Los Algodones, Friends Arrive

Pilot Knob RV Resort, Winterhaven, CA

There can never be a prediction of what a day in Algodones will be like. It never stops us from finding out though, as Bill and I just love the adventure. On Thursday, Dec. 19^th, our plan was to get up and on the road to Mexico by 9. It wasn’t in the plan that we slept in until almost 7. We weren’t rushed but it was a little more of a push than we’d expected.

Waiting for the sun to rise over the mountains

Because Bill wanted to shower before we left, he had his coffee and I headed out for my walk, alone. It was a calm day, no wind for once, and even though only 45F, it was a lovely walk. I bumped into Jo-Anne and Higgins along the way and we walked back together. At 9, Bill drove Black Beauty and we picked Ken and Kim up along the way. Bob and Jo-Anne followed us in their truck.

Higgins was very playful on his walk

We parked at the Quechan casino lot for $6 and walked across into Los Algodones. It wasn’t very busy – yet – so the first thing was to go find the Meyer Optometrist office. Bob and Jo needed some eye glasses. We hung around together and Bill and I enjoyed seeing Andy and a few of the regular Mexicans who help us get what we need each time we come. We really get a kick out of this experience.

Bill could walk right in for his haircut

There's my 'new' guy

While they were busy picking out glasses, Bill went next door and got a $6 haircut. From there, we all went to have breakfast/brunch. Not sure what the name of the place is but it is a yellow courtyard surrounded by vendors. I forgot to get a picture this time. The omelettes are the best and they were only $8 with refried beans and rice and you get free salsa and chips while you wait. We all enjoyed them and while waiting for the bill, Bob went in a side vendor for his haircut. You can’t beat the prices here.

These were yummy omelettes

Then we walked to Dr. Eva Urena’s office. B, J, Bill and I made an appointment for a cleaning. They filled out the ‘first-time’ client information and then we headed into the streets to shop. The fun stuff, as Jo-Anne said.  Bill and I took everyone into Snowbird Alley where we found Marlon the Artist and Israel ‘el Cheapo’. They are the ones who get your signs, mailboxes, satellite dishes and whatever else you want painted. We ordered a mailbox and watched as Marlon turned it into a masterpiece.

Marlon's finished products waiting for pick up

Bill was the only one with leather shoes
so he got them shined for $3 + tip

Look at that shine!

Jo-Anne and Bob enjoyed this vendor as well and ordered a sign and a satelittle dish. Because we had to wait 2 hours for our finished products, we all agreed to go to Paraiso for margaritas. 

Ken and Kim enjoying drinks with us
That is a big ass margarita!

Jo-Anne and Bob taking it all in too

We visit this cafe every time we come

Bill and I sort of had a Miami Vice. The bartender mixed ½ pina colada and ½ strawberry daquiri for the effect and although it wasn’t exactly a M.V., we enjoyed it very much. We took some pictures and after picking up our goodies, we headed to the lineup to cross the state line.

Starting with a blank slate (mailbox)

The moon takes its position in minutes

In no time, Marlon has a lovely scene of our choice
on one side - all from memory

Our coyote howliing at the moon on one side

And our daylight picture
The quail family I requested is hiding behind the flag

Only a few people in front of us

Surprise! Surprise! It was around 2:45 and there wasn’t a very big line up. Just 20 people or so and therefore it didn’t take long at all getting back into Arizona. 

We all agreed that this was the weirdest rv that we've
ever seen!
Fusilage?

Back in the park by 3:30, our friends, Tom and Deb had arrived in their Singer ‘B’. They were enjoying Happy Hour at Dave and Cheryl’s so we made a drink and took our chairs back to join the group. Cheryl was sweet enough to share her baked goodies with us all. Yum!  

Looking into the sun, Tom, Ken, Kim, Bill

Dave, Deb, Tom

Bill, Bob, Jo-Anne and Higgins (looking at the photographer), Cheryl

And the sun began its disappearing act

 Now, there are 10 of us and this is wonderful! It was 5:45 when we walked back to the Suite and since we weren’t too hungry, we had a simple meal of Clam Chowder. We watched a Christmas movie together while I wrote today’s post. The rest of the evening was a quiet one together. I felt exhausted so make no excuses if I fell asleep in my new chair. I hope you had a great day. Mine was second to none.

Good night y'all!

Thank you for stopping in!

Warmer Day, Bit of Shopping, Friends Arrive

On Monday, April 1^st I woke up with the foggy knowledge that Bill was getting up. He later told me it was 6:30. I didn’t want to jinx my sleep by looking at the clock so rolled over and went back into dreamland. It was then 7:30 when I woke again. I guess I really dropped off, didn’t I? I got dressed and knowing it was another cold morning (27F overnight) I layered with some long johns. Yesterday was a bitter cold walk. Today would be warmer because I didn't notice any wind.

First up this morning, Clemson models his 'new to him' sweater
At this point, he's not so sure about it

 When I came downstairs, the idea of going for a walk disappeared and I made my tea instead. Bill informed me right away that our new month of data came through. Phew! Our plan was to make a trip into Wapakoneta for a few groceries to get us through until we reach London, our first home destination. Those plans were delayed a bit when Rob and Bill decided to go get propane together and make a stop at TSC. 

But he easily settled into the warm fuzzy warmth

Upon his return, Bill texted so I began making poached eggs on rye toast. It was a quick meal and then we were on our way into town. Back home, we went through the process for our friends, Ken and Kim, to come into our park as a guest under our membership. They were driving from Williamsburg, Ky today and planning on 'overnighting' in Ohio – somewhere. This will be great as we’d all enjoy seeing them again. Between Coast to Coast, the park reservation line and the office, it was all set up.

A lone duck swims towards Pat and I

It had warmed up considerably and with the sun, the present 39F seemed a whole lot warmer. Beautiful day if you stay in the sun! I felt good that I was able to publish the last 3 of my blog posts this morning, finally caught up to date. Bill and I walked to the office and informed them about our friend's arrival after office hours and told Ken that we would meet them at the front entry gate to show him where we were both parked. The couple beside us pulled out this morning so it would be nice if they liked that site.

He wasn't bothered by us at all

I asked Pat if she wanted to walk and we strolled around the perimeter of the park. It was cool but we were dressed for it. We both enjoyed getting out together again. When I returned, it was just after 3 and of course, Clemson was there to tell me it was his turn. I took him down our lane to the north, around the clubhouse, along the mini golf course where people were playing. We reached the office building and once he hit the pavement, his burst of energy took over. A staff said he was acting like a 2-year-old and couldn’t believe how old he was.

Pat posed for me
What a pretty picture!

Back at the Suite, I took my crochet out and tried to decide what to make with the wool leftover from the slippers. I decided on an infinity scarf and sat to work on that. For supper, I’m planning another Instant Pot meal with chicken thighs this time. I’ve done boneless thighs before but these have bones so it will be interesting. We’re not keen on setting the Weber up, neither of us and we probably won’t have to. We have enough inside meals to prepare.

quack quack 4 Mallards swimming upstream

A family was playing mini golf when Clemson and I walked past

A different side of the Office and pool building

At 5:45 Kim texted that they were off I-75 so Bill hopped in Black Beauty and drove up to meet them. Fortunately, Ken liked the spot between Rob and Pat and our site and pulled in easily without having to unhook the car. It was so great to see and to get just one more hug from these two. They are from Ontario as well and we didn’t think we’d connect again until summer. This was a bonus and a nice surprise for all of us.

Clemson plays - maybe it's his sweater than he is so proud of

"I'm so handsome!"

My boys through the window

We visited in the Suite for about an hour and so it was around 7 when they went back to set up their own place. Sorry guys if we kept you too long, we didn’t mean to but that is what happens when we get together with good friends. It was confirmed once more about our great purchase for the I.P. when I felt NO stress about preparing a meal at the later hour. I knew we would be eating in half hour and we were.

And our good friends, Ken and Kim pulled in beside us
Yay!

So, here we are, all together

Chicken thighs with a potato in the pot and warmed up gravy and dressing from last night in the microwave. 

a lot of food, but I ate it
It was so good!

Perfect and easy again. No dessert required tonight! We cleaned up dishes, watched some Jeopardy and then turned on The Voice. We have a few programs to watch and some recording so I concentrated on publishing this post with tv in the background. This was a great day, we got some walks in and caught some rays while doing it.

and if I wasn't still eating I'd be outside capturing
this sunset right and proper
Get this, the sun set at 7:52 pm.

Thank you for your patience while I caught up on my blog posts over the last few days. I truly value you, my followers.