob and Pat behind us. Bill and Rob checked us into to our pull through sites on Hound Dog Way. Why can’t they all be this easy? We were in, set up and having a Happy Hour by 4 pm. The satellites were a bit challenging since we were under some trees but it wasn’t a worry tonight. Our shows are on at the beginning of the week.

We started seeing cotton fields along the north side of the interstate

Nearing the end of our H.H. Rob saw rain across the street near Graceland and people began running. We quickly scooted our chairs away and said goodbye just in time for the sudden downpour. It didn’t last long at all. It didn’t cool it off any, the temperature was still registering 25C/77F even with no sun. Inside, we relaxed with our books and me with my blog. Because of the change in plans, we each went on and made changes to a couple of reservations down the road.

They do it big here in Tennessee
Tennessee Department of Transport

At 5, Clemson and I went for a walk. Nope, not around the park, instead we walked back towards some of the Graceland buildings. I don’t know what they are, I have never been here before and none of the pamphlets from the park name them but the first one is the Ticket building, I think. I know Graceland itself is down the street, about a block but I just wanted to walk and see what I could without going too far. I did see the pink Cadillac driving around picking up patrons to Marlowe's restaurant but didn't have my camera. I'll see it again, I'm sure.

Excitement is building inside me, I can feel it here

Pat mentioned feeling emotional when she visited the Mansion for the first time and just from this walk, getting close to where Elvis lived, had my heart pumping. I think I’d better take some Kleenex along tomorrow. LOL Around 5:30 I was feeling hungry enough for supper so Bill’s choice was brown beans with some baguette slices and I was going to warm up some of my green tomato and bacon soup that I’d made. I still hadn’t really had any.

and here

I was very impressed! It tastes yummy! Maybe a tad on the salty side but I enjoyed it very much. I had about a bowl and a half left in the one container so I took it over for Rob and Pat to give it a try. They had finished supper so I left it for them for another night. They may not like it and that is fine, but sometimes it is fun to share. They’ve done that often enough with stuff they’ve bought or made so I’m glad I had something to take them.

Bill and I sat after doing dishes and just enjoyed our books. The rain returned around 6:15 so we remained inside for the rest of the evening. It was kind of a mixed up Jello day but it all turned out very well for us. We are here, set up with full hook-ups for 3 nights, close to one of the top places on my bucket list and the rain outside is not deterring us from anything. 

I didn't get too close but close enough for my heart to pound
It felt like forbidden territory, even though it wasn't

Oh my, this makes it real and tomorrow it will even get more so

Walking back across the parking lot to our campground might
show you just how close we are

I hope your day has been wonderful. If you have trick or treaters or are trick or treating yourself, I hope the weather is nice enough for all to have a good time. We won't have any here but I do have a couple of pictures to share. I topped off my evening with a dish of strawberries, bananas and cream. Yum! 

                                               💀👻👺👾👽 TRICK OR TREAT!

My grandson, Nathan, back home

He is a Star Wars character
the interesting thing is that my son, Patrick, made 3 costumes all like this
for Nathan and his 2 friends
What a guy!

Thank you for coming along. Your comments are always appreciated.