Marge and I tried to fit in as much as we could the last few days they were here. More shopping, a Mexican lunch and margueritas one noon, walks every night and taking in the jam sessions at the rec hall. The four of us went out for dinner Sunday night and then Marge and Jim headed home early Monday morning. I so enjoyed our time together and I look forward to seeing Marge when she comes down home this summer.
We finally got Gary's clearance on Tuesday. In the meantime, however, as Marge and I were on our evening walk, we noticed a For Sale sign on a park odel in this park - one we had not noticed before. We rang the door bell and had a tour. It is being sold by a widow who has had medical problems and does not want the responsibility any more. We actually really wanted to be here in Desert Paradise rather than next door, but couldn't find anything before this. She had just put the sign out. It is cleaner (no carpet), new appliances, etc...... and less expensive than the other one. What a find! We are now waiting for the transfer of the title. Hopefully that will happen soon - we hope to leave here on Tuesday. However, we are flexible enough to stay an extra couple of days if necessary. And we are now getting temps. close to 80, so will enjoy the heat!
I have tickets to see (hear) the Texas Tenors(from America's Got Talent) at the Palms RV Resort about 2 miles down the road. A 4 o'clock performance today. I am looking forward to it! Not Gary's cup of tea.
We are meeting more and more people wjo are here each season, so it will be nice to see familiar faces when we come in the fall.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Thursday, Feb.17 - Tuesday, Feb. 22
On Friday evening Marge and I went to an event to support a local woman's shelter. We had both seen it advertised on the local cable station and thought it might be nice. The shelter is called Amberly's Place and supports all victims of abuse - women, children and seniors. We were there at 5:30 to register. It was held in a huge building which used to be a shoe store. Different businesses donated time and goods for the evening. So each person there was permitted to choose 2 different activities. I had a basic acupuncture treatment and my fingernails polished. Marge had her nails done also as well as some Mary Kay makeup work. There were massages, 5-minute hair-dos, tattooing (temporary) to name a few. Also, some clothes, candles, books were on sale at very reduced prices with all money going to the shelter. A local restaurant, The Texas Roadhouse, provided the food. We saw demonstrations of salsa dancing and self-defence. The evening ended at 8:30 with 26 lovely gift baskets being raffled. We each paid $20 and it was a really lovely evening. Nice to see what is happening in the community.
Gary and I have been spending quite a bit of time looking around at different options to stay here again in winters to come. We are close to closing a deal on a park model in the resort which is twinned with this one - Cactus Gardens. I am sure they have a website if anyone wishes to check it out. We need police checks, so sent in the paperwork for those last week. Mine came back pretty quickly, but we are still waiting for Gary's. Is there something in his past he has not told me about? So we will take the 5th wheel home, try to sell it, drive down here next year and leave the vehicle here. So it will be a matter of flying after that. We plan to come down late October and stay till end of March - flying home for Christmas. There is an airport here in Yuma. I have checked out prices for flights and they are actually not too bad. So - the park model will have a place for a spare bed (which the 5th wheel does not) - hope to see some visitors!
Marge and I went shopping and to a different casino today.
It rained hard here Sat. - quite welcome! We experienced an earthquake on Sunday. Quite the feeling! 4.6 I believe.
Our time here is winding down. Marge and Jim will leave on Monday. We are due to leave Tuesday, but I think we will extend it a few days. The forecast is for much warmer temps. next week, so don`t want to miss that - it has been mid-60s.
Gary and I have been spending quite a bit of time looking around at different options to stay here again in winters to come. We are close to closing a deal on a park model in the resort which is twinned with this one - Cactus Gardens. I am sure they have a website if anyone wishes to check it out. We need police checks, so sent in the paperwork for those last week. Mine came back pretty quickly, but we are still waiting for Gary's. Is there something in his past he has not told me about? So we will take the 5th wheel home, try to sell it, drive down here next year and leave the vehicle here. So it will be a matter of flying after that. We plan to come down late October and stay till end of March - flying home for Christmas. There is an airport here in Yuma. I have checked out prices for flights and they are actually not too bad. So - the park model will have a place for a spare bed (which the 5th wheel does not) - hope to see some visitors!
Marge and I went shopping and to a different casino today.
It rained hard here Sat. - quite welcome! We experienced an earthquake on Sunday. Quite the feeling! 4.6 I believe.
Our time here is winding down. Marge and Jim will leave on Monday. We are due to leave Tuesday, but I think we will extend it a few days. The forecast is for much warmer temps. next week, so don`t want to miss that - it has been mid-60s.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Sat. Feb. 12 - Wed. Feb. 16
We are really -and I mean really - enjoying this life. The past week has not been terribly busy, but so nice to appreciate the weather, meet new people and get to know the area a bit better.
We went to a Valentine's dance here at the park on Sat. night. You know you are in a 55+ park when the dance starts at 7 and finishes at 10! But we had a good time. Three local men sang and they were pretty good.
Marge and I went to church on Sunday, then the four of us went for breakfast. But not before driving around a fair bit looking for a place with less than a 30 minute wait! In the end we did have to wait. I understand it is like that every Sunday. Now we know!
Casino for the ladies on Tuesday, followed by some shopping. Then Bingo again in the evening. A day of touring around with Gary yesterday.
It is a bit cooler - actually expecting some rain on the weekend.
We went to a Valentine's dance here at the park on Sat. night. You know you are in a 55+ park when the dance starts at 7 and finishes at 10! But we had a good time. Three local men sang and they were pretty good.
Marge and I went to church on Sunday, then the four of us went for breakfast. But not before driving around a fair bit looking for a place with less than a 30 minute wait! In the end we did have to wait. I understand it is like that every Sunday. Now we know!
Casino for the ladies on Tuesday, followed by some shopping. Then Bingo again in the evening. A day of touring around with Gary yesterday.
It is a bit cooler - actually expecting some rain on the weekend.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Friday Feb.11
Thursday night Marge and I decided to go to the Yuma Palms shopping mall to hear some live jazz. Now, Gary and I had been there earlier in the day to get some earrings to replace the ones I had put in last fall. We discovered an outdoor mall - patio stone type streets, beautiful shops and classical music being piped from speakers on the sidewalk. Beautiful! Anyway, I saw an ad for the live jazz which would be on the grassy area just in front of the theater. So down we went. A wonderful couple sang - beautiful voices and melodious saxaphone. Sitting in the open air with just a light jacket, enjoying a glass of wine and listening to soothing music - how much better could it get?
Friday Gary and I hopped in with Marge and Jim for a bit of adventure. We did a bit of shopping, then Jim took us to the local branch of the Elks for lunch. We then drove south so we were within 12 miles of the Mexican border. None of us were interested in going over the border, so we turned back and explored the older flea market in this area. Not nearly as large or impressive as the one we were at last weekend.
A dip in the pool and some sunbathing back at the resort were in order at the end of the afternoon.
Friday Gary and I hopped in with Marge and Jim for a bit of adventure. We did a bit of shopping, then Jim took us to the local branch of the Elks for lunch. We then drove south so we were within 12 miles of the Mexican border. None of us were interested in going over the border, so we turned back and explored the older flea market in this area. Not nearly as large or impressive as the one we were at last weekend.
A dip in the pool and some sunbathing back at the resort were in order at the end of the afternoon.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Sun. Jan. 30 - Thurs. Feb. 10
On our last Sunday in Las Vegas, we went once again to the Cannery for a Champagne brunch. It was as bountiful and delicious as before.
Through Sunday night we were awakened a few times by wind which rocked the trailer. We were due to leave for Yuma Mon. morning, but Gary did not want to drive in that wind - understandable! And the forecast was that the winds would continue through Wed. afternoon. So - with all kinds of flexibility - we just stayed put. Tested the Hitchin' Post restaurant for breakfast Mon. and Wed. - wonderful. The temp. plummeted Tues. night - most people (including us) had frozen water hoses Wed. morning. We were able to use the water pump and water in the holding tank until the hose thawed, so no inconvenience there. But, we thought we had lots of propane - and had ordered some to be delivered Wed. afternoon - but woke up to 49 degrees in the trailer Wed. morning. The furnace runs on propane and we ran out. I can pretty well guarantee that won't happen again - we are learning as we go.
Thursday morning dawned sunny and calm, so we hooked up and left Las Vegas. Kind of sorry - it was a great park and we were very happy there. I wouldn't be adverse to going back to Las Vegas in the future - many more shows to see!
The drive on Thursday was through the desert. Miles of straight road ahead of us and miles of barren, tumbleweed-covered land on each side. We didn't see any wildlife, though there were fences on each side similar to the ones we have to keep moose off the road.
We stopped in Needles for fuel. The mechanic remarked that the shocks on the trailer looked worn and suggested we go for lunch while he jacked the trailer up to have a look. Well, not only the shocks but equalizers (???) as well. We could have continued on, but since the trailer was up and partially taken apart, we decided to be safe and have it taken care of right then. Our schedule wasn't that tight anyway. So -$1500 and 3 hours later, we were on our way. We will soon have a new trailer!
We passed through Quartzite about an hour before Yuma. I swear I had no idea that there were so many RV's in one place! I actually don't think there is a house in that community. There were clusters of RV's in some places and then later on we would see one parked way off the road in the middle of nowhere all by itself. Obviously no services - probably no charge, either. Not my idea of camping.
We arrived in Yuma around 4 PM. Marge had been looking for us - we were later than expected. The park here is very nice - different from the last one. There are over 200 sites and many are long-term. The hosts welcomed us with a bright yellow canvas "welcome bag" with a pack of cards, small magnetic white board and marker and local information. Gary got us parked and hooked up, then we went over to have hamburgers with Marge and Jim. It was an early night - the day had tired us out!
Since we have been here the weather has been varied. We have had as low as 70 and as high as 80 so far. Nights are still mid-40s. But glorious sun every day! We shopped at a flea market, patronized the local Wal Mart (can't believe the snowbirds!!!!), had pedicures (both of us!), and shopped the local RV stores for supplies. Marge and I spent an afternoon at the stores, I went to Bingo Tuesday night, and have been in the hot tub and the pool a few times. It really is the life.
We have actually begun the process to leave the fifth wheel here when we come next year. It seems that we are both quite content to leave the snow and cold behind. I honestly cannot believe how quickly our time is passing. We certainly do miss everyone, but are really enjoying this!
Through Sunday night we were awakened a few times by wind which rocked the trailer. We were due to leave for Yuma Mon. morning, but Gary did not want to drive in that wind - understandable! And the forecast was that the winds would continue through Wed. afternoon. So - with all kinds of flexibility - we just stayed put. Tested the Hitchin' Post restaurant for breakfast Mon. and Wed. - wonderful. The temp. plummeted Tues. night - most people (including us) had frozen water hoses Wed. morning. We were able to use the water pump and water in the holding tank until the hose thawed, so no inconvenience there. But, we thought we had lots of propane - and had ordered some to be delivered Wed. afternoon - but woke up to 49 degrees in the trailer Wed. morning. The furnace runs on propane and we ran out. I can pretty well guarantee that won't happen again - we are learning as we go.
Thursday morning dawned sunny and calm, so we hooked up and left Las Vegas. Kind of sorry - it was a great park and we were very happy there. I wouldn't be adverse to going back to Las Vegas in the future - many more shows to see!
The drive on Thursday was through the desert. Miles of straight road ahead of us and miles of barren, tumbleweed-covered land on each side. We didn't see any wildlife, though there were fences on each side similar to the ones we have to keep moose off the road.
We stopped in Needles for fuel. The mechanic remarked that the shocks on the trailer looked worn and suggested we go for lunch while he jacked the trailer up to have a look. Well, not only the shocks but equalizers (???) as well. We could have continued on, but since the trailer was up and partially taken apart, we decided to be safe and have it taken care of right then. Our schedule wasn't that tight anyway. So -$1500 and 3 hours later, we were on our way. We will soon have a new trailer!
We passed through Quartzite about an hour before Yuma. I swear I had no idea that there were so many RV's in one place! I actually don't think there is a house in that community. There were clusters of RV's in some places and then later on we would see one parked way off the road in the middle of nowhere all by itself. Obviously no services - probably no charge, either. Not my idea of camping.
We arrived in Yuma around 4 PM. Marge had been looking for us - we were later than expected. The park here is very nice - different from the last one. There are over 200 sites and many are long-term. The hosts welcomed us with a bright yellow canvas "welcome bag" with a pack of cards, small magnetic white board and marker and local information. Gary got us parked and hooked up, then we went over to have hamburgers with Marge and Jim. It was an early night - the day had tired us out!
Since we have been here the weather has been varied. We have had as low as 70 and as high as 80 so far. Nights are still mid-40s. But glorious sun every day! We shopped at a flea market, patronized the local Wal Mart (can't believe the snowbirds!!!!), had pedicures (both of us!), and shopped the local RV stores for supplies. Marge and I spent an afternoon at the stores, I went to Bingo Tuesday night, and have been in the hot tub and the pool a few times. It really is the life.
We have actually begun the process to leave the fifth wheel here when we come next year. It seems that we are both quite content to leave the snow and cold behind. I honestly cannot believe how quickly our time is passing. We certainly do miss everyone, but are really enjoying this!
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Sat. Jan. 22 - Fri. Jan. 28
We decided to take the truck over to Henderson Sat. afternoon for an oil change - it was past due, even though we had had it done just before we left home.I googled athe Ford dealers and this is the one we chose. The exit from the freeway was to Auto Mall Drive - that tells you exactly what the area was like! I have never seen so many dealerships and so many vehicles! We hadn't made an appointment, but they took us right away (I really can't believe the great service offered in every industry here). There is a 50's type diner on site so we had a bite to eat while the truck was being serviced. The mechanic discovered a leak in the transfer case while he was doing the oil change - it's a 2011 vehicle !!!!! Anyway, had to be dealt with, so we made an appointment for Monday and came back home.
Saturday night I headed over to the casino to attend a Rob Garrett tribute to Neil Diamond. He looked like him and sounded like him. A wonderful performance. Just as entertaining, however, were the fans (of all ages) who were dancing close to the stage. One was a young (20's) girl who had obviously been "into the sauce" and was determined to join the performer on stage. Also a couple of older ladies who were not drunk, but just as determined to make themselves known to the entertainer. I sat with a couple from the area and we had quite a time being entertained by the two shows!
Sunday saw us again at the champagne brunch at the Cannery. Once again a wonderful meal. The rest of the day was quiet.
10Am appt. for the truck Monday. So we had breakfast at the diner while they did an initial look at the problem. Needed to stay there - so they arranged a rental (truck, thank goodness) and we did a bit of shopping in the area. There was a Costco there, so we did a tour around it.
The truck needed a part which was not to be found in Nevada, so we were using the rental until we heard from them. As time was running out for this area, we decided to go to Hoover Dam on Thursday. It is only a half hour drive, so we left just before noon and were back by 4. It is an enormous piece of work! We visited the museum where I picked up a book on the whole history (with photos) so that I can better understand it. I have posted some pictures on Facebook.
Still hadn't seen the Grand Canyon! Gary had seen it years ago, so he wasn't particularly interested. So I picked up some brochures at the Hacienda - another casino on the way back from Hoover Dam (we had lunch there) - and I made a reservation to go for an airplane tour on Friday. The truck would be ready, so Gary could pick it up while I was away.
Well, let me tell you, I am so incredibly glad that I decided to do that! I would never have had an experience like that from the ground. We were in the air for an hour and a half and saw Lake Mead, Hoover Dam and the West Rim of the canyon. Breathtaking! Again, there are pics. on Facebook. As I was waiting for the plane, I spoke to some people who were obviously travelling together - waiting for the same plane. They were from Saskatchewan and just finishing a 5-day stay in the area. They had decided to purchase the ($60) personalised DVD of the trip - and offered to burn one for me when it arrived. So I will be anxious to get that in the mail! Turns out one of the (younger) couples had attended Gaspe CEGEP for a year in 1990. Small world!
We'll begin a slow process of getting organised here so that we are ready to pull out on Monday. Yuma - here we come!
We have continued to have all sunshine and mid-60's. The forecast says cooler next week, so good thing we're heading further south.
Saturday night I headed over to the casino to attend a Rob Garrett tribute to Neil Diamond. He looked like him and sounded like him. A wonderful performance. Just as entertaining, however, were the fans (of all ages) who were dancing close to the stage. One was a young (20's) girl who had obviously been "into the sauce" and was determined to join the performer on stage. Also a couple of older ladies who were not drunk, but just as determined to make themselves known to the entertainer. I sat with a couple from the area and we had quite a time being entertained by the two shows!
Sunday saw us again at the champagne brunch at the Cannery. Once again a wonderful meal. The rest of the day was quiet.
10Am appt. for the truck Monday. So we had breakfast at the diner while they did an initial look at the problem. Needed to stay there - so they arranged a rental (truck, thank goodness) and we did a bit of shopping in the area. There was a Costco there, so we did a tour around it.
The truck needed a part which was not to be found in Nevada, so we were using the rental until we heard from them. As time was running out for this area, we decided to go to Hoover Dam on Thursday. It is only a half hour drive, so we left just before noon and were back by 4. It is an enormous piece of work! We visited the museum where I picked up a book on the whole history (with photos) so that I can better understand it. I have posted some pictures on Facebook.
Still hadn't seen the Grand Canyon! Gary had seen it years ago, so he wasn't particularly interested. So I picked up some brochures at the Hacienda - another casino on the way back from Hoover Dam (we had lunch there) - and I made a reservation to go for an airplane tour on Friday. The truck would be ready, so Gary could pick it up while I was away.
Well, let me tell you, I am so incredibly glad that I decided to do that! I would never have had an experience like that from the ground. We were in the air for an hour and a half and saw Lake Mead, Hoover Dam and the West Rim of the canyon. Breathtaking! Again, there are pics. on Facebook. As I was waiting for the plane, I spoke to some people who were obviously travelling together - waiting for the same plane. They were from Saskatchewan and just finishing a 5-day stay in the area. They had decided to purchase the ($60) personalised DVD of the trip - and offered to burn one for me when it arrived. So I will be anxious to get that in the mail! Turns out one of the (younger) couples had attended Gaspe CEGEP for a year in 1990. Small world!
We'll begin a slow process of getting organised here so that we are ready to pull out on Monday. Yuma - here we come!
We have continued to have all sunshine and mid-60's. The forecast says cooler next week, so good thing we're heading further south.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Las Vegas - Jan. 15 - 21
Well, we did venture onto the "strip" - actually just drove right through the city and saw all the major hotels and casinos. When we got to the south end, we stopped for coffe, then turned around and came back. We only needed to stay right on Las Vegas Boulevard to do that, so no chance of getting lost, but the Strip was busy. I decided that I would like to do the tour on foot, so made plans to do that later.
On Sun. we went to the Cannery - a new casino which is out this end of the city. They have - as most of the casinos do - an amazing selection of restaurants. We went to the buffet (champagne) brunch which had so much food, one could never sample everything. We ate there for $24 total and only had room for a piece of toast later in the evening.
On Monday I had Gary drive me to the north edge of the city and I headed out on foot to do the tour. I wanted to see all I could, but also wanted to check out tickets for some shows. It was a great afternoon - walked for about 5 hours and covered more than 6 miles. Played a couple of slot machines, bought tickets for the Cirque du Soleil's tribute to Elvis, watched the magnificent fountain display in front of the Bellagio and - all in all - had a wonderful afternoon. Took a cab home because it was getting dark and didn't want to take a chance on figuring out the bus system.
Tuesday was a shopping day. The girl in the trailer next door took her car and we went to the outlet mall. I was looking for a dress for Heidi's wedding and I found one - two actually. I will be going back there, however - need to just browse.
We went to dinner with this same couple from the next trailer on Wed. night. At the aforementioned Cannery, they have a steakhouse which offers a wonderful (apparently) prime rib. Three of four had that. I had macadamia crusted chicken - delicious!
The tickets for the Elvis show needed to be picked up Thurs. afternoon (the show was Thurs. night) so I went down to do that, while checking out parking at the same time. Stopped at a 2 cent machine on the way out and made $40 in 15 minutes.
The show was absolutely incredible. Elvis music combined with the costumes, sets and acrobatics which have made Cirque du Soleil famous ensured a captivating evening. So many things happening on the stage at one time - hardly knew where to look!
The sun has been out every day. Monday the temp. reached 76 degrees. But the average has been mid to high 60's - completely comfortable. Nights are still cool, but that's fine.
Can't believe it is almost 2 weeks since we arrived here. It is becoming more and more comfortable as each day passes. I have a notion that this will not be the last winter we spend in the south! It is a good life.
On Sun. we went to the Cannery - a new casino which is out this end of the city. They have - as most of the casinos do - an amazing selection of restaurants. We went to the buffet (champagne) brunch which had so much food, one could never sample everything. We ate there for $24 total and only had room for a piece of toast later in the evening.
On Monday I had Gary drive me to the north edge of the city and I headed out on foot to do the tour. I wanted to see all I could, but also wanted to check out tickets for some shows. It was a great afternoon - walked for about 5 hours and covered more than 6 miles. Played a couple of slot machines, bought tickets for the Cirque du Soleil's tribute to Elvis, watched the magnificent fountain display in front of the Bellagio and - all in all - had a wonderful afternoon. Took a cab home because it was getting dark and didn't want to take a chance on figuring out the bus system.
Tuesday was a shopping day. The girl in the trailer next door took her car and we went to the outlet mall. I was looking for a dress for Heidi's wedding and I found one - two actually. I will be going back there, however - need to just browse.
We went to dinner with this same couple from the next trailer on Wed. night. At the aforementioned Cannery, they have a steakhouse which offers a wonderful (apparently) prime rib. Three of four had that. I had macadamia crusted chicken - delicious!
The tickets for the Elvis show needed to be picked up Thurs. afternoon (the show was Thurs. night) so I went down to do that, while checking out parking at the same time. Stopped at a 2 cent machine on the way out and made $40 in 15 minutes.
The show was absolutely incredible. Elvis music combined with the costumes, sets and acrobatics which have made Cirque du Soleil famous ensured a captivating evening. So many things happening on the stage at one time - hardly knew where to look!
The sun has been out every day. Monday the temp. reached 76 degrees. But the average has been mid to high 60's - completely comfortable. Nights are still cool, but that's fine.
Can't believe it is almost 2 weeks since we arrived here. It is becoming more and more comfortable as each day passes. I have a notion that this will not be the last winter we spend in the south! It is a good life.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)