Thursday 28 February 2013

Thursday

We both got up early and went to coffee & donuts this AM.  Several people came over to make a humorous comment to Marg, as it is not her regular routine, LOL.  Well I may have to eat those words, this was about the third time she has attended, so they may start to think she is a regular.  Our table was drawn last today for donuts, a usual place for me.  I must be a jinx, I can only recall a couple of times that I wasn't last.  People are starting to shun me in hope that I don't sit with them more than once, well not yet, but they will.  In fact Jim, the guy who conducts the draw doesn't even look my way anymore when the table number comes out last.  Last night at poker several guys were complaining about the Wi-Fi in the park, so I brought it up at the meeting.  It really opened the flood gates, as a lot of people are dissatisfied with the service.  It seems they don't have adequate resources as a common complaint is that you just get punted in the middle of doing almost anything.  One person said the guy who looks after it can usually be found in Starbucks with his laptop, hah!  At the end the moderator asked if I had my solution, to which I replied yes, I would be taking the laptop to Starbucks.
  I played pool in the inter-park tournament today.  I drew Elmer as a partner and we usually do really well.  I say usually because today we only won one of our three games.  They were all good games and we really drug them out, some people were starting to give us a hard time about an all day game, LOL.
  We went to happy hour.  Talking with a few of them, most of the people there have never seen Canadian money.  I took over a looney, twoonie, a plastic bill and some regular ones.  They were really taken with the plastic $50 and the twoonie.
  And that's the kind of day it was.

Wednesday 27 February 2013

Wednesday

Another gorgeous day in the valley of the sun.  How nice, well we were in shorts all day.
  Got up early and went golfing with the group in the park.  Gerry C came in from Phoenix and joined us.  He had a really good game, won the long putt contest and scored 38 for the nine.  I had a 44, which for me is awesome, in spite of a 7 on the first hole.  Sometimes the wheels just fall off.  Gerry was really happy because he kicked butt & in the last couple of games had been higher than me.  Even though he usually scores better than me, I tell him we are not competing; I don't know as he sees it that way.  LOL
  Got back in good time and I spent part of the afternoon repairing a chair.  The one the fabric tore on; that I started yesterday.  Well I could have finished, but for the happy hour break.  Most of the people we know in the park went to the rock & roll show at the Az Opry.  We would have except we already went to the regular show & had concerns about the meal working for me.  The rest of the people we know went to another musical performance, some kind of western music I believe, but we opted out.
  I did play pool this afternoon.  Started with some guys playing call shot 8 ball, just for variety.  Every so often a group of guys will play a different games, usually with rules from home.  Then played with Luther, we usually have good games & today was no exception.  We play a similar style and get lots of laughs.  There were a bunch in there today.
  After supper Marg went shopping, Ross' I think.  That is one of her regular stops.  I played poker tonight.  We had a good group tonight, much better than last week.  I think I was close to break even, maybe down slightly.  I don't really count it, just judge my progress by how full or empty my bag is.  It is my, I really don't care as long as it is fun system; a little like not keeping score sometimes.

Tuesday 26 February 2013

Tuesday

Wow the difference a nice day makes.  The sun was shining, it was a warm gorgeous day.
  Went for a good bike ride this AM.  The air was a bit cool earlier in the day, so it was a great day for a ride.  Getting a few miles on the ole velocipede this year.  It's getting so I can do it without collapsing in an air gasping heap.
  When I got back we had lots of company, so visited for a while.  I think Kenny is trying to get me a job as auditor for the books kept by the association.  In fact I know he is.  Anyway I told them my degree is a Canadian one, so not certain it has status in Arizona.  I don't think he is totally sold on that, LOL.  This is the kind of work I have spent most of my life avoiding. 
  After lunch I went a played some pool.  It has been some time since I have played.  It seems I had not totally forgotten how.  I was playing with a group including one of the older guys in the park who doesn't like anyone who plays safety or hooks.  Anyway I moved their game ball out of the way, which usually doesn't sit well with him & true to form I was notified.
  After Marg went out for some groceries while I waited for the propane delivery.  This was our 3rd fill this winter, 13 gallons this time.  The cold winter nights on the desert are not to be underestimated.  The furnace runs a few times throughout the night.  If you are like me when I first came here & never really thought of the desert as being a cold place, it sure is at night.  There are few nights where a jacket is not required to be comfortable.  But it doesn't need to be down filled, LOL.
  I spent most of the rest of the afternoon trying to repair the fabric on a chair.  Well today was visitor day, I had someone chatting with me the entire time, so never completed the repair.  Well I guess I could have, but had to quit for happy hour.  Somehow its not the same with a bottle of water.  Well Marg always goes with a coke, but me, not so much.  Anyway everyone gave me a hard time about rusting my pipes drinking this much water.  Just wait, this too will change!  At happy hour the girls were asking Marg whether we got the gold from my teeth to cash in.  She told them we did, but it was a small part of the approx. $20K we had invested in my teeth over time.  Lynette said gee that's the price of a car, we should call him motor mouth.  I guess it got some laughs.  Haha - everyone thinks their a comedian.
  At bingo tonight there were 3 winners at our table.  It was Marg's first win this winter.  The others were one of the gamblin' gals & Doris, so all friends of hers.  It was really funny because at intermission Marg had asked how to get her numbers called & Jerry said - sometimes candy works.  When she got back she dug a candy out of her purse for the caller; sure enough success!  Pretty hilarious.

Monday

Never got to the blog last night, the internet service was garbage, so this is catch up.
Went for a bike ride and got my exercise first thing in the morning.  Still can't get my butt out of bed in time to ride with the guys that go early, in spite of numerous offers from them.  Weather is really improving, so may have to start riding earlier to miss the mid-day heat.
  Went in to the dentist when I got back and expect to go back there a few more times.  They gave me an appointment to get the stitches out for Tuesday.  The guy who cuts my hair is in the same plaza, so stopped in to get looking more presentable.  He is really curious about Canada and Alberta, so will have to remember to send him some stuff from home.  I told him about the number of foreign workers in GP, including the Mexican population; he is Mexican.  He couldn't believe people waited in line for more than 10 minutes for a hair cut.  Down here if there is more than one person waiting, most people just go somewhere else; and even that's only in the winter months.
  Marg got the mail and never any good news comes in the mail.  Our friends at visa told us we are in the $6K club this month.  Kind of expected with the dentist charges on it.  Sorry kids, but that is coming out of your inheritance, LOL.
  Got back in time for lunch and then to the post office.  A miracle happened there, the parking lot only had a couple of cars.  With all the snowbirds, the post office lines here and slow service are notorious.  It seems everyone is sending a cactus or scorpion to loved ones, LOL!  Had to get off a lengthy explanation to Canada Revenue Agency, BTW, this was for you Charlene.
  Went out to Casino Arizona to meet up with Gerry & Deb Canuel.  It's pretty close to downtown Phoenix where their condo is, but not so much for us, something like 30 minutes at 70 mph on the Red Mountain freeway.  Mind you here that's not too bad -- are my GP roots showing?  We ate at the willows restaurant, where we have previously, it was good, although my meal was mainly soft stuff.  Man I am really looking forward to my first steak.  We played bingo and slots with them.  Deb pulled off a bit of a win at the end, but for Marg & I not so much.  Oh well, it's entertainment, eh?  As soon as you say eh down here they know you are a Canuck.
  Stopped at McDonalds for a snack and coffee at midnight, now there is a first for us.  There was a big line up, can you believe it?  Forgot to take my anti-biotic, so needed to take it with food.  Finally got to bed at 2AM, that was a full day for us.
 

Sunday 24 February 2013

Sunday

Sure was windy here today, almost thought I was back in GP.  It was a cool wind, but it was nice in the sun.
  Stayed in the park today as Trout's were coming.  Dave & Cathy got here shortly after noon and we had a nice visit with them.  It's been quite some time since we last got together with them and it was great to catch up on where everyone is in their lives.  They have certainly had it a lot cooler than us, down in Green Valley.  This year will mark 60 years that Dave & I have been friends.  He was the first friend I made when we moved to Edmonton for me to start school.
  After supper it was ice cream social.  We had a nice crowd, not as big as last week with the live music, but a good event none the less.  Lynette had made a couple of cakes and they are always a hit. She is talking about taking it over next year when Kenny gives it up.  Bingers & us were planning on not doing it next year, but if Lynette takes it on we agreed to stay on and help.  We sold lots of banana splits & root beer floats tonight, so were busy.  With Jerry back, I was back on the sugar free and sherbet as well as chocolate ice cream.  This crew pretty much has it down to an art form, we work well together.  I think there are only 3 more socials left, just another indicator that the winter season is drawing to a close and we should start thinking about plans for our return.

Saturday 23 February 2013

Feb 23rd

Got off to an early start today.  The Lost Dutchman Days started this week and the parade was this morning, so we were down on Apache Trail with our lawn chairs bright and early.  It was a great parade, an hour and a half long with something for everyone.  Lots of kids stuff, horses, old cars, novelty entries.  We really enjoyed it.  The great part was it was such a nice sunny day that it was great day to be outside.
  When we got back to the park lots of folks had questions about where our motorhome was yesterday, so had to tell & re-tell the story.  It would almost have been easier to print out a news release and hand it out.  LOL
  Went for  a bike ride as it has been a while since I was out on it.  Made some pretty good miles, about 5 or 6 I think.  When I got back, I went over to take a bunch back to Gary as I had run out of pocket books.  Having read the last dozen I borrowed from him; I got another dozen.  That turned into a bit of a visiting exercise.  Turns out one of the guys over there had a wisdom tooth extracted 10 days ago and has had lots of problems.  It certainly made me realize how fortunate I was with my choice.  Anyway he was on all sorts of medication for complications.  They were curious about me as the rumor mill in the park had it that I went to Mexico for my work.  A lot of people from this area go down to the border town of Algodones for dentists, glasses, or prescriptions.
  After lunch Marg went out for groceries and I had a nap.  The medication or the exercise not sure which, but I couldn't keep my eyes open.  By the time I woke she had some visitors.  Then a few more came along, so I dug out more chairs and eventually we had every chair we have out, 8 I think.  Everyone but yours truly had a cocktail.  I am the resident tea toteler these days.  Not a role I am accustomed to.  Starting to look forward to my first dram almost as much as my first steak.
  Supper tonight was a little more adventurous:  mashed potatoes, peas, chopped up ham & chopped up chicken.  It sure tasted great, after all the pudding and what not.

Friday 22 February 2013

Friday

The last Friday in February, where does the time go?  We have been south of the border for 10 weeks  or so.  The weather today started warming up again and that's a good thing.  We saw temps in the low 70's today.  A very pleasant day, but Marg is starting to complain that she isn't getting her usual winter tan this year.
  Somewhere along the line some of my posts seem to have the wrong day on them.  This is what happens to rv'ers and they even sell a wall clock down here that has day/date on it to help us snowbirds keep track of what day of the week it is.
  This morning after we got up we had the propane detector chirping.  The same thing happened briefly last week, but I was able to clear the air and it quit.  This repeat got me very concerned and even after clearing the air in the motorhome, it came back on.  Called around and got an appointment at Camping World for a propane inspection.  That is no small task when we get all spread out after setting up, but we did it and were on the road by around 10:30.  It's about 12 miles from here, so not too bad on the freeway.  They never got to it until about 3 PM as they had some jobs turn large and take more time than expected.  After the inspection they certified that the entire system was sound with no leaks and right up to the standard it was supposed to be.  Got a coupon for 10% off at the door and was able to use it for the inspection, so that was good.  It gave us a lot of comfort knowing the system is safe, but raised a few questions about what was causing it.  Sometimes a low battery or faulty detector will cause that, but the tech ruled that out.  We will sleep a lot better knowing the inspection came up with a pass.  Caused lots of questions when I pulled out of the park, this park is like a small community, everyone wants to know whatever is going on.
  After dropping off the coach, we went to the Mesa market.  That's the huge outdoor market, something like a flea market.  Anyway I took my pocket books in.  The old gal who runs the stall bought them all.  Usually I just turn around and buy books to replace them, but this year I have been borrowing from Gary and just returning them to him.  The place was packed, probably everyone was trying to get out after being trapped by bad weather the last week or so.  On the way out I weakened and bought a putter.  Not sure I need one, but time will tell.  Putting & chipping is where I am losing all my strokes, so if it works out I will be very happy with the purchase, stay tuned.
  Lunch was Ihop, Marg really knows the way to my heart.  I got adventurous and had scrambled eggs and pancakes.  The really good news is that I was able to finish them, after Marg took my bacon, that is.  I'm still not drinking coffee though, trying to stay with cold drinks per the dentists advice.
  Toured around a bit and then went back to Camping World to wait for the rv.  Two couples [Kenny/Doris & Jerry/Pat] showed up at the shop to see how we are making out.  I guess they were concerned and thought we wouldn't ask for help if we needed it.  These are good friends.  It's amazing how we came to this park on a whim 5 years ago and now have what we consider very good friends.  One of life's lessons, never be afraid to try something new or venture out on your own. 
  After supper we went to the animal races.  This is a regular Friday event for us and it's lots of fun.  The crowd was the biggest we have seen tonight.  That was nice to see as the organizers go to quite a bit of trouble to make it happen.  The animals were good to me tonight, but Marg did better.  She was doing the happy dance pretty regular tonight.

Wednesday 20 February 2013

Thursday

When they say a winter storm is coming in, they're not kidding.  Our great weather is just a memory, it rained most of the night and most of the day today.  Although it never snowed on the desert floor, it sure is cool.  All the high country, like Superstition mtn are white.  Put the blanket on the water line tonight, it might just get down to freezing.
  Give it a couple of days and we will be back in short pants - we hope!
  Spent most of the day in the RV, basically getting well from the surgery.  Marg went out for a few things, but not for long.  She made me up some scrambled eggs, my first solid food and it was sure a nice change.
  They were short of poker players, so I played tonight.  That didn't go too well, as I was one of the donors.  Been a while since they got me that much, now I know how the other side feels, LOL.  actually it's not that I win all the time, it's just that I have not lost big for a while.

Feb 19th

A day that will live in my memory for a while.
  A nice sunny day, a bit breezy, but that is probably the cooler weather coming off the coast. Yesterday was 80, today 75 & tomorrow will likely only reach 55.  Almost like where if you don't like the weather, just give it a day.  Hope fully it will be our last cooler period of the winter.
  Didn't do much today, mainly hung around the rv park.  Everyplace I went someone was wishing me well, what a great bunch of people we have met down here.
  Anyway went to the dentist today for my surgery.  Dr. Call seems a pretty decent guy and the dental staff are more than friendly.  It's a very personal atmosphere in the office and they seem to know their jobs well.  Tough to really gauge after only a couple of visits, but the office was well recommended by Brenda.  All seems to have worked out as it should and I am doing as well as one would expect after 13 extractions.  I have the intravenous sedation and this was the second time.  It really does make me silly and Marg has been entertaining me with the goofy stuff that I do when I am coming out of it.
  Well just before we left the Dr office he said well I guess I am missing happy hour tonight ,then asked if he could have a few whiskeys tomorrow lol. When I got him home he was still really out of it , there were a few people walking by as I was trying to get him out of the car asking what was wrong as they had gauze in his mouth for the bleeding and he was trying to visit with them and was not able to really speak , he was still in lala land lol.
  My darling wife is  playing nurse to me and I think I may have after effects for the next 6 or 8 months, I like it so much.  Got some pretty good pain meds, so everything is under control here in AJ.

Monday 18 February 2013

Monday

  Early start for Marg.  She went with the gamblin' gals to Fort MacDowell and they played bingo & slots.  One, the driver did well and won big at bingo, but alas success was not to be for Marg.  It seems she is jinxed this year and has yet to cash her first good win.  Their ride came at 8:30 and they got back around 4:15, so it was a full day.
  I went into Phoenix today to play golf with Gerry Canuel.  We played at the same course, Encanto.  It was a gorgeous day, it wasn't long before I had the pant legs zipped off to have shorts.  We were paired with a young fellow who hits a long ball, but hadn't played much in the last while.  Hit the big Taylor burner well right from the first tee and just kept cruchin' em all day long.  The course played slow, it was jammed being Presidents day.  Chipping and putting were better as well; although I only carded 2 pars, had lots of putts that could / should have been.  At the end of the day I was pleased, even though I took an 8 on 18 as I was 43/48 for a 91.  That is pretty awesome for this old guy. 
  Traffic wasn't too bad on the way home.  Usually we play later in the day and I drive home at the tail end of rush hour.  That means traffic, especially where the 202 & 101 connect.  There is usually bumper to bumper in all 8 eastbound lanes, but not so today.  Got back to the rv park just a few minutes after Marg.
  Long day so we went out for Ihop.  That is always good in my view.  I think it was like the last supper.  Having the dental surgery tomorrow at 2PM, so it will be pudding and jello for a few days.  Not like the last time though as Marg didn't bring the Winnie the Pooh bowl.  If you don't know that story, you'll have to ask her, it's not one of my favourite memories.

Sunday 17 February 2013

Sunday

What a gorgeous day.  Started out sunny and never quit.
  Got up early and went for a long bike ride.  It was perfect conditions for riding.  Went up to Idaho then down to Warner and some roads in between.  That's a long ride for yours truly.  The new bike sure works great whether it be up or down hill and it's a pretty comfortable seat, not like the brick on my old one.
  Mostly hung around the park today, never even started the car.  We both went for a walk around the park, inside the park fence.  For a serious walk you go outside the fence, for a visit you go inside.  I can't even recall the number of times we stopped to chat with various folks.  Marg was promoting the ice cream social tonight.  Our attendance has been way down, probably something to do with the weather, it was chillier than usual much of January.  Then Kenny & Doris went by pulling a wagon with a cabinet on it that they got from Bingers.  Thought it best to spell Doris, so I pulled it over for him and helped him unload it.
  Made it to happy hour & exchanged wisdom with the group gathered there.  Small group today, seems like lots of people had stuff going on with the nice weather.  Some tried to go to Tortilla Flats today, but gave up in frustration.  When it gets nice like this, that road is full of vehicles with the same idea.  A shame really because it's a nice drive.
  After supper it was ice cream social and we had a family band today.  The Wilson family band, I think they have a web site if you are curious.  They were really good: father, mother, 3 boys and a little girl.  The father has won many fiddle contests & placed in the top 10 nationally.  The 9 yr old son was 3rd in a state fiddle contest & a good singer.  The 12 yr son was a great guitar player and singer.  The 13 yr old son was an amazing musician, playing mandolin, violin, bass, guitar.  The one who stole the show was the 5 yr old daughter.  She could sing and was hilarious, I laughed at her until I had tears in my eyes a couple of times.  We had so many out for ice cream social that we pretty much ran out of ice cream and cake.  We made a record number of banana splits, ran out of root beer for floats, it was pretty wild for those of us working it.  Did I say earlier that crowds are down this year, well we may have made up for it tonight.

Saturday 16 February 2013

Saturday

Got off to an early start and rode the bike for a few miles.  It was windy first thing in the AM, so rode into the wind, it's a lot better than trying to finish the ride into it.  The weather was nice, not too hot to ride, but I knew from the forecast it was going to get warm.

  Just around noon, Bud stopped by and we went to the car show at the AJ high school. It's pretty well attended and they get some nice iron down there.  There are always a few cars that I can hardly keep from drooling on.  Bud was pretty knowledgeable on some of the stuff I haven't seen much of, like the old Packard.  That thing had a straight 8, I don't believe I have seen a block of iron that big before.  Some great T-buckets, a personal favorite of mine, if I ever drive up in one, you will know I either won the lotto or lost all touch with reality, LOL.
 
 Noticed the temp gauge on the dash at 80F today, now that is what we are here for!

  A nice model A that I took a pic of as well.
After lunch we went out for a bit of retail therapy.  Marg was still looking for a dress, anyway found a new place in Gilbert, same stores but different location & some of them were larger.  She scored big time, there were 3 dresses that she liked and bought 2 of them.  I think we are out of the woods on weddings for this summer now.  It was getting later in the day, so we went up north to Main where we wanted to check out a new restaurant, but it was closed down.  It was close to a nice German place we have eaten at in prior years, so that was where we went.  The special was a pork roast with a bratwurst in the middle, something we had never seen before.  Food was great, we both really enjoy German food, it tends to be almost like home cooked.    The wheat beer was also very good.



Friday 15 February 2013

Feb 15th

Another gorgeous day in the valley of the sun.  The wind blew pretty hard in the evening though.
  Hung around the park in the morning.  I washed windows on the motorhome, they got pretty grungy over the last few days with the rain and all.  They were so dirty that my standard vinegar and water didn't do it, I had to go to the Windex.  Marg had her shower and then surprised me with french toast.  That got my day off to a great start.
  We went out to a location where they have a Dress Barn as Marg is looking for something to wear at a wedding.  No luck, so we went over to the Superstition mall area where some of her favorite stores are, and she had some success in one of the stores at that location.  I had to go use the men's room, so went in for a moment and came out with 2 pairs of shorts and a shirt.  She moves fast.  When we got back to the rv and went to put them away, she discovered 2 more pairs of shorts with the labels still on, so now I am well supplied.  It almost seems that she needs to start a list system for her purchases ;>))
  We got back to the park in time for happy hour, but only stayed for one beverage.  While we were there I got Marg to tell her buddies about the great shopping extravaganza today.  We [the guys] talked about hunting, fishing and cars today.  We talked about fast cars, our first v-8, you know the important stuff in our lives.  LOL  The reason we kept happy hour short was so we could bbq a couple of steaks and bake a couple of spuds.  Had a great supper and got cleaned up just in time.  Just in time for what you may ask -- well the Sock Hop!
   At the sock hop there was a bubble blowing contest, Marg entered by did not win with this effort, LOL.
 There was a hula hoop contest, as there always is a these things.  Marg entered, but these are the two finalists.

  The other thing that always happens is the gals all get up and dance in a big circle.  They usually take turns showing off their moves and yes, Marg is one of the first ones up.
  It was a fun evening with lots of people dressing up [no us] and lots of laughs.  There was also a limbo contest, but I thought doing that with a  group of seniors, they should have called 911 in advance, LOL!
 

Thursday 14 February 2013

Happy Valentines day

Happy valentines to all of our blog followers and lurkers out there.
  Got up early and went to coffee & donuts.  Get this it was Marg's idea; no kidding!  Some of her friends came by to ask what happened, 2 weeks in a row, but she never got singled out as a new arrival, so that was good.  Changed tables for today and we were drawn second to go up for donuts.  My jinx is busted, maybe now I won't be at the last table every week.  It was good that Marg went as she was mentioned a couple of times when the various people reported on the success of the patio sale, it was nice to see her get some recognition for the time she put in.
  After we went out to the Santan mall, that's where Total wine is.  They had a special on Seagram's VO, they had 1.75 litre bottles for the just under the price of a 750 ml.  Not sure how they do that, but what the hay!  May have trouble staying within the 1 liter duty free limit when we go home, LOL.  We have found that when they are very busy at the border, like the first week of April, they usually let you go even if you tell them you are over.  Time will tell.
  Being valentines day we went for lunch to Ruby Tuesday, one of Marg's favourites.  She had the salad bar, as per usual while I ordered from the menu.  Two other couples we know from the park here were out with their valentines there as well.  I kidded the guys that it was nice to see them doing the right thing and they gave it right back.  It was a great lunch and a nice way to start our day together.  One of the guys that was there always jokes about not buying a card, instead he just takes his wife to Walmart and lets her read them all.  Pretty funny guy.
  After lunch I drove on to the Nordstrom's outlet store, again one of Marg's fav's.  She was not so successful there as the last time, but she did well at TJ Max, next door.  Me on the other hand, I stayed in the car and read my pocket book, that way we both enjoy the shopping experience more.  LOL  It's quite a way from here, in fact farther than the Az Mills outlet mall, but was a special day.
   Made it back to the park in time for cocktail hour.  Went to Nancy & Larry's, which is becoming a regular stop for us.  She is one of the gamblin' gals that Marg hangs out with.  It's an interesting group for both of us as there are a couple of Marg's pals there and there are 3 of the golfing group and 2 of the desert rat patrol guys at it, so no shortage of conversation.  There is even one couple who's last name is Smith, any relation Char?  LOL  As usual we divided up like the Hutterites, guys over there, girls over here.  Lots of talk about the big fraud scam going on down here.  Some of the couples there have been hit: 2 on their credit cards, 1 on a debit card and 1 has had both of their bank accounts attacked.  It's big news here and the source of much of the problem is anyone shopping at Basha's.  Fortunately we rarely shop there.  The paper yesterday had a big article about the FBI getting involved with the investigation.  It said their are over 1,400 victims so far and they have made one or two arrests.  Usually the phony charges come from far away, Minnesota in one case, Europe in another and the amounts start out small but get big quick.  Some of it is outright charges to the visa cards, but there are variations of it.
  It was a gorgeous day, in fact too nice for the long pants I had on.
  For supper it BBQ tonight, although I offered, Marg said eating out once today was enough.   Dentist called, apparently we will be spending our quality time on Tuesday afternoon.
 

Wednesday 13 February 2013

Feb 13th

What a nice day.  It started out a bit cool, but got nicer as the day wore on.  In fact there was frost on the course in the shaded areas. 
  Got up early and Gerry came out so that we could play golf with the group in the rv park.  Had a great game, I scored 44 after taking a penalty stroke for a ball resting against a tree.  The big disappointment of the day was on the long putt hole.  Everyone throws in a dollar and the person making the longest putt on #4 gets it all.  I was on in 3 and missed a very short putt.  No one won, so the money carries over to next week - mine would have been good.  Did I mention it was a VERY SHORT putt.
  Marg had gone out for groceries and pretty much arrived back at the rv when I did.  We buy quite a bit of bottled water here as the tap water isn't great.  It's OK for cooking, but not great drinking water.  It also helps when we are out and about, whether golfing or touring.  She got some nice marble rye bread and sauerkraut, so we had Rueben sandwiches for lunch.
  After lunch I went to a dentist appointment and that pretty much was my afternoon.  Marg had a lot more fun, she did laundry.  No matter where you are there are these kinds of things to do.  The dentist staff liked me so much, I get to go back next week for more quality time with them.
  It was hamburger night in the park, Gary and his group cook burgers & chili for the entire park.  It's very well attended as is any event where the price is free.  I'm not saying seniors are cheap, but well they are.  This one is really good, they make great burgers.
  After supper I played poker with the guys.  We had a new guy, well new this year.  He played last year quite a bit.  Anyway between Jack and Gerry M we continue to get new and interesting games played; as it's dealers choice.  Tonight the new game was moose, a variation of 7 card stud, or cowboy poker.  We play lots of games you may not have heard of like:  spit in the ocean, follow the queen, 2 2 1, 123, black Mariah, firy cross, ship wreck, roll your own, etc.  At the end of the night I was down, can't win every week.  Although from the room in my bag, I don't think I was down very much.  Lots of fun.

Tuesday 12 February 2013

Feb 12th

Glad to hear that Phil's surgery went well and he is on the mend now.
  The weather really picked up today.   It was sunny and much warmer today, with a forecast of great weather for the balance of the week.  With the cool weather the pool will take a couple of days to warm up to a temp where it is ready for use.
  It was another day of sitting around waiting for a call from the dentist's office, so not much to write about.  They are going to give me an estimate as the procedure will require a dental surgeon and I am a dental coward.
  Nice night, so a BBQ for supper and then we both went to bingo.  Two of Marg's friend's won, but that didn't help us much. We were close, well that's what all the losers tell themselves as a consolation. 

Monday 11 February 2013

Feb 11th

Yes I know, no post yesterday, well we didn't really do anything, kind of lazed around.  It was pretty cool and rained through the night, not a good day for outdoor stuff.  Pretty much like that today as well, cool and rainy.  As my neighbour Jack said when I spoke with him today, you don't shovel rain.  Nice to hear that it is warming up at home.
  Went to the mall and didn't even really get in to that as Marg was pretty much done after Sears and pizza.  After supper, we worked the ice cream social and it was pretty well attended.  It was nice to see some of the new people in the park out for it.  With Bingers away on a personal matter, we had Linda & Gary help us out.  Told him at the end he earned his journeyman ticket as a scooper.  They were a big help.  Marg tried the new pineapple sherbet, I had a scoop of chocolate ice cream with strawberries on top, I think I chose best.
  Went to the dentist today as I have been having some problems.  To that end I got my dentist in GP to email my Xrays from my last visit to the dentist here; technology can be pretty amazing.  I was scheduled to have significant dental work on my return, but it doesn't look like it will wait until April.  At this point, it seems my decisions are limited to get it done here or go home.  Don't really want to go home, but we will know more as the week unfolds.  Marg was supposed to go with the gamblin' gals today, but opted to stay and go with me, she's a sweetheart.
  Spent some time on the phone with the banker today, that went a little better, as I got a good deal on interest rates on a couple of things and moved some money around.  We are kind of thinking of getting a vehicle this year, unless I spend it all at the dentist, LOL.
  Looking forward to the weather changing as the week wears on, it's supposed to get nice in the next day or so.  Those of us retired snowbirds will appreciate that.  Hey, I wonder if the pope will be coming here now that he is retiring.
  Well as you can seen not much worth writing a blog about.
  I hope the day went well for Phil.  We have been thinking of you and wish you a speedy recovery.
 

Saturday 9 February 2013

Feb 9th

A cooler day with rain during the night and a few sprinkles during the day.
  Got up early and went for breakfast.  The crew that did the cooking this AM do french toast, so no pancakes this morning.  It was a tough choice, but that's what won out.  Heard from Trout's this morning, they are south of here in Green Valley.  The elevation is higher there and they had a light dusting of snow.  Thankfully we didn't get anything like that.
  We went out to the big mall today.  I wanted to look at Sears and the specials they had on tools, but nothing so special that I would buy them.  Marg was looking for something or other, but she never committed either, so it was a cheap trip.  We did have lunch down there at Sbarro, pizza.
  Stopped at Fry's on the way back.  They still have the big sale on Crown, but I think we're good for now.  I read my pocket book in the parking lot while Marg went and got bags of groceries.  So far today I have read about 80% of a book I started this AM.  Got back in mid afternoon and fought with the internet.  The service was poor today.  Apparently sometimes it is just people downloading movies that hog the resources and drag the service down. At least that's what the guy tells us, although it may be just .... well who knows, it's just MEGA Hurts.
  Just had supper in the rv tonight, good as usual.  Funny but most of the people in the park use disposable plates, but Marg uses dishes, says it's better that way &; she doesn't mind doing them after.  Marg put the flannel sheets back on for the next couple days, so can hardly wait to curl up in a toasty bed.
 

Friday 8 February 2013

February 8th

Big birthday day - today.  Happy birthday Bill, it was great speaking with you and hope your day worked out well.  Happy birthday Lyzi, sorry we missed you when we called, but hope your day was special.
  Started off the day early.  It was nice out and I went for a bike ride.  Made my loop first thing in the morning and got back pretty tired.  It was a little cooler in the early morning, so great riding weather, shorts and a light jacket.
   Marg started off in the rec hall kitchen, it was patio sale day and she had volunteered to help out where required as some of her buddies were working there.  There are baked goods & collectables for sale in the hall.  They also have donated pies that they slice and sell with a cup of coffee.  Closer to noon they sell sloppy joes as well as more pie slices.  I think they were pretty happy to see her as it got busy in there.
  One of Marg's friends [Wilma] is an artist and does amazing stuff on stone that she sells.  While there were lots of gorgeous pieces, this is the one she chose and it will be making its way back to GP this spring.
  The baked goods, pies, everything pretty much sold out.  Not sure who bought it all, but the place was full of diners.  I had coconut cream pie with coffee in the morning after my ride.  Then I had apple pie with my sloppy joe at lunch.  Finally Marg had brought a piece home, so I had blueberry/cheesecake pie after supper.  I think she may have had some as well, but was too busy to watch very close, LOL.  The patio sale was a big success.  Marg also won 3 times in the raffle, but after the first win, just told them to draw again on the final two, unless the prize was a bottle of wine - LOL!
  After the sale we had to go to Wells Fargo, we were Johnny Cash's relatives; named shorta' cash.  Also got some cheques, mainly to pay the rent and utilities here as they don't take plastic.  We get free checking, but have to buy the cheques at a buck apiece.  Good thing we didn't need many.
  Went out to the 5 & Diner for supper.  It's a 50's style diner, kind of looks like a trailer with all chrome on the outside.  The décor is very retro, juke boxes at the table, chrome chairs & tables.  The waitresses all have period clothes.  Best of all the food is very good & we have a coupon in our book for it.
  Back to the park and on to the animal races tonight.  Marg had a good night, she was better than 50% picking winners.  I picked 2 winners all night.  It was so bad people were asking what my picks were so they wouldn't get stuck with the losers I had.  There was pretty good crowd & they got right into it, especially when the hippo won.  The zebra won the most races tonight, the only 2 wins I had were when I bet it.  I have bet the darned elephant every race for 3 weeks now and that guy has never won yet.  I keep hoping he will win by a nose - hah, get it.  Sometimes I crack myself up!  Some of the girls even made up a song about the elephant, whose name is Bimbo, didn't help. 
  Some sad news for the Bingers tonight, our thoughts & prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Thursday 7 February 2013

Feb 7th

We want to wish our Daniel a Happy Birthday and only wish we could be there on his 10 th birthday,love and big hugs Daniel
The day got off to an unusual start, Marg came for coffee & donuts.  We were jinxed and were the last table to get selected.  I think I had sat at the last table more than anyone in the park.  So bad that Jim came up and told me to pick the next number, well everyone else had been picked, so he was  only funnin' with me.  I might start to be "persona non grata" at this rate.
  It was a gorgeous sunny day.  Can't get too many of these.
  One feature of this morning meeting is an introduction of anyone who is new to the park in  the last week.  Marg's pals had it set up so that she was introduced as a new arrival.  It cracked the place up.  At first she didn't quite know what to make of it, but very quickly caught on that her friends had it all set up.
  After coffee Marg went to help make Sloppy Joes for the big park-wide patio sale tomorrow.  She has done this for 4 years now and as Rita had to give it up this year, Marg was the seasoned veteran of the project.  These and pie are a big item with people to travel the patio sale circuit.
  At breakfast Norm said there was a sale on Crown Royal at Fry's and lots of these guys drink rye.  I got Jerry B and we went over there to check it out.  He bought 4 & I got 6 bottles - $14 each, what a deal.  I was also out of beer, so bought a 30 pack of Miller and some milk, had to bring something for Marg.  88 cents for a 2 litre of milk, a good deal at that.
  She got back in time to make tuna sandwiches for lunch.  Just in time as I had the pool tourney in the afternoon and we had a big road trip to Silverado.  I drew Elmer as a partner again and we were the first team drawn.  The guys we played against were good, so my job was to keep their best player from cleaning up on us.  In fact they started referring to shooting behind the dirty guy.  It was pretty funny.  Oh yeh, we won 2 of the 3 games we played today.
  Marg and some of her posse went around checking out the stuff for sale in the park.  The sale isn't until tomorrow, but the park residents are given first dibs on the junk being sold.  Did I say that, I meant treasures - LOL!
  We went for happy hour, but didn't stay long as we were bbq'ing tonight and wanted to do it before dark.  People were still chuckling about the newcomer at coffee this morning.  It gets dark early here, although the days are getting longer now, so didn't want to start too late.

Wednesday 6 February 2013

February 6th

What a gorgeous day, the sun shone and it was nice and warm in AJ.
  We both got up early & Marg met up with the Gamblin' Gals to go to Fort MacDowell.  They picked her up about 15 min early, sitting out front blowing the horn.  They played bingo, then some on the slots.  For a change Marg said she was close on the bingo and did well on the slots.  Not a big win like one of her partners, but good enough to put a smile on her face.  Her partner Nancy on the slot next to her had a big win, something like $2,100.  As usual they had lunch up at the Fort and lots of laughs throughout the day.  They always come back in a great humor from their adventures.
  Gerry Canuel came to the park and we went golfing with the time slot they have here at Apache Sun.  The course was in great shape and we were teamed with Gary & Stan, a couple of real characters.  We too had lots of laughs, just a great day.  I was swinging the Taylor Burner like a machine today.  Made some great shots as well and scored my best 9 of the winter, 43.  Probably will not duplicate that again.  Likewise Gerry had a great round @ 41, all 4 of us in the 40's.
  Came back and made my lunch, that's the only downside of Marg going with the gals, the service goes down hill badly.  LOL  Then I played pool in the afternoon.  Played with some fun guys, one of whom [Luther] just got in this week.






  By then the girls were back and we had to go to happy hour, to celebrate the successful trip by the Gamblin' Gals.  Pretty good turnout.  On the way back noticed that Nancy's bird seed had attracted a bunch of Love Birds.  They look like parakeets, but to see 6 of them is unusual & they drew quite a crowd. 
  We went out for a quick supper and then got back so Marg could do laundry & I could play poker.  Made out OK playing poker & again a good group.

Tuesday 5 February 2013

The route

 This was the first switchback. It doesn't look it here, but the turn was tight and steep.  About half the units went up with spinning tires.
 Narrow roads with lots of branches to give everyone some Arizona pin striping.
 The stream we had to follow to get out.
Another switchback on the way out.  The descent was so steep in places that we were often above the vehicle in front

Abandoned house

 This must have been built as a house.  There are the remnants of some kind of out building
The old house had a second out building remnant.  It had a working corral & water trough fed by a nearby stream.  It appears that it is used with horse riders.

Desert Day

  Marg went with the girls to the Olive garden for lunch.  It was mostly the wives of the guys that went in to the desert today.  It's quite far from here, down to the big mall at Superstition, so quite an adventure.  From the sounds of things they had a great day and lots of laughs.
   You can't see it but the left side of the road has a bit of grass before the 1,000 sheer drop off.
 This is the road out, just along the mountain on the left.
  This picture in the distance shows the road into the mountain pass.
  I left at 8 with some guys from this park as well as some others, 5 units in all, 12 guys.  I rode with Jerry Binger in his Kia.  We entered the mountain pass at 9AM and got out at about 3:30 & back to the rv park about 4:30.  There were numerous rough rock areas, switchbacks, steep climbs/descents streams to cross, one stream to drive down, narrow road with sheer drop offs.  It was a great day and the weather could not have been better.

Monday 4 February 2013

Feb 4th

Happy birthday Anna, hope you had a great day!
  No blog yesterday, wasn't much to write about.  Sunday was  a cooler day, so we decided to go out.  Marg had heard about a new outlet center called Tanger over in Glendale.  It turns out that it is a couple blocks from Cabella's, on the other side of Phoenix.  We drove over there and there are some stores in the center that we haven't seen in the one we usually go to.  Marg bought a bunch of stuff, mainly for me [6 new shirts], but she did get a really neat pair of Sketchers.  Those are the bouncy shoes that are supposed to tighten up the gluts.  ;>) 
  There was even a Coach store [I had never heard of it] & they apparently had good prices on their stuff.  I guess there was a gorgeous handbag that was normally $500 that could be had for $219 & wallets for $200 that were regularly $350.  Now I know why I have never heard of it!  LOL  Marg tells me it is good for a return visit, but I think we will take another couple so the guys can go to Cabella's and the gals can shop the outlet stores.
  After we got back we went to the Superbowl party in the rec hall.  It was much smaller than last year, only a couple dozen people.  I had committed to help Ron with his pool, so pretty much had to go.  Turned out to be a pretty good game, even though it started out kind of lopsided.
   Gene & Pat waiting by their cart for a coyote to make up his mind what he was doing.  If you look close, he is just beyond Pat at the front of the cart.  He hung around us for about 10 minutes.  There were geese on the course and he may have been using us for cover to try and get close to them.
  I think the temp must have been around 70F & no wind.
  Today we got a later start.  I went golfing with Pat & Gene from the park here.  We picked up Gerry Canuel and went to Encanto, we call it his home course.  A beautiful day for golf and we hit some good balls combined with some that were not so good.  I did managed to put one into a palm tree that ricocheted into a pond.  It was the first time for the guys from the park at this course and I think they found it to their liking. 
  Marg went out to Walmart for groceries.  She needed a few things and I am going out on the desert tomorrow, so she wanted to get some lunch stuff.

Saturday 2 February 2013

Groundhog Day 2013

Well the groundhog never saw his shadow, so an early spring is expected.  That will be good for all our friends & family in GP.  Down here in AJ, no biggie, it was 72F/22C today, a nice warm day in short pants.  Don't want it any hotter than that on golf days anyway.
  Early morning, Marg was up at 6 & me 6:30 as our breakfast crew was on this AM.  As usual Marg was on scrambled eggs & I was on pancakes.  We had a new couple out with us this AM and it really made a difference on the work load.  We had lots of fun.  Marg said she scrambled over 12 dozen eggs & I made over 150 pancakes.  We had a new system for the biscuits & gravy that worked really well, we kept the biscuits in the a slow cooker so they were nice and warm.  For those of you who have not experienced this uniquely American breakfast item, all I can say is it's an acquired taste and none of the Canucks I know have acquired the taste.  It is a lot of small pieces of sausage in a creamy gravy poured over top what looks like something close to baking soda biscuits.  What really makes it different is the seasoning, not anything that appeals to me a breakfast.  It's not as bad as haggis, but I would rate it close.  But the folks down here love it.  Clean up went really well with the larger crew.  The highlight of my day is cleaning the grill - not!  At the end we had quite a bit of pancake batter and I made a huge pancake, bigger than an extra large pizza.  Usually there are a bunch that want to see if it can be flipped & it is.  Then I kid a bunch of the customers about making it especially for them.
  We had lots of visitors after at the motorhome, so it was almost too late for lunch. So it was into the old coupon book where we decided to go to Sonic.  We have never been there before, but we had coupons.  We had the 2 for one hot dogs & 2 for one strawberry sundaes and with drinks all in lunch for 2 was $4.37.  Went over to the big Mesa market looking for golf cart tires.  They had lots and even used ones, but none that appealed.  The used ones were a good deal, 4 tires on rims for $60.  We did manage to get a new ice cream scoop, the other thing we went there for.
 
    On the way back we stopped at the farmers market and Marg got a bunch of veggies that we were needing.  Check out the price of a flat of strawberries.  Marg got a big container [more than double that you get in GP] of blueberries for $1.50.  You probably can't see it, but baking potatoes were $1 for 10 pounds.  The best part is all the produce is very fresh, just like we get at the farmers market at home.

   When we got back to the rv park, there was a helicopter buzzing around for quite a while, like the better part of half an hour.  One of the guys jumped in his car to see what it was all about & saw a bunch of police cars around an area.  You have to know Jerry, but he went and spoke with the police & it turns out they raided a house not far from here and a guy got away and turns out it was the Sheriff's dept helicopter.  Apparently they caught him as it stopped.
   That was a good thing because all the noise was detracting during happy hour, where important stuff is discussed.  Oh yeh, went to cocktails at Larry & Nancy's again.  I wasn't going, but then a couple of guys stopped to harass me.  They put out the bait that they wanted to discuss going to the desert on Tuesday; in case I was interested.  Well as you readers know by now our last trip was cut short due to mechanical problems & they are going the same place; where they will likely cross the pass and get into some new territory.  So as much as I don't like to party, I went to meet with the guys.  Not sure why Marg went, the girls were probably talking about the price of rice and she had something to say about that - - could be!

Friday 1 February 2013

February 1st

A nice sunny warm day in AJ.  I got out for a bike ride early in the morning.  A perfect day for it, no wind to slow me down, LOL.  Made over 5 miles, in fact just about 6 today & my top speed was 15 mph.
  After I got back we went to the big Fry's store in Scottsdale.  While it includes the regular grocery store that we have in AJ, the Scottsdale store has much more.  We are still looking for the ez up gazebo and while they had a pretty good selection, they were all the kind you build & leave in place.  The traffic was fairly heavy both going there and returning home on the 101 loop where it merges with the 202 loop.
  We got half way home and pulled off in Mesa, with the idea of going to a soup and salad place we like.  Before we got there we passed the Golden Corral, one of our favorite buffets.  They have a great salad bar and that was what we were really looking for anyway, so stopped for lunch.  It was good as usual and while we were able to keep from loading up, but still had a pretty good sized lunch.
  After lunch Marg went for a haircut.  She got an appointment with the hairdresser of a friend, so it was her first time at this place.  I think it turned out well and so did her friends when she got back.  Not sure what her reaction is, but I think that will come out after she does her hair after a few mornings.  I played some 8 ball while she was at the hair place. 
  Went to happy hour tonight and had a few laughs.  It's kind of like the guys sit in one are and the women in the other and talk about different things.  Not sure about the topics for the girls, but today we talked about fishing, snowmobiles, camping and tried to solve the question of world peace, LOL.  Had trouble getting away, the hosts are too gracious, but as we had lots to do we were the first to skip out.
  Just got back in time for a quick snack, good thing we had a big lunch.  Went over to the hall to get everything ready for breakfast in the morning.  Our team cooks breakfast, I will be the architect of the best pancakes in Carefree Manor RV park & Marg the scrambled eggs.  It's always a stretch for Marg, not the cooking but the 7 AM start time.
  After we went to the animal races.  Small crowd tonight, hope it picks up next week or the animals may become extinct.  I think Marg won every race but one and that may have been the time I did win.  She was doing her happy dance all night.  Lots of laughs again.  I guess you could say it was a fun day.