SW Winter 2010/2011
April 26th – After a couple more gloomy and rainy days on the road we are back in CF. Now a few days of cleaning and unloading…
April 24th – Happy Easter! After a short walk we had to hurry to leave for church at the Condo complex. We were treated to a mini concert before Mass by a very talented family – Mom, Dad and Son & Daughter all played and sang – some more than one instrument. They also did the music during Mass which was very nice. I’m glad we did this inside instead of the sunrise service we saw pictures of near here at Red Rock – over 10,000 were there in a light rain, 40 degrees and they started coming in at 4:30. It is the same place John Tess did his concerts. After church we hopped in with our friends for a trip to one of their daughter’s house in Littleton
April 23rd – Another full and busy day – we were out on the trails before 7:00 and Lexi was very ready for a good run after a travel day and short exercise periods. For us too – we enjoyed the walk and followed up with the Pilates routine before we made another grapefruit pie for tomorrow because Larry and Jetta have a full day planned for us today. They did get a little behind on their project which gave us an extra hour that I used to upload pictures. They picked us up and gave us a little more tour of the town (which included the spot right in our park where the Pope was here for World Youth Day) on the way to the Denver Museum
April 22nd – It was a little cool this morning (42) but a nice warm sun helped a lot. We started at 4400 feet and topped 10,800 at Vail pass and 11,300 at the tunnel and the temperature went down as low as 27 with blowing snow and sloppy roads in the pass and a nice 65 and sunny as we descended into Denver
April 21st – More ups and downs again today – we started at 4300 ft. and topped 7000 a couple times and we are at 4500 again tonight. We couldn’t stay in Moab Grand Junction , CO Aurora near Denver
April 20th – Today was a series of hikes – first we started right out of the campground and went up the hill of sandstone that makes up a lot of this area. We had to be ready to go on the Antelope Canyon Colorado River makes a 180 degree turn that is aptly called Horseshoe Bend. It is a ¾ mile hike each way to peer over a deep sheer drop to the river below – well – at least on of us looked over the edge… Then after a visit to an Italian place for a Calzone so big the two of us had a hard time getting through all of it we headed to another spot high above the dam for another hike. We now have one hot and tired dog! I still need to go through hundreds of pictures
April 19th – The first leg of the week or so trip back to Iowa Phoenix Flagstaff
April 18th – We started with a hike at South Mountain or Casa Grande Mountain
April 17th – Another warm one – mid 90’s yesterday and today. We had a neat Palm Sunday with palm blessing and a procession too. We spent time planning the route home through Page, AZ to see Antelope Canyon and Lake Powell area, and on through Denver, Co to see friends.
April 16th – The morning walks are getting pretty warm by the time we get back even though we are starting early. We had a good day – cooking, eating and good times with friends. Marinated pork loin on the grill and hot German Potato salad were a hit followed by Derby Pie.
April 15th – After our walk we when into cleaning (Linda) and waxing (Rick) until noon – I finally have made the complete round of the 5th wheel – maybe I should start over now – or NOT! Another couple came in for a couple days on there way home so we will eat and play games with them for a couple days. Then we will have to check the weather and make final plans for our route home – time sure flies when you’re having fun – four months since we left home.
April 14th – We got up early again and got a walk in before heading out to a couple of the sales – I’ve already seen more junk than I needed to… After lunch we headed back to Casa Grande.
April 12th – We spent the day in Green Valley Cedar Falls
April 11th – After our walk and exercise routine I got some calls made to move utilities to our name. Boy, oh boy are we spoiled in Cedar Falls
April 10th – A nick walk and church with a couple stops on the way home pretty well took care of the morning. After a quiet afternoon and our usual popcorn we got together with our friends who are leaving tomorrow for another round of Hillbilly Rummy. More “lessons” for somebody!!
April 9th – We got up early again but no walk again. This time the culprit was rain – it started during the night and even though it was only a few tenths it lasted until mid afternoon. We got some calls made about the house and pictures posted along with some reading and rest. After the rain stopped we walked and exercised Lexi a few times and baked bread and cookies. We were not worried about running the oven – it barely made the upper 50’s another record – after last weeks record 100 this is a shock. It is supposed to be back in the mid 70’s tomorrow and 90 by the end week.
April 8th – We got up early but no walk. We headed to Green Valley
April 7th – We got another early walk in and Pilates before getting ready for a meeting at the campground – rumors about the future of the system as the topic. Even though the campground is getting emptier by the day the clubhouse was full – not much new info though. Soup and fresh olive bread for lunch – good! I got the truck washed but the 5th wheel will have to wait. We got a bike ride in this afternoon.
April 6th – Today after the walk and exercise it was cleaning – me outside and Linda inside. I quit when the first raindrops hit – good excuse. While we were fixing lunch the wind came up and some pretty good rain for about ten minutes so I scrambled to get the awning put away and pick up lawn chairs. So much for outside cleaning. After lunch we worked on appetizers for afternoon company and I made a batch of artisan bread and used our olive tapenade in half and put it in the fridge for tomorrow. We had a good time eating the quiche and stuffed mushrooms and then got the cards out for more “lessons”.
April 5th – We got another early start and had a good walk, coffee on the patio and then when Linda went in to do the core routine I went back to cleaning and waxing. By noon it was too warm with the sun coming around – luckily there is not much left. While we were on our bike ride this afternoon taking pictures of all the flowers that are in bloom we saw the young Burrowing Owl out of his den. We see this one and the mom most mornings when we take that route. We went downtown for the “Arts in the Alley” night. Some interesting stuff and one block had some really nice cars from old street rods to brand new ones. We did find the guy from the Farmer’s Market that makes really good humus and our favorite – olive tapenade.
April 4th – We started our walk before 7:00 this morning – the sun is coming up earlier even without daylight savings time! We had time for coffee, Pilates and breakfast before picking up friends at 9:30 to go to a Greek Orthodox Monastery over near Florence Greece Florence
April 3rd – We got a real early start this morning but it was still 68 when we got up at 6:20 – we did remember to take water for Lexi today. All of one kind of bushes bloomed with a delicate white flower since yesterday – hard to believe that many flowers could come out in a day! After church we got time in the lawn chairs before we went back for a concert at the church that was very good. Mostly string instruments but also two full choirs and a bell choir for a little over an hour.
April 2nd – We got our walk in and Lexi’s tongue was hanging out a long way and she was going slow – a lot of running and a warmer morning took the toll. I got wax on the section I cleaned yesterday but we did a lot of reading and resting – it was back in the upper 90’s again. We did sit out with a few other couples for a late afternoon snack time – it was down to 85 by then.
April 1st – I only got a little cleaning done after our walk this morning before it got too warm. 62 when we got up, 86 by noon and somewhere between 98 and 100 at 5 o’clock. We were out and about doing errands all afternoon and it didn’t seem that hot. There was a nice breeze and that “dry heat” thing. It won’t be long and we’ll be able to open the windows for some fresh air.
March 31st – Another month gone – they really go by fast. Another one does that and we’ll have to come home!! We went hiking in a new spot this morning and the first leg seemed all uphill – luckily the return route we took hung on the side of the mountain instead of up and over. We hiked less than two hours but it really warmed up – but then it is suppose to be above 90 today and 95 tomorrow before it drops back to the mid 80’s. No waxing today! We hung out in the AC from mid afternoon until just after supper when it cools down enough to open back up. We had jalapeño poppers with mango marmalade and margaritas for a snack (tottie time).
March 30th – It was back to the wax on wax off routine after our walk this morning. I had to wait on the last side until we moved to a spot where it was in the shade in the morning – it gets too hot to wax – usually by noon. It hit 87 today but we didn’t need the AC thanks to a nice NW breeze. I started the grill before I finished the section I was working on and put a half a chicken on for a late lunch – boy was that good. A relaxing afternoon was now in order and by 8:00 we started closing windows and shutting fans off.
March 29th – We packed up after our walk and exercise to head back to Casa Grande. Now we have internet again and we didn’t even get to our site before we had an invite to supper!
March 28th – We got our walk in and sat outside the rest of the morning goofing off. It has been go, go, go this week and we are going to meet the six pack for lunch at the pie place. I’ll see if I can upload this someplace because we are in a really weak spot here so I have been doing most of the internet on the phone. It didn’t work… After an almost three hour lunch out on the patio of the pie shop – lots of gabbing we took Lexi to the paw park with the lake and she had a great time. We took shampoo along for a bath as long as she was wet anyway. After a lite supper we played cards again and discussed all the plans each of us has until they make it to Waterloo Hawaii
March 27th – We got our walk in before church and then went to lunch at a couple’s house in Queen Creek – just south of here – they are from near Finchford and are friends of both my brother and some of our CF friends. It was a fun afternoon and they have one of the neatest outdoor patio and yard that one could imagine. We were actually still too full for popcorn…
March 26th – We did our walk and Pilates this morning before going over to Gary & Lydia’s to catch up and do lunch. We rode our bikes to go to the fruit market a little over a mile away – what a place – we got a quart of strawberries, three pints of blueberries and blackberries, three peppers and a bunch of cilantro for $2.80 – no wonder we always get too much stuff there. We made another grapefruit pie for tomorrow. Another night of cards and conversation with the Jacobsen’s…
March 25th – After our walk this morning we picked up Ken & Elaine and went to the big Mesa Swap Meet – a good place to find a lot of junk and a few bargains. Not bad for exercise either with four aisles that are probably more than a quarter mile long and two connecting ends and it is all enclosed. Then we found a new micro brewery that had all there food made from scratch – the pizza was great! We took Lexi on a nice longer than expected walk in the afternoon and then they came over to play cards after supper.
March 24th – We walked the other direction along one of the canals this morning but the grassy area in the middle still wasn’t dry enough after the rain Monday. We had our coffee outside when we got back but had to hustle along to pick up Ruth and headed down to just south of Casa Grande to meet Pat, Mike, Gail and Chico who came up to meet us from Green Valley for lunch. A long way to go but they all wanted to see Ruth before they head back home this weekend and Ruth didn’t want to go alone. Not much more for the day – got a movie for tonight.
March 23rd – After our walk and the exercise routine Linda’s brother came over to visit and we went to lunch at a newly recommended pie shop. They also have soup and sandwiches and they specialty pot pies – everything was real good. Then we went over to see my sister Ruth who recently moved here from New Hampton.
March 22nd – We got our walk in before packing up to move back to Mesa
March 21st – We got our walk in before the wind started picking up and by lunch it was sprinkling off and on and we got a couple pretty good showers and a lot of wind in the afternoon. We made homemade beef barley soup that was great with the homemade bread. And we played cards after supper with Jay and Sandy who came in today.
March 20th – quiet Sunday – walk, church and a bike ride.
March 19th – After our walk and exercise we got ready to head downtown for the Farmer’s Market. We found out that it was cancelled so we went to the local market down there and got a good selection of fruit and vegetables. We picked up some squash and zucchini for our turkey vegetable lasagna. While we were on our bike ride in the afternoon we checked on the dove we have been watching – silly thing put a few sticks on a big natural gas line pipe and called it a nest. We saw two little heads sticking out from under her chest the other day.
March 18th – There were not many quail for Lexi to chase this morning on our walk because we met another walker and his dog coming from the other way – it’s pretty rare seeing somebody out there. No waxing today – did our Core and cleaned up before heading to Wal-Mart. We rarely go there anymore because Fry’s Food has most of what we need and usually beats Wal-Mart’s piracy – I mean prices anyway. Without any cooking or projects we easily withstood the 89 degrees in the lawn chairs – it’s a dry heat! Actually the weather channel had temp 89 ‘feels like 84 – kind of like wind chill!
March 17th – Happy St. Patrick’s Day! We had another nice morning walk. I finished the one side I’ve been working on before I ran out of cleaner. I really looks good – being done that is… We fixed a new recipe for lunch – lamb stuffed mushrooms – very tasty with plum sauce in them. It seemed like a good Irish choice. With baking them and the brownies and the 89 degrees outside, we opted for the air conditioner. With time to spend inside I decided to finish the taxes – done, electronically filed and accepted! Now enjoy that Guinness for the wee bit o’ Irish in me.
March 16th – It was another nice walk this morning – it is shorts and tee shirt weather in the morning here now – kind of like the afternoon in Iowa Alice
The Ides of March – It was back to the regular morning exercise routine today. I baked another loaf of artisan bread from Patty’s recipe should – was nice and warm for lunch… We went to the store and then tried to find room for all the stuff – especially the meat that goes in the freezer. Too hot now for waxing – good excuse – maybe tomorrow. It is plenty warm at 85 today – can’t wait for the first 90 of the year tomorrow. But they are saying that it will be back in the 70’s by Sunday – normal is 76 now.
March 14th – In lieu of our walk we headed out to South Mountain
March 13th – There is NO spring forward here – AZ doesn’t play the Daylight saving time game. The popular cartoon here shows and Indian with a blanket and the caption: Only the government would think you can cut a foot off the bottom of a blanket, sew it on the top and have a longer blanket. We got our walk in and a short time with coffee outside before heading to church. After church we went to the park downtown for the Southwest Premium Artists – very nice and mostly expensive things but fun to look at. We really liked the copper artist and got a small cross from him. We got back in time to squeeze a bike ride in before Sunday night popcorn.
March 12th – We had another good walk this morning and the cinnamon rolls were done at the clubhouse by the time we got back. We are headed to Chandler
March 11th – More “wax on wax off” after our walk. I seemed like I must have been slowing down but had to spend a lot of time on the door… I guess I’ll take a few days off – no wonder I’m not done yet.
March 10th – We took a different route this morning and Lexi still got a good workout. I got about a third of one side done with both the cleaner and wax before I had to get cleaned up before our CF friends (Hetherton’s) arrived – if I keep it up I’ll be ready for a Karate Kid remake… We talked about what was happening over a margarita and then took them to our favorite Mexican place here. We talked well into the afternoon before they had to leave – I’m still full so we won’t need much for supper.
March 9th – We walked on one of the desert route this morning and Lexi had fun chasing up the quail again – I’ll bet they missed us… I started on the front with the new cleaner but the sun got around to that side too fast – what did I say about excuses. I did wash one side and the truck before it was time to clean up for church. We stopped for a two for one special of fish & chips at the local BBQ place – also famous for their Friday fish fry’s. A neighbor here recommended it and we were not disappointed – two fish filets and fries with hush puppies too. Then I went to the store while Linda got some of her hair wacked off. We got a call from some CF folk who are in Chandler
March 8th – After our walk we started packing up to leave for Casa Grande – it’s not far so we don’t need to rush anything. We were in our spot and set up by 12:30 and after lunch we rode our bikes around to see if anyone we know was here and unlike the last few times we were here none of the friends we usually see are here this time. I tried some new cleaner to remove oxidation from the 5th wheel and it works good and without too much effort. There goes the last of my excuses – guess I’ll have to do it.
March 7th – We took Lexi for a short workout again and had a little breakfast before heading over on Brown Rd for a hike we saw on the way home the other day. It turned out to be a short bur very steep hike so after the first trip up and down we hiked around the backside and worked our way up through the rock – opps - don’t mistake those little barrel cactus between the rocks for a hand hold!!! Quite painful. We made it to the top again and came back down the other way – we still got in an hour and a half – short compared to yesterday but good enough to break a sweat. We had a fruit smoothie to refresh when we got home and still did our Pilates workout before starting to get ready for our afternoon gathering. We roasted the rosemary chipotle nuts again – they are so gooood. Now the cookies and Chile
March 6th – We took Lexi out for a short workout, had a little breakfast and packed a sandwich for lunch. We went to the petroglyths trail which is nice because of the water pools under the petroglyths. We hiked an hour above the farthest spot we have been before but still didn’t make it to the top of the canyon. It’s a good thing downhill is easier for the most part, but we still got in three and a half hours and it was 78 degrees by the time we hit the parking lot at 1:20 PM. We made a stop for a couple things on the way home for tomorrow’s gathering with four other couples.
March 5th – After our walk and a little breakfast we started cleaning the furniture and moving it back – not in it’s original positions. After ten years Linda thought we should try something different – now if the slides still come in when we get ready to leave it will be good!! After a couple loads of laundry and a late lunch we took a bike ride before church. That way we can try another hike in the morning.
March 4th – We got our morning walk in and then started moving furniture. Time to do the carpet again and with the 80+ temps it should dry good. The Rug Doctor seems to do a good job extracting the dirt. After we got the carpet done we took the machine back and stopped at the store for a few things while we waited for the carpet to finish drying. Ken & Elaine called to see if we would come over for brats and a game of cards – so the furniture can wait til morning to get moved back.
March 3rd – Another morning hike at Usury Mountain Park
March 2nd – We traded our walk for a hike at Silly Mountain in the Superstition Mountain High Point Cedar Falls
March 1st – We got our walk in but I think Lexi misses the quail… We headed to Mesa
February 28th – We got our walk and exercise in this morning before we headed to Mesa Casa Grande Ruins National Monument
February 27th – We had to find a place to exercise Lexi that was not so muddy after the half inch of rain overnight. There is one grassy park that works well and it shortens the walk so we can get ready for church and still have time for coffee and a little breakfast. We stopped by to say adios to our biking friends – we will miss them. They are a good influence on us with their good eating and exercise habits (did I mention they are 78 and 80 years old). After church we picked up a few things at the store – adding to the fresh veggies in the pasta salad for lunch. We spent the afternoon with friends from Oregon picking their brains for things to see and do in Washington and Oregon
February 26th – We had a good walk through some familiar and some different desert areas and Lexi had even more running time than usual but still found enough quail to keep her interest. We stopped at the clubhouse to get fresh baked cinnamon rolls and headed back to the 5th wheel for coffee to go with them. Both fresh and hot – Mmmm! Then we went on a bike ride with our Colorado Colorado friends who are leaving tomorrow and their friends from near Bend Oregon Oregon
February 25th – After our morning routine and a couple chores we headed out on another bike ride trough a subdivision the has several ponds/lakes with fountains and a waterfall over huge rocks at one end. There are concrete multiuse paths all around them and several playground/parks there too. We found an ice cream shop on the way home too. Later we went with another couple to the original Eva’s Mexican Café near Eloy for an enjoyable and very filling supper.
February 24th – It was back to our morning routine. Then we had some things to catch up on from the mail and I worked on the taxes for awhile (not much new – how much do you have – send it to the IRS..). Then we went to pick up a few things before the list gets too long and that way we had fresh veggies and pasta salad for lunch. After lunch we visited with some other friends that came into the park.
February 23rd – We skipped the morning walk in lieu of a hike at North Mountain
February 22nd – Another nice morning walk, and we saw lots of quail – oh, and we have been seeing the little Burrowing Owl again whenever we take that route. We got ready for the Farmer’s Market and picket up Larry and Jetta by 10:00. It is still a small group of vendors but we still find the coffee great and the jalapeno and cilantro hummus was a good find and the olive bread beget will be great with soup. We came back to do laundry and I took the Maxx Air fan apart from the roof for cleaning and to get a part number for the mechanism that needs to be updated. After picking up the last month’s mail and sorting through most of it we decided to go for a bike ride. Larry and Jetta joined us on the ride and then we joined them for a late happy hour.
February 21st – After our morning walk and trek through the desert I hosed down our orange/red dirt covered dog and washed the truck. While I was outside Larry stopped to see if we were interested in going to see an art collection. Sure – why not. It’s Basha’s (the grocery store chain) and it is a family collection that goes back to the old west days and it is mostly associated with dozens of southwest artists – original oils, bronze, sketches, Hopi kachinas, guns, baskets, granite and Manzanita wood sculptures. Then we went to a nearby IKEA store (Swedish made furniture) – huge furniture store with two floors and a restaurant on each floor. Mind boggling – and the one at the exit had “Cinnabon” and Swedish coffee. We stopped at the store for milk on the way back and had – clean the fridge nachos for supper.
February 20th – Another quiet Sunday. Walk, church, lunch at Mimi’s and a quiet afternoon with traditional Sunday night popcorn.
February 19th – Happy Birthday Deb. Wow – it was 60 degrees when we got up. Good enough for shorts and tee shirts for our walk. We sat in the lawn chairs for a cup of coffee and then got on the bikes to tour the campground and the surrounding neighborhoods to see all the patio, carport, and yard sales – I guess we don’t need anything – but taking the bikes makes it harder to “need” something… By the time we went downtown with another couple to farmer’s market the wind and dust/dirt storm was picking up – enough to shut down the market too. A good afternoon for Domino’s. It was a nice steady rain – about 3 tenths – cleaned the air so it smells like a summer thunder storm at home.
February 18th – Exercising and baking took most of the morning. After lunch we took a little bike ride – almost 70 today but doesn’t feel as warm without the sun – might even rain tomorrow.
February 17th – We got a nice walk in and our exercise and the relaxed until we had to do some errands in the afternoon and we went for pizza with Larry and Jane before they leave tomorrow and they played Rummikub with us for awhile after that.
February 16th – We got a nice long walk in the other direction and Lexi got to run in a different section of the desert and she found even more quail than yesterday. After coffee on the patio Linda started wash and the core exercise and I started outside – washing the truck and front of the 5th wheel and then got out the wax and finished the front by lunch time. Then we went for a bike ride with Larry and Jetta (Colorado
February 15th – Happy Birthday to Linda! We got a full walk in and Lexi got a lot of running and she found Quail to flush too. After some laundry and cleaning we went to the store – along with food we needed we found new inner tubes for Linda’s bike. It seems she picked up some of the local “goat heads” at the last campground and both tires were flat. Then after installing them we got a bike ride in with Colorado
February 14th - After our walk, pilates and saying goodbye to Pat & Mike we packed up to move to Casa Grande. Some friends that were already here called to invite us over for a Valentine’s dinner. Leg of lamb, asparagus and baked potato topped off by a red velvet cake for the birthday girl. The new diet has to start tomorrow!
February 13th – Pie baking, before mass at the Old Mission and then a few appetizers and stuffed mushrooms before the Prime rib birthday dinner at Pat & Mike’s to celebrate the February birthdays. Dessert was pecan pie for Scott and Fresh cherry pie for Linda and ice cream for all. After five hours of talking and eating why do I feel stuffed?
February 12th – We spent the day with Pat & Mike driving up Mount Lemon
February 11th – Today we joined the other siblings for a festival in Tubac and lunch at Wisdom’s.
February 10th – Today we exercised Lexi and then headed to the Pima Air Museum for the day. It took six hours to get through all we could do in one day. The mind can absorb only what the bottom (or feet) can endure… We called to invite The others over for snacks but Gail and Chico
February 9th – After our exercise and a few chores we had lunch and headed out for a hike at Tucson Mountain Park
February 8th – It was nice to shed a layer of clothes for the morning walk – a nice warm up – we could use some “normal” temps. After the pilates routine we opened the door and vents and the cleaning day was underway. Another day with temps in the mid 70’s would have been even better without the wind but we didn’t have to worry about “wind chill”.
February 7th – After our walk we went to another Farmer’s Market in Green Valley Tucson Mountain Park
February 6th – Superbowl Sunday started with our walk, coffee on the patio, church at the Old Mission again. They had a priest from Missouri
February 5th – It was warmer but still cool on the morning walk. Today we will try to finish chores around here – first load of wash on the line by 10:00 and we went to an art fair on one of the Casino grounds – some really neat stuff and great caramel kettle corn. Then we started making snacks and pies for the Super Bowl party tomorrow. Rosemary peanut brittle – interestingly good! And another great sunset after a 65 degree day (shorts and tee shirt again – Yeah).
February 4th – Wow – what a full day. We got a short cold walk in before meeting everybody in Green valley for breakfast. Then we all headed to Sonita where we met Pat & Mike and started our Winery tour. There are about a dozen wineries in that area and we got through five of them in about as many hours. They all had problems with frozen water pipes down there because of the cold – it was even colder than here because of the elevation. We stopped at the Italian restaurant we had been to once before because it was on the way home. We tried the delicious pizza instead of the usual meals that are so big we have to split – a lot of different choices and all seem to be great. It is nice to have the warmer temps along with the sun – up to 57 today and suppose to add another 10 tomorrow – finally getting back to “normal”.
February 3rd – It was a record cold 18 degrees this morning and will only reach 40 again – BRRRRR! We shortened the walk a little and tried to avoid the east wind – with a -9 dew point it give new meaning to dry heat – cold I mean. We went into Tucson
February 2nd – Groundhog Day – I’m sure he will see his shadow here and I doubt he will in Iowa Green Valley Minnesota
February 1st - We were down to the mid 30’s this morning after 50 yesterday but it was 60 by noon. I doubt it will be even that tomorrow – it will be very chilly here (Tucson, AZ) for a couple days because of the same storm that is headed east, but nothing like most of the nation is expecting. We have a lot of family here right now and more will come this week if flights are not cancelled. We stayed busy today by taking out the Toilet to replace the main water valve – ten years of bouncing down the road took its toll. Of course the carpet had to go… It only took three trips to Home Depot to find a tile that would work. It took about four hour to take it out, strip the floor, install the tile and trim, change the valve and put it back – not bad and no leaks! More aches tonight. I think I’ll take tomorrow off.
January 31st – Where did the month go? We started out unusually warm at 50 degrees which made coffee outside after the walk enjoyable. It made it up to 60 a couple times but we had three shower events that didn’t amount to much rain but each event dropped the temp 6 to 8 degrees and one even had small hail included – They think that burst had something to do with a helicopter crash on a mountain near here.
January 30th – Sunday morning – walk, breakfast and church at the Old Mission
January 29th - We did the Core routine after our walk and then made fruit smoothies with the fresh strawberries and blueberries from the store yesterday. Linda got a couple loads of wash done and we took back samples and got some more. This shouldn’t be this difficult! We went to a Copper Mine tour this afternoon which was actually quite interesting.
January 28th – After our morning routine I got the part (water valve) ordered – should be here Monday. Then we went to Home Depot to look at flooring – we will replace the carpet under the toilet while it is out replacing the valve. We are still debating on doing just that small area or doing all the bathroom area and wood or vinyl. There was a Best Buy right there so we gave another shot at trying to find something to record shows. Another attempt/idea and another failure… We stopped at the store on the way back to get a few things. By then Gail called and they were getting together since Pat & Mike were here. We looked at a couple houses they had gone through and headed to an Italian restaurant for a delicious meal – we were told the meals were huge so we split one. The Portabella mushroom ravioli was super.
January 27th – We got to lighten up one layer on our walk – about 8 degrees warmer this morning. I was sitting out in the lawn chair having a cup of coffee when Scott called for some extra hands moving the electronics and a tool box. After lunch I went through the mail that caught up with us (had none since we left in mid December). The Christmas cards were a subtle reminder of how long ago we left Iowa
January 26th – Happy Birthday to me. After celebrating yesterday I had to get some things done. Worked on the truck – new mud guards to replace the one damaged – had to do all to get a match. Since I had to remove tires to get at them I figured I might as well do the rotate them as well. There are some sore spots tonight.
January 25th – We got a real early walk in before I took the truck in to get the new parts on. Mike picked me up and when we got back we all headed to Gail’s to meet up with her, Scott and Lori. We went to Wisdom’s for lunch, visited the gift shop across the street, went to the Spice Company and stopped at the mesquite wood place. Then Mike dropped me off at the Chevy place to pick up the truck. After all that we gathered at Gail’s for grilled portabella’s and that great German chocolate cake Linda made. What a nice day!
January 24th – We got all our exercise done before going to Pat & Mike’s her famous eggs benedict. That took the rest of the morning and we didn’t have to worry about going to the store hungry. We did get some cards played with them after supper.
January 23rd – After our walk and breakfast we went to Church at the Old Mission
January 22nd – We did our walk and exercise – back to one dog – a little easier. We did some cleaning chores and after lunch we went on a bike ride with Pat and Mike. And then after supper we played Rummikub – a rummy type game with tiles instead of cards.
January 21st – After our walk and a lot of “fetch the ball” with the dogs we went with Pat & Mike to visit a pecan farm – mostly an expensive gift shop… Then we toured the only Titan Missile facility left in the USA
January 20th - After the walk and working with the dogs we did some chores and after lunch we had to go into Tucson to arrange the final stuff to get the truck fixed and we went to several parts places looking for some of the parts I’ll have to put on. Then we went by the hospital and the shooting site to see the memorials that we have seen every day on TV. It was very impressive in person and there were more satellite TV news trucks there than I have ever seen in one place – they are getting ready to move the Congresswoman to a rehab center in Texas
January 19th – We tried to find a working combination on walking and exercising the two dogs – they actually adapted very well. We headed to Green valley to meet Gail at the Farmer’s Market – it was a beautiful day and lots and lots of vendors. They even had two massage therapists doing chair massages – I got some of the knots out of my shoulders. The only thing we did wrong was waiting too long to find something for lunch. Two of the vendors sold out and the other had lines so long we were not going to wait that long for a Sonora
January 18th – After our walk we got ready to head to Green Valley to pick up Gail for a hike in Madera Canyon Phoenix
January 17th – We got our walk and exercise out of the way and tried one of the grapefruit we picked up on our walk – there was a whole basket of them with a sign “free , take some”. They were pretty good so we’ll see if there are more in the morning. The first on the list of chores for the day was to go to the grocery store – it was hard to get a lot done because it was so nice out but we did get some things off the list before the lawn chairs called…
January 16th – We shortened our walk a little in anticipation of a hike. We packed a lunch and headed to the west Saguaro National Park Tucson Mountain Park
January 15th – We tried to find a route for the morning walk that we could find placed to let Lexi run too. After breakfast and some laundry we went into Tucson Green Valley
January 14th – We had to wait for daylight to go for our walk because we were up by 5:40 – don’t know why! We did the Pilates routine and had coffee while we waited for enough light. We were still half way through the walk before the sun was above the horizon. Then we started packing up for the move to the south side of Tucson
January 13th – After our morning walk we headed to Mesa ( found the I-10 rest areas that were closed last year reopened – here at least) to visit Gary & Lydia (we go to Canada with them). They showed us all the new improvements in the resort they stay in, Lexi tied out the new doggie park and then we went out to lunch. We are still not ready for full time in one winter spot. One stop on the way back at a bigger dog park but Linda vetoed the one with the lake – something about a wet dog on the way home…
****** The President came to Tucson to address a large crowd and national TV coverage on the shooting tragedy that left a Federal Judge and a nine year old girl among the six dead and a Congresswoman shot in the head******
January 12th – We got our morning walk and exercise routine done before saying goodbye to Pat & Mike who are headed to Mesa Casa Grande Mountain
January 11th – After a shortened walk we went to the local Farmer’s Market I it was small – only a half a dozen booths but we got something from half of them and Pat & mike added another. The coffee place roasts and grinds the beans themselves and the dark roast was especially nice. Next stop the outlet mall’s kitchen shop – we managed to get all the shopping out of our systems in time for lunch at Eva’s (Mexican).
January 10th – We started with our regular morning routine and some chores that needed to be done. After lunch we took Pat & Mike on a bike tour of some different neighborhoods between here and downtown. We played some cards and had our chicken and broccoli braid and then had to finish the card game.
******** The news here is almost 100% coverage of a shooting in Tucson
January 9th – After our walk, church and lunch we headed out to South Mountain
January 8th – We went around the park on our bikes to see what people had our for the patio sale (a small version of a neighborhood garage sale) after the usual morning stuff. Nothing we couldn’t live without – some advantage to limited room… After lunch we rode our bikes through some of the neighborhoods near here and then gave them a tour of the town in the truck. After supper we played board games with our other friends who are leaving tomorrow.
January 7th – After the morning routine and a little breakfast we headed out to find some things to finish the TV project. I made some brackets to support it while we are bouncing down the road and a thin indoor/outdoor carpet for under it to limit movement. We had a gathering here for toddy time so Pat & Mike could meet some friends and they stayed for our grilled portabella mushrooms and fresh green bean salad.
January 6th – Lexi found more quail again this morning – I think there are more coveys than the last couple years. After our walk we did some chores and visiting and after lunch we took Pat & Mike hiking out at North Mountain
January 5th – On our morning walk Lexi showed us that she is back close to her usual form. It is nice to see but now she wants all that extra exercise she missed! After our walk and a quick breakfast and shower we went with the neighbors to Costco to see what it is like. A lot of these folks do everything there – we thought it looked like Sam’s with a few perks – although we have only been to Sam’s twice. After we got back we were headed out to pick up a couple things and take Lexi to the dog park when we saw Pat (my sister) and Mike checking in. We stopped to say hi and told them to let us know when they were settled in and then went our way. Not long after we got back they called so we walked over to see how they are doing on their trip so far.
January 4th – We got a little longer walk in this morning and let Lexi run in the desert for a short time before reining her in. She is doing much better. Shortly after we got back the crew was here to paint – so it was watch the work and watch paint dry… It’s a tough job.
January 3rd – We got our walk and exercise routine done before we headed to Mesa
January 2nd – After our morning walk (cold again) we made fresh fruit smoothies before church. Made a rhubarb pie to share but otherwise a nice quiet Sunday.
January 1st, 2011 or 1/1/11. That will take some getting used to. HAPPY NEW YEAR. We finished the year with a bang yesterday – or should I say woops… After the store I was backing in when one of those invisible posts caught the side of the truck behind the duals. Too cold for flexibility in the composite material and caboom. NOT GOOD! We got another cold walk in this morning – ice skim on the pond edges. Easy does it again for Lexi – she just doesn’t know a speed less than full. The hummingbirds are extra busy with the cold and the sun changes the colors on the heads. Today we went shopping for a replacement TV and boy have they changed. We will decide later whether to leave it in here or swap with the one at home…
December 31st – Wow – the last day of 2010. We got a cool walk in this morning – everything went from above normal to way below normal. I think it was all the Iowans coming out here for the bowl game. Lexi got to go but limited time chasing the ball – she is better but not 100%. We had to go to the store again – the ladies have planned a progressive dinner for tonight – there will be three couples, appetizers first, then ribs and wings here (I made pomegranate margaritas for our health drink) and the last stop dessert – lemon meringue pie that was homemade. Everything was delicious and it took five and a half hours to talk our way through all that food.
December 30th – We did get more rain overnight for a 24 hour total of 6 or 7 tenths and it was windy. The streets and the holding pond in the campground have a lot of standing water – there are no storm drains. We lost power for a short time this morning and we lost the TV when it came back. The voltage drop must have been too much for the poor old thing. The good news is we already have hummingbirds lined up on the feeder. They are the Anna’s.
December 29th – We had to walk without Lexi this morning – she is a little lame from a torn toenail. The work crew (of one or two) was going to be here by 9:00 but showed a little after 10:00 and went to lunch before noon. They came back about 1:30 to say – tomorrow. It was sprinkling a little. I might have made a mistake in telling them I would be here two weeks… Now it is raining steady but not as much as Phoenix and no snow measured in feet like Flagstaff
December 28th – We took a different route this morning to check on the progress of a housing development that flopped a couple years ago and it looked like time had stopped – no change. The empty desert across from it has more quail than ever – to bad it is in town I could have fun along with Lexi. I started waxing the back of the 5th wheel until Linda’s wash was ready to hang out so I moved on to the truck. I got the top, hood and under the hood done before it was time to go get paint for the crew that are going to work on the under side of the 5th wheel around the hitch tomorrow. We took Lexi across the road to play fetch for a while before a mid afternoon outing to Eva’s Mexican restaurant with two other couples. We watched a movie here with another couple before the Iowa
December 27th – We took a familiar walk this morning that included an area through the desert where Lexi found her first covey of quail. We spent the rest of the day on projects – including washing – the first load dried on the line before the second load was done! I mounted a shelf extension on the kitchen counter and got the hummingbird feeder out. We rode our bikes around the campground to see who is here and went to our favorite grocery store after lunch. We made a batch of peanut brittle – it’s hard to find a place to cool those sheets of brittle here – at home we just sit them outside…
December 26th – We started packing for the move today but didn’t get everything done before church so instead of hooking up so we could move on after church we had to come back afterward to get the 5th wheel. But we got to spend time with Kirby and Vonnie at coffee and donuts after church. We are only moving to Casa Grande so we weren’t in a big hurry anyway. We ended up parked next to John and Gloria who we thought were only here for a night but are now staying two weeks. While we were talking to them Jay and Sandy walked up – they are down about four spaces. We will be busy here.
December 25th – MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!! After church in Benson with friends we all made our way over to some mutual friends who have a house in Whetstone. There were eight of us that gathered to share their hospitality and a great prime rib dinner and with all the side dishes nobody went hungry. It was a really nice day.
December 24th – It got cool enough to have a light frost on things this morning – had to add another layer for our walk. We decided to stay here a couple more days and accept the invitation to Christmas dinner at some friends who have a home near here. There will be four couples together who have all met while traveling. I went over to help Kirby move a self unit he built for an elderly gentleman, and we had an early lunch so we could go visit some local folks we met several years back – he gave us some of his huge pampas grass to take back to Iowa. It grew great that year but it wasn’t hardy enough for Iowa
December 23rd – We woke up to the pitter patter of rain drops on the roof. Linda took Lexi out with her rain gear on and we decided not to walk, so she started a coffee cake. It wasn’t even out of the oven when the skies started to clear. I went out to finish washing the trailer since it was presoaked. Linda did more wash. By noon we were off to visit friends in another RV park – it was really good to see them and catch up on the last year with them. Then we stopped by the grocery store on the way home – still have to eat. After supper we went to play games at another couple’s 5th wheel here in the park.
December 22nd – We got up early – haven’t adjusted to the time change I guess. After a nice walk and the exercise routine we headed to Tombstone
December 21st – a busy first day – after our morning walk, I got the water hooked up and then finished the installation of the washer/dryer that we couldn’t do in the cold Iowa
December 20th – Happy Birthday to Angela! We had planned to take a walk of hike before hitting the road today but the weather reports said wind would get bad as the day went on and we had two mountain ranges to cross and they are not as much fun in the wind. We got a little breakfast and coffee and headed out. We have one really big climb before Las Cruses and the new computer in the truck showed it’s power side was up to the task and the breaking side probably saved me a ticket – at the bottom of the long grade is a 50MPH zone and the sheriff was sitting next to the sign. We got in to the campground about 2:30 and some friends greeted us on the way to our site so after setting up we went over to visit with them for awhile. We also got up in the middle of the night to go out and watch the lunar eclipse of the full moon during the winter solstice. It was great and there we millions of bright stars out to make it even more worthwhile.
December 19th – We went walking in town this morning, watched the sun come up over the mountains and played catch with Lexi through an almost mile long park. We sat out in the lawn chairs for coffee when we got back before we got ready and headed to church and then picked a few things up at the store. After lunch we decided to head out to Oliver Lee SP south of town (one of our favorite hikes here). It was a heck of a workout for a first hike of the winter but it was great to be in shorts again and almost 70 degrees made the shirt come off too. A few muscles and joints will tell us how we did later I’m sure.
December 18th – A much better travel day – only 329 miles. The first 100 miles had snow from a lot to a little which let us see quail and pheasant and crow feeding sites – the critters ( deer, coyote, and skunk) must have had a problem with the snow too. Once we started south of I-40 on 54 the wind was definitely noticeable – so much for the fuel economy. I’m really happy with the Banks computers – the power and downhill braking is a world of difference. It is really noticeable on roads we have done before. Now we’ll stay put a couple days, we went to the car wash with the truck as soon as it was disconnected from the trailer. It was so dirty you couldn’t be near it (and that was after the rain yesterday took away most of the black yuck!). Maybe we will find one the trailer will fit in next. It was great to see 60+ temps again. 7:00 PM and Lexi wanted to play moonlight Frisbee – much better at 55 degrees than 15 and snow – but she could care less which it is as long as she gets to play!
December 17th – We left Emporia this morning in the mid 20’s and watched the temps rise to the mid 40’s again – we actually joked about the only white stuff was from the cotton fields. By the time we hit Oklahoma it was spitting rain and only 38 degrees and before we hit the Texas Dalhart , TX Iowa
December 16th – After moving snow for the second day in a row we got a late start and slowly headed down the road. Snow and ice for the first 50 miles then sloppy wet salt mixture for the next 50. We finally got to above freezing temps at Kansas City and topped out at 44 degrees before we got to our stop for the night in Emporia , KS
December 14th – Bringing the 5th wheel home today. Load and go – hope to head out Thursday AM. Looks like we will be cold for a few days…
