Friday, February 14th

Happy Valentines day.  Thank you Charlene for the valentine in the mail, very nice.
  The evening was chilly as always this time of the year.  The day warmed nicely and we were all in shirt sleeves throughout the day.  I was in shorts, so you know it was warm.  I think the high today was 71 F, so close to 22 C.
  Everyone was up early and everyone had showers.  It's a bit of a challenge as our trailer hot water heater is not equal to the challenge of 5 showers in the morning as it takes about a half hour to heat back up between showers.  The grandchildren all showered in the bathrooms at the clubhouse where the hot water supply is endless and they reported good results.  Marg made a monkey bread for breakfast and there was more than we could eat.  She sent a piece of it next door and Daniel came along to deliver it.  Then she sent a piece of it across the road, so the 3 of the kids took it over.  They must have made a good impression as Jen gave them all a nice painted rock with a valentine theme.
  By the time we all ate it was after 9 when we got on the road.  Our first stop was the Mesa Marketplace which was open by then.  The traffic at the market was light when we got there, so it was easy finding parking as well as wandering about.  We made it through two of the rows and the kids each picked up a few things they liked.  I have to say they are very good shoppers: they have an idea what they want and they are careful with their money.   Daniel even used his bargaining skills for at least one purchase at the flea market to his advantage.
  Our second stop was a beauty supply store, I think it was Ulta.  The girls picked up what they considered to be some attractive deals.  Grandma went in with them, but Daniel and I stayed in the truck for that one.  I think I am beyond help from anything they sell in the place.
  For out third stop we went to a large mall, Superstition Springs.  There we had some lunch, the ladies had Chick fil A while Daniel and I had pizza from SBarro.  Not certain where they heard about it, but they wanted to try the chicken at it.  After they were able to find another Ulta where the girls got one more thing. Then it was into JC Penny where there was a Sephora [another store I have never heard of].  Apparently they give customers a gift on their birthday, so Kennedy got that and there may have been something else.  Daniel looked in the mens wear, but didn't find anything he cared for.
  The fourth stop was the outlet mall called Arizona Mills.  Our shoppers did very well at this location, each coming away with purchases.  Not certain how many, but they seemed satisfied.  The two girls stopped in a pet shop where they had a private room with a cute little Corgi pup.  They came away saying it was a highlight.  I think the pup likely felt the same. 
  About mid-afternoon it was time to head back, allowing for both traffic and travel time.  It turned out to be a good decision as there was a wreck on the freeway.  We were doing a little over 100 kmph so came to a very quick stop as was the rest of the traffic in all 7 lanes on the freeway.  It was bumper to bumper and at times stopped dead on the road for about 1 1/2 miles.  When we came on the wreck it was obvious why with one car on it's roof in the middle of the curb lane.  Once we got thru, it was clear sailing and we made it to our place by 3:30.
  A few minutes to set up as happy hour was at our place today.  It was an opportunity to show off our grandchildren, a big deal among the seniors in the park.  We had a good turnout for happy, I think more than 2 dozen.  We were very proud of our grandchildren, they all fit right in and after said they enjoyed the experience.  They are indeed well mannered and polite as well as outgoing. 
  We cleaned up and then they wanted the large Walmart, so everyone needing a few things we went before supper.  When we got out of there, we went to Taco Bell, another stop on their bucket list, as we were informed.  This was a bit of an experience for everyone.  It took a bit of time to order, but everyone seemed happy with their selections.  We had an array of sauces for the meal, but the Diablo [the hottest of the 4 they offer] was very popular.  The cashier was a regular for us and she was great, very patient with our ordering process.  After eating it was back to our place for coffee and dessert.  A fun day, but we are all tired tonight.