Los Algodones

Pilot Knob RV Resort, Winterhaven, CA 

We were up around 7 on Thursday, Dec. 9th, Gibbs and I, and we left Bill in bed and went for a walk just through the fence here beside us. There is an open field, where Bill likes to fly his electric plane, and we could let our little guy run off leash. I didn’t do that, instead I took him on his retractable leash so he could still get some good exercise. And he did.

Gibbs and I walked to the field
He spotted something green and went for it

He noticed something in the field, as did I, and after stopping in his tracks, he approached the green balloon. It was tethered to a rolled piece of school paper and he was comical as he carried it around. When he noticed the balloon flying over his head, he put a stop to it by tromping on it. 😊 He carried it home most of the way, deflated.

The closer he gets to it, he stops

Figuring it's safe, he picks up the note
and the best part is below

Bill was upwhen we returned so Gibbs told him of his adventure. We made our morning drinks, Bill had cereal, I had yogourt and we were in the truck on the way to Mexico by 8:30! It is only about 10 minutes max to the Quechan casino and behind it where we park. $6/day and there were already quite a number of vehicles in the lot. I was excited, our first time in a long time. 😉

Obviously it came from a child's
party

At the main corner, across from the Purple Drug Store, we met up with our favourite ‘tour’ guide, Andy. He remembered us but could not come with our names. Understandable, he meets so many visitors. He gave us hugs and we said we’d see him next time. He is such a sweetie. We knew where we needed to go. We walked through Snowbird Alley and touched base with Marlon Brando who paints our signs. We'll be back, we need a new one. 🐕

I tried to snap the picture of the low clouds
below the mountain peak before turning the corner
but the signs got in the way

The Quechan casino is where we turn

We headed directly to our dentist, Dr. Eva Urena’s office but when we walked in felt our stomach’s drop. There was a young lady at the desk, but a framed picture of George behind where she sat. ???  He is Eva’s husband and always at reception. Bill asked about him and she told us that her father had passed away just this year. ☹

We park for $6 here and walk across the border

Our ♥’s broke a little as George was such a joy, and with his sense of humour he charmed us from our very first meeting in 2016. We will miss him. Before we left, we made appointments for a checkup and cleaning and then looked for Meyer Optometrists. They were not in the same location so Romeo took us to CK Optometrists instead. We had our eyes checked and ordered replacement lenses for the frames we already have and like.

It looks intimidating but we are very comfortable
and safe

I was pleased to hear that my eyesight has improved and maybe that is why wearing my glasses with the old prescription (& scratched lenses) felt a bit off. How that happens, who knows, but although he said it had changed quite a bit, the old lenses that I kept are just fine. It was a bit more expensive than we’d planned on but we still got a great deal for essentially 3 pair of new glasses.

I found my Christmas present (later disclosure)
at Daniel's (aka Dennis the Menace) shop
There is so much to see in these cubby holes
everything very bright

We had to wait 2 hours for them so wandered a bit and then sat in the square as we people-watched. There were two interesting shoe-shiners right beside us and Bill and I enjoyed their sense of humour. The second fellow had very dirty boots so I told him that he needed to clean his own boots. I laughed when his customer left, he did just that and I took a picture of the before and after. 😊 We do have fun when we’re there and wouldn’t trade those experiences for the world.

After picking up our glasses at 11:30, we headed for home. There was no lineup at all and all that was required was a passport to return to the U.S. Easy peasy. ♥ We will return on Wednesday, early, and will decide then by the time it all takes whether we’ll enjoy a meal or not. It has already been a costly jaunt over there, but expected. Back home, Gibbs greeted us excitedly. 😊 We had bacon and eggs at 12:30 and at 1 I walked to the pool.

We waited in the courtyard
for a while until our glasses were ready

It was already uncovered so I dropped my bag on a chair and went into the office to deposit our cards in their out-going box. There was a young mother and her 4-year-old in the pool and although not bothering me, she was a tad annoying with her ‘I’m the best Mom’ attitude – as if I didn’t know the first thing about it. Fifteen minutes of listening to her was 14 minutes too much. Ha ha

As he was readying to shine someone's boots,
I suggested he clean his own
So he did!

Anyway, the air was cool when the clouds moved in but the pool was nice and refreshing as I took my 3 swim lengths and got out. My book kept me entertained until a big black cloud moved overhead and I decided to come home. Brrr. Bill and I Gibbs were upstairs watching the tail end of a movie. When he walked up later to check the mail, which comes late in the day, he brought home his package and our very first Christmas card! ♥ Thank you, Buddies. 😊

the before and after
Great advertisement!
these 'vendors' have great senses of humour 😃

We dozed in our chairs and Gibbs took turns between us and then the floor where it was cooler. At 5:30, we started supper. Fish and chips tonight. I had some leftover lasagna from Boston’s so had that instead of fries. Everything was very good. Gibbs kept ringing the bell so we fed him at the same time since he’d been out a couple of times already. I guess his ‘new’ meal time will be the same as ours, which makes it easy. 😊

Supper for me was a mixed meal but still good
Good night!

After dishes, Bill put a Christmas movie on and I watched it while working on my blog. I think tomorrow will be mostly here at the Suite for me and hopefully some decorations will go up. This was a great day here at Pilot Knob. Gibbs thinks so too.

Lastly, Happy Birthday to one of my best friends in London. Brenda, I hope your day was an amazing one, just like you! 💕 

Also, Happy Birthday to Daddy in Heaven. 💓 I hope you and Mom are celebrating together. 

Thanks for stopping in.

Los Algodones – Last Trip for Me, New Cake Recipe, Happy Birthday, Buddy!

I woke early on Tuesday, Feb. 26^th and noticed that Bill was up and lights were on downstairs. It wasn’t even 5 am yet but all he was doing was turning the heater on low and turning the hot water heater on. We had a busy morning and time was of the essence. Bill came back to bed until 6:30 when we got up together. Clemson remained where he was, snug under the covers.

Well, now isn't that pretty?

I skipped my morning walk, instead reading blogs then hopping in the shower first, before having my tea. Our Canada Pension Plan deposits arrived in the bank overnight so Bill worked on our banking. He had his shower after me and we each had a piece of toast with jam for breakfast. I finally finished the Aljoe’s homemade rhubarb strawberry jam. I made it last as long as I could and later returned the empty jar.

Mexican workers hard at it in the field

Bill and I left in Black Beauty at 8:10 for Los Algodones but took a detour first of our own choosing. We stopped at CVS and withdrew some spending $ to take care of a few things today. When we arrived at the border and parked in the $6 lot, we walked first to the Yellow Courtyard (my own name for it). I wanted to choose something kind of ‘perfect’ for our buddy. Pat was celebrating a birthday today and this was the perfect opportunity to find something special. Usually we are all together in Mexico which poses a problem when trying to surprise someone.

Green and purple vegetation
Must be lettuce

After I found it, It kind of jumped out at me once I started looking, we each got a 10-minute haircut. Bill’s cost $4 + tip and mine $5 + tip. It doesn’t matter that I only wanted an inch trimmed on my hair but what does matter is that the $5 sure beats the $18-$20 I’d pay back home for the same cut. We were both happy and made it to Dr. Eva Urena’s office by 9:25 for Bill’s appointment at 9:30. Rob and Pat were already there, he had an 8:30 appointment. They were out of there by 9:45.

Yesterday I began 'the cake'
It is a Tres de Leche (3 milk cake)
We first tasted one at Ridgeview RV Park and loved it

Step 2 was to pour and soak it in the 3 milk blend
filling holes and cracks - LOTS of liquid

And when cooled, mix the topping and ice

It was unfortunate for Bill that Dr. Urena had just returned yesterday from a week’s vacation. Unfortunate because, she had so many patients that it put her an hour behind schedule. We hadn’t counted on that but at the same time, we were happy that we took care of the shopping and hair cuts pre-appointment. I waited inside the office with Bill until just after 10 and then took my book outside and read in the sun on her beautiful courtyard patio. He will have to return with Rob on Thursday for the final work. Almost done for this year!

another picture of Dr. Urena's outdoor waiting area

Finally, around 11 Bill came out and we walked back to the Purple Pharmacy where I bought some more shingles medication ($7.99/50) and Omega 3 capsules ($5.44/60!). With a quick price check in the Liquor store side of the Purple store, we got in the 'busy enough' line to cross back into the U.S. It was 11:30. We chatted with other travelers from Oakville, Ontario and the wait time moved much quicker. 

I picked up 2 more bottles of Shingles meds and when we discovered 60
capsules were so cheap, I bought 2 Omega 3's
Bill and I both take these and had run out a month ago

It was funny to me to see that our Border Guard was the same one I had last time. So serious until I asked him ‘how are you today?’ His answer was ‘I’m working at “joyful” today’. Priceless, I enjoy his humor as he ‘tried to keep a poker face offer.’. We were through within half an hour which we didn't figure was too bad around the noon hour. A lot of visitors are doing the same thing. Getting the last dental work taken care of, hair cuts, glasses, shopping and one last Mexican meal before getting outta Dodge.

Not a complaint but Bill and I had the A/C on for our drive home

We walked back to the truck and when we got our phones back on, Pat had texted to let me know that our little boy was with them. What a blessing they are and I’m sure a nice visit for Pat on her birthday. They do love Clemson and visa versa. His second parents. We had some errands to do in Yuma so it was great not to have to worry about him especially with the extended time away from home.

He doesn't seem to be any worse for wear in our absence

We stopped at Discount Liquor to stock up on some wine (4 for $10) and Bill's Appleton's rum and then to Sam’s Club to pick up some groceries. We’ll do the remainder of our grocery shopping tomorrow morning at Fry’s. We were tired and ready to get back. We unloaded food, picked up our happy, spoiled pooch and while I had a coffee, Bill had a wee snooze with Clemson. We were expecting Kim and Ken for Happy Hour today.

I sprinkled some shaved chocolate on top and popped the candle in before serving

They had checked in at the sister park next door today for a few days. Taking advantage of a Quartzsite ‘free’ stay coupon like we did last year. We were happy to have them near by again. At 3:15 we gathered next door at the birthday girl’s site for H.H. 

Pat took a BIG breath and blew the candle out
We didn't have to help her :)

After about an hour, Bill and I slipped home to get her birthday cake with one lonely tea candle (it was all I could find in a pinch) for her to blow out. The cake was a hit so I was very pleased about that. Everyone (all my guinea pigs) approved of the result.

Ken and Kim
So nice to see these guys whenever we can

Rob and Pat

We chatted until near 5:30 before saying goodbye for now. Time for supper. Bill grilled 2 chicken thighs for us and inside I made him a salad and some mixed vegetables to share. That was a great filling meal and we shouldn’t need any dessert, since we had it at 4 o’clock. After dishes, we watched FBI and then The Voice. This was a very full day and I’m glad that Clemson let us take his sweater off today. It got over 70F even without full sun. A very nice day.

Pat modelling her new jewellery
Her earrings blend into her blue chair

He was finally warmed up but he seems to be having some breathing issues, off and on. Other than giving him attention and taking him out into the fresh air, there isn’t much we can do. When he is sleeping it doesn’t seem to bother him. It is something we’ll just keep an eye on in the days to come. One last note and that is to wish Pat a very Happy Birthday. We hope you liked your Quintet singing to you in Yuma, Az on your special day.

Supper was good

Thank you everyone for stopping by today. Your comments are always welcome.

Cloudy Day, Mexico for Teeth Cleaning, Banana Bread, Some Rain Showers, Laundry and a Special Birthday Back in St. Thomas

Monday, Feb. 27^th will be our last full day at Pilot Knob RV Resort for this winter. It is sad to leave it as we aren’t sure if it will offer us the services we want for next year. Although it is completely cloudy, it feels warm at 57F. Good day to sit tight if the rain is coming.

Thought I would catch the sunrise, but this is as far as it got before clouds moved in
also, because these leaves are closest, things are out of focus. 

Before I go any further, the special thing about today is that it is my youngest grandson, Nathan’s 7^th birthday. I thought the little gapher was turning 8 but was soon corrected! Happy Birthday Nate!

Tried to reach him today but couldn't connect 

This morning we had plans to head to Los Algodones for teeth cleaning so I was up before 7 and in the shower. We had a bowl of oatmeal and cream and left Clemmy in charge again for a few hours. Nice to know that Suzie is close if we were delayed for any reason, she would look after the little bum.

We were at the border within 15 minutes, paid the $6 parking rate and into Mexico. Today I made sure I wore running shoes so I didn’t get the offer to shine my shoes. We walked at a good pace through the first vendors. “No thank you, no thanks, got one, don’t need it”.

On 2^nd Street and Ave A we asked directions to 4^th and Ave B. Once we knew our destination it was easy to zip in and out without too many questions. We were headed to Dr. Eva Urena’s office. We had about a 20 min. wait and by 10:30 we were both done. We got the Traditional Cleaning for $35 which was great and we were happy with the results.

Always thing we don't need

I wanted to pick up a couple more gifts for back home so haggled with a young vendor until we both agreed on a price. I’m getting better at it now that I know how they work. Just tell them you’ll check others out and the price suddenly drops!

We didn't visit the Purple Store

It only took about 10 minutes to get through the line and back to our truck. When we got home it was starting to spit but Bill took a load of darks up to the laundromat and I started making some banana bread. I’ve got bananas to use up and Bill won’t eat them fresh.

Tomorrow we are moving so the Suite needs to be vacuumed and dusted before we close it up. On a rainy day we don’t regret the time it takes inside doing this stuff. We also have the hitch itch and are anxious to move on now that the decision has been made.

For some reason, maybe the rainy day, we were tired enough to crawl up on the bed for a snooze. Bill can usually drop off any afternoon but not me. It didn’t take me long and I was out like a light for about an hour. I guess I needed it. When I got up, it was still spitting a bit but mild so I headed up to the library to work on the puzzle again.

Supper tonight was leftover ribs from last night. I will reheat them in the microwave/convection whichever it uses for that. The banana bread turned out as far as I can tell, it looks and smells good at least! I’m sure Bill was taste test it for me tonight before bed.

I hope you’ve had a good day, whether you got rain, sun or wind. Every day our feet touch the floor is a good day. 

Thank you for reading today. Your comments are always welcome.