Happy Birthday Lyzi hope your day was special. Happy 50th Birthday Bill, sounds like your day was awesome.
The day started early for us as we went to coffee klatch this morning. We generally sit at different tables each week and I was able to shake my jinx. Our table was selected for donuts early in the process so good options: Marg got a cherry fritter & I got a blueberry fritter. The meeting had lots of information today on activities and the park wide patio sale tomorrow. It was also the second step in the election process for the tenants association executive. The incumbents were put forward as candidates by the nomination committee and next week there is an opportunity for nominations from the floor. Generally this is the end of the process, however this year there will be candidates for 3 of the positions as they announced their intention to seek nomination next week. It has been the topic around the park, our equivalent of high drama. Our good friend Kenny is chair of the nomination committee, so his normally token role, is very much in focus this year.
After coffee I stayed to help reorganize the hall for the event tomorrow, tables for the bake sale and vendors in the hall. Marg went to the kitchen to work with the gals doing the prep work for Sloppy Joes tomorrow. A couple of guys fry the hamburger the gals do all the slicing and dicing to make the sauce. I have been told that I volunteered to go there tomorrow morning at 7 AM to put the mixture in the oven so it will be hot and ready as required. Can hardly wait!
By the time all this was done, we toured around the park. The patio sale vendors [we would call them garage sellers] have their goods displayed so the residents can have an advance opportunity to buy things. They do this in consideration that many of the residents volunteer to make the day a success and this frees up their day on Friday. Marg picked up a few things: a bunt pan & some kind of satchel or purse; me nothing. We also seem to have been running a delivery service and she was taking things others bought and dropping them at their sites because we were mobile in the cart. Oh yes she bought donuts, Christine from Alberta makes them for sale and she had earlier placed an order for a dozen. It was kind of funny as when she was putting them in a bag, a few fell on the ground, so rather than wait for the next batch, she just got a few donut holes thrown in. They were very good, but I think Marg gave everyone she saw one, even sent me over to give Gary one when he was working.
After lunch we had a few visitors, first Bob & Shari dropped off a Jamaican banana nut loaf that he flavours with rum & pina colada and they had a donut. Then Gary stopped after he trimmed a few palm trees on his way to the dumpster with the fronds and shortly after Patti was walking around so seeing him here stopped in. We were just having a conversation about whether he should take the afternoon off. To influence him, I said there is an old quote - Only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the mid-day sun, why - well it was in the 80's by then and reached 87F, pretty warm. Yes Patti had a donut as well. That seems to have been the turning point and he went home.
In the afternoon she took a second tour through the park and got a couple more bargains: a piece of carpet & a hat [for the spring tea?], me still nothing. As we passed other golf carts we often stopped to chat, so it took a long time to get around the park. By then it was time for happy hour. On the way to happy we took the brownies to the hall and stopped for mail before settling in. There were about 20 people there, but it was fun.
We went home where Marg whipped up some shrimp and pasta in a kind of stir fry. It was very good and as the trailer was warming up so we ate outdoors in the breezeway. We finished up the last donut and two donut holes, thankfully she held back one brownie that I ate. By then I was done eating for the day, well it keeps me from snacking. LOL
Better not stay up too late tonight as I need to be in the kitchen at 7.
Thursday, 8 February 2018
Wednesday, 7 February 2018
Wednesday, Feb 7th
Happy birthday Daniel, we hope you had a very good day on your 15th birthday. Sorry we could not be there to share it with you.
Pretty windy today, but sunny and warm. I believe it was in the low 80's at the high point. When I say it warmed up, there is generally a noticeable heat starting to build by mid-morning peaking shortly after the noon hour. It stays hot until about supper time and by 6 o'clock the sun has set and it cools off quickly.
I went golfing with the group from the park this morning. We had a good turnout, but not quite as many as last week. I had a better than average game, except for my putting. Old Fish Boat here, if I could have eliminated a few 3 putts, I would have had a great game. You know putt, putt, putt. I had a bogey on every par 3 hole today, even though I drove the green on two. Arghhh! I was closest to the pin on #7 for a few groups, but Gene stuck one on closer and took the prize money today. Two weeks he nipped me on the longest putt. I told him this is getting serious as I was going to use the money to send my grandchildren to kindergarten. Not much sympathy there.
Marg put a pork roast in the slow cooker and went to water aerobics. They had a good turnout today. She said the pool was wonderful, but the wind made it feel cool when she got out. In fact she took a bathrobe to put on when she got out. When I got back to the park I drove past the pool taking Alan to his trailer as he rode with me. All the gals were still splashing away but they must keep an eye open for whoever goes by as they were waving at me. It must have been close to the end as Marg showed up back at the trailer shortly after [flying down the road in her bathrobe].
After lunch I went to run a few errands and Marg had visitors. There were a few groups of them as they have been getting together to talk about the celebration of life for Richard on Saturday. I think it is starting to come together. Knowing these gals I am certain it will be a fitting tribute to a great guy. It is still a bit of an emotional subject. I went to the post office, then to Best Hardware and finally to get water in the 5 gallon bottle. By the time I returned - more visitors and I went to play pool.
Supper tonight was the roast from the slow cooker, mashed potato and vegetables. There was enough for 3, so Marg made up a plate for Janice next door. I guess she is having a tough day, so I delivered a plate of supper over to her. It was a bit later, so Marg said just tell her it was because we had too many visitors or make up an excuse.
After supper I went to play poker, where I got trimmed pretty badly. Too much bragging about how well I was doing must have jinxed me. Marg had Randy over for a bit and he seemed happy with the arrangements for his dad's celebration. Then she did her baking: brownies and mini cheesecake to donate for the bake sale on Friday. The big park wide patio sale is on Friday. She has volunteered for kitchen work with sloppy joes again.
Pretty windy today, but sunny and warm. I believe it was in the low 80's at the high point. When I say it warmed up, there is generally a noticeable heat starting to build by mid-morning peaking shortly after the noon hour. It stays hot until about supper time and by 6 o'clock the sun has set and it cools off quickly.
I went golfing with the group from the park this morning. We had a good turnout, but not quite as many as last week. I had a better than average game, except for my putting. Old Fish Boat here, if I could have eliminated a few 3 putts, I would have had a great game. You know putt, putt, putt. I had a bogey on every par 3 hole today, even though I drove the green on two. Arghhh! I was closest to the pin on #7 for a few groups, but Gene stuck one on closer and took the prize money today. Two weeks he nipped me on the longest putt. I told him this is getting serious as I was going to use the money to send my grandchildren to kindergarten. Not much sympathy there.
Marg put a pork roast in the slow cooker and went to water aerobics. They had a good turnout today. She said the pool was wonderful, but the wind made it feel cool when she got out. In fact she took a bathrobe to put on when she got out. When I got back to the park I drove past the pool taking Alan to his trailer as he rode with me. All the gals were still splashing away but they must keep an eye open for whoever goes by as they were waving at me. It must have been close to the end as Marg showed up back at the trailer shortly after [flying down the road in her bathrobe].
After lunch I went to run a few errands and Marg had visitors. There were a few groups of them as they have been getting together to talk about the celebration of life for Richard on Saturday. I think it is starting to come together. Knowing these gals I am certain it will be a fitting tribute to a great guy. It is still a bit of an emotional subject. I went to the post office, then to Best Hardware and finally to get water in the 5 gallon bottle. By the time I returned - more visitors and I went to play pool.
Supper tonight was the roast from the slow cooker, mashed potato and vegetables. There was enough for 3, so Marg made up a plate for Janice next door. I guess she is having a tough day, so I delivered a plate of supper over to her. It was a bit later, so Marg said just tell her it was because we had too many visitors or make up an excuse.
After supper I went to play poker, where I got trimmed pretty badly. Too much bragging about how well I was doing must have jinxed me. Marg had Randy over for a bit and he seemed happy with the arrangements for his dad's celebration. Then she did her baking: brownies and mini cheesecake to donate for the bake sale on Friday. The big park wide patio sale is on Friday. She has volunteered for kitchen work with sloppy joes again.
Tuesday, 6 February 2018
Tuesday, Feb 6th
Another nice day in the valley, with the temp climbing to 80 or a bit above today. It is quite a temperature climb to get there as the night time temps were in the 40's. We set the thermostat to 67F which is about 17C and the furnace cuts in a few times during the night. To go out at night you really need a jacket.
After breakfast we went out to the insurance agency to pay our policy renewal. In the process we added the golf cart to our policy for an additional $35/year and that includes theft coverage. The policy on the park model has personal liability of $100K, so I am covered to break a lot of windows with my errant golf shots. LOL The gals at the agency are great to deal with and our favourable comments about them has quite a few people from the park getting their coverage there. After that I stopped at Ace hardware to get some bags for the shop vac. While there I checked on the screws that are in the box I bought at the park sale on Saturday for 25 cents. They were 45 cents each, so double the price I paid for the box - hard to believe, but true.
When we got back, Marg put a load of washing in and went to water aerobics. They had a pretty good turn out and the weather was perfect for time in the pool. There are a few people here who have grandchildren with them this week and they were in the pool after the aerobics group finished. Some days it is a golf cart parade leaving the pool when they finish. On the way back she stopped to give the gal across the street from us and her granddaughter a ride on the cart. The little one just turned 4 and is here visiting her grandparents. I guess she was pretty happy having a ride on the cart and a bit later Marg gave her a sticker book that had puppies and accessories. The last time I saw her she had her grandparents dog in a wagon and was pulling, so Marg was pretty sure she would like it Her older brother was here last year and Marg made a bit of a fuss over him as well.
I stayed home in the morning and worked on the caulking around the new outdoor lights and over the patio door. When I installed the lights they didn't fit tight against the wall because of the siding profile, so I put clear silicone in the gaps. The old caulking over the patio door was not very well done and was very lumpy and looking terrible, so I cut the excess of it off. The end result was rated as a significant improvement by Marg when she returned.
Lunch was a sandwich and after I went to play pool while Marg went out to pick up some things we needed. One of the things was vitamin B-12. When she was here Charlene suggested I take it because of the number of migraines I was having. Since I started taking it I have had one migraine in the past 4 months, where I was getting them at least weekly sometimes daily. I guess Marg had trouble finding pool noodles, so that is still on the needs list. I guess the supply of these has dwindled to where she wants to get her own, probably best anyway so she doesn't have to compete for the good ones. When she got back, she had quite a bit of company and there were a couple still there when I got back.
I played pool in a group of four and when another fellow came, left to play with him. Someone always does that so everyone who shows up has an opportunity to play. My game was about as good as it ever gets today, so it was a lot of fun for yours truly. The guy I left the group to play with is one of the better players here and had the opposite kind of day. You know the kind of day when nothing goes right for a guy. I am pretty certain the next time the roles are reversed the "No Mercy" rule will be in place.
We went for happy hour and there were a new couple from Ontario there. They live between London & Strathroy, so is close to where my cousin Lorne and his family live. The group was a smaller one which is always nice, so you can actually carry on a conversation. The hosts today are one of the couples that generally tries to keep it that way, we by the way are another. The definition of small varies somewhat, but there were about 18 today.
Supper tonight was bbq steak, baked potato, yams. It was a very nice steak and thick. We try to cut down on our red meat, so Marg generally cuts off as much as she wants and I start it early, especially with a thick steak. After hers cooks for about 15 minutes I put mine on and it seems to work out the way we both like it.
Bingo tonight at the hall and there were no winners at our table. Marg waited on a last number quite a bit, me only once. The games were all changed tonight, to the ones they are programming in to the new bingo machine. We had a good crowd and the money ball was won again. It was a smaller payout than last week, but still worthwhile. Everyone was happy for Christine [she is from Tofield] as she is kind of the MC and helps selling cards both at the start and intermission and is well liked in the park. Ah well some times you are bug and other times the windshield.
I noticed some typo's in the post yesterday, I trust each of you can get the gist of my diatribe and figure out what I was trying to say as I don't have an editor and often times do this late in the evening. Ciao bella.
After breakfast we went out to the insurance agency to pay our policy renewal. In the process we added the golf cart to our policy for an additional $35/year and that includes theft coverage. The policy on the park model has personal liability of $100K, so I am covered to break a lot of windows with my errant golf shots. LOL The gals at the agency are great to deal with and our favourable comments about them has quite a few people from the park getting their coverage there. After that I stopped at Ace hardware to get some bags for the shop vac. While there I checked on the screws that are in the box I bought at the park sale on Saturday for 25 cents. They were 45 cents each, so double the price I paid for the box - hard to believe, but true.
When we got back, Marg put a load of washing in and went to water aerobics. They had a pretty good turn out and the weather was perfect for time in the pool. There are a few people here who have grandchildren with them this week and they were in the pool after the aerobics group finished. Some days it is a golf cart parade leaving the pool when they finish. On the way back she stopped to give the gal across the street from us and her granddaughter a ride on the cart. The little one just turned 4 and is here visiting her grandparents. I guess she was pretty happy having a ride on the cart and a bit later Marg gave her a sticker book that had puppies and accessories. The last time I saw her she had her grandparents dog in a wagon and was pulling, so Marg was pretty sure she would like it Her older brother was here last year and Marg made a bit of a fuss over him as well.
I stayed home in the morning and worked on the caulking around the new outdoor lights and over the patio door. When I installed the lights they didn't fit tight against the wall because of the siding profile, so I put clear silicone in the gaps. The old caulking over the patio door was not very well done and was very lumpy and looking terrible, so I cut the excess of it off. The end result was rated as a significant improvement by Marg when she returned.
Lunch was a sandwich and after I went to play pool while Marg went out to pick up some things we needed. One of the things was vitamin B-12. When she was here Charlene suggested I take it because of the number of migraines I was having. Since I started taking it I have had one migraine in the past 4 months, where I was getting them at least weekly sometimes daily. I guess Marg had trouble finding pool noodles, so that is still on the needs list. I guess the supply of these has dwindled to where she wants to get her own, probably best anyway so she doesn't have to compete for the good ones. When she got back, she had quite a bit of company and there were a couple still there when I got back.
I played pool in a group of four and when another fellow came, left to play with him. Someone always does that so everyone who shows up has an opportunity to play. My game was about as good as it ever gets today, so it was a lot of fun for yours truly. The guy I left the group to play with is one of the better players here and had the opposite kind of day. You know the kind of day when nothing goes right for a guy. I am pretty certain the next time the roles are reversed the "No Mercy" rule will be in place.
We went for happy hour and there were a new couple from Ontario there. They live between London & Strathroy, so is close to where my cousin Lorne and his family live. The group was a smaller one which is always nice, so you can actually carry on a conversation. The hosts today are one of the couples that generally tries to keep it that way, we by the way are another. The definition of small varies somewhat, but there were about 18 today.
Supper tonight was bbq steak, baked potato, yams. It was a very nice steak and thick. We try to cut down on our red meat, so Marg generally cuts off as much as she wants and I start it early, especially with a thick steak. After hers cooks for about 15 minutes I put mine on and it seems to work out the way we both like it.
Bingo tonight at the hall and there were no winners at our table. Marg waited on a last number quite a bit, me only once. The games were all changed tonight, to the ones they are programming in to the new bingo machine. We had a good crowd and the money ball was won again. It was a smaller payout than last week, but still worthwhile. Everyone was happy for Christine [she is from Tofield] as she is kind of the MC and helps selling cards both at the start and intermission and is well liked in the park. Ah well some times you are bug and other times the windshield.
I noticed some typo's in the post yesterday, I trust each of you can get the gist of my diatribe and figure out what I was trying to say as I don't have an editor and often times do this late in the evening. Ciao bella.
Monday, 5 February 2018
Monday, Feb 5th
A busy day for this pair of snowbirds. It was a nice day with temperatures rising from a chilly morning very quickly to a warm and then hot day.
It was a travel day for the Gamblin' Gals and four eager gals went to the Fort seeking their fortunes. It was fairly busy there and they came away with one big winner, Lynett finally had her day. Marg said she was one number 3 or 4 times on big jackpots and twice her number was in the monitor as the next one out, one was $600 the other $800, so it was exciting. They never had a lot of extra time today with lunch and the break periods mainly it, so casino time was very short.
I went with two other guys from the park and played 18 holes at Encanto, meeting Gerry there. The course was in nice shape and not too busy. One of the fellows here [from New Mexico] offered to drive and it was his first time into the city centre. He was keen and perhaps apprehensive so we left 1 1/2 hrs before our Tee time. The traffic was steady going, but not too heavy and he did fine. Coming back it was heavier around the tunnel and he had lots of excitement. He did well and wants to return, so it will be interesting to see if he volunteers to drive. The course played well and we finished pretty much at the 4 hour mark. We had time to hit a few practice balls and putts. The restaurant at the course is not open this year, so Marg gave me some breakfast bars and a muffin. The other guys never thought that far ahead, so I shared the bars. The were like the oat cakes we had in Scotland. I also took two bottles of Gatorade and two of water and crank them all. I had a better game today than last time, so am encouraged, I never even lost a ball. It was in the low 80's and I got a bit of sunburn, so will have to start wearing my hat better suited to keeping the sun off my head.
When Marg got home, I met them at the gate and thinking about the time they got home last time I got there early. Well they were slower this time, so I had a fair amount of time at the gate. Numerous people stopped to see why I was there and I said I was the new security guy and there to keep out he riff raff.
When Marg got home we had perogies for supper and then she went out to see some people about the celebration of life on Saturday for Richard Cain. A group in the park at helping his son Randy with this as Rich was important to almost everyone he met. It is encouraging that quite a few seem willing to contribute.
Another sad note today, Gerry's sister passed away. A tough day for him, a sad day for the family. A great bunch most of whom I have known for about 65 years & the younger 3 all their lives.
It was a travel day for the Gamblin' Gals and four eager gals went to the Fort seeking their fortunes. It was fairly busy there and they came away with one big winner, Lynett finally had her day. Marg said she was one number 3 or 4 times on big jackpots and twice her number was in the monitor as the next one out, one was $600 the other $800, so it was exciting. They never had a lot of extra time today with lunch and the break periods mainly it, so casino time was very short.
I went with two other guys from the park and played 18 holes at Encanto, meeting Gerry there. The course was in nice shape and not too busy. One of the fellows here [from New Mexico] offered to drive and it was his first time into the city centre. He was keen and perhaps apprehensive so we left 1 1/2 hrs before our Tee time. The traffic was steady going, but not too heavy and he did fine. Coming back it was heavier around the tunnel and he had lots of excitement. He did well and wants to return, so it will be interesting to see if he volunteers to drive. The course played well and we finished pretty much at the 4 hour mark. We had time to hit a few practice balls and putts. The restaurant at the course is not open this year, so Marg gave me some breakfast bars and a muffin. The other guys never thought that far ahead, so I shared the bars. The were like the oat cakes we had in Scotland. I also took two bottles of Gatorade and two of water and crank them all. I had a better game today than last time, so am encouraged, I never even lost a ball. It was in the low 80's and I got a bit of sunburn, so will have to start wearing my hat better suited to keeping the sun off my head.
When Marg got home, I met them at the gate and thinking about the time they got home last time I got there early. Well they were slower this time, so I had a fair amount of time at the gate. Numerous people stopped to see why I was there and I said I was the new security guy and there to keep out he riff raff.
When Marg got home we had perogies for supper and then she went out to see some people about the celebration of life on Saturday for Richard Cain. A group in the park at helping his son Randy with this as Rich was important to almost everyone he met. It is encouraging that quite a few seem willing to contribute.
Another sad note today, Gerry's sister passed away. A tough day for him, a sad day for the family. A great bunch most of whom I have known for about 65 years & the younger 3 all their lives.
Sunday, 4 February 2018
Superbowl Sunday
Started the day off attending the church service in the hall. There was a smaller group than last week, but they sang much better. In fact they were pretty darn good. The day warmed up shortly after the service and became very warm, I think we made it to 80F again today. So a beautiful day in the sun.
After I went over to a friends place, they are from BC, and helped a bit with some of the roof on his car port. It's the same fellow I got the fridge for yesterday and I actually went to take him a tarp strap he left in the truck. Then I road around the park a bit as by then it was gorgeous day.
Got back and did some work on the outside stair railings. They get a bit loose from being handled all the time, so just need tightening. Messed with that for quite awhile until I got both the front & rear to where I was satisfied with them. After we went out for lunch to Taco Bell. They have so many specials and good package deals that it's an easy choice. Marg had a $5 Nacho cheese special and I had a crunch wrap meal, both of which we enjoyed.
Then it was on to Home Depot where we looked a, well lots really. We were looking at patio chairs or furniture and lighting for the breezeway. I think we will eventually get some rope lighting, but for now just got LED outdoor lights for the two entrance doors. The ones we had were the old original that we generally refer to as ham jars. They are about the cheapest ones you can buy. The new LED ones are very nice looking and much brighter as well as energy efficient. I think we will probably end up with LED lighting in the breezeway to help with using it as a patio.
When we got home I installed the porch lights and they were as good as we expected, so we're happy with our purchase. They not only are brighter on the stairs, but the driveway as well. Marg made a cole slaw and put baked beans in a crock pot to heat. These were her contribution to the group supper at half time during the Superbowl game. Gene & Sheri invited four couples to their place to watch the game. The last couple of years it was at Gary & Linda's and I think I must be the only non-football watcher in the group, but I enjoy their company. Marg made a bit of a variation in the slaw, she added bits of apple like my mother used to do and it was a big hit. The baked beans she took were a big hit as well. People here love beans and the ones she takes get great comments, I guess they are just like home-made.
We went to the Smith's at 4:00 to catch the anthem & kick-off. I also took a few beers and what was left in a bottle of Tullamore Dew and my shot cups. The Irish whisky is always a hit with the guys there, but I knew that in advance. It was a good game and good company, a fun evening. The half time show was very good and when they had the hologram of Prince as part of the act it gave me an idea. I should have one made of me and my kids can play it for my grandchildren. Why you ask, well it could be me telling them to study hard and be the best then can be. Well the idea still needs work as you can see.
After I went over to a friends place, they are from BC, and helped a bit with some of the roof on his car port. It's the same fellow I got the fridge for yesterday and I actually went to take him a tarp strap he left in the truck. Then I road around the park a bit as by then it was gorgeous day.
Got back and did some work on the outside stair railings. They get a bit loose from being handled all the time, so just need tightening. Messed with that for quite awhile until I got both the front & rear to where I was satisfied with them. After we went out for lunch to Taco Bell. They have so many specials and good package deals that it's an easy choice. Marg had a $5 Nacho cheese special and I had a crunch wrap meal, both of which we enjoyed.
Then it was on to Home Depot where we looked a, well lots really. We were looking at patio chairs or furniture and lighting for the breezeway. I think we will eventually get some rope lighting, but for now just got LED outdoor lights for the two entrance doors. The ones we had were the old original that we generally refer to as ham jars. They are about the cheapest ones you can buy. The new LED ones are very nice looking and much brighter as well as energy efficient. I think we will probably end up with LED lighting in the breezeway to help with using it as a patio.
When we got home I installed the porch lights and they were as good as we expected, so we're happy with our purchase. They not only are brighter on the stairs, but the driveway as well. Marg made a cole slaw and put baked beans in a crock pot to heat. These were her contribution to the group supper at half time during the Superbowl game. Gene & Sheri invited four couples to their place to watch the game. The last couple of years it was at Gary & Linda's and I think I must be the only non-football watcher in the group, but I enjoy their company. Marg made a bit of a variation in the slaw, she added bits of apple like my mother used to do and it was a big hit. The baked beans she took were a big hit as well. People here love beans and the ones she takes get great comments, I guess they are just like home-made.
We went to the Smith's at 4:00 to catch the anthem & kick-off. I also took a few beers and what was left in a bottle of Tullamore Dew and my shot cups. The Irish whisky is always a hit with the guys there, but I knew that in advance. It was a good game and good company, a fun evening. The half time show was very good and when they had the hologram of Prince as part of the act it gave me an idea. I should have one made of me and my kids can play it for my grandchildren. Why you ask, well it could be me telling them to study hard and be the best then can be. Well the idea still needs work as you can see.
Saturday, 3 February 2018
Saturday, Feb 3rd
Today we were off to an early start. Had some of the sticky buns and we were on the road. The day started cool, so we wore jackets, still in shorts though.
It was a park sale day, so we went to the two just east of our park first thing. At the first one I bought a box of screws, the ones with rubber washers to fasten sheet metal roofing. Some of the ones at the lake are leaking, so need to be replaced. I bought a few of them for a job around here earlier and paid about 20 cents each, so the box was a good deal at 25 cents. I saw something that was new to me, a Gun Clock. It was a nice mantle clock and I thought he meant that was the name of the manufacturer - no. The face of the clock tipped down and behind he works is a compartment that included a case to keep a pistol. I'm not sure if it is a hiding spot or a secret way to get at it quickly. Anyway I never bought it. At the second park across the road, we never saw anything that appealed to us.
We drove down university to a third park where I got an electric clamp meter. It has many uses, but for me mainly testing continuity and voltage. It can also test a wire for quality of the insulation to see if it is leaking voltage. It was at what I thought was a good deal. That was it for that park. Then we went to a really nice park that we usually score at, but alas nothing. So we made all those places without Marg buying anything.
We stopped at Safeway on the way home and got a few things. Well Marg did, I got a couple of lottery tickets, so we are potential millionaires again. Then it was home for lunch. Marg made me a nice bacon, egg, hash brown meal, I guess she was feeling guilty for my not going to the big breakfast at the hall this morning. No matter why she did that, it was good.
After lunch I went with a couple in the park to pick up a fridge. It was quite a ways and they never had a truck. In the past other people in the park have helped us that way, so it was no big deal. Marg did her nails and had a visitor or two, then got a dish ready to take to a birthday party. A quick shower and we went to the birthday party at Rita & Darryl's place. It was a party for her sister, Lorraine who is here from Spruce Grove. It's funny, they came for a visit and ended up buying a fifth wheel and renting a yearly lot. They are about the 6th couple to take a lot for the next year in the park. The other thing that is a coincidence is that when she was young and single, she used to date Evelyn's brother Art Soucy, small world.
When we got back from that I found my hand truck and a case of 30 cans of beer at home. It was the couple who I helped get a fridge had returned it and left the beer. That was nice, even thought I told them not to bother with anything.
We just had time to change and get ready for the Mardi Gras party & dance at the hall. They had some great decorations and did some things to make it seem a bit like New Orleans. There was a fortune teller, card reader set up in a booth that most people went to, including Marg & Lynett, seen here. They had a couple of large cakes and a baby was baked into each. If you got a piece with the baby it would bring you luck and prosperity for the next year. The music was all taped, but well done. We were among the few who did not dance, but it was fun anyway.
It was a park sale day, so we went to the two just east of our park first thing. At the first one I bought a box of screws, the ones with rubber washers to fasten sheet metal roofing. Some of the ones at the lake are leaking, so need to be replaced. I bought a few of them for a job around here earlier and paid about 20 cents each, so the box was a good deal at 25 cents. I saw something that was new to me, a Gun Clock. It was a nice mantle clock and I thought he meant that was the name of the manufacturer - no. The face of the clock tipped down and behind he works is a compartment that included a case to keep a pistol. I'm not sure if it is a hiding spot or a secret way to get at it quickly. Anyway I never bought it. At the second park across the road, we never saw anything that appealed to us.
We drove down university to a third park where I got an electric clamp meter. It has many uses, but for me mainly testing continuity and voltage. It can also test a wire for quality of the insulation to see if it is leaking voltage. It was at what I thought was a good deal. That was it for that park. Then we went to a really nice park that we usually score at, but alas nothing. So we made all those places without Marg buying anything.
We stopped at Safeway on the way home and got a few things. Well Marg did, I got a couple of lottery tickets, so we are potential millionaires again. Then it was home for lunch. Marg made me a nice bacon, egg, hash brown meal, I guess she was feeling guilty for my not going to the big breakfast at the hall this morning. No matter why she did that, it was good.
After lunch I went with a couple in the park to pick up a fridge. It was quite a ways and they never had a truck. In the past other people in the park have helped us that way, so it was no big deal. Marg did her nails and had a visitor or two, then got a dish ready to take to a birthday party. A quick shower and we went to the birthday party at Rita & Darryl's place. It was a party for her sister, Lorraine who is here from Spruce Grove. It's funny, they came for a visit and ended up buying a fifth wheel and renting a yearly lot. They are about the 6th couple to take a lot for the next year in the park. The other thing that is a coincidence is that when she was young and single, she used to date Evelyn's brother Art Soucy, small world.
When we got back from that I found my hand truck and a case of 30 cans of beer at home. It was the couple who I helped get a fridge had returned it and left the beer. That was nice, even thought I told them not to bother with anything.
Friday, 2 February 2018
Groundhog Day, 2018
The groundhog saw his shadow, so that means 6 more weeks of winter, no early spring this year. Well that really doesn't mean much in Arizona, but to our family and friends in Alberta, that is bad news. Hey wait, we are only a 3 hour flight from Edmonton, what's holding you back?
The day started out in grand style with hot sticky buns or monkey bread as Marg calls it. This is a big hit around here especially in our place. Marg generally takes a plate of them over to Janice next door, especially this year as she is dealing with quite a lot. They were good and even better when I put butter on them while hot. Life is good. She also put some chicken, potatoes, etc. in the slow cooker, so supper was looked after early in the day.
The neighbour behind came while I was still wearing my PJ pants, to borrow my hand truck [2 wheel cart] to move his washing machine. It's a Splendide just like ours but he is having some mechanical problems. Kind of startling, I almost never lounge about in my PJ's but was really laid back this morning. After he left we spent some time on the phone with Mediacom about our bill for TV & internet. They had sent the bill to our GP address and then it was forwarded back here. With all that, we only got it Thursday and it was due today, so I had to pay it over the phone and get the mail directed to this address. It was probably a result of the final bill when we left in March being sent to our home address. We generally keep the service until a day or two before leaving, with any luck it will be OK next month. At the same time as this stuff, Marg put in a load of laundry. It was darks today, it seems that we was darks and lights separately. Who would have figured?
It was just about time for splash & thrash, so Marg left on the cart. I guess there were only a handful of ladies, but the pool was like a bath tub. She had a good workout and again drove home giving one of the gals a ride in the process. That is one thing that is working out well. Her hip continues to be a challenge, but she skips some of the exercises substituting others that are better suited to her situation.
I rode the bike, but just around the park and it seemed to go OK today. I wanted to see one of the guys who fell off his ladder yesterday. As it turns out he was still not good, so good thing I took the bike so I could return home and get him a heat pad to strap on. Marg has these Salonpas that she swears by and whenever she gives one out to try, gets a reaction that they are miraculous. Hope it works for Jerry. Then I rode around and visited with a couple of other people on the way. One was a guy putting a new hot water tank in his motorhome. He was doing it himself, but had paid $1,000 for the replacement unit. Note to self - look after the hot water tank in the RV. He was having difficulty with the wiring being quite different from the old one, so I suggested he call the manufacturer. Duh, anyway that worked out pretty well for him.
By then we both arrived home [this is just another of our homes] and it was lunch time. Marg made us a sandwich, which was very good. What isn't good was that I ate the last of the Christmas baking today. Yeh I know, I don't really need it, but I'd like to think I have moved beyond basic needs. Have you heard of Maszlo's hierarchy of needs? Well if not look it up, mine are fare beyond basic. LOL
After lunch I went to play some pool. I ended up playing with two other guys, one really good, one average, so it was an interesting match-up. I lost the first game when I just arrived and had to play on my own and then one other when the good player played on his own, but the rest were winners. The best one was the last game where I played the other two and came away with a win in a come from behind effort. Marg came to get me from the pool room as it was getting close to 3 o'clock. I had agreed to photo the Mardi Gras parade, so it was a quick ride home to get the camera and then back to the assembly area.
Some of the people really dressed up for it and it created interest in the dance on Saturday night. Marg and I sat with friends near the start of the route. While we were there we met a couple from Washington state who are new to the park but have rented their lot for the year and he is building a shed on it. There have been quite a few new annual renters this year. It's a difficult park to get into, so they secure their spot this way, but it's sure going to tighten up the site availability. Anyway I took quite a few photos and posted them on my page [by mistake] and then on the tenants association FB page. Marg's buddy Lynette was the Queen of the Mardis Gras.
Supper was the slow cooker chicken and it was good. Again a dish for next door. A little later, Randy [2 doors down] came to chat with Marg. She is kind of like a mother hen here, not just at home. I'm thinking of getting her a booth and sign like in Charlie Brown comics - the doctor is in 5cents.
The day started out in grand style with hot sticky buns or monkey bread as Marg calls it. This is a big hit around here especially in our place. Marg generally takes a plate of them over to Janice next door, especially this year as she is dealing with quite a lot. They were good and even better when I put butter on them while hot. Life is good. She also put some chicken, potatoes, etc. in the slow cooker, so supper was looked after early in the day.
The neighbour behind came while I was still wearing my PJ pants, to borrow my hand truck [2 wheel cart] to move his washing machine. It's a Splendide just like ours but he is having some mechanical problems. Kind of startling, I almost never lounge about in my PJ's but was really laid back this morning. After he left we spent some time on the phone with Mediacom about our bill for TV & internet. They had sent the bill to our GP address and then it was forwarded back here. With all that, we only got it Thursday and it was due today, so I had to pay it over the phone and get the mail directed to this address. It was probably a result of the final bill when we left in March being sent to our home address. We generally keep the service until a day or two before leaving, with any luck it will be OK next month. At the same time as this stuff, Marg put in a load of laundry. It was darks today, it seems that we was darks and lights separately. Who would have figured?
It was just about time for splash & thrash, so Marg left on the cart. I guess there were only a handful of ladies, but the pool was like a bath tub. She had a good workout and again drove home giving one of the gals a ride in the process. That is one thing that is working out well. Her hip continues to be a challenge, but she skips some of the exercises substituting others that are better suited to her situation.
I rode the bike, but just around the park and it seemed to go OK today. I wanted to see one of the guys who fell off his ladder yesterday. As it turns out he was still not good, so good thing I took the bike so I could return home and get him a heat pad to strap on. Marg has these Salonpas that she swears by and whenever she gives one out to try, gets a reaction that they are miraculous. Hope it works for Jerry. Then I rode around and visited with a couple of other people on the way. One was a guy putting a new hot water tank in his motorhome. He was doing it himself, but had paid $1,000 for the replacement unit. Note to self - look after the hot water tank in the RV. He was having difficulty with the wiring being quite different from the old one, so I suggested he call the manufacturer. Duh, anyway that worked out pretty well for him.
By then we both arrived home [this is just another of our homes] and it was lunch time. Marg made us a sandwich, which was very good. What isn't good was that I ate the last of the Christmas baking today. Yeh I know, I don't really need it, but I'd like to think I have moved beyond basic needs. Have you heard of Maszlo's hierarchy of needs? Well if not look it up, mine are fare beyond basic. LOL
After lunch I went to play some pool. I ended up playing with two other guys, one really good, one average, so it was an interesting match-up. I lost the first game when I just arrived and had to play on my own and then one other when the good player played on his own, but the rest were winners. The best one was the last game where I played the other two and came away with a win in a come from behind effort. Marg came to get me from the pool room as it was getting close to 3 o'clock. I had agreed to photo the Mardi Gras parade, so it was a quick ride home to get the camera and then back to the assembly area.
Supper was the slow cooker chicken and it was good. Again a dish for next door. A little later, Randy [2 doors down] came to chat with Marg. She is kind of like a mother hen here, not just at home. I'm thinking of getting her a booth and sign like in Charlie Brown comics - the doctor is in 5cents.
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