Christmas Eve to those who celebrate Ukrainian Christmas, a night of food [meatless dishes] and celebration. In my experience this usually includes liquid refreshments.
The day started out great, the temperature was very pleasant and I put on the shorts and rode with the guys. Yes it was so warm we were in short pants all day. I think the temp got up to 75F. We made about 5 1/2miles today and got a good workout thanks in part to the good stiff breeze blowing against us all the way back. There are some flu like things going around, so we were short 2 riders this AM, just Larry, Jerry and me.
Finished all the work in the Az room and got the walls ready to be primed. Marg had visitors, the girls were planning something to do with the park wide yard sale in February. She seems to be involved in: the bake sale, sloppy joes and pie & coffee so far. Hmm pie and coffee, that would be a good gig. Lots of junk to vacuum up and by then it was lunch. Had a bit of a disaster when I vacuumed up a part and had to cut open the bag in the shop vac to get it out. By then there was lots of garbage so a trip to the dumpster bin and straightened up the storage shed. After lunch Marg wiped all the walls down and sent me to play pool. It was like a day off with pay. There was no one in the pool room, but got Pat to bring his cue over and we had some good games. While I was gone Robert brought my jerry can back. He had borrowed it so he could fill his motorhome while gas prices were low. They seem to be in the realm of $1.95 per gallon, so I would estimate about 55 cents per litre.
Now it was happy hour, so we went for a short while. There were so many people there, it was pandemonium. Not sure what the occasion was other than it was a nice day. Lots of dogs today, I think there were about 4 or 5. Seems to be the thing to do, but we will not be going there.
Made it back in time to put a steak on the bbq for supper. There was still some potato salad, one of my summer time favourites. Well cut me some slack, it seemed like summer and I got potato salad, so it's all good! The steak was one of the New York cuts we had from earlier on and it was great.
Bingo in the hall tonight and I won the first game. I can't recall the last time I won, so it was like a new experience for me. Pretty funny as one of the ladies came along when we were in line to get cards and she said she didn't know whether she was before or after us. I said she should go first and that her table has been so lucky lately that I might be able to buy luckier cards if I get the ones she would have had. When I won, she was the first person I heard from as they are in the table next to us. We had one other winner at our table, Pat Binger got the double dab, so she was the big winner.
Tuesday, 6 January 2015
Monday, 5 January 2015
January 5th
What a nice day, probably the best weather in a while. It was very pleasant this AM and just kept getting better.
Went for a ride with the guys this AM. There were four of us and we rode about 5 1/2 miles. Started out into the wind for a couple of miles and then made a good run with a combination of downhill and wind behind us. I mentioned to Larry that it would be tough riding back to the park with both the wind and uphill climb, so he asked if I wanted to go to the park. My reply was I can always go back, just say the word. He and Pat were both tiring and I think we were fortunate we turned back when we did. Saw a funny thing on our ride, a big dog on the roof of a house. Not sure how it got there, but it was barking at us, we thought it wanted help getting down, but it was a big dog, so were not prepared to have anything to do with his plight.
After we got back, I worked on the tools for a while and Marg went to do laundry. She took the truck, so was able to handle the volume OK. She was done by mid-afternoon and the closets were full again. I got most of what I had done, just a few things for tomorrow, then we can paint. Was mainly doing trim today, but that can be a real time consumer. Returned the ladders I had on loan, almost got confused on which belonged to whom, but think I have it sorted out. In the future I need to borrow fewer ladders or return them sooner. LOL
In the middle of the afternoon the heating guy came back to install the thermostat. As it turns out that was not our problem, so he left us with the makeshift connection and a commitment to return on Saturday to figure out where our problem with the compressor is coming from. It starts when the unit calls for heat, so appears to be a wiring issue.
We went for happy hour today and there were lots of people there. Got caught up on gossip and made plans to meet for a bike ride tomorrow AM. Gene has a tee time for Thursday at San Marco, where they are supposed to have rebuilt the course, so paid him for my share. It's a nice course and not too far from here, in Chandler. We played there a few times in the past and it was all good. Pat is golfing on Wednesday with the park and offered to drive, so good to see he is back in form.
Supper tonight was bbq chicken, accompanied by potato salad. One of my summer favourites, so really happy that Marg made it today. Made for a great supper.
After supper I played poker. Nice to see Ron back, he just got in on Friday from Florida. I seemed to be doing OK for a while, but in the end I think I was either down a bit or even. Pretty certain I never made a good win tonight. Marg steamed clothes and got everything up to date on the laundry scene.
Went for a ride with the guys this AM. There were four of us and we rode about 5 1/2 miles. Started out into the wind for a couple of miles and then made a good run with a combination of downhill and wind behind us. I mentioned to Larry that it would be tough riding back to the park with both the wind and uphill climb, so he asked if I wanted to go to the park. My reply was I can always go back, just say the word. He and Pat were both tiring and I think we were fortunate we turned back when we did. Saw a funny thing on our ride, a big dog on the roof of a house. Not sure how it got there, but it was barking at us, we thought it wanted help getting down, but it was a big dog, so were not prepared to have anything to do with his plight.
After we got back, I worked on the tools for a while and Marg went to do laundry. She took the truck, so was able to handle the volume OK. She was done by mid-afternoon and the closets were full again. I got most of what I had done, just a few things for tomorrow, then we can paint. Was mainly doing trim today, but that can be a real time consumer. Returned the ladders I had on loan, almost got confused on which belonged to whom, but think I have it sorted out. In the future I need to borrow fewer ladders or return them sooner. LOL
In the middle of the afternoon the heating guy came back to install the thermostat. As it turns out that was not our problem, so he left us with the makeshift connection and a commitment to return on Saturday to figure out where our problem with the compressor is coming from. It starts when the unit calls for heat, so appears to be a wiring issue.
We went for happy hour today and there were lots of people there. Got caught up on gossip and made plans to meet for a bike ride tomorrow AM. Gene has a tee time for Thursday at San Marco, where they are supposed to have rebuilt the course, so paid him for my share. It's a nice course and not too far from here, in Chandler. We played there a few times in the past and it was all good. Pat is golfing on Wednesday with the park and offered to drive, so good to see he is back in form.
Supper tonight was bbq chicken, accompanied by potato salad. One of my summer favourites, so really happy that Marg made it today. Made for a great supper.
After supper I played poker. Nice to see Ron back, he just got in on Friday from Florida. I seemed to be doing OK for a while, but in the end I think I was either down a bit or even. Pretty certain I never made a good win tonight. Marg steamed clothes and got everything up to date on the laundry scene.
Sunday, 4 January 2015
January 4th
It was a bit chilly last night, but much warmer than the last 3 or 4 days. The sun got out early and warmed the valley of the sun to about 60F today. Much nicer day, lots of people in shirt sleeves and a few in short pants. The forecast is for it to get warmer each day until Wednesday. Feeling sorry for the family and friends in Alberta, particularly Grande Prairie, where it is absolutely frigid. Not sorry enough to go home though, so don't ask!
We went out and picked up the stuff needed to put the trailer skirting back in place after the heating repairs from yesterday. Picked up a thermostat and some pipe insulation. I am going to insulate all the exposed pipe even under the trailer to minimize the risk of freezing. It has not been a problem so far, but there are not many things more damaging than water, so an ounce of prevention. While I was there I got a key cut. Now technology is taking over how that is done. The girl scanned my key and then handed it back to me. I thought that meant she never had the right blank so didn't put it in the grinder. But no, the machine just spit out the key all cut to the pattern and when I got home it was a perfect fit.
After we stopped at CVS [pharmacy] as I wanted a some band - aids and iodine as I keep getting cuts and nicks from working with the metal on the skirting. While we were there, Marg bought some of the sale items. There were some really good deals, but the best was the can of Campbell's tomato soup she bought. She had some coupons, but swiped her loyalty card and got a bunch more coupons. Then she redeemed one form home for 50 cents on the soup, clipped one she got in the swipe for 50 cents off on that can of soup and then another from the swipe for a dollar off on any can of soup. The bottom line was the can of soup cost 27cents after the first coupon, then she got credit for the 50 cents, then the dollar; so in the end they paid her $1.23 to take the can of soup. We saw a piece of TV this about this and that was what prompted her to try and see if it was true. I told her at that price she should have taken a truck load home. LOL
On the way home we stopped in at a large flea market on Apache Trail. It's not anywhere near as large as the Mesa one, but still pretty good size. While we were wandering about we ran into some people from our RV park. One of the vendors had called Kenny about a pistol he had, so Kenny & Doris were there to see what it was. Kenny didn't want to show the guy his pistol [a .380 auto] until he saw if he was interested, so Doris was carrying it around the market in a case. As it turns out he wasn't interested, so never made a deal, but when we saw them, Doris said she was packin' today. Pretty funny.
Got back to the park and I had to help Jerry move some furniture out as he is getting his carpet cleaned tomorrow. It was pretty funny as he had 3 other guys lined up to be there at 3, that was when he told me to show up. But he was at our place at 2 asking if I was coming over, so when I got there we moved the stuff. Then when the other guys showed up at 3, I guess they left shaking their heads. At least that's what they said at the ice cream social.
When I got back to the trailer, Marg was gone. Apparently Linda came by and is determined to help her get some plants going. Not sure why as this is a desert and we won't be here to water anything for 8 months of the year. Anyway there are two large planters out front as we speak. I got the skirting but back and taped up the fresh water line. By the time I was done, it was supper. We still had some of the swiss steak left from the other day and Marg had put some potatoes and vegetables and it was still very tasty.
After supper it was ice cream social. Marg had a nice sherbet and I had a small dish of strawberry. That was about it, oh yeh, I scanned the event calendar for the association and posted it on their fb site. Good thing I got some ink cartridges for the printer. I think we will leave this one down here.
We went out and picked up the stuff needed to put the trailer skirting back in place after the heating repairs from yesterday. Picked up a thermostat and some pipe insulation. I am going to insulate all the exposed pipe even under the trailer to minimize the risk of freezing. It has not been a problem so far, but there are not many things more damaging than water, so an ounce of prevention. While I was there I got a key cut. Now technology is taking over how that is done. The girl scanned my key and then handed it back to me. I thought that meant she never had the right blank so didn't put it in the grinder. But no, the machine just spit out the key all cut to the pattern and when I got home it was a perfect fit.
After we stopped at CVS [pharmacy] as I wanted a some band - aids and iodine as I keep getting cuts and nicks from working with the metal on the skirting. While we were there, Marg bought some of the sale items. There were some really good deals, but the best was the can of Campbell's tomato soup she bought. She had some coupons, but swiped her loyalty card and got a bunch more coupons. Then she redeemed one form home for 50 cents on the soup, clipped one she got in the swipe for 50 cents off on that can of soup and then another from the swipe for a dollar off on any can of soup. The bottom line was the can of soup cost 27cents after the first coupon, then she got credit for the 50 cents, then the dollar; so in the end they paid her $1.23 to take the can of soup. We saw a piece of TV this about this and that was what prompted her to try and see if it was true. I told her at that price she should have taken a truck load home. LOL
On the way home we stopped in at a large flea market on Apache Trail. It's not anywhere near as large as the Mesa one, but still pretty good size. While we were wandering about we ran into some people from our RV park. One of the vendors had called Kenny about a pistol he had, so Kenny & Doris were there to see what it was. Kenny didn't want to show the guy his pistol [a .380 auto] until he saw if he was interested, so Doris was carrying it around the market in a case. As it turns out he wasn't interested, so never made a deal, but when we saw them, Doris said she was packin' today. Pretty funny.
Got back to the park and I had to help Jerry move some furniture out as he is getting his carpet cleaned tomorrow. It was pretty funny as he had 3 other guys lined up to be there at 3, that was when he told me to show up. But he was at our place at 2 asking if I was coming over, so when I got there we moved the stuff. Then when the other guys showed up at 3, I guess they left shaking their heads. At least that's what they said at the ice cream social.
When I got back to the trailer, Marg was gone. Apparently Linda came by and is determined to help her get some plants going. Not sure why as this is a desert and we won't be here to water anything for 8 months of the year. Anyway there are two large planters out front as we speak. I got the skirting but back and taped up the fresh water line. By the time I was done, it was supper. We still had some of the swiss steak left from the other day and Marg had put some potatoes and vegetables and it was still very tasty.
After supper it was ice cream social. Marg had a nice sherbet and I had a small dish of strawberry. That was about it, oh yeh, I scanned the event calendar for the association and posted it on their fb site. Good thing I got some ink cartridges for the printer. I think we will leave this one down here.
Saturday, 3 January 2015
Jan 3rd
The day started off chilly but around noon warmed up quickly. The winter storm system [pineapple express I think they called it] that brought this weather is weakening. By mid afternoon we were in shirt sleeve weather. One of the things not well understood about the desert is how cold it gets a night, especially in the winter and then how quickly it changes pleasant when the sun comes up.
Got up early and went to breakfast to have ham, eggs and pancakes. Sat with a bunch of friends, some of whom were like me, single as their wives don't do breakfast. Pretty funny really how many women don't do breakfast, the most important meal of the day, LOL. They had good numbers for breakfast this AM, lots of daily campers and quite a few more people have arrived in the park.
After breakfast, Marg went shopping. We were almost out of groceries and needed quite a few things. She also got some great deals on some other stuff. There were quite a few bags, so it appeared to be a successful outing. She got back right around noon, when the HVAC guys showed up. I stayed back and cleaned up the area around the A/C unit in preparation for the repair work. There was lots of loose stuff under the trailer and an array of loose wires that I got tidied up.
They came shortly after noon as arranged and after some grunting & groaning we moved the A/C unit enough to get at the controls and wiring. The good news was it was very pleasant on the patio, so everyone was in shirt sleeves. As the guy anticipated, the controller was mal-functioning and he replaced it. The controller he put on is for a larger unit, but instead of waiting for a different one, we opted to pay the extra $15 and get on with the repair. We then discovered that the thermostat was not operating properly. Whoever installed it had jury rigged it to make the AC work and no matter what setting it was on, the compressor came on. They did a temporary fix to stop it from working, leaving only the heating part of the unit functional. It was amazing, as soon as he turned it on, the heating elements started producing. It looks like the guy we bought the place from tried to fix the lack of heat with a new thermostat on his own and when they couldn't get heat, did whatever it took to get cold air and in the process ruined the thermostat. No matter at this time as we really only need warm air. The difference in the trailer was immediate, it is great. Nice guy, he didn't want any money until the entire unit is working to our satisfaction, so will be back on Monday to install the new thermostat and get everything operational. After they left, I spent most of the time left putting the skirting back in place around the bottom of the trailer.
By that time it was happy hour, so we went down for a break. Larry had the patio heater going full blast and the gals were comfortably huddled under it. It was a bit warmer, so we even got the benefit of some heat in the cheap seats.
After we went with Kenny & Doris for supper. It was our first buffet of the winter as we went to the Number one Eastern Buffet down on Signal Butte. This is an amazing buffet and we always enjoy it. They had lots of crab, shrimp and other seafood tonight, so Marg was really in her glory. That is what we do when it's my night to cook, LOL.
Things are really looking up around here, we bought this place even though the vendor told us it never had a furnace, so finding we had a working heat unit has been a real bonus. It has sure made our day, in fact our winter. Yes I know, now the electric bills will be higher, but to quote Marg, the toilet seat is warmer.
Got up early and went to breakfast to have ham, eggs and pancakes. Sat with a bunch of friends, some of whom were like me, single as their wives don't do breakfast. Pretty funny really how many women don't do breakfast, the most important meal of the day, LOL. They had good numbers for breakfast this AM, lots of daily campers and quite a few more people have arrived in the park.
After breakfast, Marg went shopping. We were almost out of groceries and needed quite a few things. She also got some great deals on some other stuff. There were quite a few bags, so it appeared to be a successful outing. She got back right around noon, when the HVAC guys showed up. I stayed back and cleaned up the area around the A/C unit in preparation for the repair work. There was lots of loose stuff under the trailer and an array of loose wires that I got tidied up.
They came shortly after noon as arranged and after some grunting & groaning we moved the A/C unit enough to get at the controls and wiring. The good news was it was very pleasant on the patio, so everyone was in shirt sleeves. As the guy anticipated, the controller was mal-functioning and he replaced it. The controller he put on is for a larger unit, but instead of waiting for a different one, we opted to pay the extra $15 and get on with the repair. We then discovered that the thermostat was not operating properly. Whoever installed it had jury rigged it to make the AC work and no matter what setting it was on, the compressor came on. They did a temporary fix to stop it from working, leaving only the heating part of the unit functional. It was amazing, as soon as he turned it on, the heating elements started producing. It looks like the guy we bought the place from tried to fix the lack of heat with a new thermostat on his own and when they couldn't get heat, did whatever it took to get cold air and in the process ruined the thermostat. No matter at this time as we really only need warm air. The difference in the trailer was immediate, it is great. Nice guy, he didn't want any money until the entire unit is working to our satisfaction, so will be back on Monday to install the new thermostat and get everything operational. After they left, I spent most of the time left putting the skirting back in place around the bottom of the trailer.
By that time it was happy hour, so we went down for a break. Larry had the patio heater going full blast and the gals were comfortably huddled under it. It was a bit warmer, so we even got the benefit of some heat in the cheap seats.
After we went with Kenny & Doris for supper. It was our first buffet of the winter as we went to the Number one Eastern Buffet down on Signal Butte. This is an amazing buffet and we always enjoy it. They had lots of crab, shrimp and other seafood tonight, so Marg was really in her glory. That is what we do when it's my night to cook, LOL.
Things are really looking up around here, we bought this place even though the vendor told us it never had a furnace, so finding we had a working heat unit has been a real bonus. It has sure made our day, in fact our winter. Yes I know, now the electric bills will be higher, but to quote Marg, the toilet seat is warmer.
Friday, 2 January 2015
January 2nd
Well it still has not warmed up, although the daytime high was pretty pleasant. This cool weather has stopped the renovation project. The adhesives and paint all require a temperature range and at times were are not where we need to be, so are not taking any chances.
Spent most of the morning running around in the park. Took a load of garbage to the dumpster bin, then went and mailed a post card to mother. The problem was these were inside the park, so that entails lots of visiting. After about 1 1/2 hours I completed my two tasks. And that was begging off in several conversations. Marg did some house cleaning, including a floor washing and then made a swiss steak for supper. We have not had that for quite some time, so it really got the old saliva glands going. Oh yes, we also put the new bedding on our bed. It seems the new bedding she put on this spring and has been used for a month now is moving to the Az room. I sure hope the new comforter is as warm as the one we are moving, it is positively cozy. The color is different as well. Sure hope it goes with the color of my eyes - LOL!
Back to the trailer for lunch. We had a commitment from the HVAC company that he would be at our place between 2:30 - 3 in the afternoon, so having missed him last time made a decision one of us would be at the place all afternoon. As it turns out during my visiting, I had made a commitment to a couple of guys to be in the pool room at 1, so Marg stuck around. She had a few visitors, so even though she didn't wander about, she got to chat with two different pairs of gals. I may also have a second golf day this week, yes Gene got back this week and is already looking for tee times.
The heating guy showed up and the good news was that he is confident our unit has a heat element [furnace??] and that it is just not working. He is coming back tomorrow at noon with the change out parts, as the heating element is no longer made and requires some changes to install it. He must be a character as he refuses to go under the trailer unless it is bug free and he specified cob webs as unacceptable and the skirting had to be removed. I got back to the trailer just after he left, but that was my task for the balance of the afternoon. The cobwebs weren't too bad for a trailer that has been here this long, but used the shop vac on them and I think I have it pretty good. I sure hope he isn't expecting a red carpet under there as well and that my clean up meets his expectations. The new infared space heater is working very well. It's kind of funny as it doesn't seem to be blowing all that much heat, but the place is much more pleasant.
After we went to happy hour. It is Darryl's last day, he is flying back to Grande Prairie this evening and wanted one more happy. A surprise was that Kenny & Doris pulled in just in time, so they are back for the balance of the winter now. After we went back to enjoy the swiss steak, it was awesome, but then everything Marg makes is that way.
Marg and some of the gals went to get lemons from the tree next door. The people who own it are rarely here & sometimes rent it, but no one is looking after it right now and the lemons will simply ripen and then fall to the ground to rot if no one picks them. The same is true with the orange and grapefruit trees in the park. The park manager actually likes the fruit picked so it doesn't rot on the ground.
Spent most of the morning running around in the park. Took a load of garbage to the dumpster bin, then went and mailed a post card to mother. The problem was these were inside the park, so that entails lots of visiting. After about 1 1/2 hours I completed my two tasks. And that was begging off in several conversations. Marg did some house cleaning, including a floor washing and then made a swiss steak for supper. We have not had that for quite some time, so it really got the old saliva glands going. Oh yes, we also put the new bedding on our bed. It seems the new bedding she put on this spring and has been used for a month now is moving to the Az room. I sure hope the new comforter is as warm as the one we are moving, it is positively cozy. The color is different as well. Sure hope it goes with the color of my eyes - LOL!
Back to the trailer for lunch. We had a commitment from the HVAC company that he would be at our place between 2:30 - 3 in the afternoon, so having missed him last time made a decision one of us would be at the place all afternoon. As it turns out during my visiting, I had made a commitment to a couple of guys to be in the pool room at 1, so Marg stuck around. She had a few visitors, so even though she didn't wander about, she got to chat with two different pairs of gals. I may also have a second golf day this week, yes Gene got back this week and is already looking for tee times.
The heating guy showed up and the good news was that he is confident our unit has a heat element [furnace??] and that it is just not working. He is coming back tomorrow at noon with the change out parts, as the heating element is no longer made and requires some changes to install it. He must be a character as he refuses to go under the trailer unless it is bug free and he specified cob webs as unacceptable and the skirting had to be removed. I got back to the trailer just after he left, but that was my task for the balance of the afternoon. The cobwebs weren't too bad for a trailer that has been here this long, but used the shop vac on them and I think I have it pretty good. I sure hope he isn't expecting a red carpet under there as well and that my clean up meets his expectations. The new infared space heater is working very well. It's kind of funny as it doesn't seem to be blowing all that much heat, but the place is much more pleasant.
After we went to happy hour. It is Darryl's last day, he is flying back to Grande Prairie this evening and wanted one more happy. A surprise was that Kenny & Doris pulled in just in time, so they are back for the balance of the winter now. After we went back to enjoy the swiss steak, it was awesome, but then everything Marg makes is that way.
Thursday, 1 January 2015
New Years Day 2015
Well it is the first day of another year. Happy New Year everyone as we go forward in a year filled with hope and promise. I know I have been telling you it's chilly here, but the high today was 46F [8C], an all time record lowest high temp for January 1st in Phoenix. That is still warmer than home, but when we set records would prefer them to be for the warmest temp.
We were a little slow getting mobile today, but were waiting for the sun to start warming things up. There was snow on Superstition mountain about 2/3rds of the way down from the top and in places the valley floor had some white stuff. In fact the truck box cover had a white covering, although it was more frost than snow. When the sun did get out, it was pretty pleasant.
Just before lunch American Furniture Warehouse came by with our refinished table. We were sure glad to see them as we have been using a small camping table. After we put it in place, Marg said it was good to feel like we are in a home rather than camping out now.
For lunch we went to the hall. Bob & Karen organized a great lunch and cooked ribs with sauerkraut. Everyone brought dishes to contribute to the meal and it was a nice way to spend that part of the day. Marg had made a strawberry cheesecake and a chocolate cake that was like a black forest cake, both of which were very popular. I think they ended up with about 40 to 50 people invited and I don't think anyone declined. Saw a few more people who have just arrived in the park today and have heard from others who are on the way.
After lunch we went out and bought a new space heater. This one is an infared heater and produces a very different kind of heat. It's different in that the whole trailer seems to be heated to a common temp where the other space heaters produce hot and cold areas. This combined with improved energy efficiency make it a popular choice. I also got a bbq light. Something I really needed as it turns dark so early here that I am frequently cooking in the dark.
After lunch we went out and bought a new space heater. This one is an infared heater and produces a very different kind of heat. It's different in that the whole trailer seems to be heated to a common temp where the other space heaters produce hot and cold areas. This combined with improved energy efficiency make it a popular choice. I also got a bbq light. Something I really needed as it turns dark so early here that I am frequently cooking in the dark.
New Years Eve
Happy New Year everyone. The post is a bit late, never got it done last night. I never saw midnight, fell to sleep sitting in the chair, too much Irish nectar last night, so here is the post for the 31st.
Got the day off to a good start, went golfing with a couple of the guys in the park. We were few in number as there was a forecast for rain and the wind was blowing, but the temp was around 50, so we went. Marg went with the gamblin' gals up to the Fort shortly after I left. As it turned out it sprinkled after the first hole and by the 7th it was raining and windy. I would like to think the score reflected the conditions, not great. In fact I was ready to quit after 8, but the other 3 opted to play, so I stayed with it and scored a hockey stick on the par 3. I got back to the park shortly before lunch and just as I finished eating, Marg showed up. Turns out there was no bingo today, so they lost their bundle in the casino and came back.
After we went out to pick up some stuff Marg needed to make her contribution to the party either last night or today. In the process she ended up with a couple of coats. She has long been looking for a white jacket, a lighter one and they had them on sale at Walmart. In the process there was a heavier coat and she tried one on, so I threw it in the buggy. It was fortuitous as the evening was darn cold and she was thankful for it.
I had a six pack of Molson Canadian, to make these guys honorary Canucks. They thought the beer pretty tasty. Some of the stuff here is pretty mild for taste and for some it was their first Cdn beer. I spotted it in Walmart, $7 for a six pack. Expensive compared to local beer, but a bargain compared to Alberta.
Larry put up some tarps to stop the wind and had his patio heater on high for the evening. We joined the happy hour group on the patio where the ladies had food laid out and we had a few drinks. Some of the food was even hot, thanks to crock pots.
The ladies had spiced something or other and seemed to be enjoying it as well. In addition to the beer I had a bottle of Tullamore Dew which went over pretty good with those that tried it.
The group wrapped up early, I think about 9 or 10 and by the time we got back to our trailer, the combination of wobbly pops and cold air were taking a toll on yours truly. After a couple of wake-up calls in my easy chair, we went to bed early. The first time in many years that we have not seen the New Year in at midnight.
New Years day -- as it turns out, it was pretty darn cold last night. There has been snow in the valley of the sun, not just in the high country, but on the valley floor as well. We had a light covering on the back of the truck.
There was snow in the high country, below is a pic of Superstition Mtn, pretty much white. Up north in Flagstaff they had 17 inches of snow last night and there are some highways closed. Seems to be snow all around the area, although not much by Alberta standards, it's a big deal here. They closed a bridge on the 202 because it was icy and traffic has to go around. This is not the Arizona we signed up for - LOL!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Got the day off to a good start, went golfing with a couple of the guys in the park. We were few in number as there was a forecast for rain and the wind was blowing, but the temp was around 50, so we went. Marg went with the gamblin' gals up to the Fort shortly after I left. As it turned out it sprinkled after the first hole and by the 7th it was raining and windy. I would like to think the score reflected the conditions, not great. In fact I was ready to quit after 8, but the other 3 opted to play, so I stayed with it and scored a hockey stick on the par 3. I got back to the park shortly before lunch and just as I finished eating, Marg showed up. Turns out there was no bingo today, so they lost their bundle in the casino and came back.
After we went out to pick up some stuff Marg needed to make her contribution to the party either last night or today. In the process she ended up with a couple of coats. She has long been looking for a white jacket, a lighter one and they had them on sale at Walmart. In the process there was a heavier coat and she tried one on, so I threw it in the buggy. It was fortuitous as the evening was darn cold and she was thankful for it.
I had a six pack of Molson Canadian, to make these guys honorary Canucks. They thought the beer pretty tasty. Some of the stuff here is pretty mild for taste and for some it was their first Cdn beer. I spotted it in Walmart, $7 for a six pack. Expensive compared to local beer, but a bargain compared to Alberta.
The group wrapped up early, I think about 9 or 10 and by the time we got back to our trailer, the combination of wobbly pops and cold air were taking a toll on yours truly. After a couple of wake-up calls in my easy chair, we went to bed early. The first time in many years that we have not seen the New Year in at midnight.
There was snow in the high country, below is a pic of Superstition Mtn, pretty much white. Up north in Flagstaff they had 17 inches of snow last night and there are some highways closed. Seems to be snow all around the area, although not much by Alberta standards, it's a big deal here. They closed a bridge on the 202 because it was icy and traffic has to go around. This is not the Arizona we signed up for - LOL!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
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