I woke on Friday, Dec. 14th
when I heard Clemson jump off the bed to go out. Checking the clock, I saw that
it was 5 am. Although I wasn’t ready to get up yet, I couldn’t seem to drop
back off to sleep. After tossing and turning for the next hour with maybe a bit
of dozing in there, I finally got up at 6:15. I got dressed and came downstairs
to finish my blog from yesterday. Bill had set the Keurig to come on at 6 so it
was quick to make my tea.
 |
| East |
 |
| South |
 |
| North |
 |
| Back to the east |
I put the move on a bit, increasing
my step from other walks because I needed to warm up. There is one other lady
who walks here at the same time. We’ve greeted each other and today she said
‘we’re the only ones!’ The park isn’t full enough, I guess, for the usual park
walkers to be out and about. I turned and watched her walk away and realized
that she was walking backwards. Hmm, that must be of some benefit but I’d be
afraid I’d end up head over heels (or worse!).
 |
| Our neighbour behind us has a nice display |
I met Rob as he walked their garbage
up and then at one corner, I saw him go by. I’d already done most of my walk so
jogged to catch up and we returned together to our sites. Our plan today was to
go into the Arizona Market plus a couple of other stops. We had poached eggs on
toast because it is easy and healthy, cleaned up and met Rob and Pat at their
truck. It was 9 and we were on our way.
It was quite cool out and it was even
colder when we got inside the tents. I should have bundled up a bit better but
nevertheless, we split up agreeing to meet in an hour. The vendor count was
much less than last winter and we found out that it was down from 400+ to 150.
Hmm, something has happened. Maybe there will be none when we return next year.
We wandered around and found a few things for some small jobs around the Suite.
 |
| This was a small store but the owner had a 'drive-thru' behind the cash register A drive thru! |
From there, we drove to a Liquor
Store. Bill has been trying to find a source to buy his Appleton’s Rum. No
department or grocery stores in Az seem to carry it. Boy, was this ever a haul
for all of us. The shop owner was a very obliging guy and Pat found what she
was looking for (teehee, I won’t post the name of it) and when we were shown
the ‘specials’ we kind of went crazy. Certain liquour was on sale for 50% off
and wine were 4 for $10. Hello! We stocked up and came home with two bags for
$34.
 |
| Now, that's a great deal! |
After that we went to Big Lots! And
Lowe’s. Bill and I found some icicle lights that I wanted for on the ground
around the rv. Something that would light up the area when we step out in the
dark. A lot of people are doing that and it makes sense with us having and
taking Clemson out at night. We found a string for a great price and an extra
extension cord. At Lowe’s I found 3 large Christmas balls to hang from our ficus
tree. 50% discounts were offered on all Christmas products.
Rob drove to the U.S.P.O. for me so I
could buy stamps for our Christmas cards. I needed to get them in the mail
soon! Bill made himself a sandwich and I opened a carton of Butternut Squash soup
for lunch. Yum, it was delicious and I have another bowl for tomorrow. Bill and
Clemson hit the recliners and I went for a walk. Pat was also resting so
declined my offer to join me. We wee all yawning on the way home in the truck
but I’d found a second wind.
 |
| 3 balls and a new hummer feeder Just in time, the hummers are plentiful |
Since I was alone, when I got to the
clubhouse, I stopped in to work on the jigsaw puzzle. I am assuming that
whoever started the puzzle has left the park as I’m the only person putting new
pieces in now. No problem, I’m enjoying the challenge and finding enough pieces
to keep me entertained at least.
At 3 I walked back and got a text from Elva
Shannon pertaining to our Happy Hour time zone. This park stays on Arizona time
so we do the same.
 |
| Getting there with the puzzle |
 |
| I made a contribution today |
I notified Pat and Rob that we would
host today as we were expecting company. Yay! I was excited to meet someone who
was a friend of a friend and someone who reads my blog posts. We call those people, Blurkers. It is a compliment. Elva arrived by
4, alone, and although she said she wasn’t feeling 100% she stayed for a short
visit, long enough for us to learn a bit about each other.
 |
| Meeting Elva |
We had a nice chit
chat before she had to leave. When I said goodbye I stressed that we’d like to
meet Jerry and that we definitely hope she comes back. It is always fun to meet
new people.
 |
| Such a cute picture of a couple of vertically challenged friends of mine |
Rob and Pat headed home soon after,
the air became chillier by the minute. Bill had hung our Christmas balls in the
tree and spread the icicle lights around the Suite. They will make a huge difference, adding
necessary light where we walk. We watched some tv inside until 6 when he lit
the barbecue and grilled our burgers and bacon.
 |
| A rose between two thorns |
He’d cut cheese for melting on
them and inside, I got the condiments ready. Burgers are a nice, easy meal but
they are always so very tasty, loaded. I didn’t worry about salad tonight,
we’ll top it off with some ice cream later.
 |
| Our 3 Christmas balls adorn the tree on our site |
 |
| These will be so pretty tonight |
Supper was great and we were all done
dishes by 6:45. This has been a cooler day than we like but the sunny skies
seem to determine that. Tomorrow will be better with a high of 23C/74F and full
sun. Bring it on! I hope you have had a great day too and I hope you’ve enjoyed
your visit and meeting Elva like the rest of us did.
 |
| And the clouds never budged all day but I still got a pretty evening picture |
Thank you for reading!