Heating Up in Quartzsite! Remember Our Veterans. ♥

Park Place RV Park

On Monday, Nov. 11^th, the day rolled out as usual. Bill was downstairs when I got up just before 7. I had a few things on my mind to take care of today. Some of those, I’ve (we’ve) put off or forgotten to do, so I made sure to talk to Bill about each thing so I didn’t forget again! Our relationship seems to work that way. If one of us forgets, the other one hopefully remembers it! 😊

Good morning!

I got ready and went out for my walk. It was a few degrees cooler than yesterday, but my warm hoody and wind breaker was just enough. I still take and have been wearing my mini gloves as well. I popped my ear buds in and turned Sirius XM’s 60’s channel on. It is a good mix of tunes to walk to. I went in the opposite direction and that wasn’t the best idea. ☹

My morning walk.
Love the little wagon train. ♥

The angle of the sun in my eyes was such that I couldn’t easily see where I was walking, plus, it was on Quail Trail where the proper lane for me to walk has sections that are very narrow with no ‘curb’ to speak of. Going that way, has me on the other side of the road with lots of room to step off the pavement. It was a nice walk.

In case you were interested,
this is part of the story and how to read the solution.

Bill was ready to leave for his morning with the guys when I returned and I took Gibbs out. I didn’t take my phone because of how short his walks have been. Of course, today he decided to go the whole route. Goof! Since I finished my puzzle yesterday and there were a couple of ladies watching the progress, I didn’t want to break it up too early. Instead, I pulled the quilts out of their bags and took a couple of pictures to show you. I’m so pleased with them, the queen is plenty big.

And for those interested in a better
look at my new quilts.
Here they are. The white one is my favourite.

The red one is the king size and it looks like the only one used so I took it over to give it a wash. The dryers were full so I hung it and the sham covers on the line for a couple of hours. When Bill got back, we had sandwiches for lunch. Mine was peanut butter and green onions on keto bread. This bread is so fresh and I hope the next loaf is just as good. 😊 We haven’t been to Parker’s Walmart yet but I also hope they still carry it.

I pulled all of the puzzles that I
brought from home out from under the bed.
A bit late for Hallowe'en but I wanted to try
this one. Isn't it cute?

I hung around home until 2:45 hanging my hummer and suet feeders. The quilt on the line was dry so I brought them back and then walked back over to the puzzle. It was nice when Sheila stopped in to chat. She’s not into puzzles but we caught up for the first time since we arrived. When I returned, Bill started grilling a steak to share. Neither of us eat us much as we used to.

Guess what?
Our view to the east is back again.
Walt pulled out after one night. He'll be back,
this seems to be his stopover spot.

I fried fresh mushrooms and boiled potatoes inside. Supper was good. We thought our NCIS shows started at 6 MT but after finishing, discovered that we had another hour. Oh well, gave me time to finish my blog. By the way, last night I watched a cute movie with the former Maggie Smith and Judi Dench called Ladies in Lavender. Slow moving but still cute. 😊

With those few clouds, I knew the sunset
would be a nice one.

Supper was good.
Popcorn is on my snack menu tonight though.

Today was a good day, beautiful 80F/27C. We will only be dropping to 51F/11C overnight and that will be great sleeping weather. On a final note, today is Remembrance Day for us Canadians, Veteran's Day for our American friends. I'm sure you have all taken the time at some point throughout your day to acknowledge all of the fallen veterans who died in the line of duty. 

Thank you for your service!
Good night!

Thank you for the visit.

Warm Wednesday, A Good Book

Glen Rose, TX

On Wednesday, Nov. 17^th Gibbs and I woke up a few minutes before 7. What a good little sleeper he is. After taking him out, we let Daddy sleep and sat downstairs where I was able to finish my J.P. book. As long as Bill was snoring off and on, Gibbs had no interest in bothering him. Once we heard sounds of him moving to wake up, about 45 minutes later, Gibbs went up to help. 😉

Gibbs watched the sun come up this morning
He had the best vantage point

I wasn't too put out and
let him use my shoulder for leverage

We had our morning drinks and then relaxed until around 11:30. I baked cinnamon buns for brunch and after dishes, we went outside to sit on the patio. 

I like the way the sun gradually lights up our home

It wasn’t long after that Bill got Gibbs' leash and we all went for a walk along the river bank. Were we ever surprised when Gibbs ran right into the water! He didn’t realize that it was as deep as it was and hopped out quickly. That was funny even though he was a bedraggled looking dog for a while. It was very hot and we were all panting when we got back.

Walking with my sweeties
Okay, I was tagging along behind

I told Bill this would make a great swing tree
Don't you agree?

Woops!! 'That's deep, Dad!'

More patio sitting but Gibbs wouldn’t relax when we were both outside with him. Once we came in and left him, he immediately seemed to calm down. I know that says we are doing something wrong but for the life of me, I’m not sure what. 

Where the water ends, used to be one of the three rivers
joining in

Bill had a late night so I assume that is why he went up to the bedroom around 1:30. Too hot up there for me so I caught up with our Book List, now that we are both reading, I need to stay on top of it. 😊

The park is quite full, a lot of rv's here near the back

Gibbs met a little friend
Part terrier and part poodle
Equally cute

After starting my blog post, I carried our two completed books over to the clubhouse to leave them for someone else. Yesterday, I found a Lee Child story of Jack Reacher and brought it home. I love the lending/borrowing libraries. ♥ Once more, the rest of our afternoon went along lazily. Both of us getting into some books, some tv and just plain nothing. Gibbs and I sat outside until the wind got almost unbearable. It was warm while cuddling together in our big chair.

As they walked away, I had to take this picture of
the dog
She reminds me of someone else, very much,
except for the long tail

We started preparing supper shortly after 5, getting prepped for our early meals in the desert. 😊 Bill barbecued short (?) pork ribs with a potato and inside I cooked corn, peas and fried some cauliflower rice. It was all very good and we only needed one of the ribs each, there was a lot of meat on them. We’ll have the other two another night. After dishes, Bill fed Gibbs and we folded our outdoor chairs up in case we get some dampness overnight. The temperature is dropping down to about 52F/12C.

A couple of good books

A good supper, our first barbecue since we left home

The evening was quiet, with some tv and some reading. My new book is by Catherine Cookson called The Tinker’s Girl. I’m almost 1/3 of the way into it already, it is that good. We’ve had a nice day here in the park. We get lots of invites to join crafts (today is was a cooking class for Chicken Enchiladas) and card games but so far it hasn’t tweaked our interests. Those are things we feel more comfortable joining with friends. Our ‘already’ friends. 😊

finally, I caught a sunset
Good night!

Thank you for your visit. A commenter asked about the name of our patio mat so we’re researching that. Bill thinks Sea Breeze but hang tight an we’ll confirm it asap. ♥

Stacking up the Days, Online Shopping, Responding to the Bell, Vegetable Plants

The Ridge

On Monday, May 31^st (last day of the month!) Bill was up early and I’m surprised I didn’t hear him get up. Maybe I did, I’m not sure. I woke up chilly at 2:40 and had a fitful sleep from then until 6:15 when I heard Gibbs barking downstairs. He was trying to grab Bill’s boot laces while Bill was trying to tie them. It is a morning ritual, it seems. Sometimes the spray works and sometimes not. It is a game to Gibbs, more the ‘thrill of the chase’ rather than trying to actually chew. LOL

after Daddy leaves for work, Gibbs takes up post
at the door for about half hour

I got up but I have to admit that I enjoyed the feeling of not having to be anywhere at any time today. My body was protesting somewhat with achy legs and upper arms so the walk and the work in the garden caught up with me. It is always much improved after doing my leg stretches before getting out of bed so by the time I’m downstairs, I don’t need to take anything for easing the aches. 😊

We relaxed in my chair together and these moments
are rare, when he actually sleeps 

After Bill left, Gibbs curled up at the door and slept for a while. I sat at the table with my tea and finished yesterday’s post. I just had pictures to download. The sky was a little ‘iffy’ first thing, looking dark blue but all that did was convince me not to walk right away. Gibbs rang the bell just before 8 so we went out for a short walk down the hill. He had to piddle right away and then pooped on the return trip up the other side. This tells me that he full well knows the theory.

It was a lovely morning

He does love being outside but I kept him on his leash as I wasn’t ready to stay out just yet. I fed him, he ate every morsel rather quickly and then about 15 minutes later, he rang the bell so we went for another walk on the leash. I knew he’d done his business and it was safe to leave him loose downstairs while I had my shower. Sure enough, he slept most of the time. He loves my clogs and drags them around the floor to chew on them. I’d sprayed them with the Bitter Cherry spray before going upstairs and they were left untouched. Good boy!

Another one of Clemson's leftover toys

I went online to my niece’s Norwex party site. I know I’ll be hosting a party on June 11 – 13 but still wanted to place a small order to support her party. Maybe she’ll do the same for me. 😊 After placing the order, I got my Norwex dust mitt out and did all of the woodwork. It actually worked great in the bedroom too, to remove the dust from the closet mirrored doors. Once we take the ‘storm’ windows off the door, I’ll use them on the screens. Supposed to work great.

Gibbs and Ducky (get it? Ducky is the ME on NCIS)
but he is actually chewing on a rubber duck

It was noon hour so I made myself one of my wraps and a coffee. That was filling with some tuna on the side. Bill called to update me on Black Beauty. That was the reason for his early wake up call at 5:30. Our back up camera has stopped working – again. Last spring, summer? We took it to Heinz auto body to get the tailgate fixed and they ordered in a new camera from Leslie Ford and installed it. So, today at L.F. they say they have to replace it. The waiting game of whether or not it was still under warranty begins.

Gibbs is very attracted to our rubber clogs
so I sprayed them today

I wasn’t feeling too energetic today and a had a hard-enough time keeping up with Gibbs each time he wanted to go out. So! I sat around a fair bit and just enjoyed the day. After lunch, I went into Durham to see what vegetable and annuals Foodland had in their greenhouse. I filled up with fuel at Colpepper’s Pioneer station and then went plant shopping.

It seems everything I make is messy and my wraps are
no exception but they taste good!

I found 2 kinds of tomato plants so bought 4 of each. Their peppers didn’t look good to me and were individually potted so I chose some Salvia and some Celosia instead. The latter I’ve had before in London but couldn’t have told you the name. I just think they are pretty. I also found a hanging plant called Bacopa that would work for one of my planters, not in white, as I’d hoped, but in pale purple. 😊 It will have to do.

My new plants will get planted this week

When I left there, I headed for home. It was a lovely hot day and once I returned and let Gibbs out of his crate, the laziness took over. It was a quiet afternoon, in and out, with my book and just relaxing in the sun. Bill got home after 5 and we relaxed watching NCIS until 6. I made omelette sandwiches and they were jam-packed! Eggs, bacon, cucumbers, pepperoni, onions, peppers and cheese. Boy, they were good!

My rhubarb - it isn't as big as it looks

Hardly enough for a pie! But next year there could be
more!

After dishes, we watched one of our favourite movies. The American President came on at 7 and we haven’t seen it for a long time. I think we have our own copy but with nothing else on tv, it was a perfect evening to enjoy it. 😊

A simple supper and we got our eggs and bacon for the day
Good night!

Thank you for stopping around, this was a wonderful slow day. I’m going to be busier for the next couple of days.

Walking to a Different Drum, Calmer, Warmer Days, Special Events Day

We both woke at the same time on Thursday, Jan. 24^th and discussed the 3 events taking place today. Important ones. Firstly, Bill’s little sister’s birthday. Happy Birthday Liz! Secondly, Bill’s stepmother is hopping on a cruise with her sisters, first time without Dad. Happy Cruising, Marilynne! And last but not least, our blogger friend is going in for his doctor’s appointment to determine a surgery date. Good luck, Ken!

The pink mountains to the west just before sunrise in the east

I'm walking in a different direction today

 It was 6:45 when we came downstairs and Bill and I both had our hot drinks together. I had a blog post to complete and publish first thing so did that while sitting with my tea. Then I dressed against the cooler 42F temps and 5 mph winds and headed out the door. Um, let’s change it up this morning, I thought to myself and headed back towards the south mountains. I hadn’t walked in this direction yet this winter and it was an enjoyable walk.

Walking towards the sunrise

I made a couple of turns to get on the ‘partial roads’ to the ‘obvious road’ and found the footing much easier to walk on. It is much more desolate back there, people who don’t want anyone close by. The funny thing is that can change in a heartbeat since other than the 50’ understanding, there are no rules on where to park. I passed the sign for the Magic Circle after stopping to take a picture and when I’d walked a mile, turned and returned on a different route again.

And when you are only going to see browns in the desert
this little beauty catches your eye

Back home, as I slipped out of my vest, windbreaker and runners, Clemson got up. He has been sleeping in so well again and steals our heart when he comes downstairs with his one ear flipped up over his head. Bill took him out this morning for his morning constitution. Bill was anxious to get moving today, although we had no real plans, so he made himself a couple of pieces of toast and jam rather than waiting for me to cook anything.

Such a pretty desert flower

I like the picture this small wash with a pretty little palo verde tree
 and grass underneath created

He wanted to offer his assistance to George and Rose for some things related to their new coach but they are night hawks and don’t rise as early as the rest of us. To each his own and that is definitely not a critique. I read some posts and began today’s writings. When I walk in the morning, my peaceful time, it is the time that I offer thanks to our maker for ‘things’.

The road was nice to walk on back here with less traffic
Not as many campers come this far back

Looked like a red and white flag
and as I got closer..........

Yay! Alberta, Canada residents

Our good health, for one, my ability to walk easily with no encumbrances and move the way I do. Our status in life, for another. Where we are physically, financially (which needs some tweaking) and emotionally all relate to how we are able to make the best of this journey. I, more than Bill, ‘walk’ (figure of speech) through each day pretty smoothly, grateful for this living style and the opportunities it presents to me. Bill does as well, but has more of our financial burden in his mind on a daily basis. I’m blessed to have him, he makes my life easy with a helping of sweetness dripping over the edges. 😊

It is so easy to get off track walking in the desert off the main road
I looked to the left and there was 'home' camp

Such a nice group we have here
There are 6 of us now

I’ve been thinking about making up a batch of steel cut oats so while he visited Rob and Pat this morning, that is what I set about doing. I also wanted to make more of the creamy Jell-o pudding since we’ve cleaned that up. I made myself a coffee and planned lunch of Greek yogourt pancakes and mini sausage then I mixed up the jello. The oatmeal was cooked and cooling in the pot so I could pour it into a fridge container.

Benno and Bill
Oh and the little Mama (Elsa) 

Marlene with Daddy (Reggie)

Donna was curious, as was Pat, so I texted them both the Jell-o recipe. We all enjoy our desserts and treats so the more we can avoid the sugar and carbs while eating them, the better. With things cooling, I took my book outside to sit in the sun for a bit. What a beautiful day this is turning out to be already at 11 am! The winds are bouncing around from the northeast again, seems to be a favourite source here, but the sun is warming the area up nicely. I soon slipped into my shorts and bare feet.

Snobby little bum staying away from his visiting company

Around 11:45 I decided that I needed to eat something since I’d not had toast with Bill earlier. I mixed up the pancake batter and put the sausages in the pan before I walked over to the Tiffin to see if and when Bill and George could take a break. ‘Anytime’ was the response so I turned burners on and began cooking. Bill came home 10 minutes later, just in time for me to dish things up. That was a much-needed delicious keto lunch. With the exception of the real maple syrup.

Cute little daschunds

As we were about to sit down, we saw Marlene and Benno arrive in their truck. We knew they were coming to the Quartzsite tent today but not the time so it is nice to see them. They first visited George and Suzie as they’d never really met them previously, other than Marlene got a brief ‘hello, how are ya’ at Pilot Knob. That worked out great for us as it allowed us to eat and Bill wandered back to help George G. for a while as I cleaned up dishes.

Happy hour gang at our place

When I saw Marlene and Benno saying goodbye to them, I went out and set up our 2 extra chairs so they could sit with us for a while. Bill returned and Rob and Pat joined us. This was their first time in Quartzsite and got a kick out of the Big Tent and the boondocking area. Maybe next year, they will give it a try out here with us. They had a 2-hour drive back home so left around 2:30 to head for Pilot Knob RV Resort, their home until March.

From a different angle
Love the blue hair, Ken!

Within half hour, it was Happy Hour so without me having to move or walk anywhere, 7 of our friends joined us on our patio. The winds weren’t bad at all and I’m not just saying that because of my sheltered spot. I was still in shorts so that tells you something! Shortly after 5, we said our goodbyes and Bill, Rob and Ken made plans to meet at 5:30. Bill had invited them to join him at the Quartzsite RC Model Air Club to see a dusk show of lighted airplanes. Model airplanes.

Bill and the boys head to town

After they left, I took a few shots of the pretty western sky and wiped down the upper windows. There was a light film of dust (?) and even though the outside is terribly dirty, wiping them with a paper towel made a big difference. That was the time to do it when the sun was shining directly on the Suite. With that done, I warmed up a bowl of my chicken soup and toasted a piece of rye bread on the burner. I didn’t want to use the toaster since the generator was in the back of the truck – with Bill.

The clouds were the show stopper tonight

Each one different, but beautiful

 Our batteries were reading 13.8 when the sun was still up and immediately following its demise, they were at 12.5. Every night, the same thing happens. Bill suggested that I watch my 2 episodes of This is Us tonight so after doing the dishes, that is what I did for 2 hours. Such an awesome show and I am never ever disappointed. I love the characters as much as I love the story line. With that done, because Clemson was cuddled up next to me, I just remained where I was and read more of my book.

Good night everyone!

When Bill returned around 8, he informed me that they had a good time and enjoyed the show. They stopped at Carl’s Jr’s for supper before heading home. I’m glad Bill had company to go along with him. I got up and sorted clothes before finishing my post.  Our plan is to head into Blythe to do laundry in the morning and pick up a few groceries at Albertson’s. This has been a good day with a little bit of this and a little bit of that. I hope you can say the same for your day.

Thank you for stopping by!