Puzzling, Happy Hour in the Desert, Bonfire, Birthday

Park Place RV Park

On Friday, Feb. 27th it was yet another sleep in morning for me. After Bill left for the field, I had my tea and hopped in the shower. Gibbs was ready for a walk so off we went. It was 9:30 and already starting to heat up. My hair was dry in minutes!

Good morning!
This is last night's picture
as I walked to the clubhouse at 6.

I should have moved just a titch
to get the sun perfectly situated on
the magic wand.
This was this morning.

I walked over to work on the puzzle for a couple of hours and was pleased to see that Renee had some of the middle section done. She is a night owl and I'm a morning person so between us we'll get this done. I'm thinking tomorrow the last piece will drop into place.

Top picture shows what
Renee did last night.
Bottom pictures shows my
contribution today.
We both did good!

Bill and I had lunch together, egg salad sandwiches, and it was very good. I worked on a quilling project, using one of the pieces I bought at the Salvation Army store. It's for St. Patrick's Day so I have a few days to work on it. I tested the new crimping tool and love the effects!

I love what my crimper does with
one of my paper strips. So easy!

We arrived at the Roadrunner
group by 3.

The clouds opening up for the moon.

At 2:30, we left Gibbs at home in the cool Suite and drove out for Happy Hour with the Roadrunner Gang. There's a name for ya! We had a great time, sitting in the shade of Ken and Kim's Journey and it was 5:30 when we packed up our chairs and cooler and left.

My little remote brought smiles
to everyone.
What a great picture of everyone.

Leaving the blm for home.

A burger wrapped tortilla.

Bill grilled burgers and although it wasn't easy to give up the bun, I had mine in a tortilla. They were both messy but tasty. With no dishes to do by hand, I left my boys and walked over to join the group at the bonfire. 

Walking over to the bonfire
at 6, the sun disappeared.

Fred had a great fire going. We didn't need it for the heat but it was a beautiful evening all the same. It was fun to see Gibbs and Bill walking over to us all and of course, our little ham had to greet each and every one in attendance. He knew where his Mom was though. ❤️

Another group meets at the
fire pit.

I left around 8 after chatting with William (site 22) about Los Algodones. He's full of queries since it is his first time here and I'm purposely writing his name so I'll remember him in the fall. Bill can help me provide him and his wife, Laurie, with hopefully some helpful tips.

Stephanie grilled a Bratwurst.
A couple of others made Smores.
I was full so needed nothing.

I finished my blog while Bill watched a movie and Gibbs stretched out on the floor. It has been a hot day and a great one. I want to wish my 3rd oldest biological grandson a very happy 16th birthday. Nathan, I hope this was a wonderful day for you!

No longer this wide-eyed little 1 year old
waiting for his cake.

Happy 16th Birthday!

We reached 92F/30C all under incredibly blue skies. I hope you enjoyed your day too.

Good night!

Thank you for stopping by.

Wowsa!

Saturday, May 27^th we woke up late. It was 8 o’clock when Clemson and Bill got up for the first time and 8:30 when I entered the new day. There was something in the air that told me a wonderful day was on the horizon. It wasn’t the sun, because there wasn’t any sign of it but it was the pale gray of the ever-present clouds.

Why was I happy about seeing the gray clouds? Simply because they were a far cry better than the dark gray/black ones we had lingering over our Suite yesterday! The wind was um, NIL, Mr. Maple Leaf was hanging dare I say, limp? There was no rain in the air and yet I felt glorious, rejuvenated, lightened and well!

Mr. Maple Leaf 

After tea/coffee we read blogs and comments before Bill decided to go into Durham to fill a propane tank. He wanted to pop in on Rob and Pat to see how they were doing and we wanted to get our fresh water tank filled up as well. So, he had a morning of jobs to do.

The road to Glenelg Community Centre

I cross the bridge over this little creek

I wanted to see our friends as well, but knowing the visit would likely be inside, I still didn’t feel that it was fair to close myself in a room with others. My unhealthy-self needed another day before I was ready for an indoor visit.

Bill left around 10 and within minutes he called to tell me that there was a Plant Sale on Baptist Church Road at the Glenelg Community Centre today. I’ve been curious about that little building so cleaned myself up and drove up the road to see what they had.

My $2 expenditure 

What they had was a tractor and a flatbed trailer filled with various types of garden flowers. I never did get into the building but I met a couple of really nice folk. I managed to find a couple of different flowers and for $2 came home a happy ‘camper’. 

This is my Lady's Mantle, love how the drops of water settle on the leaves

Before I left Jan gave me a small pot with a Lady’s Mantle for my garden. Little did I realize that I already have 4 that Donna planted. I don’t know flowers and plants well enough, apparently. Oh well, I’ll find a spot for it and love them like all the rest.

Another plant, that I don't know the name of, ready to pop in colour

While Bill was gone, I cut the lawn up here in front of the Suite and around the bunky and around the garden and corral. It looks so much better but it took a lot out of me. The sun had peeked out a few times and I knew I needed to stop. Before I sat down, I remembered Bill had told me about a morel down in the corral so went to check it out.

Mullein, not in my garden but it is the 'weed' we dry for tea

He was absolutely right, and a big one it was! I delightedly picked it and within 2 feet I found a second one that had been broken off. I scooped it up and brought them inside. Bill was going to get a chance to taste this delicacy I’ve been talking about!

And it is a big one!

As soon as he drove in, I started frying the bacon, green peppers, chives from my garden and eggs for an omelet. He had a craving for one and I added a second fry pan for the butter and morels. Hmmm, so tasty!

Awnings out, finally close to a perfect day

Bill worked around outside the Suite while emptying the water bladder into the tank and I basically took it easy. This cold has really decided I’ve had enough, I think, only causing me to cough and blow my nose occasionally. Finally!

After the lawn was cut

Clemson and I walked down the lane together and Bill got out his drone and his plane to take advantage of the no-wind day. If you can believe it, we actually put out our awnings for the first time this year! Yay! While he was in the field, Clemson decided to hike down, on his own, crawl through the fence and visit Ellie May’s house next door.

That sun is so warm when it comes out

 After hiking myself over the fence, I scooted the little Columbus (the explorer) back home to Daddy. He had a hard time finding the gap in the fence he went through so I had to guide him, patiently, wanting to spank his little bum. Off he went, up to the Suite lickety-split. The worst part is that he doesn’t listen when we call him back. Selective hearing 101.

This is the nasty green and white plant that is taking over my garden

By 4:30 we had had some sun, some clouds but all in all a gorgeous day. I have NO complaints about this day at all. We had asked Donna to bring us a couple of loaves of bread from The Bread Depot in Hanover. They were coming to the Acreage (6 km away) for overnight to keep their son-in-law company. Ted has a houseful of female cousins at his place so was glad to bid them adieu.

While there, Gerry showed off his new toy

We visited for over an hour and sat at the bonfire while Gerry burned from their junk wood pile. Time to clean up the mess! They were all getting eaten by the black flies but Bill and I had sprayed ourselves before we left home so not bothered. Returning home shortly after 6 we barbecued hamburgers for supper.

Gerry feeding the fire

I made a salad up with mine and Bill had his on buns, his favourite way. During dishes, Bill decided we didn’t need one of our glasses so broke it in the dishwater. Unfortunately, his hand was still in the glass. Dr. Patsy to the rescue and we managed to get him bandaged up for now. One cut looks deep so we’ll keep an eye on it and replace the gauze before bed tonight.

Bill - 2   Glass - 0

Can't wait until these open 

Our goose population has increased
10 landed in our pond tonight

We sit here listening to the frogs singing outside, not quite the choir we heard in the early parts of April but still loud and obvious. The sun is ruling the sky right now so I’m hoping for a beauty of a sunset this evening. I hope you have had a fantastic day, as we have had.

And there it is........aahhh Beautiful!

Thank you for reading today. I love to hear from you if you wish to leave a comment.

Coyote Chorus, Sunrise, Fog, Clouds, More Sculptures, Friends, Oh My!

Sunday, Feb. 19^th got me up when I saw pink in my bedroom window. It was a cool 58F in here at 6 am so Bill pulled our Blue Flame heater out to take the chill out. The outside temperature was sitting at 46F but that didn’t stop me from getting out and taking pictures of the sun rising in the east.

Good Morning Sunshine!

Another sun dog

  

Bill went out with Clemson and to turn his portable solar panel and called me out. The coyotes were singing the chorus of the choir song like I’ve never heard. I think a couple of the sopranos were a bit off key but it was beautiful to listen to. I had to snap a picture of Bill telling Clemmy the story of the coyotes and why he has to stay close to us at night. Not wanting to be eaten, he listened with both big floppy ears.

Before long more remarkable pictures presented themselves as the fog or clouds moved in low and thick to hide the Santa Rosa mountains. Still beautiful, I’ve never seen such clouds before, or at least never paid attention. Out here, with an expanse of open desert you have no choice but to admire your surroundings. And we do.

If it wasn't so pretty, it would almost be spooky the way this fog rolled in

Inside we read blog posts and had our coffee until the sun forcefully took control of the morning. Time to get washed and get out to enjoy it now that it is 55F already. Back home we are hearing stories of a gorgeous Saturday with temperatures reaching 15C & 18C. (64F) That is unheard of but awesome for them to get such a delightful promise of spring.

Before long, the mountains disappeared in the fog/cloud

This morning we were saying goodbye to our close neighbours. Boy, are we glad to see them go! Ha ha ha, that comment was for Lorne’s benefit only. What a great laugh we’ve had over that and will for many years to come. Actually, it was unfortunate that the weather wasn’t in our favour while they were here. We could have loved to have Happy Hour with them.

Pat and Clemson, Bill and Harold

  So! With that in mind, Lorne and Bill plotted yesterday, while playing with their toys, that we would have a morning Happy Hour before they left. I notified Tom and Deb so they could join us to meet the Greens and their friends as well.

Around 8:00 we saw Lorne up on his roof laying his panels down and then he and Sue, Harold and Pat, Tom and Deb joined us with their chairs. Clemson even had company when Charlie and Lexie came along. 

Kaitlyn and Gracie

We got a chance to meet little Gracie and her mom, Kaitlyn, as well. What a cutie-pie she is, playing shy when I’ll just bet she isn’t at home.

Lorne and I could come up with many stories behind this discarded burnt fry pan

We talked a lot and laughed just as much and didn’t forget to get the blog pictures. 

Harold, Lorne, Kaitlyn & Gracie, Sue, Deb, Tom, Patsy, Pat

Lorne and Sue were headed towards Anaheim, Ca to take Grace to Disney and Harold and Pat were headed towards Quartzsite to get solar panels put on. That is exciting for both of them!

And Clemson made a new friend today in Pat

Back there in the middle of the photo, you can see Lorne and Sue leaving the area

Lorne and Sue ready to move on

Note the black shadows of the clouds on these mountains, amazing!

Bill and I had a quick bite to eat and by 11:30 we were driving into Borrego Springs. 

We turned off onto Di Georgio Road to check out the remaining metal sculptures.

 I think we’ve seen them all now.

Picking grapes

Detail in the tools they are using

 It never hurts to have a little adventure in your day so when pulling out of one of the sites, Bill decided to get stuck in the sand.

Okay, I’m not laughing here but with no less than 3 jeeps in the same area, they immediately jumped into action. It was awesome! 

One guy took charge and got the strapping needed, giving directions to the other jeep owner, while Bill removed his mud flap bar. It took mere minutes to execute the whole removal and one of the jeep owners took pleasure in documenting the procedure on his phone.

We left our mark in the sand

The sculpture we stopped to see

Well, Andy Thompson, Bill refrained from calling you this time! We were lucky to have others around so no time was wasted waiting for someone to rescue us. I think the most comical thing was that we got stuck at the display of the metal jeep! With handshakes and thank yous all around, we carried on to look at the next display.

Panning for gold

the 350' long serpent, illusion has it going under the road

Once we’d seen them all, we drove back into the post office so I could mail a card for someone special back home. The Chamber of Commerce was closed so we will not be able to dump our garbage today. We went to the Market across from the mall and I was able to pick up bread, milk and some soft dog food for Clemson. We missed the mark on that one and would have run out before we hit Yuma. I’m sure he won’t mind a change in his meal for a few nights.

We got back around 1 and dropped in to meet Elaine and Clarke from The Newell Adventure. They aren’t parked too far from us. They are from Ontario, California. We had a brief chat and they advised where to look for the stone snake so tomorrow morning we’ll hike up that mountain until we find it. Rumour has it, it will be worth the hike!

Coming back home Bill had a sandwich and I made up a salad with beef, cheese, pepper, onion and cottage cheese. Just enough to hit the spot and tide us over until dinner. The sky was not free of clouds until around 4:30 so I didn’t get outside to read my book. Oh well, it was a great day all the same.

Tom and Deb are pulling out tomorrow too so they are having an early bonfire tonight. Even though it isn’t something we enjoy when it is cold, we will partake and spend a couple of hours of the last evening here with our new friends. Elaine and Clarke are invited as well so we can get to know them too.

And my hummingbirds are back

Bill caught this little guy

Bill bbq’d up a couple of mild Italian sausage and we had them in a bun around 5. Peeking out the window at the sunset caused me to grab my camera once more to get a snapshot of it. Today didn’t get as warm as I’d expected, only about 68F but we have high hopes for tomorrow.

Deb, Tom, Elaine, Clarke and part of Bill (sorry dear!)

Beautiful eastern sky

At 5:30 we headed next door with our chairs and a drink to warm our tummies. Everyone arrived at the same time and Tom had a nice fire in the making. The wind increased after we were all settled on the north side and it was hitting us from behind. This meant the heat from the fire didn’t do much for my toes or for my back but the company was great.

By 7 pm we’d all had enough fun so said our goodbyes. We have plans to meet with Elaine and Clarke in the morning to go find the snake. That will be a neat hike and we’ll be up on time to say goodbye to Tom and Deb as they move on to another location.

Gorgeous eastern sky as the sun set in the west

It has been a good day here in the desert of Borrego Springs. My challenging question for our friends, Tom and Deb, was whether they knew the Spanish meaning for Borrego. Good thing there was no prize because they were stumped. If YOU don’t know, it means Big Horn Sheep.

I hope you have enjoyed your day as well. Thank you for following along today and as always, feel free to comment.