Hoping for Sun, Goodbye to Friends, Starting New Books, Sky Pics

I was awake off and on through the night and early morning on Saturday, Mar. 24^th. I think the biggest issue was the warm night. We were surprised that it only went down to 61F overnight and was a mild 65F when I went for my walk at 7:15 this morning. Spending 8 hours on flannel sheets and under a duvet is what made my sleep so restless.

Good morning!

I’m not complaining at all though, we will enjoy this warmth while we have it, soon enough we’ll appreciate those flannels! My walk took me down to the lakeside and I remembered to take my funky tripod with me. Time to play with more selfies on the beach and surroundings. There was a wind blowing but mild and I didn’t mind it whipping my hair around at all.

Bill and I both finished books last night, The Runaway Jury and The Winner, so I carried them with me. Unfortunately, they went for the whole walk with me since the clubhouse didn’t open until 8. 

I met George from Our Awesome Travels when walking this morning

Back home, Bill was up so I made our hot drinks and we noticed Ron and Loree were getting close to leaving. We walked over to say goodbyes and using my tripod I was able to capture a selfie with all 6 of us. They were on the road by 9 if not before.

Sitting on the swing on the dock of the pond

Back inside, we did some internet stuff, taking advantage of the free wifi. We played our Scrabble game on Facebook. It is a pretty close one this time and those are the best kind. It was my turn for a shower, not that taking turns is necessary by any means! With that taken care of, I fried some bacon and scrambled up a few eggs. After doing up dishes, I took our two completed books for another walk.

First, I stopped at the mail box and put Mom’s card in. I don’t know if she’ll get it by Easter but I’m hoping so. I took the books into the Bear’s Den (my name for the room) which has the selection of books. I noticed that my painted rock was still there so decided to take it back. Even if someone noticed it, they might think it part of the décor and not want to be ‘stealing’ anything from the park.

Momma, Daddy and 4 babies

So, outside, I found another location, in a more suitable spot, I think. It may never be found and that’s okay but at least I have re-hid it. I’ve done my part. At the clubhouse, I couldn’t help but notice how absolutely gorgeous it was sitting next to the south end of the building. The wind is coming from the north and it is making a sunny day feel cool. I sat there for quite a while just soaking in the warmth of the free Vitamin D.

Hidden in a different location

I walked back past the pool and noticed it locked up again. Geesh! I don’t want to swim but I would like the opportunity to walk in and sit down for a while on their lounge seating. That’s just me, I like hanging around a pool with a book. Bill took the opportunity today to vacuum Black Beauty. I’ve said before he doesn’t feel the cold like I do.

Friends from Ontario

Bill saying goodbye to Freddy

Bye guys! Drive safely!

I wasn’t going to pass the opportunity to enjoy more sun, so while he was busy at that, I moved my chair to the southeast corner of the Suite, where there was less wind, and got into a new book. This one is called Mistress, another one of James Patterson’s mysteries. It seems to have started off good so I’ll carry on with it.

And Mr. Heron is looking for fish again

and this is called being in the right place at the right time

with a camera ready

Unfortunately, with the night I had, being awake so much, After Chapter 10 I had to go inside and have a snooze. Bill wasn’t far behind and stretched out in his recliner. I don’t think he got beyond the first chapter in his, Lifeguard, also by J.P. I prefer the upstairs, our bed for sleeping so that is where I spent the best part of the next hour.

Interesting how these roots curl in the rock
It is actually attached to a tree, which I didn't include in the picture

More park visitors left as more came in. Probably 4 or 5 daily make the turnaround. Today I got a few walks in, took a few repetitive pictures and played with my tripod and some selfies. At 3 we took our chairs over to join George and Suzie for Happy Hour. The wind appeared to die down and while we sat there, we didn’t need jackets or long pants. The sun was extreme and I loved it.

Woops! I almost cut my sweetie off!

The conversation once more never halted. We have shared many H.H. with these two and yes, some stories we repeat but we always seem to find new things to discuss. Today we talked about tornado warnings and sightings from the past and it led us to how we need to keep an eye on them during our travels home. Suzie suggested we tune in to local tv stations by using our antenna.

At 5 or so we returned home and I took another walk, and you guessed it, more pictures of the sun’s reflection on the pond. I can’t seem to get enough. It is so pretty. I checked for my rock that I hid earlier and it was still nestled in its spot. I know, I’m impatient but I’m anxious to see it find a home. 😊 While I was gone, Bill used our antenna, which we didn’t think we were able to use because of something we’d done, and found 7 stations in the Tulsa, Oklahoma area.

Let's see how many can recognize this young fellow from the movie

It was good to watch the news and weather for Grove and we’re happy the discussion came up this afternoon. We actually watched part of a 1965 western with Charles Bronson. That was cool! For supper tonight, I warmed up my dinner plate of leftovers. The catfish and veggies from last night were very good and Bill enjoyed Van Camp’s brown beans on toast. With dishes cleaned up, I set down to finish my post and download the day’s pictures.

First time I saw these plants, they were inside the clubhouse
Next time we see them, maybe they'll be around the fish pond?

We know that we have some wet weather coming tomorrow so in the morning we’ll have to put our chairs away. No point in getting everything wet when we won’t be sitting on them. We’ve had a fun day and truly hope that Ron and Loree made it safely to their destination in Missouri. I hope your day was a good one.

Thank you for stopping by today! I love to hear from you and will respond to every post in time

Morning Walkabout, Goodbye to New Friends, Jiggle Jiggle, Pool

I woke up at 2 minutes to 7 on Monday, Feb. 5^th and thought I’d lay still for a couple of minutes and then get up. I looked again in what seemed like a couple of minutes and it was 7:25 am. Too funny, but I obviously wasn’t ready to move that early. So, I got up and dressed, opened the shades and slipped outside for a walk.

The sun was just hovering below the eastern horizon and it was so pretty. I decided to walk the rows on our side of the park before doing the perimeter to the west side. As I turned down the 3^rd row from us, I heard a diesel engine start up and sure enough it was Jim starting his coach and getting ready to hook up their tow-along.

I was glad to catch them before they left but disappointed that Bill wasn’t with me. No sooner did I think that when I turned around and saw Bill bringing Clemson, looking for me. Cool! Jim had some magazines about RC flying that he offered to Bill and Sharon came out to say goodbye as well. We tried not to dawdle and hold them up, but Sharon managed to exchange a few tips for our future travels. Thanks guys! It was great to get to know you better. You won’t forget me now, Jim, will ya?

See ya, Jim and Sharon!
Until we meet again.

We walked a bit together before splitting up. I was working towards my 2 miles. As I walked back, I went up the hill to take another picture of the pond and a couple of ‘ducky’ floaters. 

When I returned to the Suite, Clemson was there but Bill was out with his camera so I went to the end of our lane to see if I could find him. Not having a clue which way he went, I came back inside and made my tea. Within 5 minutes, he returned as well.

I sorted our laundry and we loaded it in the truck after our first drinks were done. When we arrived up at the clubhouse Laundry there was a sign on the door "Closed Mon. Feb. 5th for repair". Hmmm, okay, guess we don't have clean clothes today after all. No worries, this jiggle doesn't bother us, we'll do it tomorrow. 

We’d talked about trying out a Mobile Wash & Carpet Cleaning company that the park supports so back at the Suite Bill called for an appointment. The price was right and we’ve discussed getting the carpets cleaned every year to keep on top of the dirt. I’m not to the point yet of wishing we didn’t have carpet, it is easy to sweep (yes, I said sweep) when I don’t want to get the vacuum out. I dust, Bill vacuums, I might have mentioned that before.

Many rv'ers we know use this filtered (salt free) drinking water
instead of buying bottled water
It is  certainly a fair price here!

The appointment is set for 2 o’clock today so we hope they are a reputable company. I’ll let you know at the end of the post. At 10 we ate breakfast, an egg omelette on a toasted bun for Bill and between a couple of gluten-free tortillas for me.

Oh wow, that was so tasty and it should sustain us until supper time. We cleaned dishes up and Bill went out to start charging his batteries for his model planes back home. They need to be done a couple of times over the winter just to keep a charge in them and as he did that I did a thorough sweep through of the Suite.

See Mrs. Hummer at the feeder?

Bill vacuumed and dusted Black Beauty so she is gleaming inside and we’ll get her washed too by Beto’s as well. 

At 1:30 I changed into my bathing suit, took my bag, my book and water and headed up to the pool. Such a gorgeous day and my only regret was that Bill couldn’t join me today. I sat out on my chair for a while to make the dip that much more refreshing when I got in.

It was around 2pm when I stepped in and did my lap to the end and back before grabbing my hat and a pool noodle I’d set at the edge. Time to float. I do that well.

At 2:10 I could hear 4 chirp chirps on my phone……….up there, in my bag, by my chair. Hmm. 1 or 2, I could ignore but 4 kind of meant it was maybe important. Maybe it was Bill with a question about the washing. So, I proceeded to float, arms pulsing the water to hurry from the deep end to go check it out. Makes for a funny picture, let me tell you.

Bill was relaxed and going through the magazines Jim gave him when I left for the pool

 Anyway, it wasn’t an emergency, good. It was my daughter answering a question I’d asked her earlier. My own fault for asking the question before getting into the water. She is worth the interruption for sure. I got back into the tepid water and continued my float about. A conversation began with a couple from Ohio and it was another one of those ‘click’ moments. We got along well and shared a lot of commonalities. I like those.

We chatted until my fingers turned into wrinkled morrels and I went to sit in the sun and dry off. Trying to remember something they’d told me (and I knew I’d forget) I asked them again in the hot tub. This time I’d put it into my phone right away. I, at least, remembered to give them one of our ‘business/personal’ cards before saying goodbye. Nice couple, Kevin and Barb. Too bad Bill was tied up and couldn’t meet them. Maybe tomorrow.

Bill waits for Beto's
(this was before we realized they weren't coming)

I had texted Bill around 3:15 to see how the wash was going and sadly, they hadn’t shown up yet. Remember that we are dealing with Mexican employees and a Mexican business so who knows if the communication got mixed up. So, I packed up at 3:30 and walked back to the Suite. Still, no show so we tried calling the number. When we finally reached them at 4:30, they said ’30 minutes’. Hmm, that meant 5ish. The breakfast we had at 10 was wearing off so when I returned, we cut up some cheddar for a snack with some cheese crackers. That'll do it, since we don't know what time we'll be able to eat supper.

We waited together and finally, after I’d come inside to change, Bill saw them on the next lane over. He walked over to see if they were looking for our site but no, they were apparently beginning another job on a motor coach. They rebooked, at Bill’s suggestion, for tomorrow at 11:30. Again, we’ll keep you informed. We think it was a total misunderstanding……….somehow. (malentendido)

this is a good one - I like the Harry Bosch stories

We read outside together and at 6 I came in to start supper. Pork chops, potatoes, corn and broccoli are on the menu tonight. The chops are quite thin so they won’t take long. Bill lit the Weber and began the spuds first since they would take the longest. I steamed the broccoli inside. It needs to go on the food list for the next shopping day.

With supper finished and dishes cleaned up, we took the little flashlight and went for a walk around our end of the park. I was trying to remember what site # Kevin and Barb told me they were on but in the dark and with my memory, it was a lost cause. It was nice saunter and still a warm 72F. That’s 22.2C for our friends and family back home. I’m sorry that you are dealing with even more snow in Ontario. I wish everyone who wanted to could follow the warmth too.

I settled at my laptop to download the very few pictures from today. Bill and Clemson settled in the recliners. As I sit here with windows open, I can hear the coyotes playing games and calling to each other. I think they must know there are roosters at the east end of the park. I hope you have had a nice day wherever you are. We sure enjoyed our quiet one. Plans jiggled but we are still smiling and look forward to tomorrow.

Thank you for reading our adventure. I love having you along!

Long Walkabout, A Town Visit, Cleaning House, Making Beds, Company!

When I woke up on Tuesday, Jan. 16^th it was 7 am and even though I knew Clemson already had Bill up 30 minutes sooner, when he jumped off the bed I tended to him. We forget that he is as old as he is so when things hit him, they hit him fast. I used the facilities myself before getting dressed when I realized he was standing at the door to go out again.

Darn, I wasn’t quick enough, he had already had an accident on the living room floor. We never get mad, chocking it up to experience and remembering the little guy, even though we think of him as our baby, is 13 ½ years old. We have been so lucky with his health and if we have to clean up a few messes for the rest of his life, so be it.

Pop Goes the Sunshine!

Bill wanted to go into town early this morning for some wiring so after our first hot brew, he kissed me goodbye and drove off. I’d asked if he would check out the line up at the Post Office and possibly pick up some International stamps for me. After he left, I donned runners and my wind breaker over a hoodie. I had our PowerShot camera, my phone, a bottle of water and a bag of books and 4 good quality plastic champagne/wine glasses.

The BlueBird gathering is filling up even more

I was on a mission to the front check-in office with donations for the Free section. I like Free especially if it is something we need and I wanted to offer the same to others. It is a long walk, at least 2 miles up there but a beautiful morning. My walking yesterday was next to nil, just under 2 miles so I had to make up for that. That is what happens when life gets in the way!

The sun was warming me up nicely

I was almost to the gate, just at the Blue Boy dump station I mentioned the other day, when I recognized Black Beauty way up there in the parking lot. I know Bill wanted to double-check when we had to buy our next 2-week pass, either today or tomorrow. He asked if I wanted a ride back when I finished but I didn’t. I did, however, take my hoodie off and toss it in the truck. I knew I wouldn’t need it on the walk back.

This saguaro thinks it is hiding, I'm sure

I was ever so pleased to find exactly what I needed in the Free box. A hummingbird feeder! I think it was at Pilot Knob that the suction hook finally let go (after being adhered since last winter!) and my feeder dropped and broke. It was full of liquid at the time, of course. Anyway, if this one, that looks pretty new, will work without leaking, it has just found a new home. 

This one is saying "Look Ma, no arms!"

But upon a close view, maybe this is why
How it is remaining in place, I don't know

There were books inside, which I’d forgotten about, so left 3 of mine on the shelf and brought a Lee Child, James Patterson and a C. J. Box back with me. The other 3 I left on the Free table.

FREE!

We've noticed this abandoned site and today there is yellow caution tape surrounding it
That doesn't give me a good feeliing

Looking for something? This is a community Sale board

I walked back leisurely and on my walk, I called Mom. Sometimes, you know, all you need to do is talk to your Mom. Not that I needed spirits lifted, but with our Mom, you just never know what kind of conversation it will be. Today, other than a couple or three repetitive questions “how long have you been there? When will you be home?” I’d never know she had dementia. God love her, she sounded wonderful!

Speaking of Mom, I thought I'd tuck in one of the pictures
our friend, Pat, sent when she visited this winter

Nice little bug is someone's tow vehicle

Just two in line for dumping at 9:45

Back home, Bill was working away with the wiring for the macerater at the back of the truck and his first statement was “look where your dog is”. I didn’t have to think for long and turned my head to find the little traitor over sitting on Suzie’s lap. Ha ha, actually, it is very cute that when he sees her out there, he wants to trot over and visit. Just like back at home on The Ridge when they stayed with us. He bee-lined first thing if she was outside reading.

Clemson visits Suzie

I came in and made us breakfast of fried egg and bacon sandwiches. Bill had his on toast, grilled on the burner, and I had mine on warmed wraps. Hmm, very good and easy! 

We discussed where Brenda and Randy, our expected visitors would be at a certain time. They were flying out of London on a connecting flight to Calgary and landing in Las Vegas so we were keeping tabs on their air time. I hope it is a good flight and we’ll see them later this afternoon/early evening.

Bill finished cleaning up outside while I cleaned up the dishes inside. He came in and had his shower while I dusted, washed and cleaned the Suite. It is nice to have company as I tend to use that extra little bit of elbow grease before they arrive. Our home is always clean and I keep up with the dusting as much as is necessary but I put more ‘care’ into it this morning is all.

At Happy Hour this is the sky breaking up

With everything smelling fresh and clean and a candle burning for a nice scent, I jotted this morning’s ‘stuff’ on my post and then it was my turn for a shower. That felt good to get my hair washed even though it has only been a couple of days. All fresh and clean! I moved outside for a while but with no real sun to speak of, the clouds gave a feeling of a chill in the air. I didn’t last long, since I was sleeveless, and moved inside.

We read our books for a while and then before we knew it, it was 10 to 3. Bill fed Clemson and made my tea for me. Just before we were ready to walk over, our little guy had to go out and then needed a bit of a bum bath. Woops! Yes, that is probably too much information. (TMI) Such is our life and he just accepts it with every bit of dignity he owns.

We took our chairs and drinks over to Tom and Deb’s for Happy Hour with George and Suzie. I made sure to have my phone, although I always do, so we could receive the awaited text from Brenda and Randy. We were all overjoyed when the sun made its first full appearance of the day and warmed us for the next hour or so. It was nice to see Len and Brenda pop in to share the time with us but I didn't get a picture with them!

We all went for a quick little walk

Bill let Clemson off leash for the last 100 feet

At 5:15 we got the text we expected and headed home, dropped the chairs and took Clemson for a walk down to the corner and back. It was good for all of us and it completed 5 miles for me today. I caught up on my blog post as I would be busy in an hour with company. I quickly brushed my teeth once more and waited for the second ‘chirp’ on my phone which would be our cue to drive to Love’s just outside of Quartzsite.

Beautiful pink clouds!

I downloaded pictures from today and we left about 6:15 to meet our guests. With a stop at the line up of garbage bins to make our deposit, we were surprised that they were overflowing already after just two days! We hadn’t been parked for more than 5 minutes when Randy texted and said ‘we see you!’ It was so lovely to see our dear friends and we greeted them with the same bear hugs they returned to us.

Time for a garbage pick up

They hadn’t eaten yet which meant we could all enjoy a ‘fast food’ feast for supper at Carl’s Jr. This was an unknown venue to them but we just needed to eat something fairly quick. The boys had the Big Carl burger and us girls had the All-Natural Burger. Yes, Suzie, made from the bottom up. 😊 While we ate we caught up a bit with each other’s lives. Randy has lived in the California, Arizona area before but Brenda was like a kid in a toy shop. I love that as I am still experiencing the same feeling.

Supper at Carl's Jr.

I hopped in their rented SUV and we followed Bill back to camp. It was dark by this time so all they saw were the twinkling lights of the trailers off in the distance of the desert. I captured a great picture of exactly how they felt when they saw the multitude of stars filling the dark sky. Wow! Clemson was just waiting to see who had come to visit.

We poured some wine and chatted together for 3 or 4 hours before we realized how rude we were! These guys had been on the go since 6 am at the very least so we pulled the bed out, put the divider in place and trotted up to bed to read for a while. It’s so great they have arrived and wanted to share some of their valuable vacation time with us. It has been another wonderful day.

Doesn't this say it all??

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