tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51934041853962416912024-03-13T03:03:43.274-07:00Gypsy and the Mariner's RV AdventuresSharon Del Rosariohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11743800968323230586noreply@blogger.comBlogger440125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193404185396241691.post-63715097595159335802017-06-23T19:33:00.001-07:002017-06-23T20:05:30.633-07:00Letting the Cat out of the Bag<p>We now have a sign in front of our RV lot in Cochise Terrace Resort that I thought I’d never see.</p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JmCKL0PZDS4/WU3PHAjzOSI/AAAAAAABSgI/G2mfF4LWZ3AYw2YWJ-75lK9WL004PmxLwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_7918%255B3%255D"><img width="504" height="337" title="IMG_7918" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_7918" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zNObvLyWphA/WU3PI0WyK-I/AAAAAAABSgM/8XzD3F0v76gbQ9qQaDdRPZdSju5_MefIgCHMYCw/IMG_7918_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-amUOoYWSay0/WU3PMbXmPTI/AAAAAAABSgQ/Oobc7SUHQLAYFcDv4_3C4GWjrSHGkffywCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_7916%255B3%255D"><img width="504" height="337" title="IMG_7916" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_7916" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nZ_Yx6vh1BA/WU3PPz690gI/AAAAAAABSgU/oscYhR7XK-EJ8z_mzGXxi2vTZsw6EpT4ACHMYCw/IMG_7916_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>Don and I have decided to make a pretty major lifestyle change. After almost 23 years of full-time RVing for him and over 14 for me, we are ready to settle down with a “sticks and bricks” style home. We bought a lot in the Cochise Terrace homeowners area and originally planned to hold onto the lot for a couple of years before putting a house on it. </p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jYn00098VIo/WU3PTlGi9uI/AAAAAAABSgY/XRvJMcInNWoe9NsyhOC4GYwctdUcxJANQCHMYCw/s1600-h/20170525_185143%255B7%255D"><img width="504" height="379" title="20170525_185143" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170525_185143" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-M8ZPt-bpKqw/WU3PVnkVq_I/AAAAAAABSgc/ZUd9u-XO_VIxIpQfzYuhXdrklmQfIPo3QCHMYCw/20170525_185143_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>It’s about the only remaining lot that has any kind of a view, and is on a corner. After thinking it over, we couldn’t come up with a good reason to wait on building the house. We both believe in enjoying every day that we have, because you never know when you won’t have them (or be able to enjoy them).</p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AjH_XgJEyPo/WU3Vvd9e3fI/AAAAAAABSg0/Lm98DxnYSHI9OccOzOt3YRxDDyWe4wmJgCHMYCw/s1600-h/20170525_185221%255B3%255D"><img width="504" height="379" title="20170525_185221" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170525_185221" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OJnT6XNeNzE/WU3V6yD9mqI/AAAAAAABSg4/ERbKvXFTjNgSGfXtlJhJSfC0hDzJCWegwCHMYCw/20170525_185221_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>We designed our floor plan by combining our favorite parts of the standard plans, with a few extra modifications. The manufacturer is Cavco in Phoenix. We have been to the plant and toured a model home, as well as some in the construction process, and we’re impressed with the quality built into the structures. Once finished, it’s hard to tell the house wasn’t built on site, and the lower price tag makes this type of home a great option for a lot of people.</p><p>Our home will be made up of two 14’ sections (total width 28’), one section will be 44’ long, and the other 52’6” long, making it 1,341 square feet, more than 3 times the space we have inside the motorhome. We’ll have 2 bedrooms, 2 full baths with both a walk-in shower and garden tub in the master. Don will use the 2nd bedroom as a man cave, and I’ll use a “retreat” room connected to the master bedroom for my quilting and other hobbies.</p><p>The two sections will be transported, after our final inspection in early August, to Benson where the site will have been prepared with a dugout to fit the footprint of the house. The two parts will be placed in the ground and joined, with flooring and utilities connections done, as well as outside landscaping and finishing to the outside walls. We should get the keys and approval for occupancy in early September.</p><p>Ground-breaking and construction of a block wall has started while we’re traveling in Colorado, escaping the heat of Arizona – and keeping us out of the way for various projects being done. Thanks to Gloria King for the picture below, and the developer has also sent pictures of the wall-building project.</p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5BUSMFR15k4/WU3PYFhpJrI/AAAAAAABSgg/uNx3PSDNO3UTkjXEq5GZRKA49J0NTqdWgCHMYCw/s1600-h/Resized952017062095122734%255B2%255D"><img width="504" height="285" title="Resized952017062095122734" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="Resized952017062095122734" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wQCZg4vlTPs/WU3PZmbRzfI/AAAAAAABSgk/PZvK0e4GGrwSrowIYWdevsvr4n1JCHrCwCHMYCw/Resized952017062095122734_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>We plan to downsize our RV, and will be selling our 2012 Phaeton 40QBH after another year or so of traveling. We’ll still be RVers, just not full-time. If anyone is interested in either our RV lot or our motorhome, please contact me for more information. </p>Sharon Del Rosariohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11743800968323230586noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193404185396241691.post-86701082952714934992017-06-14T19:46:00.001-07:002017-06-14T19:48:22.759-07:00Show Low to Cortez to Durango<p>We got together with friends Lila and Stephen Dudley at the Elks Lodge where we parked the motorhome in Show Low. It was Friday night fish fry, which was pretty good. Then they invited us to see their cabin in the woods and have dessert at their place. So we followed them over and got a tour of the neighborhood. What a nice place to escape the heat in lower elevations of Arizona in the summer!</p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5q0nnp_1faY/WUHz5oXHi5I/AAAAAAABSDo/35J3n-pJ2oUmvWV0F8N-ymV5D4xJjX5oACHMYCw/s1600-h/20170609_185149%255B3%255D"><img width="504" height="379" title="20170609_185149" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170609_185149" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c8aN-vf_iGE/WUHz8ZsK4OI/AAAAAAABSDs/I3if-x13e9MI4R8Hyrb13XCIvwXkR80nwCHMYCw/20170609_185149_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VO1CdKMX044/WUHz_T8s1wI/AAAAAAABSDw/y6zmNEKq9xsRCNNTP0OS5RGUgz7IjxRMQCHMYCw/s1600-h/20170609_185213%255B3%255D"><img width="504" height="379" title="20170609_185213" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170609_185213" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4me_dlFvp4E/WUH0CoE3vEI/AAAAAAABSD0/ezriU5PoHiUfgXV71vrrWiCZr7HhHFmoQCHMYCw/20170609_185213_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>Thanks for the special tour and delicious key lime pie, Steve & Lila. We’ll visit you again next time we’re in that neck of the woods!</p><p>One day we drove to nearby Snowflake to view some of the pioneer homes. It was the day of the historical society’s big rummage sale, so there was nobody to lead tours through the homes except for a reluctant young woman in the museum, and she would have had to close up the museum to give us a tour. We opted to just do a driving tour around town.</p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5ZdM-5TsIoU/WUH0FAUZhnI/AAAAAAABSD4/UWlaiQuQtDU_D-6UD861LnZhVbTrvnTegCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_8038%255B3%255D"><img width="504" height="337" title="IMG_8038" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_8038" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SfyriPNMcV0/WUH0HZbxcGI/AAAAAAABSD8/H2U1icZiWogsluxWb4qSe30eO88x67_8gCHMYCw/IMG_8038_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0kgfsYomFSo/WUH0J2GbOtI/AAAAAAABSEA/nuaOsvW5nOUZvEwOp9OUyF8IBwYl-ck-wCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_8055%255B3%255D"><img width="504" height="337" title="IMG_8055" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_8055" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e7jX7JVkS0Y/WUH0M-Lj6AI/AAAAAAABSEE/nc3H5J7nRsYk5qOYxN6sZdl7j8h1N3skgCHMYCw/IMG_8055_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>As we learned in the Show Low museum, Snowflake was named after Erastus Snow and William Flake, Mormon pioneers, who founded it in 1878. Below is the Flake home.</p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C8zvBZaCGpc/WUH0Pe-EKRI/AAAAAAABSEI/1YwHQy02e-0zzF9k7VOrVCSR8ypHgb-fgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_8068%255B3%255D"><img width="504" height="337" title="IMG_8068" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_8068" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3xR_EvhJfDA/WUH0RrCTOEI/AAAAAAABSEM/BjB3k8OSxaMTcQ3NYw0RE_rxDCTTnHs6QCHMYCw/IMG_8068_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>This monument honors the pioneers.</p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zbWByNHluhQ/WUH0Tw7S3jI/AAAAAAABSEQ/WdpDiyNZ6UU4Hizk4KwXiryK8Hhr2eh6ACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_8073%255B3%255D"><img width="504" height="337" title="IMG_8073" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_8073" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_gM_hHzGCdc/WUH0WZCXrQI/AAAAAAABSEU/hxMKsdz3llALJuh447hZrmUP2MYQ50RGgCHMYCw/IMG_8073_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>Leaving Show Low, we drove to Cortez, Colorado. The trip was a little over 300 miles, farther than we like to drive in a day, but we weren’t drawn to stay anywhere else along the way. We did make a slight detour (on very bad, narrow, worn-out roads) to visit the famed Four Corners. The monument was established by native Americans and we were charged $5 per person for the privilege of parking in a rough dirt lot (that took a lot of planning to avoid having to un-hitch the towed) and go stand in line to get our picture taken. We started a conversation with a nice family from Munich, Germany, on a tour of the American west. So we swapped cameras and took pictures of each other.</p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BQ11aqV1f3g/WUH0Y3UayUI/AAAAAAABSEY/Q8eftIQsStsq8aq0MSWiwVdCcwCDt9ptgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_8124%255B3%255D"><img width="504" height="337" title="IMG_8124" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_8124" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TEdOUMYc7BY/WUH0bB1KF5I/AAAAAAABSEc/f7HXEHDH8xoxZavZ3zqEB4cpMoxccBBwACHMYCw/IMG_8124_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>Now we can say, “been there, done that.”</p><p>We loved our brief stay in Cortez, did a little shopping, found a wonderful Italian restaurant, and just kicked back. One of the trading posts had lots of beautiful native American items for sale with beautiful price tags ($$$$$!) plus a free museum on the lower level.</p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ky-HGCSPDBQ/WUH0d694C2I/AAAAAAABSEg/w3KZKAxTS0cEsSunvvAkzFtuE_pp_V5IACHMYCw/s1600-h/20170612_113355%255B3%255D"><img width="504" height="379" title="20170612_113355" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170612_113355" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JTLw3z1KrQg/WUH0gPDpKaI/AAAAAAABSEk/yNMqdnqqzgEgIbmS7lTMH3yKBwdFJZhygCHMYCw/20170612_113355_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d_vp2LEf_FU/WUH0ieG_v3I/AAAAAAABSEo/2PdI-sbHU04W80otW4pZDsTtZ5HtI522ACHMYCw/s1600-h/20170612_113405%255B3%255D"><img width="504" height="379" title="20170612_113405" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170612_113405" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZOjcJW2stXs/WUH0kieiiwI/AAAAAAABSEs/PSDfjdGMhYcfITDRok-E7c3JJAxJxuhrQCHMYCw/20170612_113405_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KlDOOG8hWt8/WUH0nIE5_9I/AAAAAAABSEw/WUrat3pOKfk5bS-5HGIqGSdhNplyCdmRACHMYCw/s1600-h/20170612_113451%255B3%255D"><img width="504" height="379" title="20170612_113451" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170612_113451" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1-ZiEStAPoM/WUH0pfrw3oI/AAAAAAABSE0/x8kB9VI5Zjk7Sl5SD4RrCznBm3pwZ7H7wCHMYCw/20170612_113451_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>One day we visited the <a href="http://www.mesaverdecountry.com/see-do/archaeology/anasazi-heritage-center/">Anasazi Heritage Center</a>, and since it’s a Federal institution we got free admission with our “geezer card.” It was very interesting and we recommend it to anyone traveling through the area.</p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6Ym-FtheDNA/WUH0r-_ZjmI/AAAAAAABSE4/xAL5Dt_Q9RET7GqbmzLdOwRMJRlMqdFyQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_8147%255B3%255D"><img width="504" height="337" title="IMG_8147" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_8147" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UxrFglRuOfw/WUH0uSaip7I/AAAAAAABSE8/imwczZU3sLoM80P48slR9KrzD49uhAOaQCHMYCw/IMG_8147_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>I really enjoyed seeing the beautiful hand-crafted items from so long ago.</p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-plY0rg1g0dw/WUH0w6B-qHI/AAAAAAABSFA/pDZBNB76tigH9urH3KlkmtzCDrdFdujsACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_8156%255B3%255D"><img width="504" height="337" title="IMG_8156" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_8156" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NqxXPVHk3rw/WUH0zQu6eCI/AAAAAAABSFE/L12rNSfVJxYKm_1sOGJIGgJwn46VQ8gvQCHMYCw/IMG_8156_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>Also, the artifacts unearthed by archaeologists were fascinating.</p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2nsHbb6x1ok/WUH01-c7HCI/AAAAAAABSFI/FYCrB7GP5GARF2Ki_oSD56TVDZoV57zMgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_8161%255B3%255D"><img width="504" height="337" title="IMG_8161" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_8161" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S0ObxvDPXUc/WUH04vKtEiI/AAAAAAABSFM/VjvuwNZAERQtdE6Db6tIaKmr4jk_H5ylQCHMYCw/IMG_8161_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>Unfortunately, we didn’t realize that our friends Wendy and Mike Lawrence were in Cortez, so we missed a chance to get together with them.</p><p>We’re now in Durango, where we celebrated our 9th anniversary yesterday with a wonderful dinner at Ken & Sue’s Restaurant in the historical downtown. I posted the picture below on Facebook and couldn’t believe all the well-wishes we received from friends and family! Thank you all, we really loved hearing from you.</p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XxEeMLomTxA/WUH07V1U0tI/AAAAAAABSFQ/voaYRrlAuHUm1akk8Lj1Ke7Ta0aw4G7JACHMYCw/s1600-h/Don%2B%2526%2BSharon%2B9th%255B2%255D"><img width="504" height="285" title="Don & Sharon 9th" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="Don & Sharon 9th" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NPj0R0becVM/WUH09zX3FOI/AAAAAAABSFU/u9y3ScZUEe8bRkLj14_aEgw6EmQIckA1ACHMYCw/Don%2B%2526%2BSharon%2B9th_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>In closing, many of you know that Kay Peterson, co-founder of the Escapees RV Club with her late husband Joe Peterson, passed away after a brief illness at the age of 90. We were so privileged to know her and Joe personally, and she will be missed by many. Our friend Nick Russell wrote a wonderful eulogy in his blog post <a href="http://gypsyjournalrv.com/2017/06/goodbye-miss-kay/">Goodbye Miss Kay</a>, and I encourage all RVers to read it. What a marvelous woman!</p>Sharon Del Rosariohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11743800968323230586noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193404185396241691.post-43992670905522183402017-06-08T19:24:00.001-07:002017-06-08T19:45:13.766-07:00Show Low, AZ<p>Don & I escaped the heat in Benson and made our first visit to Show Low, in the White Mountains. Yesterday we didn’t do much more than drive here – I drove the first half and he drove the last half that included the slow, steep descent and climbing on 25mph switch-back curves. It was a beautiful drive, and we were happy to enjoy low 80’s instead of high 90’s as we had in Benson and 105+ in Tucson. We got parked at the Elks Lodge RV Park, after a bit of confusion on the part of the bartender as to what sites were not occupied, and even got a clear shot of the sky among the tall trees for our satellite dish.</p><p>We were disappointed that Gloria & Frank weren’t able to come with us as previously planned, due to a wind shear that ruined the awning on their brand-new travel trailer. It wasn’t windy at all that day, until a big whoosh! and the awning arms were toast.</p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yrQBatVeUqQ/WTn2PNDk5XI/AAAAAAABRrs/bbBBQmNLSDg5VkOmA5v6YyvK7_cfLst4QCHM/s1600-h/IMG_7925%255B3%255D"><img width="504" height="337" title="IMG_7925" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_7925" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uSQEQuHIrO4/WTn2QN8apZI/AAAAAAABRrw/CLboK5JBpCMlZCufHOfKOzJ7tRd3kaZ2QCHM/IMG_7925_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>Don & Frank were able to dismantle the arms and wire the rolled awning to the side brackets so the trailer could be towed. </p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2-GDHK22D1A/WTn2RP-siMI/AAAAAAABRr0/ldM0t6U8zV46FdUFcPY7FhqK0Gz8DUcMgCHM/s1600-h/IMG_7928%255B3%255D"><img width="504" height="337" title="IMG_7928" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_7928" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QeHuuycDJjU/WTn2Rw-mPsI/AAAAAAABRr4/p4Obx_zGcTA9VFn32z2w0O0sf3T55PDZwCHM/IMG_7928_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>Gee, it was just a few days earlier that it looked like this!</p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oNd0lJSJf8U/WTn2S1Rsw8I/AAAAAAABRr8/zxtqr4XHnOUgGlD0g68FoCWTtIyXUG_5ACHM/s1600-h/20170525_154918%255B3%255D"><img width="504" height="379" title="20170525_154918" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170525_154918" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T267CRq9x48/WTn2UQXeV5I/AAAAAAABRsA/q8AaEgZLwi01RVevTKw_CAhQRi0Odv9fACHM/20170525_154918_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>It’s now back at the dealer in Tucson awaiting parts, so Gloria & Frank are waiting until it’s ready to start their summer travels. They made a nice choice for a down-sized rig that can go places their almost 40-ft 5th wheel can’t, including family and friends’ driveways. The floor plan is a nice one, with the bedroom separate from the living/cooking/eating area. And their heavy-duty truck pulls it easily.</p><p>Now that we’re on the road again, we enjoyed playing tourist today with a stop at the visitor center to pick up maps, brochures and guides, and to get recommendations for restaurants. We had a great lunch at <a href="http://www.persnikkityscafe.com/">PersNIKKIty's Cafe</a>. The letters spelling Nikki are in caps because it’s the owner’s name. Cute place, small enough that we shared a table with a couple of women who graciously invited us as they got the last open one and there was plenty of room at the table for 6. </p><p>After lunch, we went to the local historical museum. It was very interesting and we spent a couple of hours there. Here are a few of my pictures. </p><p>Sand paintings have always fascinated me.</p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g0sQJFlNNEc/WTn2VVEU1TI/AAAAAAABRsE/-JD6Sv1knqQaAll7XZoETErf9mBPeY4-gCHM/s1600-h/20170608_141214%255B3%255D"><img width="504" height="379" title="20170608_141214" style="margin: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170608_141214" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PQXsRsCRQXY/WTn2WTNLRCI/AAAAAAABRsI/7JB1Rri5fSIRMVHgDEBldyhMcluNWuBAACHM/20170608_141214_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>Dyes used for yarn and fabrics were made from various plants by Native Americans.</p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2pmiqknzWe4/WTn2XdrHp1I/AAAAAAABRsM/xRTQWDNGXaEHCipTiQs_AZ9HP50aVNzpQCHM/s1600-h/20170608_141230%255B3%255D"><img width="504" height="379" title="20170608_141230" style="margin: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170608_141230" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iOybJkftxoE/WTn2YPj26_I/AAAAAAABRsQ/_WbBguxqYEwGmC3YJLsJZYAvS3SgSQK8wCHM/20170608_141230_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>Beautiful paintings.</p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1JRAUHRyzJs/WTn2ZcGBGPI/AAAAAAABRsU/vUMGzf-R2KI_qUWHV_GyH5KDiE5060gRQCHM/s1600-h/20170608_141240%255B3%255D"><img width="504" height="379" title="20170608_141240" style="margin: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170608_141240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pBlux6-2CFI/WTn2aZqycbI/AAAAAAABRsY/QYFPRHBQ74UnECDQfSFMlDi-z2sBHSZDwCHM/20170608_141240_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>Arrowheads displayed as art, and handmade pottery bowls.</p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hp5OafyP-MA/WToGE9PKgSI/AAAAAAABRs4/pByuG2B5EDUAIV8U6uUMq1G9icwtwXYLQCHM/s1600-h/20170608_141245%255B3%255D"><img width="504" height="379" title="20170608_141245" style="margin: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170608_141245" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mRkiyTQELa0/WToGFqj1yVI/AAAAAAABRs8/pniDjv31-S8o692Zg9cg8DCyetXD73C3wCHM/20170608_141245_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d67IPW9yp_g/WToGGjIsoDI/AAAAAAABRtA/aUfDxdZK4HIFdpheAP8Fnl11L9BBUG5eQCHM/s1600-h/20170608_141304%255B3%255D"><img width="504" height="379" title="20170608_141304" style="margin: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170608_141304" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-blp-IzxeCu0/WToGHYEddwI/AAAAAAABRtE/uiColGvJETgutpO-Ydb1Am3KmveBx4gegCHM/20170608_141304_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gexCN8ySGBg/WToGIMbaVDI/AAAAAAABRtI/RxHpNk5uvqUCOwNbQZqfkj0NZhkBWiOQQCHM/s1600-h/20170608_141308%255B3%255D"><img width="504" height="379" title="20170608_141308" style="margin: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170608_141308" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lQd-WsFVXNM/WToGJDcQCjI/AAAAAAABRtM/ue_CRkVENFs7DJRWweJO52tr44RxFjzWgCHM/20170608_141308_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>Art piece made from broken bowl shards.</p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-il90lobgPLc/WToGJ_sIY4I/AAAAAAABRtQ/vRzXf0x4OAQOZ7a00QdD9F0Xyf1lZVB4ACHM/s1600-h/20170608_141329%255B3%255D"><img width="285" height="379" title="20170608_141329" style="margin: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170608_141329" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jrsTnhVWLNQ/WToGK5U2BuI/AAAAAAABRtU/tQRYEvyUomYMxYL3c48QKS3ADZK6HCS5wCHM/20170608_141329_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>Kachina dolls – this picture is especially for Bill Mains who has a great collection.</p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r0sGXaO7D4I/WToGLmZdypI/AAAAAAABRtY/twCuAMm4AAwViGlo7YDfwsgD0sU9qfJcwCHM/s1600-h/20170608_141344_001%255B3%255D"><img width="285" height="379" title="20170608_141344_001" style="margin: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170608_141344_001" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W6-1Eo1EGWc/WToGMkyajAI/AAAAAAABRtc/wchPtxhMF7c_4IDFcqVGOTTyDFxuJY15gCHM/20170608_141344_001_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>Several quilts. Maybe I’ll take some inspiration from them. The quilts and clothing were mostly made by hand with a few dresses from very primitive sewing machines.</p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xQjlKjoQLfo/WToGNTKBcsI/AAAAAAABRtg/SU-aFi_IzGI-MiEUp_trb7vYYeeK-VSPwCHM/s1600-h/20170608_142441%255B3%255D"><img width="285" height="379" title="20170608_142441" style="margin: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170608_142441" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e8KXFSkzFyo/WToGObWzuaI/AAAAAAABRtk/B9wa3EWXACcYOGrEiajsiolCQH9OV7GUQCHM/20170608_142441_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vzN4vHIBvMs/WToGPPf5jkI/AAAAAAABRto/dLf8GEdtTB46kUCuUAS7yFjFMqqO7gjEQCHM/s1600-h/20170608_142454%255B3%255D"><img width="285" height="379" title="20170608_142454" style="margin: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170608_142454" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rN5ixhIs0Pw/WToGP1Gqc6I/AAAAAAABRts/02gxvRhkuOQyLqaoD01YdLKaxToRKDWBACHM/20170608_142454_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SUOVlEMRsqw/WToGRcXFBdI/AAAAAAABRtw/b-s-hzQS7jMD9IVDVZJZmaEcJyaPBZJEQCHM/s1600-h/20170608_142507%255B3%255D"><img width="504" height="379" title="20170608_142507" style="margin: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170608_142507" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GenD7WqJtgM/WToGS37sSiI/AAAAAAABRt0/NIlRXvob0kYUCT6PQiN51e7oH3nMQDR7wCHM/20170608_142507_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pMf6EXz2r2M/WToGT4ZfN8I/AAAAAAABRt4/iJUwSwjEKDEl0j7nJlSPvuuH8nxhOT8hACHM/s1600-h/20170608_142510%255B3%255D"><img width="504" height="379" title="20170608_142510" style="margin: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170608_142510" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X3sAlD4eRwQ/WToGU_LR_NI/AAAAAAABRt8/ooL-gqY4_bQauVbEVT2LWSLrM-6IZNCxgCHM/20170608_142510_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DZcpEaZK46k/WToGVu5HmiI/AAAAAAABRuA/GnrktDJJnSU-TQph0QmbeutD0q09mIlPQCHM/s1600-h/20170608_143342_001%255B10%255D"><img width="285" height="379" title="20170608_143342_001" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170608_143342_001" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_pxfRq5oKuI/WToGWa2_tyI/AAAAAAABRuE/bX5TkYDqZrM-HyGLTai64-KniAiteyE8ACHM/20170608_143342_001_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>This telephone switchboard was used in nearby Holbrook in the early 1960’s.</p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XBtzgAzadjs/WToGXNba05I/AAAAAAABRuI/QGlGlneWGl41QDkvKuiV6aK7yux2TDRvQCHM/s1600-h/20170608_142839%255B3%255D"><img width="504" height="379" title="20170608_142839" style="margin: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170608_142839" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k0fNPWx3Duw/WToGYHrq1eI/AAAAAAABRuM/ITqO9p4Sbs84N8PEuBIKHeztszVpeWzMgCHM/20170608_142839_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>Regional ranch brands adorn this wall.</p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hMDJHhuYV_E/WToGZLVRSmI/AAAAAAABRuQ/_xyIQ81vwNkz8cb_cD5BiJs0jHs0LRJTwCHM/s1600-h/20170608_143117%255B6%255D"><img width="504" height="379" title="20170608_143117" style="margin: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170608_143117" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Xzil78O5FYQ/WToGZ7AqkxI/AAAAAAABRuU/oSN3KWl0ThkM3FVsfbW7f4lTsgkUvXvzQCHM/20170608_143117_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>I used some of these old business machines back in the day! Not the telephone, though. <img class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" style="" alt="Smile" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wjzjl0P3Bzg/WToLuUF4hnI/AAAAAAABRwU/ti-oPHb-uFQPPOjAoIymPs7YuuSYk43AQCHM/wlEmoticon-smile%255B2%255D?imgmax=800"></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ulydBDwt5FM/WToGaqwfjGI/AAAAAAABRuY/HOnoweOTVfQAH7gBAuqlyPe29FKk2_nPgCHM/s1600-h/20170608_143132%255B6%255D"><img width="504" height="379" title="20170608_143132" style="margin: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170608_143132" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zjTbG6VSLLk/WToGba3KCQI/AAAAAAABRuc/3Er3PVQRIIEyCmkTDJd1Uh6W5MkYCt5wgCHM/20170608_143132_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LbiuYa4ndOk/WToGcVxGLwI/AAAAAAABRug/JFZR6Pz2ORo3kTePhMpHkqoNdsQ6t693QCHM/s1600-h/20170608_143154%255B6%255D"><img width="504" height="379" title="20170608_143154" style="margin: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170608_143154" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EZHnux48czY/WToGdJAKsgI/AAAAAAABRuk/H7KJ4LIs8XgIz--FMrxmRjDiqg5BKTk-wCHM/20170608_143154_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>Unfortunately, the model trains only run on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The level of detail and accurate depiction of a town were very well done.</p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3Gupy4XxdEk/WToGuHpezqI/AAAAAAABRvw/Nuhp9pCPd3g5BquOhAMbdqk3SbY6x688ACHM/s1600-h/20170608_143712%255B6%255D"><img width="504" height="379" title="20170608_143712" style="margin: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170608_143712" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AsJSIBh14LI/WToGvOULz0I/AAAAAAABRv0/ag3K_6m64EwR1T4D5e4yVycEbvADBzuvQCHM/20170608_143712_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>In closing, we are mourning the loss of Gloria & Frank’s beloved dog Shadow. She passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday evening. We became friends with Gloria & Frank while we were in Alaska in 2011, and the fact that both our dogs were named Shadow was part of the reason we got to know each other. Now both of them are over the Rainbow Bridge – maybe they’re together again. </p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vXWzgAJYFpw/WToG1XqEKlI/AAAAAAABRv4/kT1JYfw9uFcRJalQ_PRAJaLrKjTvuJWdACHM/s1600-h/Two%2BShadows%255B2%255D"><img width="504" height="379" title="Two Shadows" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="Two Shadows" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GNFqzwa8LDQ/WToG2N2hrDI/AAAAAAABRv8/MvOg1Bo8srchhHhOQl5vBnJ8XFfGBV9rQCHM/Two%2BShadows_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p>Sharon Del Rosariohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11743800968323230586noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193404185396241691.post-29298037127645696092017-05-04T13:37:00.001-07:002017-05-04T13:37:50.420-07:00Modesto, Hearst Castle, and Beyond<p>Before leaving Modesto, we spent another day mostly with Frank & Dottie, starting with a trip to the Saturday morning farmer’s market. The weather was nice, and we loved seeing all the fresh produce, as well as hand-made products of many varieties, and listening to live music.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qyRt7B0KzHE/WQuQkZ7TirI/AAAAAAABQ28/CFGBVXvBuX0ZXnotIUCjfystOeTatJNvQCHM/s1600-h/20170429_101707%255B3%255D"><img title="20170429_101707" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20170429_101707" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BroxaYIa7nk/WQuQmPmYtEI/AAAAAAABQ3A/gBPnJlg-0akiGe36NKlYMvD8uby-L3t9wCHM/20170429_101707_thumb?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p>We even found time to have lunch with a long-time RV friend, Pat Livingston, who was part of our “Loosey Goosey Gang” led by Dennis & Carol Hill to Alaska in 2011.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dO16z22CfQ0/WQuQn8-JIEI/AAAAAAABQ3E/yH7G5A6H0-sK0U9nQ5D5F4aFep8gwxpdgCHM/s1600-h/20170429_120206%255B3%255D"><img title="20170429_120206" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20170429_120206" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2doyZRimapo/WQuQpkryRXI/AAAAAAABQ3I/EqowhtVxKAMBNljtKLuM9m4hZlvlYqZkQCHM/20170429_120206_thumb?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p>We had dinner later with Frank & Dottie at Fisherman’s Galley. We tried to get in to Outback but there was a 45-minute wait for a table, whereas we were only one of three groups at Fisherman’s and we all enjoyed the meal and chance to continue our visit.</p> <p>Here’s a picture showing Bella’s face. Do you think she looks like a slightly larger Gigi?</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yOZXx5XJSwo/WQuQrejkAqI/AAAAAAABQ3M/PBHhTfeQscwH13PqqUExLvdpxNay5nANwCHM/s1600-h/20170429_161431%255B7%255D"><img title="20170429_161431" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20170429_161431" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-35JYsyCe9gE/WQuQs5x8AAI/AAAAAAABQ3Q/ff7B-SgHcHoZFtNKLuZ7Om4blz7fmO1zgCHM/20170429_161431_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p><img alt="20170428_113302" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wSHFTxfTNH4/WQQCCzg4FGI/AAAAAAABQiw/mxCeLe3AH1gFPsk6ECCtzMqZyFKJCT8IgCHM/20170428_113302_thumb?imgmax=800"></p> <p>Our next stop down the road was to tick off an item on Don’s bucket list: Hearst Castle. He had never been there, but I had visited several times when I lived in California, and then took all 5 tours (as offered then) in 2003 when I first started full-time RVing. If you’ve been there I’ll spare you the tedium of looking at all my pictures. If you haven’t been, look at the <a href="http://hearstcastle.org/">Hearst Castle website</a> for professional pics. Here are just a few of the many I took.</p> <p>We arrived early for our 10:00 tour of the Grand Rooms so we explored the gift shop. Somehow this style hat doesn’t exactly suit Don, but he had fun modeling it anyway.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5oMZ-4Nojko/WQuQuxqt71I/AAAAAAABQ3U/4HeMdcn1U7gv2Pty-ZTnd6xMu2uAEwt-ACHM/s1600-h/IMG_7665%255B3%255D"><img title="IMG_7665" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7665" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nKVFNFvxpAo/WQuQwbCTgmI/AAAAAAABQ3Y/9lS3GYy_5MIfdQ-hw5wfB8sYZaT-yohGACHM/IMG_7665_thumb?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>We could see glimpses of the castle from the bus on our ride up to the top of La Cuesta Encantada (The Enchanted Hill).</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SqSMR04KkLE/WQuQyGFBAEI/AAAAAAABQ3c/Uj47NII_nq0b0ZIcrV6KFn93ElTW9oThACHM/s1600-h/IMG_7678%255B3%255D"><img title="IMG_7678" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7678" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8fQ_AKvvkNU/WQuQ08JPgfI/AAAAAAABQ3g/vJbz7JPTmjcJQYb-LLqD9VJhPo_XC2_ogCHM/IMG_7678_thumb?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tp36yri3WgM/WQuQ2ry2FJI/AAAAAAABQ3k/i9GY3gp4gJEktvSw848BvWw5_vWSEeBlACHM/s1600-h/IMG_7681%255B3%255D"><img title="IMG_7681" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7681" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uGKox-7qaNs/WQuQ4llWm5I/AAAAAAABQ3o/mOlMIXptxigGZOmkxP9Hu-FjLESIyhuQgCHM/IMG_7681_thumb?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XDHI4aQLY2E/WQuQ6brSoXI/AAAAAAABQ3s/d5qyFw3Sdjs29CnzOHzFdYGFezDLUeY4ACHM/s1600-h/IMG_7690%255B3%255D"><img title="IMG_7690" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7690" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SRZGkMHJjzI/WQuQ74qM4pI/AAAAAAABQ3w/FaeyNap4t4EQiOV3ZMywgq7S3WpGgNJhwCHM/IMG_7690_thumb?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>How would you like to be a guest at this dinner table?</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ll5R4FCAK10/WQuQ9no9FlI/AAAAAAABQ30/RU_hqCc2KCEIAOYtnbDlzlvKVztjEiz_ACHM/s1600-h/20170501_104324%255B3%255D"><img title="20170501_104324" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20170501_104324" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1Nvd4krJz_A/WQuQ_emYpeI/AAAAAAABQ34/tm6yvyaVMwMSbCbRCd0VrQM7EZJKgrKCwCHM/20170501_104324_thumb?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p>And sleep in this bedroom?</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UJe7dT-0AAA/WQuRBc8OnxI/AAAAAAABQ38/gPEDJFPBgwwQf6jyWZOEYICCMAIkLQN4ACHM/s1600-h/IMG_7716%255B3%255D"><img title="IMG_7716" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7716" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qyqTMb2WUXM/WQuRDgL3hOI/AAAAAAABQ4A/K1C6UPGdVtoSDvW5FXmooitYCIkq4kv2ACHM/IMG_7716_thumb?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>We took the Grand Rooms Tour on Monday, then the Upstairs Suites Tour, followed by the Cottages & Kitchen Tour, both on Tuesday. After climbing more than 300 steps on the second tour plus all the walking and steps on the other tours, our legs and feet were tired. We decided to check out a nearby restaurant recommended by one of the guides: <a href="http://www.moonstonebeach.com/">Moonstone Beach Bar & Grill</a> in Cambria. Their clam chowder was really good – we had it in sourdough bowls and it was a hearty meal. The outdoor seating offered a great view of the Pacific Ocean too.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TnFfROE1LcQ/WQuRFj2kc2I/AAAAAAABQ4E/_m8p3b2Og-oBvV8eYqIvEXHysKqaxVyswCHM/s1600-h/20170502_130345%255B3%255D"><img title="20170502_130345" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20170502_130345" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3GnmpjS0dSw/WQuRHfKODzI/AAAAAAABQ4I/WHvGQ3E_UvwJmjp9O4JxAzEb0cxplQn_wCHM/20170502_130345_thumb?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p>The Atascadero Elks Lodge was our home for these few days, and we enjoyed having full hookups with 50 amps for $25/night – inexpensive for this area. Yesterday I drove the 34.8 mile distance to Oceano, where we are again staying at the local Elks Lodge paying $25/night. This time it’s water and 30 amps with a dump that is hard to get to, but it’s just a block from the ocean and all the other RV parks here charge even more than around Atascadero. </p> <p>We again had clam chowder for dinner last night, this time at a small cafe in Pismo Beach called <a href="http://www.splashcafe.com/">Splash</a>. The chowder is creamier but doesn’t have bacon cooked in it like Moonstone does. Both chowders were good, just different. We’re enjoying the cool ocean breezes here, but I hope it warms up and the sun comes out so we can take Gigi to the beach.</p>Sharon Del Rosariohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11743800968323230586noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193404185396241691.post-36611712725497712892017-04-28T20:01:00.001-07:002017-04-28T20:12:59.721-07:00Another Winner! And Return To Modesto<p>After winning a prize for wearing his military cap and a huge gift basket as a door prize, Don and I were eagerly awaiting the final evening of the WARE rally to see if we won another prize. This time it wasn’t entirely free, as we had to buy raffle tickets to qualify. If you’ve ever participated in a penny raffle, you may know how great a fund raiser it is. The goal of the raffle was to donate $1,000 dollars to <a href="http://www.escapeescare.org/">Escapees CARE</a> and to provide a cash prize as well as three nice gifts. There were 600 tickets to be sold. The price of each ticket was determined by the last three digits in the ticket number. In other words, if you pulled a ticket with the number 281005, you would pay $.05 for the ticket. If your ticket number was 281599, your price would be $5.99. The lucky winner whose ticket was drawn would win $500. This raffle had another wrinkle: if you bought 5 tickets at once, you were given a bonus ticket. You would drop this ticket (keeping your half) into a bucket next to one of 3 nice prizes: an Amazon Echo, a rolling picnic cooler bag, or a propane fire ring. Since we sold our fire ring a couple of years ago when we thought we needed space for dialysis supplies (no longer an issue) we have missed it. I bought 5 raffle tickets and put my bonus ticket in the fire ring bucket. To increase his odds, Don bought 25 raffle tickets and put all 5 of his bonus tickets in the fire ring bucket! And guess who won!</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HtSh-Sj_JEM/WQQBhWQ5HSI/AAAAAAABQhc/hO7qAJXzlrgsO44uzLxbmmpqYLqoH5G6QCHM/s1600-h/IMG_7591%255B3%255D"><img title="IMG_7591" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7591" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GJ601aSH0ZY/WQQBi8SEcDI/AAAAAAABQhg/5UXrEZrmpu0MTL6T_NzVmjwU7IEX2K0IQCHM/IMG_7591_thumb?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>He even got a hug from the Queen of the WARE!</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kncpjOfVp_M/WQQBkkmBv_I/AAAAAAABQhk/VzvNuiSqRakljCLAhCY0KV4X2UGZTlVJgCHM/s1600-h/IMG_7590%255B7%255D"><img title="IMG_7590" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7590" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_TVhsrfg5sY/WQQBmPRxorI/AAAAAAABQho/m3S_Xky5X4guvi1yezVj4DASKaBZ7SkWQCHM/IMG_7590_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>The rally was one of the most fun RV events we’ve attended, and we are so pleased to see our first efforts to create this event for the western members of the Escapees RV Club continue and thrive. We know how many hands it requires to be a success, and we thank all the volunteers who made it so great!</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4VSKmoyg9FU/WQQBn_bIc_I/AAAAAAABQhs/FRtthIiP7UgHPa3dFky31lAEVV1DQ2AFACHM/s1600-h/IMG_7599%255B3%255D"><img title="IMG_7599" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7599" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z49dYbz1Gy8/WQQBpWEz-WI/AAAAAAABQhw/GErhWvqXR7g5IstHW8-_sEosAesXiifNACHM/IMG_7599_thumb?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Life is not all fun and games, however. When we got ready to pull out of the fairgrounds the next morning, the saturated ground was so soft we got stuck in the mud and had to use our Coach-Net road service to call for a tow truck. Don tried unsuccessfully to get some traction by stuffing a couple of rugs under the front of the wheel, using an extension pole. You can see what happened to the rugs and the pole!</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GXjCqtT6xrA/WQQBq2Al0bI/AAAAAAABQh0/_AsnJyTslX4HI-PG50jhqV9scJMgcgKYwCHM/s1600-h/IMG_7630%255B3%255D"><img title="IMG_7630" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7630" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3xEsVcAhf64/WQQBsU6v1aI/AAAAAAABQh4/BLmSYxcSEmwNl29hFmN9uNEyp5GsAWTFQCHM/IMG_7630_thumb?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>In fact, the pole was left behind for good.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Vo5tpxOd1fs/WQQBt0PQdZI/AAAAAAABQh8/yaK_AeJBUx4EfeNbToIlyevqrxJc2mjaQCHM/s1600-h/IMG_7640%255B3%255D"><img title="IMG_7640" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yyZ2lxxJMug/WQQBvZcMtdI/AAAAAAABQiA/zp3yn5KNldYgAO2SRcF8K9lwF0hcJUSTwCHM/IMG_7640_thumb?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>The tow truck finally arrived. It didn’t take Joel long to figure out how to attach a chain and very carefully and slowly pull the motorhome out.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-94TaHey_V5Q/WQQBw6-91DI/AAAAAAABQiE/nW3mTtJQK9stAW-y-_zcf0lFQN5VtpOpQCHM/s1600-h/IMG_7639%255B3%255D"><img title="IMG_7639" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7639" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KjHwlF62wwg/WQQByZDjznI/AAAAAAABQiI/x8tCmlKphBkGMeaBvbjkAu5uCrisBym6QCHM/IMG_7639_thumb?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>I got a cheer from the onlookers when I was able to drive up on the pavement. We left some serious ruts behind.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g_B6rLrkmqQ/WQQB0jr_GdI/AAAAAAABQiM/uVT3I_d7JZ04hzIgXhXGQ9OkcRizPfcLQCHM/s1600-h/IMG_7644%255B3%255D"><img title="IMG_7644" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7644" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Al1yU3-x1Zg/WQQB2EozgBI/AAAAAAABQiQ/ZCgYKn_6Vs0QXqFw1yPZkf3HpPsiQzx1QCHM/IMG_7644_thumb?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>We are now in Modesto, parked at the Elks Lodge. We had to boondock the first night because the hookup sites were full. We were preparing to move to an RV park in another town when Don discovered that a site was becoming available. As the 5th wheel driver drove out past us, I was starting up our engine to move right in. This location is ideal for visiting Don’s late wife’s parents, Dottie & Frank Azlin. We spent some time with them today and enjoyed going out for pizza. We plan to visit some more tomorrow before moving on down the road on Sunday.</p> <p>Dottie is struggling to get around as she was put in a rigid brace for her hip that popped out after hip replacement surgery. We’re amazed that she’s taking it in stride (pun intended) and getting around really well! You can tell by her smile that she approaches every challenge with a great positive attitude.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xW6_Dl-QmZc/WQQB6nkRlTI/AAAAAAABQic/M4QyGtS4c2knaKSb6yCS6PCeJyWVwYYVgCHM/s1600-h/20170428_110601%255B3%255D"><img title="20170428_110601" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20170428_110601" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZrmZdXkZ9Yw/WQQB8BBOCqI/AAAAAAABQig/pCGSBA9I7nMIubwFF6XtEVRZ0JtKdbdkwCHM/20170428_110601_thumb?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p>Frank also seems cheerful, and he’s getting around and doing pretty well, too.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xB8JUDvieIM/WQQB9zEWJOI/AAAAAAABQik/btzHZdEYzTgdibJY11F8qHOOiJqjm96cQCHM/s1600-h/20170428_110606%255B3%255D"><img title="20170428_110606" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20170428_110606" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RHYcPKmT0b4/WQQB_XoF4WI/AAAAAAABQio/M3hySCI1lkkSRM3EFNGVKKLEmnrpZKXEwCHM/20170428_110606_thumb?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p>Gigi and Bella had no trouble getting acquainted outside when we first arrived, then after Gigi had a chance to explore the entire home, the two of them settled down and shared Bella’s pillow on the sofa beside Don. I wish I had a better picture of Bella – her color, face and ear markings make her look like a slightly larger Gigi!</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q6Z_9M5yZyg/WQQCBHmJ2-I/AAAAAAABQis/scBVgFs4STo95HO7Qh6LBiXCkkOdbAYUACHM/s1600-h/20170428_113302%255B3%255D"><img title="20170428_113302" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20170428_113302" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wSHFTxfTNH4/WQQCCzg4FGI/AAAAAAABQiw/mxCeLe3AH1gFPsk6ECCtzMqZyFKJCT8IgCHM/20170428_113302_thumb?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p>In closing, I have to post a picture of Bill Mains petting Gigi during the WARE rally. She was totally mesmerized. The only problem is that It had rained during the night, and although I warned him the step might be wet, he sat there anyway and let Jan sit in the folding chair next to me. For the rest of the story, go to <a href="http://billandjanrvingtheusa.blogspot.com/2017/04/ware-tuesday.html">Jan’s blog from Tuesday</a>. I guarantee a good smile and maybe even a laugh. It’s a good thing Bill is a good sport!</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uXYuF5ABjCI/WQQCEVJMEiI/AAAAAAABQi0/YMezw0djnncemQcFzWPdyPi2XzxeRcXCwCHM/s1600-h/20170424_144312_001%255B7%255D"><img title="20170424_144312_001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20170424_144312_001" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ekg4z8oIdTY/WQQCGHIk36I/AAAAAAABQi4/YOIzS9_tD-cRhYARgjWCXly5W5D5Rec2wCHM/20170424_144312_001_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p>Sharon Del Rosariohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11743800968323230586noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193404185396241691.post-82648937291729152982017-04-25T19:02:00.001-07:002017-04-25T19:12:10.319-07:00Winning!<p>First, I must apologize for failing to publish posts to my blog for almost a month. We enjoyed helping Don’s sis-in-law Susan Del Rosario celebrate her 70th birthday, along with visiting her family living nearby around Watsonville and Aptos, CA. Niece Laura flew out from Massachusetts and it was great to see her again, as well as niece Lisa and her hubby Sergio Nell, along with beautiful and delightful daughters Carolina (4) and Olivia (1), and his parents, plus various friends, all of whom shared meals, cookouts and fun conversations for several days.</p> <p>Next, we briefly visited Modesto, intending to spend time with Don’s late wife’s parents, Dottie & Frank Azlin. However, we were both nursing colds, and I was still really sick, so Don spent only about an hour with them. We plan to return soon.</p> <p>We continued to suffer when we went to Santa Rosa to visit Don’s Aunt Della. Because she was recently hospitalized and still somewhat weak, we didn’t want to share our germs with her either. A brief visit with her and her daughter Svea was all we could manage there.</p> <p>We went to Beale AFB FamCamp for about a week and finally got well, but both still have a bit of a cough – probably due to allergies by now. We got together with good friends Frank & Gloria King as they did the final move out of their home in Folsom which they sold. They’re now full-time RVers (again) with the lot near us in Cochise Terrace as their only anchor, where they’re currently headed.</p> <p>This week we’re enjoying the WARE (Western Area Rally for Escapees) Rally in Yuba City, CA. This is the 6th annual rally – we started the rally in 2012, with lots of help from a great crew – and the first time we’ve attended since we got it going 5 years ago. We were recognized by Caryl Mutti (the “voice of the WARE”) at the opening session on Sunday afternoon. Thanks for the recognition, Caryl!</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TFruBwGN_bQ/WP_-mgYZMDI/AAAAAAABP_4/mAM_EsQguIMzQ_9C84JEIIVICZBznyWYgCHM/s1600-h/IMG_7368%255B3%255D"><img title="IMG_7368" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7368" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vs9iqOFUHUw/WP_-oiMNZ8I/AAAAAAABP_8/gqfttTCRD7c3pA-9ES5GD25W9GcNc1nRACHM/IMG_7368_thumb?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Caryl is an excellent event leader, very animated and clever with every announcement and presentation, and a seemingly unending amount of energy.</p> <p>There was a parade of banners from regional chapters and BoFs (Birds of a Feather interest groups) represented. </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g5FSuKMzdGk/WP_-qEhbuII/AAAAAAABQAA/WhyoqpXgJ1kNobAaXKFhRx3JmPUdis10QCHM/s1600-h/IMG_7384%255B3%255D"><img title="IMG_7384" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7384" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pbehDgakvZQ/WP_-rnnpwoI/AAAAAAABQAE/5qNThAreMIU7mbb370hCIKFzYs3P3opsgCHM/IMG_7384_thumb?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Qivh4h4az_0/WP_-tF0BvAI/AAAAAAABQAI/YN8qd-1apFUBjzR9uEqj5cERNaHIImFngCHM/s1600-h/IMG_7390%255B3%255D"><img title="IMG_7390" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7390" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JdJA_8TGUD8/WP_-u0jHDBI/AAAAAAABQAM/h1x8T3NpAcIA270VJYG_G870km5Al7JVQCHM/IMG_7390_thumb?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gvW3uOwNm6o/WP_-wrfQkXI/AAAAAAABQAQ/B_O0JKvN6mwgKwt9xk55ZTXkt91aaAY6wCHM/s1600-h/IMG_7396%255B3%255D"><img title="IMG_7396" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7396" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--TRLnQCVjVs/WP_-yB1SVMI/AAAAAAABQAU/e5iz4bMQfS8IWeX2MogN-7f4rrL3UBfYQCHM/IMG_7396_thumb?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Jan didn’t have a banner for Chapter 45, but she printed out a picture of it and made the most of her small representation. She gets a high grade for enthusiasm!</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QwItHs9R2Os/WP_-zgL293I/AAAAAAABQAY/vSD19sWO0kcSoMTLmPVx5naC6_TXXJCcACHM/s1600-h/IMG_7389%255B7%255D"><img title="IMG_7389" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7389" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_vyzKGqBEeM/WP_-1Fv6PoI/AAAAAAABQAc/PNf2Blzkm7gXHKHIs9yH8g9L56GvOKQCQCHM/IMG_7389_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>A King and Queen were selected and royally adorned for the theme of the rally “Fruits and Nuts.”</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NgsxHrVti3Y/WP_-264AMdI/AAAAAAABQAg/UKdn9Jwmj0o05S9tSX-8cJ_MQKwqJkAEgCHM/s1600-h/IMG_7406%255B3%255D"><img title="IMG_7406" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7406" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yADrGgLXQ84/WP_-4Tk3GgI/AAAAAAABQAk/fboqxOV8ZKkexoAY89o5cpySUOs6DyRAgCHM/IMG_7406_thumb?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Awards for crazy hats are given each day. Here are the first day’s winners.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-peozbbsdJfQ/WP_-53KbOrI/AAAAAAABQAo/LR1KykTzq00HIaH_W9R7YpGzKoNNTCIJACHM/s1600-h/IMG_7410%255B3%255D"><img title="IMG_7410" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7410" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s-URG5G1DS8/WP_-7MiUJOI/AAAAAAABQAs/L4eEYzEe1kIlWuAQ0RNkH7g5wvOZvGuPgCHM/IMG_7410_thumb?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>And the second day.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kkJFv4JFidg/WP_-864jsiI/AAAAAAABQAw/zGuj5fQSs_Q4LG0vIDJkkwlALLFF-KGwwCHM/s1600-h/IMG_7464%255B7%255D"><img title="IMG_7464" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7464" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VaA2QEBAi2g/WP_--oYmHyI/AAAAAAABQA0/8KNuF2hU9Lc_1ESzmN4hnlf_D2LnYUdmwCHM/IMG_7464_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Lots of gifts have been presented for all kinds of things, and Don was the recipient of two of them! The first was in recognition of his military service. In fact, all the men and women who served their country and were wearing a military hat were given a gift.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nkIPtcPerWg/WP__AZPTsBI/AAAAAAABQA4/NpA1F9Fa_kUbHhsjUCimGEqKgxSDObdJgCHM/s1600-h/IMG_7471%255B3%255D"><img title="IMG_7471" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7471" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-92veyLUum7s/WP__B1s9ikI/AAAAAAABQA8/LmWyqs94k0IKOU3NJCFzxCtzhPGcu_TNgCHM/IMG_7471_thumb?imgmax=800" width="504" height="288"></a></p> <p>Inside the bag were a bottle of gin (for me), an apron (for his BBQ cooking) and a certificate for a free 3-night stay at the SKP Kofa Ko-Op in Yuma, AZ, good for a year. Nice!</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jZrf1naRgkM/WP__Dr1FwBI/AAAAAAABQBA/wT2xez1-ey090pEBmzli-D2HRAFZ1McmgCHM/s1600-h/IMG_7476%255B3%255D"><img title="IMG_7476" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7476" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yzyvqqNaW4I/WP__Fg6257I/AAAAAAABQBE/XHb2DPrXzN8gy2VgjXhHQROHMNGAFNTfgCHM/IMG_7476_thumb?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>At the 4 pm gathering today, we had a great group of friends at our table, with “heavy appetizers” as our evening meal. You’ll recognize some of these folks, with Don looking the other way, Bill, our newest friends Tracy & Jeff with Bud & Susie to Jeff’s right, Jan (wearing my bunny ears headband) and Lisa. Jim was helping deliver door prizes.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lReQBmjvuvQ/WP__HGbKMqI/AAAAAAABQBI/Bp6N7asX49kTB8kdS4ZMQ4RgL6ppyYQeQCHM/s1600-h/IMG_7505%255B3%255D"><img title="IMG_7505" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7505" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hbFsEBk_GRE/WP__IcNn0fI/AAAAAAABQBM/rAY2zMi0bEcriXL6mvAEvGvAP2O-MW6EACHM/IMG_7505_thumb?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>It was a winning event for all of us at this table, hence the title of this blog post. Every couple at our table won a prize! Jim turned theirs down, since they are Escapees employees. Tracy & Jeff won a set of serving bowls.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mK2b23h6RXo/WP__J_3PHlI/AAAAAAABQBQ/KAOjWCJDIbUzPAKJdQGMCxQ5XXKui7jvwCHM/s1600-h/IMG_7506%255B3%255D"><img title="IMG_7506" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7506" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ao1MonKeH7I/WP__Lk1lAKI/AAAAAAABQBU/cn6WPmx0ooAYKnrzC2Di4gLoyjXBRJqtwCHM/IMG_7506_thumb?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P6dNQEMPt3c/WP__NCVzxWI/AAAAAAABQBY/2GXBMwhBsCo0tt1KWkCNAPCR2MeirrPAwCHM/s1600-h/IMG_7507%255B3%255D"><img title="IMG_7507" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7507" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j78DYCC4hlE/WP__OmjQrEI/AAAAAAABQBc/qljkA6sPJ_QLgjq8jh8Np9Kw5gAHwDdNACHM/IMG_7507_thumb?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4Wf7iaLhoqo/WP__QEidu8I/AAAAAAABQBg/9TAExDVYcOUsGOw7MX6zELEFFHJCjprwACHM/s1600-h/IMG_7509%255B3%255D"><img title="IMG_7509" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7509" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0lEglyHD5yM/WP__RuhM7hI/AAAAAAABQBk/D7YyEhbBDfAKS_ZK0HoIaCQ-xkOFTXofgCHM/IMG_7509_thumb?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>They barely got their gift open when Bud & Susie won a bottle of Vodka.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s2tuKDv5cwg/WP__TNVyRhI/AAAAAAABQBo/17EvbqyCPkIjZvAw6_6Q3yLtYPjnEYg9gCHM/s1600-h/IMG_7510%255B3%255D"><img title="IMG_7510" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7510" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OSd3VqQFnpo/WP__UbfOW3I/AAAAAAABQBs/awMl-cRrrWIqP1XN-6lH8098GYM89TMzACHM/IMG_7510_thumb?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Jan & Bill won a pair of lobster beach towels.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ywv91lGCe_Q/WP__WKiTsPI/AAAAAAABQBw/DkrdLGYYAGw5Y0UAyikip07EOogEzrrbgCHM/s1600-h/IMG_7511%255B3%255D"><img title="IMG_7511" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7511" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pMMSH9Syeyc/WP__XQPG1aI/AAAAAAABQB0/EgQrET9JTF8O63Me0Tw3A9ta9DERzm49ACHM/IMG_7511_thumb?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QmJJIxDN2jk/WP__Y05bfoI/AAAAAAABQB4/EPg1OuqWpZoq151Yj9eLRoJ0RKboe4ZNQCHM/s1600-h/IMG_7515%255B3%255D"><img title="IMG_7515" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7515" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d38ZqkNdvFs/WP__aov4P8I/AAAAAAABQB8/Bu811zcjM-0gHyifVCgI4YQxclaNAHdqQCHM/IMG_7515_thumb?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>There were two large gift baskets remaining to be given out. The first one was for the day’s winning hat, and was presented by the King of the Rally.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e2b3nvCzNEE/WP__b3PzPNI/AAAAAAABQCA/G0FwNRa31i4qqgqMkX7s4bvC68hbr3SyACHM/s1600-h/IMG_7518%255B3%255D"><img title="IMG_7518" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7518" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Iqf4h-Z6PGQ/WP__db8FAqI/AAAAAAABQCE/gO6KspARN98q4Doyx3Iu8mBU5MF8kn4CQCHM/IMG_7518_thumb?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>By then we knew we were the only ones at our table without a prize and Jan was saying “You’re next.” When the King drew a name and started reading it “Don… uh, Don…” we knew he was trying to figure out how to pronounce our last name. Last and by no means least, this prize basket was so big and heavy Jim had trouble carrying it to us.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zFbNDcG9tDo/WP__e-JLo8I/AAAAAAABQCI/dOHL3AHbMj01f4rqnTq3zws_ptlDKIOzwCHM/s1600-h/IMG_7520%255B3%255D"><img title="IMG_7520" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7520" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qVQOuoYtMcA/WP__gW7cC8I/AAAAAAABQCM/8FmhNIhqTj0LOXzTZKslZnPPiwC8VoyhwCHM/IMG_7520_thumb?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>We couldn’t believe how much was stuffed into it!</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zbmAKJelsTw/WP__h05uFhI/AAAAAAABQCQ/CRbcNdXr29A0gdVd3viIHIalH1qt9n-vACHM/s1600-h/IMG_7524%255B3%255D"><img title="IMG_7524" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7524" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l2yKIvai98g/WP__jbYnQPI/AAAAAAABQCU/DKUXQjykKv0mx8p3Z3L6pFnDtT6c79Y8QCHM/IMG_7524_thumb?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZNSGwsthSUI/WP__kzRZOdI/AAAAAAABQCY/ySiMiOn2irgNtPpcUL7C9JMPHrhp3mSAACHM/s1600-h/IMG_7526%255B3%255D"><img title="IMG_7526" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7526" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iUQGORrjSAE/WP__meFbk8I/AAAAAAABQCc/nLsz8cCrmZIqftkTNL2e5NxlD0fFcba6wCHM/IMG_7526_thumb?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Here’s what it contained:</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UVmE0YeT4Ro/WP__nb80igI/AAAAAAABQCg/SQJq2D6S1NEeq_LafW5HKqGYA3Vc_IIlwCHM/s1600-h/IMG_7529%255B4%255D"><img title="IMG_7529" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7529" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Vt68j4n9-ns/WP__pNOUQII/AAAAAAABQCk/JdntJvp7_XAR2akXux2MqQDButNNbl_FwCHM/IMG_7529_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" width="404" height="604"></a></p> <p>Finally, Caryl got a chance to sit down and eat a bite.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5uhAxPgbxa8/WP__qzse7HI/AAAAAAABQCo/meZvtT-iwTwr1ncOVaOwvr3tvXx9QA8rgCHM/s1600-h/IMG_7527%255B3%255D"><img title="IMG_7527" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7527" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vPzbbVH1_-k/WP__saaD9MI/AAAAAAABQCs/auomC01ehyYzEul5B-34-k1QeL0Wf6cQwCHM/IMG_7527_thumb?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>One of the best parts of every RV gathering is spending time with friends. We’re so glad the weather cleared enough for our good friends Bill & Jan Mains to make it over Donner Pass from their tour of Nevada.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SUYlMYDExkA/WP__tzrcJ1I/AAAAAAABQCw/34lZQRnm_sInbY2gpb9tLigJzjHh5qUfgCHM/s1600-h/IMG_7346%255B3%255D"><img title="IMG_7346" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7346" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2G4H5eI04q4/WP__vR7wQEI/AAAAAAABQC0/0HzDxItDJXEHQERPWTqCxNcN3Dlze859gCHM/IMG_7346_thumb?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>And it’s always great to see Jim & Lisa Koca, who are on the Escapees RV Club staff and have become personal friends.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vklYZIc5Img/WP__w0G5njI/AAAAAAABQC4/MvxKIAWHTXYhqeLuOE-37fBVV9L62rJSACHM/s1600-h/IMG_7397%255B3%255D"><img title="IMG_7397" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7397" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1g7CmD_E9bs/WP__yS_l4hI/AAAAAAABQC8/qfEkqDNnahU0U86kOhaIAgzQMxq2bp1XgCHM/IMG_7397_thumb?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Stay tuned for more from our continuing adventures!</p>Sharon Del Rosariohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11743800968323230586noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193404185396241691.post-52486922526563813902017-03-30T13:30:00.001-07:002017-03-30T13:30:53.268-07:00Watsonville, CA<p>We’re having a wonderful time on the California coast, visiting Don’s sis-in-law and family. Susan retired from being an RN at a nearby hospital, and became Nanny for her two granddaughters, Carolina (4) and Olivia (11 months). </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_DMbH-poIH8/WN1p34lQdpI/AAAAAAABPaY/3kqe4ijdiEM/s1600-h/IMG_7158%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7158" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7158" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nhbDn7ZTPq8/WN1p6R4ihAI/AAAAAAABPac/LtZH998NdkY/IMG_7158_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NMQXsgV3QA4/WN1p_cXUyII/AAAAAAABPag/Urf-S-evPbw/s1600-h/IMG_7159%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7159" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7159" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yX93rRtpERU/WN1qBuz81vI/AAAAAAABPak/mDkHA9Kf9Hw/IMG_7159_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Both girls are full of energy and laughs. I don’t know how Susan keeps up with them, as we’re about the same age and I got tired after only a few hours! </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IZQ9G8LQ7-w/WN1qEtWhvtI/AAAAAAABPao/ADvjVjxRGD4/s1600-h/IMG_7155%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7155" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7155" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uD5fEfVjtts/WN1qHuUUrVI/AAAAAAABPas/G7yhiWhRLU0/IMG_7155_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Their Mom Lisa manages well, too.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6_Oo36sihXg/WN1qKjlH0JI/AAAAAAABPaw/aShQkDRQHFU/s1600-h/IMG_7167%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7167" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7167" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OgZwXhIW_Cw/WN1qOggGZcI/AAAAAAABPa0/mEBGOZcNAeo/IMG_7167_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="336"></a></p> <p>Gigi and Brandy are getting along well, and Gig likes being in the back yard and off leash. She’s been very good around the little girls, too – we didn’t know how she would act because we’ve never had her around children before.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e7ijL68zXbI/WN1qRwYELYI/AAAAAAABPa4/huMgcFc_Rnk/s1600-h/20170328_161858%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="20170328_161858" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20170328_161858" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Om8w1KnaHd8/WN1qVKW_oCI/AAAAAAABPa8/6NVVhbQ-FsI/20170328_161858_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p>Yesterday, Don and I baby-sat the girls while Susan took a neighbor to the doctor. They love their Uncle Don!</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sCRM8rIJK_Q/WN1qYl3fxHI/AAAAAAABPbA/Q8_rmuUboqk/s1600-h/IMG_7179%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7179" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7179" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9FBQsAVMqhQ/WN1qcN3D05I/AAAAAAABPbE/9LIni_9d6rc/IMG_7179_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>And they also like sitting in my lap, sharing one of their many books, and playing games together.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BNIafmLinx8/WN1qhwPK5ZI/AAAAAAABPbI/--oJMY7NbL0/s1600-h/IMG_7192%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7192" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7192" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dNbU3sdlOOQ/WN1qlDTIR8I/AAAAAAABPbM/oNtsbsTBzPI/IMG_7192_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Later, Don and I drove to San Jose airport to pick up Susan’s daughter (and Lisa’s sis) Laura, who flew out from her home in Massachusetts.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DXuyqbBjqIc/WN1qquWos0I/AAAAAAABPbQ/BNKsRewR3pk/s1600-h/IMG_7197%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7197" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7197" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1Np_8ySJJYk/WN1qtlA5l2I/AAAAAAABPbU/GsU4tqJwgik/IMG_7197_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Late afternoon, Susan’s sister Jane and her daughter Katy came from San Jose for a visit.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--qnTDqR_-jE/WN1qzfPvKVI/AAAAAAABPbY/O-g2OpebWp4/s1600-h/IMG_7175%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7175" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7175" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qOeME5xLfGI/WN1q3fWLJqI/AAAAAAABPbc/Aqq7PwTogh0/IMG_7175_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="504"></a></p> <p>Lisa’s husband Sergio joined us later and we ordered a huge Chinese dinner delivery. We’ll be snacking on the leftovers for days! </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8F7SftEpwWw/WN1q77WBabI/AAAAAAABPbg/0xV5QnE6o0k/s1600-h/IMG_7195%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7195" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7195" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NgkUYOXW6G4/WN1q_F82UDI/AAAAAAABPbk/CD47Km9D5Jw/IMG_7195_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>What a great family, huh?</p>Sharon Del Rosariohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11743800968323230586noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193404185396241691.post-8125589202154808542017-03-26T21:12:00.001-07:002017-03-26T21:18:14.247-07:00Blogging Catch Up<p>Now that Don and I are traveling again – Hurray! – I plan to publish more frequent posts to my blog. It’s hard to actually catch up, despite the title of this post, as so much time has passed. But here are some recent highlights.</p> <p>Getting ready for our return to life on the road started quite a while ago. When Don finally started feeling better sometime in January, his excitement for traveling again fueled a level of energy I hadn’t seen for a long time. He created his own “Honey Do” list and, one by one, marked off each task. (I helped with a few of them.)</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ELAbGzScrYI/WNiQd7JMbHI/AAAAAAABPM0/NEP0GRJXS5s/s1600-h/IMG_7025%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7025" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7025" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GAOhd2oaAds/WNiQfSwGOiI/AAAAAAABPM4/UrT02yjm_jU/IMG_7025_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="504"></a></p> <p>We put Carrie (the Honda CR-V) to sleep for several (maybe 6-7) months and changed the insurance to storage status.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2dhBSU_7958/WNiQgZEIy7I/AAAAAAABPM8/sLBQXQhiJhE/s1600-h/IMG_7030%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7030" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7030" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bGYY6TSotng/WNiQhxIAiPI/AAAAAAABPNA/wXhsu1UWlfU/IMG_7030_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>We arrived at the Pima County Fairgrounds a couple of days early, and got a site fairly close to the buildings where meetings and activities were to be held. Hard to see in this picture, but our truck is perpendicular to our motorhome behind it (with the patterned windshield cover). Meeting rooms are to the left and behind me.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4WbKjcqIxkM/WNiQjRd7xUI/AAAAAAABPNE/Zo-rsougiwg/s1600-h/20170321_141242%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="20170321_141242" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20170321_141242" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SIHVuc5wzxQ/WNiQkxlpTFI/AAAAAAABPNI/VaB5kJ2JxiI/20170321_141242_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="378"></a></p> <p>Don had fun shopping with Jan and Bill in the marketplace!</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jE9kkbMKJw8/WNiQmRlDHsI/AAAAAAABPNM/wW6qN9XTtj8/s1600-h/20170319_114843%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="20170319_114843" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20170319_114843" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dJCQA1ZNM6k/WNiQnySajaI/AAAAAAABPNQ/4Rynz5I7yNo/20170319_114843_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p>One of the best parts of Escapade is reconnecting with friends. ZoAnn Macon and Donna Swanson are both great friends with us and each other.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9CD3dIdn5GU/WNiQpEF_rpI/AAAAAAABPNU/dgpfafDf04w/s1600-h/20170319_115224%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="20170319_115224" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20170319_115224" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NgsCvdO0nuE/WNiQq2IWSLI/AAAAAAABPNY/thnzCwb9QQo/20170319_115224_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p>Zoe’s hubby John Macon is equally huggable. (We stood up for Zoe and John when they got married, so it’s always fun to see them enjoying life with enthusiasm!) And Donna has been a great friend of both mine and Don’s for many years.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qfHwNkp-AYg/WNiQsF3m-7I/AAAAAAABPNc/cLpOlN7pXWY/s1600-h/20170319_115251%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="20170319_115251" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20170319_115251" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pm0U7XAx9cY/WNiQtSK1IGI/AAAAAAABPNg/_3yFhD335qQ/20170319_115251_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p>Happy hours were held every day all around the fairgrounds, with more than 2,000 attendees.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l9bab6hDSuE/WNiQuyj1xmI/AAAAAAABPNk/geTFd45Sz10/s1600-h/20170321_170046%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="20170321_170046" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20170321_170046" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F_7IO-ZpNrA/WNiQwaW1gjI/AAAAAAABPNo/PE8-YlcXOkc/20170321_170046_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p>We enjoyed dinner at Mama Louisa’s Italian Restaurant (on Houghton) with long-time friends who have been active in the Escapees RV Club for many years and are responsible for many of the club traditions that we still follow. Seated: Jan Tenpenny, Beth Roberts, Wayne Roberts, with Joe Tenpenny standing with me and Don.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4yU1pvNI3u8/WNiQx9Q_76I/AAAAAAABPNs/1Pqsu_uTAVI/s1600-h/20170321_173717%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="20170321_173717" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20170321_173717" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aMGajxld66o/WNiQzPjx_xI/AAAAAAABPNw/Si4msSsVx6Y/20170321_173717_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p>Anyone would be happy to receive this beautiful quilt, with many Escapade banners from previous rallies. Wayne Roberts held out one end of the quilt…</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MPkVkTvGFUk/WNiQ0Xv8giI/AAAAAAABPN0/OWu-sL6Fr4c/s1600-h/20170322_105421%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="20170322_105421" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20170322_105421" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q0tENiIKjBQ/WNiQ15paL4I/AAAAAAABPN4/06o8DMOnWNc/20170322_105421_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="448"></a></p> <p>…while Molly Pinner, Beth Roberts and Brenda Neil held the other end.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Db4D2dXb1Ac/WNiQ3TulSQI/AAAAAAABPN8/Y-ZIR64DflA/s1600-h/20170322_105450%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="20170322_105450" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20170322_105450" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AUsYuMLUUZs/WNiQ4rgCkvI/AAAAAAABPOA/ptXlr10KYds/20170322_105450_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p>Gloria & Frank King handled the CARE booth along with Judy LaCorte and her hubby (not pictured), also named Frank.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VylDCdYjz40/WNiQ5hNUvRI/AAAAAAABPOE/Mlh1jdndl30/s1600-h/20170322_111702%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="20170322_111702" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20170322_111702" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1W7SDfjdma8/WNiQ7airrSI/AAAAAAABPOI/s7BzX_xwTIQ/20170322_111702_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p>And Bill Mains modeled a very stylish hat in the Lost & Found stash.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xchYx0tbwLM/WNiQ8g6zh5I/AAAAAAABPOM/ZHPAwF0r7B0/s1600-h/20170323_110444%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="20170323_110444" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20170323_110444" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PIDwPExNg2Y/WNiQ-Mup0NI/AAAAAAABPOQ/Zw10ZFWhkI0/20170323_110444_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p>The final event of the rally was a dance party and celebration of Kay Peterson’s 90th birthday. This wonderful woman is co-founder of the Escapees RV Club, along with her late husband Joe Peterson. She has published several books, and has inspired so many RVers to live a fun-filled and rewarding life on the road. Happy Birthday, Miss Kay!</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Atj17TU0AFg/WNiQ_Sh4YiI/AAAAAAABPOU/KPZ8HtZOST8/s1600-h/20170323_190806%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="20170323_190806" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20170323_190806" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c7z7OjQ1fGQ/WNiRAlDdWBI/AAAAAAABPOY/v_yXpqIrVnY/20170323_190806_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p>It’s great to see the younger generation picking up the reins to lead the organization. Travis and Melanie Carr, shown here with their sons Gabriel and Decklin, are focusing the direction of the company towards young traveling families, much as Travis’s grandparents, Kay and Joe, did when they started the club.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LHoeub9KR2k/WNiRCJZZfhI/AAAAAAABPOc/PCAYxoZTWLk/s1600-h/20170323_193504%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="20170323_193504" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20170323_193504" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lDVNQ6sG_Xs/WNiRDe5HKAI/AAAAAAABPOg/WMkFdjPvjPc/20170323_193504_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="448"></a></p> <p>You might also be interested in reading <a href="http://billandjanrvingtheusa.blogspot.com/2017/03/the-last-ten-days.html">Jan Mains' most recent blog post</a> about Escapade, as she included a few pictures of us and more of the activities of the week.</p> <p>Tonight we are in Needles, CA at the Elks Lodge. (Finally out of Arizona after 2 years!) Our trip today covered 373 miles, so we were a little tired when arriving, and it’s warmer here than we are used to. But we have a pretty view of the valley and distant mountains, and there was a very nice sunset tonight.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b5lCCV-Hk1E/WNiRE4Abl3I/AAAAAAABPOk/9hh2fkukWRs/s1600-h/IMG_7079%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7079" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7079" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pNtPSGe2Jio/WNiRGHinC0I/AAAAAAABPOo/iRdL5LyKBJU/IMG_7079_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p>Sharon Del Rosariohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11743800968323230586noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193404185396241691.post-90101811483025700322017-03-04T22:23:00.001-07:002017-03-04T22:23:49.403-07:00A Delightful Evening<p>We had a wonderful visit with Jim and Nancy Tidball this evening. What a treat to be able to visit without the distractions of an RV rally or other gathering of lots of folks. And I think Gigi has made more long-term friends of both.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7yi_yRtEU28/WLug04-CrUI/AAAAAAABOZ8/sgJiOSU_tmI/s1600-h/IMG_7022%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7022" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7022" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c05rgaHAcOM/WLug2AQYGLI/AAAAAAABOaA/3F49kjKp2bA/IMG_7022_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>She charmed both Jim and Nancy, and went for a ride in the golf cart with me and Nancy. </p> <p>Earlier, we enjoyed the last part of a sunny day on our patio while catching up with each others’ travels.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ob0iXfe0K-U/WLug3lg2RlI/AAAAAAABOaE/yBTtz5ALMVE/s1600-h/Jim%252520Nanc%252520Don%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Jim Nanc Don" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Jim Nanc Don" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6TLvPzRPkhY/WLug5Ejh-bI/AAAAAAABOaI/BM8PV20QtY4/Jim%252520Nanc%252520Don_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p>Don grilled salmon and steamed asparagus, I made <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/crash-hot-potatoes/">crash hot potatoes</a> and Nancy made a yummy salad. Our conversations went on for several hours, and we made tentative plans to meet up sometime on the road again.</p> <p>It’s so great to be reconnecting with our traveling friends!</p>Sharon Del Rosariohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11743800968323230586noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193404185396241691.post-87286810732816752482017-02-11T21:34:00.001-07:002017-02-11T21:34:37.919-07:00More From Casa Grande<p>Don and I have been pretty busy for the past 2 days in Casa Grande while the weather was warm and sunny. Tomorrow we’re expecting rain and I hope it moves through the area and clears by the time we leave Monday morning.</p> <p>As happens with many couples we know, Don and I have different ways of shopping. He usually goes to Walmart or Safeway, only 3-4 miles from our place in Benson, begins shopping at the farthest point in the store for which we have an item on our list, and works his way toward the front of the store to check out. When I go by myself, I wander and look at things I might someday want, or to see if there’s any new yarn I like, or pick up things in the grocery section of WM along my way to the back of the store. Sometimes I even return to an aisle I’ve been through because I forgot something I wanted there.</p> <p>He surprised me yesterday. He drove about 30 miles north to the Phoenix outlet mall (located in Chandler), then we went to several stores shopping for the kind of quick-dry pullover shirts and cargo shorts he like to wear. This time he was buying them a few sizes smaller. We had lunch at the food court in the mall and continued shopping. We finally returned to the truck about 3 pm and only one of the many shopping bags we toted contained something I bought for myself. And today, we went to 3 more stores in Casa Grande!</p> <p>If you haven’t seen Don lately, here are before/after pictures showing how dramatic his weight loss has been.</p> <p>Before – chatting with his brother Jim in the Boston area October 2014.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QDr6EJXXiW4/WJ_lZbaXD-I/AAAAAAABOIg/iDtl8hiM2yM/s1600-h/IMG_2408%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2408" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2408" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BUQth3HlPiM/WJ_leTUCUmI/AAAAAAABOIk/wzZ_2f8fPiA/IMG_2408_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p>After – about a month ago in our ‘casita’ with Gigi.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FGH4SOl1Gt8/WJ_lhzoN6ZI/AAAAAAABOIo/wODwoTEdQLQ/s1600-h/Don%252520skinny%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="Don skinny" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Don skinny" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VeLGIe8Gpt0/WJ_lkbja_eI/AAAAAAABOIs/ersM9K9E40k/Don%252520skinny_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p>And here we are tonight at the Hong Kong Kitchen, with the Mains (Jan & Bill) and the Kelpes (Jan & Paul).</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dvwlG2nIHvQ/WJ_loGCFMUI/AAAAAAABOIw/h15VIcSyDoc/s1600-h/IMG_6840%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6840" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6840" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tIMMLtjqk7o/WJ_lrSgJdaI/AAAAAAABOI0/aNpQiE5qx0s/IMG_6840_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Besides clothes, shoes and other things, Don found one of his favorite treats is now available in a sugar-free version!</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9IOFCbV_MnI/WJ_lvpr3JEI/AAAAAAABOI4/IEDbj2Gc74c/s1600-h/Jelly%252520Bellies%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="Jelly Bellies" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Jelly Bellies" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_0DpCKiF7ho/WJ_lx-S0gcI/AAAAAAABOI8/EsSpXnol0-c/Jelly%252520Bellies_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p>And we stopped by Jan & Bill’s long enough to drop off a couple of things for them, as well as see the new light fixtures she bought for their house. They will replace the one you see behind her at the entry, as well as on both sides of the garage.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0m_UwDCK_w8/WJ_l0l-WYsI/AAAAAAABOJA/KRJz7fHJjnI/s1600-h/Jan%252520with%252520light%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Jan with light" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Jan with light" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8-v_RIC2qcQ/WJ_l3HZXqRI/AAAAAAABOJE/0x3ivA4GPRs/Jan%252520with%252520light_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="538"></a></p> <p>It’s been a nice chance to do some serious shopping in a bigger town than Benson, and we’re winding down on our buying, but we still need to pick up a couple more things before we leave the area. Our trip to Lake Havasu City will start early Monday morning, with plans to meet other friends for lunch at the Blue Water Casino in Parker, AZ. Stay tuned for more adventures, and follow <a href="http://billandjanrvingtheusa.blogspot.com/">Jan’s blog</a> as well.</p>Sharon Del Rosariohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11743800968323230586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193404185396241691.post-4879503568131767092017-02-10T10:25:00.001-07:002017-02-10T10:25:08.601-07:00On the Road Again!<p>Yes, Don got to sing his version of our favorite Willie Nelson song yesterday!</p> <p>We’re so happy that his health has improved to the point that we’re able to get back to our favorite lifestyle – RV travel. Here’s a sight we haven’t seen for awhile, <a href="https://azstateparks.com/picacho/">Picacho Peak</a>. Click the link to learn about the Civil War battle fought here and re-enacted every year in March. Don climbed this peak before we met, so it’s a familiar place that brings back good memories for him, and we together visited the <a href="http://www.roostercogburn.com/">Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch</a> at the base of the mountain several years ago, giving us shared memories. </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4xatPyVx12k/WJ33admXvLI/AAAAAAABOCQ/aCJtH3L0OQM/s1600-h/20170209_115439%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="20170209_115439" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20170209_115439" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u7JLgJFyH80/WJ33c04CJaI/AAAAAAABOCU/2pir_3jsZLo/20170209_115439_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p>Yesterday our departure from our lot in Cochise Terrace Resort was delayed by about 1.5 hours because of a problem we didn’t see coming. We were both worried that we might have problems with the jacks or the slides or the satellite dish, all of which needed to be stowed for travel. Even things inside the coach can shift and cause rattles or breakage, and it’s hard to remember what all needs to be put away when we’ve been stationary for so long. The motorhome was parked in the same position since Feb 29, 2016 – a year minus 20 days. Everything worked fine and we were ready to roll about 9 a.m.</p> <p>Don went outside to move the Honda CR-V “Carrie” and the battery was dead. And guess where it was parked – right in front of the motorhome. Our battery-powered emergency start device was also dead. And we couldn’t find our jumper cables. Neighbors on both sides of us were gone. Finally Don found a neighbor several sites away who was home and had jumper cables to loan us. We started the car, jumped from the new batteries we just bought for the golf cart, and we were at last ready to depart. Thankfully, there were no other problems and we on our way!</p> <p>After stopping for service at Speedco along the way, we arrived at <a href="http://sundance1rv.com/">Sundance RV Resort</a> around 3 pm. Jan & Bill Mains had invited us for dinner at their beautiful home and we agreed to pick up another couple, Jan & Paul Kelpe. I remembered them from the Montana Owners Club (MOC) that I was active with when I owned a Montana 5th wheel. They have been here for a few weeks in their beautiful Montana Big Sky 5th wheel.</p> <p>The dinner was delicious (Jan can no longer claim she can’t cook), and conversation and hugs abounded. Before we knew it we needed to call it a night so we could go home and feed and walk Gigi. I didn’t get any pictures but Jan sent the ones she took. However, our wifi signal is so weak I couldn’t down load them. Maybe tomorrow.</p>Sharon Del Rosariohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11743800968323230586noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193404185396241691.post-58400277744033569442017-01-21T09:14:00.001-07:002017-01-21T09:23:43.641-07:00Taking a Turn for the Good<p>My last blog post was almost 5 months ago. During that time I’ve thought about writing but just couldn’t bring myself to do it. It’s always my intent when writing for a wide audience (not just close friends and family) to put a positive spin on the piece. Whenever I sat in front of my computer and started to write, I found it impossible to be positive and truthful at the same time.</p> <p>As many of you know, Don’s health struggles have been quite challenging for us both, with associated depression, to say nothing of not being able to live the RV traveling lifestyle that gave us such joy in the past. In spite of my optimism in August when I last published, Don has suffered with recurring if not constant, severe belly pain that remains undiagnosed. He has also been hospitalized for congestive heart failure and fluid retention, both of which put stress on his kidneys.</p> <p>Fortunately, his kidney function remains below the level of requiring dialysis, and we are continually grateful for that positive turn in his health picture. He is now on a weekly regimen of lab tests to monitor his health. And we have re-furnished the shed to change it from a home dialysis lab into a home theater with a new electric loveseat recliner that we love! Gigi likes it too.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qeFKjW-gd-Y/WIOIYyQ1eVI/AAAAAAABN9g/WZotpavqdR4/s1600-h/IMG_66483.jpg"><img title="IMG_6648" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6648" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sNP9WuqxVG4/WIOIaIeaVcI/AAAAAAABN9k/m0OLgvBV2YY/IMG_6648_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>So, it’s with a cautiously positive outlook that I can now report that he took an almost dramatic turn toward better health almost 2 weeks ago. After several more doctor visits and a few more trips to ERs and hospitals in both Benson and Tucson during the past few months, Don can finally say he’s having less pain (to a tolerable level, still using powerful pain meds) and enjoying more good days than bad ones! We are optimistic about being able to start traveling again after a few more doctor appointments.</p> <p>Don’s total weight loss since May 2015 now stands at 110 lbs, some of it due to removal of excess fluid with proper kidney function (and diuretics), some due to loss of appetite, and some due to loss of muscle while so fatigued that he was almost bedridden. My weight loss during the same period has been 31 lbs. Don commented that mine was harder to lose, but he doesn’t recommend his diet. I still have to lose more to reach a healthy BMI, but I’m doing it slowly and sometimes I regain then re-lose before achieving an actual loss. Don’s working with rehab techs to rebuild muscle and regain flexibility. Our rescue dog Gigi keeps us both walking around the neighborhood several times a day, and she loves constant attention.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5dd0sze0sb8/WIOIbkGABWI/AAAAAAABN9o/RtciwPxsu6E/s1600-h/IMG_65793.jpg"><img title="IMG_6579" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6579" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_fg4EdiQVCo/WIOIdBMpLXI/AAAAAAABN9s/rMYniKdEcZ4/IMG_6579_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>In the meantime, it was wonderful to spend time in October and November with our good friends and newest neighbors in Cochise Terrace RV Resort, Gloria & Frank King. </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O9-jmF0l-4g/WIOIehEJrcI/AAAAAAABN9w/KhIbgPV3mGA/s1600-h/IMG_67217.jpg"><img title="IMG_6721" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6721" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5rgHxJgY5QQ/WIOIf4ZNZLI/AAAAAAABN90/qvZkgWy4-hs/IMG_6721_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>They bought a beautiful lot just a short walk away, with a shady patio area and nice shed. </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KWCK4bq-38g/WIOIhwreFqI/AAAAAAABN94/Ph56iLVaTr8/s1600-h/20160706_1854503.jpg"><img title="20160706_185450" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160706_185450" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CUk2QYCAb4k/WIOIi29H6xI/AAAAAAABN98/X8iFB4IANxU/20160706_185450_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="285"></a></p> <p>It was such a treat to spend time with them and to share my 70th birthday on an outing to the Tucson Celtic Festival. And we got to know Gloria’s brother and sister-in-law Gary & Jan Pool during their visit, first at the Kings’ site…</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y4m1gAOJpso/WIOIl3jQwuI/AAAAAAABN-A/043zAouEJoA/s1600-h/IMG_66743.jpg"><img title="IMG_6674" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6674" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iXzsjJue-6w/WIOInBgbK9I/AAAAAAABN-E/ohifvc5xS9E/IMG_6674_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>…then at our place. (Notice whose lap Gigi prefers?)</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wHDJB6DDmSw/WIOIoqCOdlI/AAAAAAABN-I/rKXbXdq8x9U/s1600-h/IMG_66773.jpg"><img title="IMG_6677" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6677" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lfF9O54JwNw/WIOIp-07aqI/AAAAAAABN-M/HHNmY8TXA5w/IMG_6677_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Besides the many calls, emails and text messages asking about Don, several family and friends have been concerned about my health. I recently was diagnosed with bursitis in both hips and received a cortisone shot in each, which helped immensely. I’m also seeing a neurosurgeon about my back pain and have received one steroid injection in the L4-L5 left region. Both these procedures have made walking much easier for me, with less numbness in my feet and almost no pain in my hips and back. The ability to walk without pain and minimal numbness has been a big factor in my somewhat successful weight loss efforts.</p> <p>During the past year we have remained optimistic about being able to travel again. Our expectations were pitched a little high, and consequently we’ve had to cancel several plans, in some cases losing deposits or full payments. Don finally resigned his position as President of the Escapees RV Club Chapter 21, our local Arizona chapter, and left it in the hands of the very capable Stu Dutcher, VP, with whom he served for the past few years.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YHvUwqz43YM/WIOIrHitcOI/AAAAAAABN-Q/BW9Iz5sfY8s/s1600-h/IMG_66973.jpg"><img title="IMG_6697" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6697" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f3RNooZC9Dw/WIOIsLEgzNI/AAAAAAABN-U/RWeiErlWR4g/IMG_6697_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Don also gave heartfelt thanks to Ann Meilicke and Betty Dawson, who served as Treasurer and Secretary, respectively, during his presidency.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-56neWDFrkow/WIOIttYHdaI/AAAAAAABN-Y/dtdrFf8aaQ4/s1600-h/IMG_66953.jpg"><img title="IMG_6695" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6695" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NS0tkAVdXWs/WIOIvOYwunI/AAAAAAABN-c/xE5GEFXFjj8/IMG_6695_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>We enjoyed sharing Thanksgiving 2016 with our good friends Jan & Bill Mains, who came from Casa Grande for a few days, after a little verbal ‘arm twisting’ on my part. </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FUmNtzParsY/WIOIwqVSSRI/AAAAAAABN-g/SYupkGMtG0Y/s1600-h/IMG_67823.jpg"><img title="IMG_6782" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6782" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J5bkY0Lpd0U/WIOIx4FDSwI/AAAAAAABN-k/1sY3tQ_yttM/IMG_6782_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Don’s smoked turkey was delicious and we had lots of yummy side dishes to go with it, as well as weather warm enough to dine outside.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p6bMOkKiCS4/WIOIzfEuwvI/AAAAAAABN-o/kVYojh_tOSg/s1600-h/20161124_1544213.jpg"><img title="20161124_154421" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20161124_154421" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q7WXRw24wyU/WIOI0g3YWaI/AAAAAAABN-s/PFdoLy19228/20161124_154421_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p>More good friends have visited during the past several months, including Sandy & Ed Kruty, Brenda & Dave Neil, Judy & Luke Rinehimer, Nancy & Geoff Justiss, Marty & Peggy McCauley, Dennis & Carol Hill, and Jane & Russ Darrow. Plus, we have appreciated our Cochise Terrace neighbors who have been ready and willing to help whenever needed. Below are a few pictures – sorry I didn’t take pics of all our visitors.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Rk2t8PDJF_s/WIOI2F6_DsI/AAAAAAABN-w/V9-6MnxF0gI/s1600-h/IMG_66083.jpg"><img title="IMG_6608" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6608" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lbDBAbyU8qQ/WIOI3gJgKVI/AAAAAAABN-0/GL1sXyA1uVk/IMG_6608_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z0meJAaf1wA/WIOI5pi9kqI/AAAAAAABN-4/_zq5ZHqEHNI/s1600-h/20160914_1554033.jpg"><img title="20160914_155403" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160914_155403" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bq24O-FU5yw/WIOI6i8djjI/AAAAAAABN_A/zGdBxzWcIIA/20160914_155403_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qjJIlllGetE/WIOI8gfcDXI/AAAAAAABN_E/sWZQTingvVE/s1600-h/IMG_66833.jpg"><img title="IMG_6683" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6683" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZfiO_xDplvM/WIOI-McwkCI/AAAAAAABN_I/xmJmu8rkDBE/IMG_6683_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Unfortunately we had to bid farewell to our good friend Ken Watson when he passed away in late October. It was bittersweet to share our grief with his widow Maryanne, but we hope to again share good times with her during our future RV travels. And we will never forget the man who built our custom desk, helped with our shed remodel, and played a beautiful guitar with encouragement for me to sing some of our favorite songs. Memories of our many fun times together in locations across the U.S. with Ken & Maryanne are rich and everlasting.</p> <p>Ken’s death reminds us that we need to make the most of every day that we have. To paraphrase a famous quote, “Yesterday is gone, Today’s almost over, and Tomorrow is not promised.”</p> <p>Given that, Don and I both want to let our family and friends know how much you all mean to us, and we send our love. We hope to visit more of you soon, as we are starting to make travel plans for the next 2 years.</p>Sharon Del Rosariohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11743800968323230586noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193404185396241691.post-70822800860815671602016-08-24T17:13:00.001-07:002016-08-24T17:13:10.192-07:00Failure Isn’t Final And The Pain is Gone!<p><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">It’s been over 2 months since I published a post to this blog, so I’m sorry not to be more communicative. All during that time, I kept hoping to be able to deliver better news about Don’s health and to say his pain had decreased or at least was being managed better. During that time period, here’s a quick rundown of the significant events in his medical condition. (Note: If you’re not interested in this blow-by-blow review, just skip to the bottom.)</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">June 13, 2016 Dr. Patel, anesthesiologist and pain specialist, consultation</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">June 16, 2016 Radiology Ltd – screen for L-8/10 spinal problems to clear for anesthesiology</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">June 23, 2016 Dr. Patel, anesthesiology procedure (nerve block) #1</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">July 1, 2016 Dr. Patel, anesthesiology procedure (nerve block) #2</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">July 22, 2016 Dr. Patel follow-up, referral to Dr. Olson for umbilical hernia</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">August 1, 2016 Dr. Olson, consult re umbilical hernia, referral to Dr. Robertson (PCP) and Dr. Gonzales, cardiologist, re warfarin use</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">August 3, 2016 ER Benson Hospital, legs swollen and belly pain, transported to St. Mary's Hospital for evaluation, diagnosis congestive heart failure, IV of Lasix to reduce swelling</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">August 4, 2016 Echocardiogram, St. Mary's Hospital, discharged</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">August 7, 2016 ER Benson Hospital, chest pain, kept overnight for observation</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">August 16, 2016 PET scan, Dr. Gonzales office, Sierra Vista</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">August 17, 2016 Umbilical hernia surgery, Dr. Olson, NW Hospital, Tucson</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Finally, one week after surgery, Don is feeling none of the type of belly pain he has suffered from for over a year! It could take another week or so to completely recover from the surgery, but we are so thrilled to reach this point. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">I’ve lost count of how many doctors noticed his hernia, even poked it to see if it hurt, and failed to pursue doing anything about it. The pain was so severe and covered such a large part of Don’s belly, he couldn’t tell that the source was the hernia, even when it was being poked and prodded.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">As for the congestive heart failure, according to Medline Plus, “Heart failure is a condition in which the heart can't pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. Heart failure does not mean that your heart has stopped or is about to stop working. It means that your heart is not able to pump blood the way it should.”</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">The condition is treatable, with close monitoring and the right kind of meds, diet and exercise. I was surprised to read that 6 million Americans are living with heart failure, especially since the cause of my late husband Bill McKay’s death was congestive heart failure. So the good news is that failure isn’t final – maybe there should be different terminology for the condition.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">For the past 16 months, our lives have certainly been different than what we prefer. We have only been out of Arizona briefly during that time, and have missed so much the RV traveling lifestyle that we love. We look forward to getting back on the road for at least some short trips as soon as the follow-up doctor visits are complete.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Meanwhile, Don has started to do more small projects around our motorhome and RV lot. We’re both getting more exercise by walking our sweet dog Gigi, and he’s maintaining his 80+ pounds weight loss. (Now I need to work on my own weight!)</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XffcY2E84uQ/V744EPpFsrI/AAAAAAABMcY/ULFH0LNKSro/s1600-h/IMG_6585%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6585" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6585" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AEUnVaFz8gY/V744FOAJi_I/AAAAAAABMcc/AIVR3If5DbM/IMG_6585_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Thanks for all the thoughts, prayers and support from our friends and family during this time. We have become closer to each other and all who commiserated with us, and we are excited to put all the doctor visits, pain meds and hospital stays behind us and begin some new adventures!</font></p>Sharon Del Rosariohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11743800968323230586noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193404185396241691.post-78781850722379595852016-06-11T14:50:00.001-07:002016-06-11T14:59:38.482-07:00Early Monsoon and Health Status<p>Officially, Arizona’s monsoon season begins on June 15 this year, and the Governor has proclaimed next week as <a href="http://www.12news.com/news/local/arizona/gov-proclaims-june-12-17-monsoon-awareness-week-in-arizona/238996937">Monsoon Awareness Week</a>. However, it seems an early monsoon storm arrived today, June 11. I didn’t get any pictures during the heaviest part of the storm, mostly because the Magne Shades were soaked and I couldn’t see out the motorhome windows! One shade even blew off when the wind caught the edge just right.</p> <p>After the worst of the wind and rain subsided, we went outside to assess any damage. Don washed the downed shade.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wDw1ySO53Vk/V1yHFfHTLEI/AAAAAAABLRo/4Pjbfe917rI/s1600-h/IMG_6472%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6472" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6472" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_dl1G-NebrI/V1yHGqT17SI/AAAAAAABLRs/UG0aZWFMHoc/IMG_6472_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>He looked out back to see the wash turned into a river.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PU93y1KGBo0/V1yHHhW0xwI/AAAAAAABLR4/zJyC5A-NzV8/s1600-h/IMG_6459%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6459" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6459" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XPVDcy_Fu9Q/V1yHI3rpGRI/AAAAAAABLSA/BPsOhjjcGXE/IMG_6459_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BqHXtoNW3Vc/V1yHJyygIkI/AAAAAAABLSI/ILnN2IqZQTs/s1600-h/IMG_6452%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6452" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6452" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mcZZ7t36jD4/V1yHLNiUfsI/AAAAAAABLSQ/6gNnWWP9Hy8/IMG_6452_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8U_NebGMi9k/V1yHOEeVPCI/AAAAAAABLSk/407-jJdi8PU/s1600-h/IMG_6461%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6461" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6461" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q4aqFxy7Qtk/V1yHPbatAuI/AAAAAAABLSs/cexSlEagloA/IMG_6461_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>He noticed a family of quail (mom and 3 babies) scurrying away and I was barely able to get this shot.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P0EttTLphD8/V1yHQmXSH4I/AAAAAAABLS0/RzLU4Qk-RrE/s1600-h/IMG_6450%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6450" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6450" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wrGDEw3XzQ8/V1yHRsTzbiI/AAAAAAABLS8/8z6YAkYiR-k/IMG_6450_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="336"></a></p> <p>We found out where the low spots are on our lot.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iGNPpDuklOY/V1yHSqii2NI/AAAAAAABLTE/ukqOfqPwTf8/s1600-h/IMG_6455%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6455" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6455" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EK6rA26DUwM/V1yHTxjk2jI/AAAAAAABLTI/fn7ak97ReT8/IMG_6455_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HoxzFz1lCyo/V1yHUtnSLbI/AAAAAAABLTQ/wrCu-jAGLt4/s1600-h/IMG_6466%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6466" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6466" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Qn2dV_ahb-8/V1yHWPNLJEI/AAAAAAABLTY/h3YjEsYwSP0/IMG_6466_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Gjrq8slQWA4/V1yHW_NKqDI/AAAAAAABLTc/9X_Bsn25gR4/s1600-h/IMG_6468%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6468" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6468" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aZapNZ2Va7I/V1yHYN0ORxI/AAAAAAABLTo/sunCrBiIF9E/IMG_6468_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>When I looked out to the street, I could see the Little Green Man had succumbed to the wind.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qHZqA0leLY4/V1yHZUNJpsI/AAAAAAABLTw/_e0EdnXBGcM/s1600-h/IMG_6449%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6449" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6449" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UKqsJVBhJOE/V1yHakuihDI/AAAAAAABLT4/iknZO2iIAcY/IMG_6449_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Gigi was first to arrive on the scene, and was about to give mouth-to-mouth. But the flag was the only thing that got immersed in water flowing down the street. What looked like a possible drowning was only a stumble and fall.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jHv196OaP9A/V1yHb3Pxx9I/AAAAAAABLUA/wqN7E4lZ6T8/s1600-h/IMG_6477%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6477" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6477" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-98n33khazIM/V1yHdHdwfBI/AAAAAAABLUE/xX_dZAXR-OM/IMG_6477_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>I was able to set him upright and anchor him again with tent stakes, but the ground was soaked and the stakes feel loose.</p> <p>A few minutes later the sky was full of puffy white clouds against a blue background and the sun was shining. </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3x5zmC_KQ24/V1yHeDa5HPI/AAAAAAABLUM/E466rUvCSsU/s1600-h/IMG_6473%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6473" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6473" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-abjAXBatcjI/V1yHgCBqKyI/AAAAAAABLUU/AQfINvv8XEM/IMG_6473_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CFU-QX0q0a8/V1yHiOpzz5I/AAAAAAABLUc/wgekd7AglR8/s1600-h/IMG_6474%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6474" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6474" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IlTQ3_f6CzI/V1yHjT_eEAI/AAAAAAABLUk/lIxYa8tlG9A/IMG_6474_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="336"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mqVHypS7CAw/V1yHkgLn2AI/AAAAAAABLUo/x9yrHbAFaF4/s1600-h/IMG_6475%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6475" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6475" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S7gewfnM8TI/V1yHl7ezYoI/AAAAAAABLU0/0qlCsjzby28/IMG_6475_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>We appreciate all the concern expressed by friends and family during the past several months as we have fought to find the source of Don’s severe burning abdomen pain. Every test and procedure imaginable has been conducted by multiple doctors, and we still can’t discover the cause. He even swallowed a tiny camera in a capsule and for 8 hours wore a sensor belt and a small computer to record the thousands of pictures. We returned the belt and computer at the end of the day but haven’t yet learned the results. (No, we didn’t have to return the capsule!!!)</p> <p>On Monday (June 13, our anniversary) Don has an appointment with an anesthesiologist who’s also a pain specialist. We’re hoping he can isolate the nerve(s) that are sending pain messages to the brain and do something to interrupt or squelch the signals. It seems a logical step, to treat the symptoms instead of the source, and we’re putting a lot of hope on that possible outcome.</p> <p>Don’s final appointment with the kidney doc is scheduled for June 21. Provided all goes well then, and provided his pain is being managed better, we want to start our wheels moving on June 22. It’s still our plan to attend the Escapade in Vermont in July. After spending 16 months in Arizona, our case of “hitch itch” really needs to be scratched!</p>Sharon Del Rosariohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11743800968323230586noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193404185396241691.post-51636062369717100862016-04-11T19:30:00.001-07:002016-04-11T19:30:26.664-07:00Friends, More Friends, and Still More Friends<p>While Don continues to struggle to balance his meds with his pain level, we have enjoyed visiting with more friends.</p> <p>Diane & Andy Hitzel came over for a visit yesterday morning, along with Gloria & Frank King. We had a nice chat sitting on our patio and it was a great chance to catch up. Unfortunately the photographer (yours truly) wasn’t on the ball and didn’t get a picture.</p> <p>Later in the afternoon, our long-time friends Geoff & Nancy Justiss came over for happy hour. </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dtVH5apHzcU/VwxdRUB3EAI/AAAAAAABJNI/vCaeyWn_t-0/s1600-h/IMG_6349%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6349" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6349" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3i2VmqnSnbzXOV2P73y6zj9A3vfJnmraLkTXOv0_t3lMA19gme7LscCL8Bs-rZOP4tegY5rrcd-bo52mvJ5Mbh3jm96TdfCfLTGW4LFUK1MdyxS27fgTcxbGQ97Id71kmKy3WQa69aZo/?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Gigi made a new friend, spending the whole time with Nancy petting and cuddling with her.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1sleAwX28G4/VwxdTipa5TI/AAAAAAABJNQ/IJ4qsoM7ZJs/s1600-h/IMG_6351%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6351" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6351" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_j12qgvbCA0/VwxdU1K1GQI/AAAAAAABJNU/iUIEtuQDE9Y/IMG_6351_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Today, after a morning rehab session for Don and a chiropractor session for me, we went to Jil & Tom Mohr’s place at the Escapees RV park in Benson for a gathering. Geoff & Nancy have been parked next to them for a few days, and are leaving tomorrow. Jil’s garden is lovely.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U1qiPKXaZEY/VwxdWJrK-cI/AAAAAAABJNY/STWJTM5wn2g/s1600-h/IMG_6356%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6356" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6356" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0SsUCS1jpng/VwxdXsHOL1I/AAAAAAABJNc/rWeKA3xFMis/IMG_6356_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>There’s a unique ocotillo nearby, with a single branch splitting into several more at a very high level, where most ocotillos branch out from ground level.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t04czDlRmOw/VwxdYlSWdkI/AAAAAAABJNg/DOtXlLin874/s1600-h/IMG_6353%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6353" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6353" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6RNIdusV96Y/VwxdZWRCYKI/AAAAAAABJNk/2cnXq9TJQmg/IMG_6353_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>The blossoms look healthy and are a vivid shade of orange (or is that red?).</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0_iy_OjkdHM/VwxdbTOV64I/AAAAAAABJNo/2ggvmZ6De1A/s1600-h/IMG_6354%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6354" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6354" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VPK0bfrHXoA/Vwxdc29-MtI/AAAAAAABJNs/I6mTsPaSp30/IMG_6354_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>We met Tom’s college roommate Henry, visiting from New York.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t4qFOE3GwiU/Vwxddh0RvTI/AAAAAAABJNw/Q4Et7bxwVfc/s1600-h/IMG_6357%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6357" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6357" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OKflFE1P9p0/Vwxde2_1q0I/AAAAAAABJN0/boR_DYASAio/IMG_6357_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Most of the others were people we know or think we have probably met at some point in the past. Here are Rita and Ann.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_pbCBH-OuQQ/VwxdfnuUcxI/AAAAAAABJN4/FtAnqv8OXd4/s1600-h/IMG_6358%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6358" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6358" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S8pG1Ra8HIA/Vwxdg4ON7CI/AAAAAAABJN8/fKXjyy-bRY4/IMG_6358_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Geoff & Nancy.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_xyoJ-GeeeY/Vwxdh3_ef3I/AAAAAAABJOA/UugiA2--bJM/s1600-h/IMG_6362%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6362" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6362" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bR36yOBHEcI/Vwxdi34szLI/AAAAAAABJOE/FbjFTrqZIpw/IMG_6362_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Mike & Beth.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IrVJ9XDERBI/VwxdjyVh78I/AAAAAAABJOI/Z-k_LZlFAMA/s1600-h/IMG_6363%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6363" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6363" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-INS-q0ruFr8/VwxdlcrXKcI/AAAAAAABJOM/GIw-ykeubIM/IMG_6363_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Mick.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BRq9ZNNZEaM/VwxdmcyS1KI/AAAAAAABJOQ/GeOBx4Jr2yI/s1600-h/IMG_6365%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6365" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6365" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2s5tnoiXPcQ/VwxdngKaaFI/AAAAAAABJOU/yB_wp9aYWMI/IMG_6365_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Rita & Jil.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ELBNkG4f8KI/VwxdoV7RmMI/AAAAAAABJOY/7FpHlD61yak/s1600-h/IMG_6367%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6367" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6367" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BLEu9hT2ay0/VwxdpY7GpiI/AAAAAAABJOc/QkBAmeiunps/IMG_6367_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Jane.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v-UQE9uanYo/VwxdqnkAIUI/AAAAAAABJOg/yy8Q2SXDBOg/s1600-h/IMG_6368%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6368" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6368" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DFclHfgoW2M/VwxdrjtxHBI/AAAAAAABJOk/xN-l3lg5iAI/IMG_6368_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Tom & (sorry, didn’t remember his name).</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hnTDTONl86g/VwxdspFnBHI/AAAAAAABJOo/0bplOSHckrU/s1600-h/IMG_6370%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6370" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6370" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XbmPvtbwcQE/VwxdtqTXquI/AAAAAAABJOs/kn6LCMWl1AA/IMG_6370_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>I love Nancy’s wine glass. The levels are for Typical day, Rough day and Don’t even ask!</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TEbdlEQDq8Q/VwxdvS0z48I/AAAAAAABJOw/gm0IUo8SBso/s1600-h/IMG_6373%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6373" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6373" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jysR4kj0Kuc/VwxdwWFkx8I/AAAAAAABJO0/aB2kDbxcjmE/IMG_6373_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>It was a fun time and we enjoyed seeing everyone. Thanks for hosting, Jil and Tom!</p>Sharon Del Rosariohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11743800968323230586noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193404185396241691.post-23738540104625487822016-04-03T20:01:00.001-07:002016-04-03T20:05:51.163-07:00Enjoying Benson Neighbors and Friends<p>Don and I have really enjoyed being back on our lot in Cochise Terrace RV Resort for the past month. Today was a beautiful, slow-paced day with lots of time to visit with neighbors, take naps, plan the next week and share a meal with our friends Gloria and Frank King. The weather was perfect, warm enough to sit outside and no wind to spoil anything.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7i6fMBWg6f0/VwHYwlXaozI/AAAAAAABJC0/iCwO5w6_TTM/s1600-h/IMG_6334%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6334" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6334" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O-zjVdEbh0Q/VwHYx03VcKI/AAAAAAABJC4/hnH4PvhB1Kw/IMG_6334_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>They provided the ribs and dessert, Don smoked the meat in his Orion cooker, and I made a red potato salad. We’ve had the Orion for several years, but we still marvel at the way it cooks. Don hung the ribs on racks, put on the lid, added match light charcoal, lit the fire and waited an hour and 10 minutes.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9eget6fOVqw/VwHYzDwNT8I/AAAAAAABJC8/3J7-vR5ijhM/s1600-h/IMG_6319%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6319" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6319" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zAged1vWuD0/VwHY0HTYaoI/AAAAAAABJDA/dqD73uOxNAA/IMG_6319_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-daEi_P2F06Y/VwHY03iJViI/AAAAAAABJDE/70hBVkKs-mU/s1600-h/IMG_6323%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6323" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6323" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Cuky5P-U52o/VwHY2DBLzqI/AAAAAAABJDI/fqpbuuVUnV4/IMG_6323_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a-iqbP4mUv4/VwHY273KmRI/AAAAAAABJDM/PSOi4qFkcBQ/s1600-h/IMG_6326%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6326" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6326" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Lwvh7kpOCmA/VwHY3zaZzvI/AAAAAAABJDQ/W0A7OR-H94g/IMG_6326_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OOIkD3_AsDo/VwHY41CMiOI/AAAAAAABJDU/lOHxTyNTIV0/s1600-h/IMG_6329%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6329" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6329" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vJuYgDAQDMc/VwHY5nRKk4I/AAAAAAABJDY/bvYUFDtWvmQ/IMG_6329_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>The result, yummy, juicy, tender baby back ribs, better than any you can get in a restaurant IMHO.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GETTlow33BA/VwHY6qkP7_I/AAAAAAABJDc/4H3C9BedQlE/s1600-h/IMG_6330%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6330" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6330" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QMnS0kZK3gw/VwHY7i7zi6I/AAAAAAABJDg/RJRoFatAgVw/IMG_6330_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Yep, they practically fall off the bone!</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qKyh5q9m9r8/VwHY8T1WDZI/AAAAAAABJDk/9magT3UKrVY/s1600-h/IMG_6331%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6331" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6331" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5XixHo9NOQQ/VwHY9cX8p3I/AAAAAAABJDo/Dx1OHgD8uYc/IMG_6331_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Gloria’s dessert was yummy and almost sugar-free – fresh strawberry cheesecake!</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pkts31eSPU8/VwHY-6o3OxI/AAAAAAABJDs/jxsIiofsq0E/s1600-h/IMG_6332%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6332" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6332" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8X0L-CH6d1I/VwHY_tpmVfI/AAAAAAABJDw/oYg4xe4IpGQ/IMG_6332_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>And Gigi got lots of attention, dividing her time between my lap and Gloria’s.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XxTjFb8cNc0/VwHZAiV0CZI/AAAAAAABJD0/kdG5TTd2C7o/s1600-h/IMG_6335%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6335" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6335" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lRUbl3LDVU0/VwHZBhMrSMI/AAAAAAABJD4/_cCcfI8nGzg/IMG_6335_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>The coming week will be a full one, with doctor appointments and other projects. But we’re so happy we don’t have to spend 4+ hours doing dialysis 4 days every week! Life Is Good!</p>Sharon Del Rosariohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11743800968323230586noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193404185396241691.post-61633658959952909852016-03-29T17:13:00.001-07:002016-03-29T17:18:37.080-07:00The Bad News, The Good News, and The BEST News!!<p>First, the bad news. Don’s abdominal pain increased to a level that was almost unbearable last Monday. So, after our monthly visit with the home dialysis care team at the Fresenius East Center, we headed for St. Mary’s Hospital and checked him into the Emergency Room. Don’s primary care physician (PCP) Dr. Robertson in Benson had suggested that he get checked for mesenteric ischemia, as noted in my last blog post. The ER doc agreed to order the angiogram (CTA with contrast) and keep Don in the hospital overnight.</p> <p>On Tuesday morning, in prep for the angiogram Don’s nurse was delivering an FFP (fresh frozen plasma) because he has been taking warfarin. Just as I walked into his room, he had a reaction to the FFP, with his blood pressure hitting 210/120 and he was sweating profusely and shaking uncontrollably. Two nurses, two techs and the doctor were trying to take care of him when it was decided to transfer him to the ICU. I followed them and it didn’t take long for the ICU crew to stabilize him. The procedure was rescheduled for Wednesday morning.</p> <p>Long story short, a multitude of tests were conducted during the next several days, and all of them turned up negative, leaving the cause of Don’s pain a mystery. It was discovered that he has <a href="http://www.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/guide/barretts-esophagus-symptoms-causes-and-treatments">Barrett’s Esophagus</a>, and possibly a small stone in his gall bladder. Neither of these could be causing the pain.</p> <p>That’s the good news. Don has no cancer, no polyps, no growths or abnormalities. His innards have been scanned from top down and bottom up, scoped, and examined every way imaginable. His body seems to be doing well. However, the pain persists.</p> <p>Today Don and I met with a nurse practitioner who specializes in pain management. She is working to reach a level where Don can tolerate his pain since the source can’t be found. The doctor on duty this week isn’t as interested in finding the source of the pain as last week’s doc, and wanted to discharge him today. Don knew he had the right to appeal the discharge, which he did, and will be able to stay another day or so to work with the NP.</p> <p>Now for the BEST news. Two phrenologists (kidney docs) have reviewed Don’s <a href="http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/creatinine-and-creatinine-clearance-blood-tests">creatinine and GFR</a> and have concluded that his kidneys have rebounded to a level where he doesn’t need dialysis! WOW! Prayers answered! After 9 months we understand that it’s very rare for kidneys to recover, but we’re so happy Don’s are in that small minority! </p> <p>When we first learned yesterday that this might be the case, we both hoped against hope that it would prove true. Now that we have definitive results and advice, we became absolutely giddy in our joy! Time to celebrate! We’ll still watch his kidney function with frequent tests and continue to have him monitored by a phrenologist, but we no longer have to perform dialysis! HURRAY!!!</p> <p>I have no pictures from this week, so here’s a happy selfie of me and Gigi.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OCfTkh0jk6E/VvsaMvvkf-I/AAAAAAABJAA/t8lBaS4Bvo4/s1600-h/20160326_174548%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160326_174548" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20160326_174548" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5wOW7lIXZew/VvsaN4-r5pI/AAAAAAABJAE/PrVlgKhG7AQ/20160326_174548_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="285"></a></p>Sharon Del Rosariohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11743800968323230586noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193404185396241691.post-72710589312145356222016-03-19T19:23:00.001-07:002016-03-19T19:35:25.800-07:00Welcome Back Friends<p>My last blog was 2 weeks ago (time flies!) so I need to give everyone an update. We’ve been following our dialysis program and getting better at preventing alarms and cautions from the equipment, as well as preventing any extra bleeding or other challenging situations. In fact, the session we did yesterday (Friday) went perfectly!</p> <p>Don continues to suffer from undiagnosed abdominal pain, which has progressed to an almost unbearable level. He saw his primary care provider (PCP) on Thursday, and the doc ordered an angiogram to check for mesenteric ischemia. If you’re interested in knowing more about the condition, just Google it and you’ll be busy for the next hour or so. We’re hoping this diagnosis proves positive, because it can be treated right away and Don can start feeling normal again. The scan will take place on Tuesday.</p> <p>We’ve been enjoying the company of not only Gloria and Frank King, who have become our neighbors in Cochise Terrace Resort, but also Jan and Bill Mains, who came for a several day visit. Here are pictures from some of our gatherings.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KQeoppFAdFU/Vu4JZdElGZI/AAAAAAABI9E/HKRo5jVJ28w/s1600-h/IMG_6293%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6293" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6293" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WW88phXs3pg/Vu4Jah0wUXI/AAAAAAABI9I/cEwrJ-DFbq0/IMG_6293_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-22DHWc3N9Gc/Vu4JblFYjYI/AAAAAAABI9M/TNQzTBQxhYg/s1600-h/IMG_6294%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6294" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6294" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HuuV-iLScmU/Vu4JcvEVjUI/AAAAAAABI9Q/RoEilzdMm4w/IMG_6294_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Ron and Mary Lichtenberg joined us for happy hour yesterday afternoon at Jan and Bill’s site.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OVEm7Oli4HU/Vu4JdlKCM8I/AAAAAAABI9U/v360eOahQ-o/s1600-h/IMG_6296%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6296" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6296" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IJkd1f_rICY/Vu4JegvBz3I/AAAAAAABI9Y/KLZUOYt0M88/IMG_6296_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Gloria thought it was too cold to sit outside when the shade reached her as the sun went down.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1GsnNQ9Y7I8/Vu4JfcHJeqI/AAAAAAABI9c/ZZ_qmT-m1rk/s1600-h/IMG_6305%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6305" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6305" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--fhI3RKVXBg/Vu4JgjD0LzI/AAAAAAABI9g/4eAPaLliL-Y/IMG_6305_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>So Jan gave her a blanket!</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yLidn8jQxnE/Vu4JhlRoVeI/AAAAAAABI9k/Q7ar78xKuhY/s1600-h/IMG_6306%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6306" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6306" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lgkzuChP7qA/Vu4JilIIOuI/AAAAAAABI9o/vDDdQedtmu4/IMG_6306_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Tonight Gloria and Frank hosted dinner at their place, as a belated “welcome home” for our return to Benson. They had planned to do this 2 weeks ago, but Gloria was very sick with the flu. Then Don wasn’t feeling well for awhile. So we finally got to have the party, and all the food was wonderful! Thanks, Gloria and Frank!</p> <p>Sorry I didn’t get pictures of the food, but here are some of people, pets and valley/mountain views.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7SdBQv9sx9Y/Vu4JjrgVOeI/AAAAAAABI9s/KXeDRyCvX0Y/s1600-h/IMG_6291%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6291" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6291" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c-svth9esWg/Vu4Jk30YpKI/AAAAAAABI9w/SGpm5BKhzKs/IMG_6291_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pak5G49XE4k/Vu4MWzyxN4I/AAAAAAABI-c/agAGvXiI-7g/s1600-h/IMG_6299%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6299" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6299" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VGaL9A45Rmk/Vu4MX4F6q6I/AAAAAAABI-g/PZFC85-9bMU/IMG_6299_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m-vz7QQnE68/Vu4MYoLd75I/AAAAAAABI-k/aGsr8Jv2fLE/s1600-h/IMG_6300%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6300" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--HokriCSjJk/Vu4MZbfljGI/AAAAAAABI-o/ZRhQLN_AirI/IMG_6300_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cN1mF7iOVXk/Vu4Jn7h6hdI/AAAAAAABI98/RVxuud-GxYw/s1600-h/IMG_6309%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6309" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6309" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I3-58fONuqg/Vu4JpG0NwWI/AAAAAAABI-A/hfJHXv7XHoQ/IMG_6309_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NAoXeeTFPgw/Vu4Jp6y9fkI/AAAAAAABI-E/nSUyit-Nk2k/s1600-h/IMG_6310%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6310" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6310" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L51HgTeY9Is/Vu4JqtYGT6I/AAAAAAABI-I/cwX1qJF86us/IMG_6310_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="679"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2UfqNjT5zpo/Vu4Jr79s7RI/AAAAAAABI-M/MdsWPoUn-EQ/s1600-h/IMG_6313%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6313" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6313" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dd6h3oVPQ9c/Vu4Js8V2s6I/AAAAAAABI-Q/hXkOEuS3g9U/IMG_6313_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Tmgf9bgJ_t4/Vu4MaQL5sRI/AAAAAAABI-s/z2FQ5AEvFcY/s1600-h/IMG_6286%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6286" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6286" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eJUbMMKLEfg/Vu4MbP8Uq8I/AAAAAAABI-w/fXJIonAlVxg/IMG_6286_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>It’s good to be “home” again!</p>Sharon Del Rosariohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11743800968323230586noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193404185396241691.post-62711784142481815432016-03-05T19:23:00.001-07:002016-03-05T20:34:14.378-07:00Dialysis At Home<p>Sorry for the delay in writing a new blog post. (And apologies for this one being so long.)</p> <p>Don and I have been a little busy, to say the least. We started home dialysis training on Feb. 2 at the Fresenius East center in Tucson. Training included his dialysis session as well as our training on the use of the <a href="http://www.nxstage.com/">NxStage system</a>. Each session was 5-6 hours (3+ of actual dialysis), 4 days each week. It was almost like working a real job again! But the center was only 4 miles away from our site at Davis-Monthan AFB FamCamp, and only 10-15 minutes even if traffic was heavy. So our commute time was minimal.</p> <p>We had an excellent team of trainers with Lucy (RN) and Erika (Tech) doing our training, with Sue (RN) as backup. They patiently taught us how to use the dialysis equipment (both Don and me), how to cannulate (me sticking needles in Don’s fistula in his arm), how to remove needles (me) and end treatment (both), and how to prepare dialysate for the next session (both), as well as how to use bags of prepared dialysate to use when we start traveling again. We learned so much and have helped each other to remember all the details. </p> <p>On Feb. 29 we had our last training session, which ended early afternoon. We returned to D-M to pack up our motorhome, hitch up the truck, and depart for Benson. Don was really looking forward to driving the motorhome again, as he hasn’t had many opportunities lately. To avoid any distractions from Gigi, I took her with me in our car Carrie. We made the trip without incident, even through the I-10 construction which has caused long delays on some of our other trips.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R_XaY5MTXqw/VtuT9TglpBI/AAAAAAABI3I/4N_NTYSmeDg/s1600-h/20160229_143059%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160229_143059" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20160229_143059" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SncuOyRTvVo/VtuT-dnNnZI/AAAAAAABI3M/vC69_fuLZKo/20160229_143059_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="285"></a></p> <p>Speaking of other trips, the days in between the 4 days/week for training during Feb. were filled with doctor appointments, outpatient surgery to revise Don’s fistula when the venous connection failed, going to Benson to clear out our shed/casita and make room for the dialysis equipment, and occasionally meeting friends for lunch or dinner. It was a very busy time!</p> <p>Now that we are back in Benson, we are doing home dialysis. The equipment and special chair provided by Fresenius fit well into our little shed/casita, now that we got rid of our sofa bed and several other items. (Notice I still have my comfy leather Euro chair, though.)</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pqyZuXFORaQ/VtuT_Hw6ipI/AAAAAAABI3Q/XHdJ3SfHWyM/s1600-h/IMG_6274%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6274" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6274" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xLc98QMD35c/VtuUAXf1-oI/AAAAAAABI3U/se-ijq9AxUc/IMG_6274_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>We bought a second storage box for some of the items we cleared out of the bookcase and cupboard to make room for dialysis supplies.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7V3SSucsJ_s/VtuUBNyDp3I/AAAAAAABI3Y/ELJJOfXbT5E/s1600-h/IMG_6279%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6279" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6279" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A27Sg2-_xdA/VtuUCMHBtFI/AAAAAAABI3c/fWT-Hdckljg/IMG_6279_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Here are some of the supplies we use.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jSsi_aeMK6M/VtuUC0SZwfI/AAAAAAABI3g/bcphNiy43ok/s1600-h/IMG_6280%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6280" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6280" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xn5DPyNDjzw/VtuUDtI3T1I/AAAAAAABI3k/o5u82G41EeQ/IMG_6280_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Don requested one of the chairs with heat and massage, and his wish was granted.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ILukZrPO-5o/VtuUEQSKB7I/AAAAAAABI3o/Whin51YWMrw/s1600-h/IMG_6281%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6281" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6281" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u5VLH_wxCoQ/VtuUFZu8FLI/AAAAAAABI3s/2FuNDyABwkk/IMG_6281_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>The bottom shelf and very top of the bookcase are still used for other stuff, but the main shelves are for supplies.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YOJwcKnzBcg/VtuUGJgGKFI/AAAAAAABI3w/JM2hMqlhPys/s1600-h/IMG_6282%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6282" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6282" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XZVlhaVAY1M/VtuUHOyI4DI/AAAAAAABI30/pQ2u_dpgjLA/IMG_6282_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="754"></a></p> <p>Today was our first day to perform the entire procedure without observation by one of our trainers. Things went pretty well, and Don and I feel our teamwork will carry us through.</p> <p>Meanwhile, during the past several weeks we’ve enjoyed visits and companionship from friends who came to Tucson. Karen Faulkner and hubby Roger Smith both love Gigi, and I think the feeling is mutual.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q93h3HqGLL4/VtuUH5MzAiI/AAAAAAABI34/9OpNUs53IF4/s1600-h/IMG_6244%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6244" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6244" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bx1V8Oh4V3c/VtuUJKCQTvI/AAAAAAABI38/ntwKDhYz1IM/IMG_6244_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FFO-yoi-X10/VtuUJ8I1cBI/AAAAAAABI4A/fH34lqcv6kI/s1600-h/IMG_6248%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6248" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6248" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SMxILLenZkQ/VtuULECbSkI/AAAAAAABI4E/J3OPTQcPKfU/IMG_6248_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>But Gigi still gives Mom and Dad equal lap time.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1TAhWOnpTL4/VtuUMLRQXXI/AAAAAAABI4I/FrLSLVO5-EU/s1600-h/IMG_6251%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6251" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6251" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NfSho6VKHUo/VtuUNXfTCJI/AAAAAAABI4M/1TpLQx4XYtQ/IMG_6251_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>We had a brief visit from Madeline and Jerry Stephens. </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HpQn82K_06I/VtuUORrtQ0I/AAAAAAABI4Q/FLnfog6crAI/s1600-h/Stephens%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="Stephens" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Stephens" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nHs6SktRSro/VtuUPhthmvI/AAAAAAABI4U/CbrKjv_CFVw/Stephens_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p>Gigi loved them, too.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fv_S5EiHHx0/VtuUQjbT1rI/AAAAAAABI4Y/6dT1E8JCdOM/s1600-h/IMG_6241%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6241" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6241" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1SXPxqyVYYw/VtuURvfHl8I/AAAAAAABI4c/PXZmuVx8yPs/IMG_6241_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Gloria and Frank King joined us at the FamCamp and Gigi was enamored by the extra attention, especially from Gloria.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HgjyWnQsZC8/VtuUSo84oYI/AAAAAAABI4g/gANeBAePYMM/s1600-h/20160209_154049%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160209_154049" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20160209_154049" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ufaxm5Um0h0/VtuUTiFuQAI/AAAAAAABI4k/-7fG3F3c9q0/20160209_154049_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="285"></a></p> <p>Sophie decided my lap needed to be occupied when there was no room in her own Mom’s.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vod2oeBmXNc/VtuUUkLOM5I/AAAAAAABI4o/vmZ7LiESvfo/s1600-h/20160209_154119%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160209_154119" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20160209_154119" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Vi4XDZEN8xk/VtuUVivryAI/AAAAAAABI4s/x4cMyxAdr20/20160209_154119_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="285"></a></p> <p>We enjoyed a Valentine’s Day party for residents of the FamCamp, held on Feb. 11.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j31BC1vEmQ0/VtuUWi3e7WI/AAAAAAABI4w/MJIBubq7cIs/s1600-h/20160211_180600%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160211_180600" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20160211_180600" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4LO5meX5UwI/VtuUX3zaw6I/AAAAAAABI40/NZ68LZRXdjU/20160211_180600_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="285"></a></p> <p>It was Karen’s birthday, and we were happy to share it with her.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SfqvhlBQa4I/VtuUY964kZI/AAAAAAABI44/HbtS4WJnBUU/s1600-h/20160211_180619%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160211_180619" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20160211_180619" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Uqq-ieW2mP8/VtuUZ6qsHnI/AAAAAAABI48/aK5akppYD70/20160211_180619_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="285"></a></p> <p>A few days later (the 19th I think) we shared Roger’s birthday. His birthday candles kept re-igniting, but he finally managed to blow them all out.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iyGlrNe-D2U/VtuUa6BgMhI/AAAAAAABI5A/DdR2Ct-LvRY/s1600-h/20160219_183438%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160219_183438" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20160219_183438" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ARBl4XxPPYo/VtuUb-FDWOI/AAAAAAABI5E/cbjhThCul5I/20160219_183438_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="893"></a></p> <p>Now that we’re back in Benson, we’re happy to welcome Gloria and Frank to the neighborhood. They recently bought a lot in the Snowbird Hill area of Cochise Terrace, not far from our Roadrunner Ridge area. They are planning to add a shed/casita to their lot, and are already enjoying great views off to the northeast over desert washes and through the valley to the mountains beyond.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uPTG1Y23oIM/VtuUcomncZI/AAAAAAABI5I/ckD4_55QjmI/s1600-h/20160227_154116%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160227_154116" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20160227_154116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJaILdV_BNI6cywz6MvOO2OUVJYI3zyh6wBc__lhqLA1DIJdM_FBIOKAO9rQ-KP9PHqHlORBCOWhST64iUZHWHkxud0d1QIt_n7gdpcIsGwUTj19lWAiAGxlqJyqFnWdYy6FmDwURWTWo/?imgmax=800" width="504" height="285"></a></p> <p>Mary and Gary Olson came to visit and took us to lunch. We had missed seeing them in both Quartzsite and Tucson, so it was nice of them to make a day trip to see us.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4aQknCX-gyg/VtuUeVRrFXI/AAAAAAABI5Q/HOEbn1GueeQ/s1600-h/20160303_135148%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160303_135148" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20160303_135148" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N9xXV7tRXlc/VtuUfjTndiI/AAAAAAABI5U/qbkkviGtf1U/20160303_135148_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="285"></a></p> <p>Sunsets were gorgeous in Tucson, but we look forward to seeing great ones from our place in Benson now.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XOjBmvGabgc/VtuUgiFtyTI/AAAAAAABI5Y/3_G2-Pbj7E8/s1600-h/IMG_6256%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6256" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6256" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wGQs3xaQNPw/VtuUhRaKTcI/AAAAAAABI5c/nVEhP3nV5k4/IMG_6256_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p>Sharon Del Rosariohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11743800968323230586noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193404185396241691.post-36808331336617924342016-01-26T16:36:00.001-07:002016-01-26T16:36:09.551-07:00More Friends and Adventures in Quartzsite<p>The past few days in Quartzsite passed quickly because we were busy getting in our last shopping trips and visiting with friends. </p> <p>On Thursday, the area outside the big tent was almost totally deserted.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9YsFoYHXOBM/VqgCL5bhhvI/AAAAAAABIeU/3jdeQb2SXWs/s1600-h/IMG_6101%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6101" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6101" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-71Ob5lrZF6A/VqgCMwpaTNI/AAAAAAABIec/mT6cxDbEk7o/IMG_6101_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Don had to control himself to keep from drooling all over this beautiful Shelby Cobra. I don’t think it would tow 4-down though.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3exRnpi8fD4/VqgCOPA4c8I/AAAAAAABIek/CCnBiXbuIME/s1600-h/IMG_6104%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6104" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6104" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qJgmK2DVi1Q/VqgCPAFOJzI/AAAAAAABIes/3n3OkRPD3-k/IMG_6104_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>We stopped by Smitty and Louise’s booth to buy several things, and learned that they have put their business up for sale. They were so busy we didn’t have much of a chance to visit, but I hope they’re successful in selling so they’ll have more time to travel outside the RV rally/event circuit.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WgWYSLZ6mcg/VqgCQfZo_TI/AAAAAAABIe0/ppuGKGerv_U/s1600-h/IMG_6114%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6114" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6114" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y8EzU1yqCjI/VqgCRqr-JNI/AAAAAAABIe8/fHLWLD2YRLM/IMG_6114_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>I had to fight the urge to buy both of these T-shirts.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XQn_LjAX9v0/VqgCS7decpI/AAAAAAABIfE/6lNxKqVrXBk/s1600-h/IMG_6117%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6117" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6117" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C-zVpCJjPiY/VqgCT2W_fBI/AAAAAAABIfM/GY_Ys2eLm-w/IMG_6117_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_BDT2FxrWBU/VqgCU8UUc-I/AAAAAAABIfU/st6_ICXP2ls/s1600-h/IMG_6118%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6118" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6118" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tW_GgUA5Q_c/VqgCVwhBByI/AAAAAAABIfc/2JqAILwQiOY/IMG_6118_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204"></a></p> <p>My pet peeve – dogs in the tent, whether on leash or in strollers, they are at risk for being stepped on or bumped into in the crowd, and they take up space meant for people who are actually likely to spend money. It’s especially a problem when people are shoulder-to-shoulder making their way through the aisles.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4mH8caLYnDE/VqgCW1H-oZI/AAAAAAABIfk/Qe5asPPlLVo/s1600-h/IMG_6115%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6115" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6115" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bfl4j4gk6Xk/VqgCX8zpkRI/AAAAAAABIfs/QtP8-K2bAIc/IMG_6115_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UAg6kF-bK3k/VqgCY0zFxQI/AAAAAAABIf0/p4lxWMy2uNg/s1600-h/IMG_6119%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6119" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6119" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QkjN15h0dkI/VqgCZzPI9QI/AAAAAAABIf8/vGT97QGFDa4/IMG_6119_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204"></a></p> <p>We went back to our favorite lunch place so Don could have another smoked turkey leg.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B42n-vRPQyk/VqgCa6FH3cI/AAAAAAABIgE/PyIk3HwUHqs/s1600-h/IMG_6122%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6122" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6122" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IONxUdS6D2g/VqgCcHNSJaI/AAAAAAABIgM/SMR501cB9Xc/IMG_6122_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>And we spotted some long-time friends we haven’t seen in several years, Pete and Rita Petersen, who drove up for the day from their place in the Yuma foothills.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GH-r7izoERw/VqgCdSZbs6I/AAAAAAABIgU/HUJPRCNCits/s1600-h/IMG_6125%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6125" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6125" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z9GSJ3GrsSQ/VqgCeoKiNCI/AAAAAAABIgc/vTPkCqSn3PY/IMG_6125_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>We saw some E-bikes that were both too heavy and too pricey for our situation. But oh, how fun it would be to just wheel around the neighborhood, up and down the hills, without a bit of peddling effort!</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TK_pwpEeqiw/VqgCgim0IzI/AAAAAAABIgk/UAQPuKOxBSc/s1600-h/IMG_6135%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6135" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6135" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-34fND3NI1P4/VqgCisBvy_I/AAAAAAABIgs/H-BKVIDA5x4/IMG_6135_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>We found “The Happiest Place in Quartzsite” but decided just to listen to the music for a few minutes without sitting down.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Mv5tkW2kAxw/VqgCkp5ArXI/AAAAAAABIg0/baL4XkttQD0/s1600-h/IMG_6140%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6140" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6140" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3mtWuELHYfo/VqgCl4zAXBI/AAAAAAABIg8/i0E5jFAjOfo/IMG_6140_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jI_0bbN7etY/VqgCmw7m0aI/AAAAAAABIhE/VqFsO_AjFGE/s1600-h/IMG_6145%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6145" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6145" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iObi0IhBDJE/VqgCn6k2krI/AAAAAAABIhM/aDLlOkA9xK4/IMG_6145_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Later we drove out to Boomerville to visit Frank, Gloria, Diane, Andy and lots of other friends.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z4sKxGbHe7w/VqgCozA92lI/AAAAAAABIhU/Pb1Ee7pWK_c/s1600-h/IMG_6147%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6147" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6147" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ozRkgmtzoTo/VqgCpwJeeJI/AAAAAAABIhc/ClOX89JNqjs/IMG_6147_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>And don’t forget Shadow…</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CVwRQXDRnqk/VqgCrLR4qQI/AAAAAAABIhk/g1UJoSKfeog/s1600-h/IMG_6151%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6151" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6151" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i9IkfUEyphk/VqgCsOn7BmI/AAAAAAABIhs/6B63qJDqRac/IMG_6151_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>,,,and Sophie!</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7gdkmX0aMd8/VqgCs4NWStI/AAAAAAABIh0/RMAFB-LVBXI/s1600-h/IMG_6152%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6152" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6152" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YoLYm1tdvcc/VqgCt16Xs-I/AAAAAAABIh8/hVyA9Gjs43I/IMG_6152_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>And we met Sasha, too.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sO3XYKG7x4c/VqgCu7t3O2I/AAAAAAABIiE/ruVS_kX0z2M/s1600-h/IMG_6153%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6153" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6153" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MAtMAm9pX5k/VqgCvlZCx7I/AAAAAAABIiM/juEcsr8m-gc/IMG_6153_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>I had to get an updated picture with Jan Moore, who is often called my sister because we look a lot alike.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-26GAVvMg6xA/VqgCwl-uNhI/AAAAAAABIiU/6Zzd0V2HGNI/s1600-h/IMG_6157%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6157" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6157" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5tC1Sm5C4K8/VqgCx4fQlwI/AAAAAAABIic/To4DR4fKpxQ/IMG_6157_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>If you’re on Facebook, you already saw this pic, along with the one from 2 years ago when we both had longer hair. Also, Jan noticed that the same cacti were captured in the background of both pictures!</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-156EWweGPTI/VqgCzJHtwWI/AAAAAAABIik/bs-nGjXIcU8/s1600-h/IMG_20140119_161742_850%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_20140119_161742_850" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_20140119_161742_850" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-92JzjrKTOkY/VqgC0rHBE0I/AAAAAAABIis/GDYvaTEXcyI/IMG_20140119_161742_850_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="286"></a></p> <p>Happy hour and announcements followed, and we got to see lots more friends.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1du4SMQk_IA/VqgC2HEG6eI/AAAAAAABIi0/I1ktmM-Kduw/s1600-h/IMG_6160%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6160" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6160" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aU_AqUDZ04c/VqgC3mQs9PI/AAAAAAABIi8/azqznJZgbkE/IMG_6160_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>There were still people we missed seeing, even after attending the Boomers’ CARE auction a few days later. But we were finally able to get together with Carol Hinkley for lunch on Sunday, our last day in Q – sorry, didn’t get a picture. And we spotted Betty Anderson and Duane Peyton in the crowd outside the big tent for a breif hug – again, no picture.</p> <p>Overall, it was a wonderful trip, and we were so happy to be able to travel outside the Tucson area for a couple of weeks. Now that we’re back in Tucson, we’re spending some time with Karen Faulkner and Roger Smith who are here for motorhome repairs and visiting family in the Phoenix area. And we’re looking forward to beginning training for home dialysis next week.</p> <p>And, of course, we can’t forget how much we enjoyed the gorgeous desert sunsets.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NsPE8WE-MA8/VqgC48_G9rI/AAAAAAABIjE/LdYk-ZdXXLQ/s1600-h/IMG_6039%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6039" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6039" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bw84PmCvE1I/VqgC6BPs7yI/AAAAAAABIjM/1Q6CKhaQuFU/IMG_6039_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p>Sharon Del Rosariohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11743800968323230586noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193404185396241691.post-61847870049187395092016-01-20T20:01:00.001-07:002016-01-20T20:06:07.012-07:00Quartzsite Pictures<p>We finally made it to the big tent on Tuesday to do a little shopping. The crowds were pretty thin until after lunch.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XxRFJ6gd7UM/VqBJJ_GfZjI/AAAAAAABIH4/X6ddVJhXm90/s1600-h/IMG_6042%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6042" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6042" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S-Qt8c1x_iM/VqBJLzSz8ZI/AAAAAAABIIA/RgBBd9P97Xs/IMG_6042_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Working hard, staying up late to finish business and freezing in a cold spot in the big tent, Chris still has a big smile and hugs for all!</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ndLPYMLWuEw/VqBJNlJ-aoI/AAAAAAABIII/_5tY57cro7o/s1600-h/IMG_6044%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6044" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6044" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dvuAs_0hH1U/VqBJPHdcwMI/AAAAAAABIIQ/OEzZ4-p1XVs/IMG_6044_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Michelin Man is almost too big to fit in my camera frame.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TokemhHOGJI/VqBJQi1rGJI/AAAAAAABIIY/LeAcKMudmng/s1600-h/IMG_6046%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6046" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6046" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ngnv9MU6FCc/VqBJR7IW_6I/AAAAAAABIIg/mMQ9W3tfZIk/IMG_6046_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="454"></a></p> <p>Don was happier than a pig in s**t, eating his favorite Quartzsite turkey leg and sharing laughs with his good buddy Frank!</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yeStjUyurwU/VqBJTPE3RNI/AAAAAAABIIo/BY7d7n18WV0/s1600-h/IMG_6050%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6050" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6050" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gZKxA1DTSI4/VqBJUjhTJJI/AAAAAAABIIw/Hjx2SmgfCjA/IMG_6050_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Later we escaped the crowds and drove out to Plomosa Rd. to visit more friends. Carol keeps her car spotlessly clean, even out in the desert.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1rPC4bE1tiU/VqBJVwjA-jI/AAAAAAABII4/W1_N7hzYlYQ/s1600-h/IMG_6054%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6054" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6054" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rNkA2mHHYjI/VqBJXcqMLkI/AAAAAAABIJA/hTna5Z3hhxw/IMG_6054_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Rainbow had something to say about the sun shining on her tent.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g_ci27glFqs/VqBJYgT7wUI/AAAAAAABIJI/T_wlvwWqoXs/s1600-h/IMG_6055%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6055" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6055" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R60GqSZuqcg/VqBJZ5c2BvI/AAAAAAABIJQ/j5XQ-8199jQ/IMG_6055_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Nice fire rings – one of them used to be ours but we found we didn’t use it much, so we sold it to make room for dialysis supplies.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Zp0kdu0lg48/VqBJbvmR7CI/AAAAAAABIJY/B7XO1zT-T5A/s1600-h/IMG_6057%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6057" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6057" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gCEHmWTdnPE/VqBJdTxKjLI/AAAAAAABIJg/SyMJPSzJllo/IMG_6057_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>It was great to see Jean and Claudette, who toured Alaska with us a few years ago.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lsk-DRP9ZxQ/VqBJexjCHVI/AAAAAAABIJo/-g4sRrgvf1I/s1600-h/IMG_6064%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6064" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6064" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rdO3fqIjIp8/VqBJgq3araI/AAAAAAABIJw/UD56OM47aUo/IMG_6064_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Cody wanted to get up in his Mom Sandy’s lap.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hdkfBDL3w_Q/VqBJiGU8yZI/AAAAAAABIJ4/jTJJvd-Jz8o/s1600-h/IMG_6069%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6069" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6069" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J5JEW295_v4/VqBJkZEIbcI/AAAAAAABIKA/jROhOSqf6ow/IMG_6069_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>He left a cute design on her jeans.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zLgXsI8w6ZE/VqBJl8QBG4I/AAAAAAABIKI/1NDPfwnGWmk/s1600-h/IMG_6073%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6073" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6073" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QalRAqTAOEg/VqBJnZdHftI/AAAAAAABIKQ/Y8vQzMC4mPo/IMG_6073_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Rainbow just observed quietly from her safe perch.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--V2kRwGa2-U/VqBJot_94aI/AAAAAAABIKY/tRyHIt8V8hM/s1600-h/IMG_6077%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6077" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6077" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BXArKjuShbA/VqBJp5MOozI/AAAAAAABIKg/9dp45Hf9s70/IMG_6077_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>We stopped to see some friends at the gathering of SKP chapters 6 & 21.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xdBz05PztmQ/VqBJrD4VKyI/AAAAAAABIKo/nf7PqJlWeTw/s1600-h/IMG_6079%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6079" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6079" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z7LR9sfZB4U/VqBJsYEuf4I/AAAAAAABIKw/png6DVnHkPM/IMG_6079_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Bunny’s chair was being sacrificed for the bonfire. Is that an ancient ritual?</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Qv7p53xXYX0/VqBJt8EzaNI/AAAAAAABIK4/SZ8J8vUFKFI/s1600-h/IMG_6080%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6080" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6080" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0PFkLzszd2I/VqBJvvsw12I/AAAAAAABILA/UQEyBqnIhO0/IMG_6080_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Bruce’s shirt made a statement.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-doVq48c3nqA/VqBJxHJOikI/AAAAAAABILI/srTh2Fhin5U/s1600-h/IMG_6083%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6083" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6083" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-66pcEtR4KxY/VqBJygb7gmI/AAAAAAABILQ/ymfjQDo7LQ0/IMG_6083_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Here’s everything we needed to know about the Polar Bear and Hobo Stew party planned for Wednesday.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Sp7ahXkcOzs/VqBJzum3h0I/AAAAAAABILU/C6otVcA6Gms/s1600-h/IMG_6085%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6085" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6085" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fU21-kIEmWQ/VqBJ0wNee-I/AAAAAAABILg/RpAU0JdBRnY/IMG_6085_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Don had a dialysis session in Blythe on Wednesday, so I caught a ride with Mark & Dortha Hall.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2xGc8pmmWpc/VqBJ2GOMdpI/AAAAAAABILo/QrZgXtzgHNM/s1600-h/IMG_6097%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6097" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6097" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2Y-PyoFWKHM/VqBJ3c0-F-I/AAAAAAABILw/JDWUJ8LZu0o/IMG_6097_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>The weather was perfect, and the long line moved quickly to get a bowl of hearty hobo stew.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bZKFVLsV6eg/VqBJ5CSGWtI/AAAAAAABIL4/nwQX-v1pmUQ/s1600-h/IMG_6089%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6089" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6089" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rl1075gaIeI/VqBJ6kthuYI/AAAAAAABIMA/O2iuxvZhKrs/IMG_6089_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>It was good to see Susie again, but Denny was under the weather and didn’t come out.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_4aX5OZhVd8/VqBJ786gZ-I/AAAAAAABIMI/AELLS_nBirs/s1600-h/IMG_6090%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6090" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6090" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-taJRar7yKDM/VqBJ9H5th3I/AAAAAAABIMQ/jMaoGmH9zMw/IMG_6090_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>The line for polar bears (an adult beverage) didn’t move as fast because people wanted to stand around sipping and chatting.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CuV59tm_Jps/VqBJ-VeVYJI/AAAAAAABIMY/MpTQBDXXRKo/s1600-h/IMG_6095%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6095" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6095" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cJteFN6Usok/VqBJ_znz6FI/AAAAAAABIMg/yNjHtSF7hRc/IMG_6095_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>It was nice to see lots of friends, including one of my RV Driving School students, Ginger and her hubby Herb.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pdNexGTd0Z8/VqBKA5IQA0I/AAAAAAABIMo/Bd15ncYAbFo/s1600-h/IMG_6099%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6099" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6099" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fB8bRAuCU_w/VqBKCRiWiUI/AAAAAAABIMw/-iMfgggZxfY/IMG_6099_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Don thought he might come out later, but he called on his way home from Blythe and said he needed to eat pretty soon. I didn’t know if there was any hobo stew left, but it contained a lot of things on his diet’s “avoid” list. So I rode back with Mark & Dortha. Don and I then went to Mountain Quail Cafe and ate at the counter so we could get in quickly. There were several large parties, including some people we know, that couldn’t get tables – similar to our previous experience. The restaurant has good food, but not enough wait staff for this busy time of year.</p>Sharon Del Rosariohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11743800968323230586noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193404185396241691.post-25146122371623101512016-01-17T18:34:00.001-07:002016-01-17T18:40:32.193-07:00Visiting, Sat Dish, and a Dog Sweater<p>While Don was in Blythe on Friday for his dialysis session, Jan & Bill Mains came for a visit after dropping off their 5th wheel for installation of a satellite dish like the one we bought. Gigi made a new friend. She stayed in Bill’s lap for the whole visit!</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c0xKXqvn3Oo/VpxAZUAUx3I/AAAAAAABH5E/zEd1jGtxUCs/s1600-h/IMG_5968%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5968" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5968" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nuCWl3XyiUA/VpxAa33qBgI/AAAAAAABH5M/pDuK_VTCmuI/IMG_5968_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Our neighborhood is getting busier. When we first arrived, there were no RVs anywhere near us. Stu & Sandy arrived and parked on our patio side.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-InpHP889xQA/VpxAbxn2EtI/AAAAAAABH5U/5iqSxHUwZ-0/s1600-h/IMG_5967%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5967" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5967" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NI1EedsXb5M/VpxAdWF_zvI/AAAAAAABH5c/buoVZELanAk/IMG_5967_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>We now have RVs on all but our driver’s side.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LH1VuGrQ5F8/VpxAf9U7aoI/AAAAAAABH5k/CUMiUgh2km8/s1600-h/IMG_5975%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5975" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5975" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jXju-OcUizA/VpxAhKfGFzI/AAAAAAABH5s/OuEitKBCtfs/IMG_5975_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OCh3BMoc2pw/VpxAjCWkFmI/AAAAAAABH50/sZ1OEMGhe4U/s1600-h/IMG_6021%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6021" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6021" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XpL6gDBJCV4/VpxAkmpXMpI/AAAAAAABH54/45IVVaam6V8/IMG_6021_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p>The one in front of us is actually nose-to-nose! I hope they aren’t staying very long, as we might have trouble getting out.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PwhgsHLs_Ko/VpxAlnY1N1I/AAAAAAABH6A/7FfvbPFD_NA/s1600-h/IMG_6019%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6019" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6019" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P9bv_60MYLM/VpxAm6T-jMI/AAAAAAABH6M/pCsoia0rzTI/IMG_6019_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p>And the rest of the neighborhood is filling as well.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-COEW39AKpqU/VpxAn3Y-CQI/AAAAAAABH6U/IOxlC2lA45w/s1600-h/IMG_6017%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6017" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6017" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BeIQnt0_Qbg/VpxApXNtAEI/AAAAAAABH6c/FJXodZN9Sqk/IMG_6017_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6CtZgMEWqpQ/VpxAqc8ikII/AAAAAAABH6k/YdoIC9YABvE/s1600-h/IMG_6022%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6022" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6022" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cBN3Dqfvs7s/VpxArvaYagI/AAAAAAABH6s/xj7ROBwWHRM/IMG_6022_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p>This morning we saw the final end of an era. We got rid of our DataStorm satellite dish. We haven’t used it much for the past 2-3 years because it was terribly slow, support was non-existent, and we mainly use my smart phone now as a WiFi hotspot. But Don had some money invested in the dish and other equipment, and it took awhile for him to realize he wasn’t going to get any more service out of it. Lately, it has just been an extra 120 pounds of dead weight we’ve been carrying around. Steve O’Bosky installed the dish, originally on our 2008 Phaeton, then moved it to our 2012 Phaeton. He and Dennis Hill came over this morning to take it off the roof. Rather, Dennis supervised while Steve took it off.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mLWFjD4YzIs/VpxAsY_amoI/AAAAAAABH60/SUtjDsy3KyU/s1600-h/IMG_5979%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5979" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5979" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T6yHoKCK0T8/VpxAtqzGYHI/AAAAAAABH68/BMGqfDaJuTU/IMG_5979_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Carol was ready to catch it. Right!</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4HyMtDxRe_0/VpxAvhspGWI/AAAAAAABH7E/j8XZOWfZ0jU/s1600-h/IMG_5980%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5980" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5980" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fWEfay3_wFQ/VpxAwirp7zI/AAAAAAABH7M/q4cX08HOS88/IMG_5980_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>When Steve had the dish unscrewed from the base plate, he and Dennis practiced the 1-2-3 motion to toss it off the roof.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U4woCR5pbCk/VpxAxmuEUtI/AAAAAAABH7U/PSKjk5r2FMo/s1600-h/IMG_5994%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5994" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5994" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WG4VR88bR5c/VpxAysmlDeI/AAAAAAABH7c/gKAsbXySzp0/IMG_5994_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>One…</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i6oKrEtUnrU/VpxA0LsuTuI/AAAAAAABH7k/XJPExgIQMNM/s1600-h/IMG_5996%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5996" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5996" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jGmAlXrWbZM/VpxA1o1XuhI/AAAAAAABH7s/CIeVotrydUc/IMG_5996_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Two…</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q4Eh9wewbtU/VpxA3bpv6PI/AAAAAAABH70/ECI9E_MdLIM/s1600-h/IMG_5997%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5997" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5997" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MqGS1HAK8Rc/VpxA4ZcnxwI/AAAAAAABH78/NVF7zyd99RU/IMG_5997_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Three!</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fpApYy_D8p0/VpxA5eGoA5I/AAAAAAABH8E/Mwr-L1jBkn4/s1600-h/IMG_5998%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5998" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5998" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lBmtpNk7fVM/VpxA6kHMCBI/AAAAAAABH8M/_-nZtl2Dj7E/IMG_5998_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8uFhvVY1ggA/VpxA8mak50I/AAAAAAABH8U/Ijp0XXU49H8/s1600-h/IMG_6001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6001" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Zt2VgQunTyM/VpxA93Nt0UI/AAAAAAABH8c/Nw9NjuTAnKU/IMG_6001_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>They lifted it into the back of our truck and helped Don take it to the dumpster.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m3EUklfj1Z0/VpxA_DFIHfI/AAAAAAABH8k/XaYjuXAHmBU/s1600-h/IMG_6006%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6006" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6006" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HMuVVZSu7yU/VpxBDz7P5LI/AAAAAAABH8s/kUpLRgGWyco/IMG_6006_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Steve took the box of controller equipment we no longer need as he might be able to use some of that in his satellite business. </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u7tA7JKmV1M/VpxBGa-KDiI/AAAAAAABH80/hsLSy8nji8c/s1600-h/IMG_6010%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6010" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6010" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9wxb68zIsW0/VpxBH9ecGcI/AAAAAAABH88/Ufj28C81ctY/IMG_6010_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Meanwhile, Carol and I visited with Sandy while we tried to stay warm in the sunshine as the wind was blowing just enough to make us feel chilly. Sandy’s sweatshirt says “Snow Happens.”</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GsKXS6jB1aU/VpxBJbEi7QI/AAAAAAABH9E/m16a7igFetk/s1600-h/IMG_6011%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6011" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6011" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8TlZMFFujYM/VpxBKpedneI/AAAAAAABH9M/QB54Mp-x2Ow/IMG_6011_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>By the way, did you notice Gigi is wearing her new sweater? It’s a little big on her, but it’s really warm and she was ready to get it on as soon as I took her outside. I keep saying I’m not going to knit or crochet anything that needs to fit again, then I go against my pledge. I don’t think Gigi minds, as the wool blend helps her stay warm.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gY0AV-8VEiY/VpxBLz8FkAI/AAAAAAABH9U/h_xAefhAOqM/s1600-h/IMG_5981%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5981" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5981" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cKHN3uOCR08/VpxBNFbkBlI/AAAAAAABH9c/yeJUO9zn7wo/IMG_5981_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>We have been enjoying the sunsets here, but I haven’t had my camera handy to catch any of the scenes at the right time. I caught this one with my phone camera, and it’s not too bad. This was right after finishing dinner with Gloria & Frank (sorry, no picture) at Heaven’s Kitchen BBQ.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Xff6rQxyqyI/VpxBObSUT6I/AAAAAAABH9k/VEo7fyJchoA/s1600-h/20160116_175718%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160116_175718" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20160116_175718" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dE62-LuRbHQ/VpxBP67M4nI/AAAAAAABH9s/XUAA4QZrPns/20160116_175718_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="285"></a></p> <p>Today we drove to the RV Driving School parking area and enjoyed a nice visit with George & Valerie Mayleben who we hadn’t seen in quite a while. We hope to join them for the potluck dinner they are hosting on Saturday.</p>Sharon Del Rosariohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11743800968323230586noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193404185396241691.post-75900722823876785882016-01-14T21:16:00.001-07:002016-01-14T21:16:26.239-07:00Escapees Happy Hour<p>Don and I were happy to attend the second day of this event this afternoon, and we enjoyed seeing so many friends and getting lots of hugs and sharing stories. Frank and Don are old buddies.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MfvENKH6Kw8/VphyINDDl1I/AAAAAAABHrQ/fhdN_oVuJlw/s1600-h/IMG_5929%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5929" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5929" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cwc_tvDaUbY/VphyJuUr-AI/AAAAAAABHrY/mgToxZVpTTU/IMG_5929_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Duane and Jean are the new assistant Escapade directors. They’ll do a great job.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GA3WpIlYMtU/VphyK0WwceI/AAAAAAABHrg/DWXPODzCoYE/s1600-h/IMG_5930%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5930" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5930" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FI0tN9QjUTA/VphyMFj7RXI/AAAAAAABHro/RSJ1SdNYv2M/IMG_5930_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Judy discussed geocaching with Judy and Clark.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QvXccFBfbbM/VphyNdSrw0I/AAAAAAABHrw/w9islxXYVW0/s1600-h/IMG_5934%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5934" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5934" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-30r39rgu9Y0/VphyOyVIrbI/AAAAAAABHr4/aN0mblb4nzY/IMG_5934_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>It’s always great to see Lonnie & Becky.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-59PiOqFEi0A/VphyQONogoI/AAAAAAABHsA/7lWuntBSIYM/s1600-h/IMG_5937%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5937" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5937" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W3FbFisCnew/VphyRinTTsI/AAAAAAABHsI/HVVfhXK1td4/IMG_5937_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Who’s this guy, so serious?</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y03Hx8etySI/VphySoWH_dI/AAAAAAABHsQ/7rIhqNBy_6Y/s1600-h/IMG_5946%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5946" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5946" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-waLsOD7Sr20/VphyTx7DrDI/AAAAAAABHsY/UI6HFBRHpZA/IMG_5946_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>I missed the joke – must have been a good one!</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ewSREuigT6M/VphyVCAhn5I/AAAAAAABHsg/tMQY8hrj5BM/s1600-h/IMG_5947%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5947" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5947" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4D3_LAAMQng/VphyWNIsmFI/AAAAAAABHso/_zlvsm46KZc/IMG_5947_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="495" height="337"></a></p> <p>Smile! You’re on camera!</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7AukRBg37bw/VphyWyyS0xI/AAAAAAABHsw/kCxnClJAjv0/s1600-h/IMG_5950%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5950" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5950" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BcshwSPPZcM/VphyXyn4vrI/AAAAAAABHs4/HZ6gCQEYqIs/IMG_5950_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Lots of people enjoying good weather, music and conversation.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d5SfZo1fxm8/VphyY3dfW8I/AAAAAAABHtA/0x6O3ih2i04/s1600-h/IMG_5952%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5952" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5952" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7DQ-43ToRWI/VphyZ9MCH7I/AAAAAAABHtI/Rna1aN9o9gk/IMG_5952_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Gabe was a little camera shy, and Cathie’s so understandably proud of her grandson! (P.S. We heard that Gabe has a little brother on the way!)</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rKozlvHv974/VphyawH_CCI/AAAAAAABHtQ/ftLgxyaw578/s1600-h/IMG_5955%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5955" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5955" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r3AWh54dNhQ/VphycezpXBI/AAAAAAABHtY/mFHBkL5SB9Q/IMG_5955_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Uh oh, Dennis got ahold of the mike – we love hearing “Mom” stories…over and over…really we do!</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-svqIVYS4t98/Vphydd0m0SI/AAAAAAABHtg/ztiPsjmYvi8/s1600-h/IMG_5957%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5957" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5957" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qz7WRadCZsA/VphyelnpyPI/AAAAAAABHto/Ydt9s74xgf4/IMG_5957_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Later we had dinner at Mountain Quail Cafe with Stu & Sandy.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BFDAOpAbzb8/VphyfsBxlmI/AAAAAAABHtw/UthpqDMngI0/s1600-h/IMG_5959%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5959" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5959" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NIMWEj0wdwg/Vphygsjjx3I/AAAAAAABHt4/kWRTd7aMiAU/IMG_5959_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Our group grew to 8, but we had to split up and sit at 2 different tables across the room. Tom, Pat, Frank & Gloria got their food and finished eating before we got served. The restaurant has a “Help Wanted” sign out front, so we should have known what to expect.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h8w7yksKJUA/Vphyhtti0JI/AAAAAAABHuA/OhKWuIBef7s/s1600-h/IMG_5961%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5961" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5961" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6h-VUDcTgFg/VphyjNFK_TI/AAAAAAABHuI/Hk97UNFQ194/IMG_5961_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Our food finally came, and it was mostly wrong, but we finally got everything sorted out.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lV7Y7w4QMDA/Vphykv_2-AI/AAAAAAABHuQ/SmsJm0JqYrk/s1600-h/IMG_5963%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5963" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5963" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YUmbG5nm_u4/Vphyl6zS_-I/AAAAAAABHuY/Zp7abgxqvsQ/IMG_5963_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Tomorrow will be a dialysis day for Don in Blythe. His appointment time is later than yesterday, so he’ll be driving back about dinner time. I’ll probably eat at home and he’ll grab a bite on the way.</p>Sharon Del Rosariohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11743800968323230586noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193404185396241691.post-58304591178359863972016-01-13T20:52:00.001-07:002016-01-13T20:55:19.197-07:00Quartzsite<p>We are happy to be in Quartzsite for the big RV show this year, as we missed it last year when we were in Florida. It’s great to have full hookups at Rice Ranch North. No great amenities, but 50 Amps, water and sewer can’t be beat. We were joined later today by Stu & Sandy Dutcher, in the Dolphin motorhome.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1vhr-XWkhG8/VpcbAfQYJoI/AAAAAAABHiM/gTGnDN582lE/s1600-h/20160113_161506%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160113_161506" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20160113_161506" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-maFVCn2Q-eA/VpcbBrZ2WKI/AAAAAAABHiU/Z7hE3is2Tfc/20160113_161506_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="285"></a></p> <p>Don arranged to have dialysis in Blythe, just across the border in California, during our two weeks here. His first session was today, and it went well. While he was gone, I waited for the Satellite Advantage installer to come and install our new DirecTV Slimline satellite dish on the roof. It replaced our aging MotoSat dish that was about 8 years old and had become very problematical. When it didn’t work upon our arrival here, Don said it was time to replace it and this is a good place to get that done.</p> <p>Besides having an easier-to-use and more reliable unit, with a 5-year warranty, the component cabinet got a huge facelift. Here are before and after pictures.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IU3lfXQE2OI/VpcbCT_WbYI/AAAAAAABHic/LN9T75f_GGk/s1600-h/20160112_095635%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160112_095635" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20160112_095635" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QdYYNgEWKsY/VpcbDV8DktI/AAAAAAABHik/zI6_XTTCQQg/20160112_095635_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="285"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d3LIKsKuk7A/VpcbEIFzVII/AAAAAAABHis/B-3jdRDKvP0/s1600-h/IMG_5927%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5927" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5927" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0oPN7G20iGk/VpcbFB3Z47I/AAAAAAABHi0/39b1tn4adYU/IMG_5927_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Earlier today we took advantage of the availability of onsite awning replacement by ShadePro and had all 4 slide-out awnings replaced. They were starting to wear and would have started ripping apart soon. We now have a 5-year warranty on them as well.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S4X4raxlUMQ/VpcbFw_lXBI/AAAAAAABHi8/kyqGajfFVZM/s1600-h/IMG_5916%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5916" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5916" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EN97-qbRDkw/VpcbGznzL1I/AAAAAAABHjE/nypjJbTmJsI/IMG_5916_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cG8AdSWJgSk/VpcbHvvhnqI/AAAAAAABHjM/TKMv-Jao7mw/s1600-h/IMG_5913%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5913" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5913" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7Dun__w2EXY/VpcbJK0znEI/AAAAAAABHjU/FO0w6QfDxfk/IMG_5913_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>We didn’t have to move the motorhome for either installation – that’s just the way business is done here in Quartzsite, unlike almost anywhere else that we could have gotten the same products.</p> <p>Our arrival here on Monday was greeted by our friends Bill & Jan Mains. We enjoyed beer, pizza and other goodies at Silly Al’s, a favorite for many years.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XghGUP2hwYg/VpcbKEKGPHI/AAAAAAABHjc/Pv1zOltI8ic/s1600-h/20160111_171019%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160111_171019" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20160111_171019" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7Og4lWIwqug/VpcbLVZj2XI/AAAAAAABHjk/Pwr9yxtFLNU/20160111_171019_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="285"></a></p> <p>Yesterday, we saw a few other friends here in the desert.</p> <p>Dennis…with Mark in the background.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HNXJgPKU-sY/VpcbMbfxc_I/AAAAAAABHjs/IwiQvx_U4XQ/s1600-h/IMG_5885%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5885" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5885" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wuAY6rlbHRw/VpcbNXloyGI/AAAAAAABHj0/9peVPxXyhgc/IMG_5885_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Carol…</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lDIs82ZHBis/VpcbOKDxwII/AAAAAAABHj8/oUGqrBsqp1c/s1600-h/IMG_5888%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5888" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5888" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7XyI_RbQyQ0/VpcbPUXw3nI/AAAAAAABHkE/Cyn2RDqdeJI/IMG_5888_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Carol, Kathy, Dortha, with Ed and Mark in the background.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lclFWZiW4Qc/VpcbQfGLMqI/AAAAAAABHkM/a7S6wNDEclw/s1600-h/IMG_5889%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5889" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5889" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z_MJjjKUE08/VpcbRayIokI/AAAAAAABHkU/od2q7eJNinw/IMG_5889_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Dortha hugging Frank, with Ed in the background.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1Vjyer0euOo/VpcbSRzTA2I/AAAAAAABHkc/iAeFhz42mm8/s1600-h/IMG_5892%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5892" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5892" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-97eoJjNNgMI/VpcbTVyYciI/AAAAAAABHkk/UHAFMFwZB5A/IMG_5892_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Dortha, Mark, Mark, Carlin.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FDhxJCWinpA/VpcbVo7pgJI/AAAAAAABHks/b_7K3TUjUzk/s1600-h/IMG_5894%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5894" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5894" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s_RY-UJQHVo/VpcbW4LzthI/AAAAAAABHk0/R0T45xJlJ9o/IMG_5894_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Sandy.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lbj-LB3K3Hw/VpcbXmg-ZAI/AAAAAAABHk8/gFjIQB0Bnrw/s1600-h/IMG_5895%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5895" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5895" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-86K8rh0HKlw/VpcbY_rDZSI/AAAAAAABHlE/N1xf7Bs8yRk/IMG_5895_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Us with Nancy and George.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AVac9VDfHoA/VpcbZ98vICI/AAAAAAABHlM/V7STolUx8uI/s1600-h/IMG_5898%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5898" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5898" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yhnfrfYmMI8/VpcbbAuiFcI/AAAAAAABHlU/VuqSJNAg3Fw/IMG_5898_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="335"></a></p> <p>Susie is the only one in line aware that I was taking a picture. Hot dogs and chili were good.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-leqsTHUMt-w/VpcbcAV_GsI/AAAAAAABHlc/veJydJmmnco/s1600-h/IMG_5900%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5900" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5900" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8fnPpntiNqI/Vpcbdbe3V7I/AAAAAAABHlk/20gAjCvDQV0/IMG_5900_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Mickey has pretty new teeth!</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6D-0OVkanog/VpcberLN0pI/AAAAAAABHls/erOhIMOwxCs/s1600-h/IMG_5909%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5909" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5909" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KM9kzaBi1pg/Vpcbf8wJZxI/AAAAAAABHl0/sT9zfFRCe8o/IMG_5909_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>How great to see Frank & Gloria again – it’s been a long time since either of us have been on the road.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aXJlGS1MAuA/VpcbgymxYaI/AAAAAAABHl8/KOqfJaJUjHg/s1600-h/IMG_5910%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5910" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5910" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iTwezGD70Zc/VpcbiBrUSPI/AAAAAAABHmE/pLNBixP90vA/IMG_5910_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>There was a big gathering of Escapees RV Club members this afternoon, but we had to miss it. Don was in Blythe for his dialysis session, and I was home waiting for the satellite dish installer. But we’ll go to the second gathering tomorrow afternoon, and I know there will be lots and lots of hugs awaiting. It’s so good to be among so many of our RV friends again. And it’s so good to be able to easily write and publish blog posts.</p>Sharon Del Rosariohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11743800968323230586noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193404185396241691.post-60689670295227030402016-01-13T15:26:00.000-07:002016-01-13T19:36:23.166-07:00A Trip to Benson, and the Polar Bear Party<p><strong><em>Note: The following blog post was written on January 5, but I wasn’t able to publish it. Thanks to fellow blogger Rick Doyle, who resolved an authentification issue on Blogger, I’m now able to publish. Watch for another blog post soon, as Don and I are now in Quartzsite.</em></strong></p> <p>January 5, 2016</p> <p>Yesterday we drove to Benson for Don’s appointment with Dr. Robertson, who recently relocated there from Sierra Vista. We’re happy he’s back in Benson and a lot easier to reach, both physically and by phone. Afterward, we had lunch then stopped by our RV lot at Cochise Terrace to offload Christmas decorations and a few other items for storage in our shed. It was pretty cold and raining off and on, so we didn’t take the time to sort and put things away. One day we’ll have to do that task, but hopefully after the weather warms up.</p> <p>The first party of the new year for us to celebrate in Benson was the annual Polar Bear Party sponsored by Escapees Chapter 21 and held at the Escapees Saguaro Co-op. “Polar Bears” are really yummy drinks made of vanilla ice cream, crushed ice, and coffee liqueur (or an optional non-alcoholic version), all mixed in a blender. The event is a fund-raiser for the Benson Food Bank, with contributed canned/packaged non-perishable goods as well as cash donations. In addition, a 50/50 ticketed drawing was held to raise more money. All told, about $1,000 was raised during the evening, and everyone seemed to enjoy the fun and food, as heavy hors d’oeuvres were contributed by those attending.</p> <p>Most of the pictures speak for themselves.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NHqDcNOOYrs/VpbOc5f9wzI/AAAAAAABHVA/aT73J_fHdHk/s1600-h/IMG_5836_thumb_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5836_thumb_thumb" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5836_thumb_thumb" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6pXCvWsax1o/VpbOeZ6UK5I/AAAAAAABHVI/V8U0vcZWSII/IMG_5836_thumb_thumb_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iV2OVVSbwz8/VpbOfa3p5cI/AAAAAAABHVQ/sDNbM_OyAO0/s1600-h/IMG_5841_thumb_thumb1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5841_thumb_thumb1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5841_thumb_thumb1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n7wbQHFIMWk/VpbOgeKHO_I/AAAAAAABHVY/Q2TpSIUh3GM/IMG_5841_thumb_thumb1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n9rOZwtw_U4/VpbOhVn4DqI/AAAAAAABHVg/h_nmVLfNei0/s1600-h/IMG_5843_thumb_thumb1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5843_thumb_thumb1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5843_thumb_thumb1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TiHE-ZD7Qqg/VpbOiZLbE4I/AAAAAAABHVo/onP3SINp5ZY/IMG_5843_thumb_thumb1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Joe Camel wore his raincoat.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fJKSyTAd8UA/VpbOjQrNvsI/AAAAAAABHVw/anqX6ahZXLw/s1600-h/IMG_5825_thumb1_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5825_thumb1_thumb" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5825_thumb1_thumb" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sLWEgwoNsAc/VpbOkXcqu2I/AAAAAAABHV4/IIz9HMhZqm8/IMG_5825_thumb1_thumb_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="454"></a></p> <p>Betty & Lynn had polar bear shirts, and Betty wore polar bear necklace and earrings.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4WO1ci06_9g/VpbOlqnaAwI/AAAAAAABHWA/_cNmx-Awkp4/s1600-h/IMG_5828_thumb_thumb1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5828_thumb_thumb1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5828_thumb_thumb1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BtJVxnnTWls/VpbOmxd5_II/AAAAAAABHWI/ARhXFfYEViA/IMG_5828_thumb_thumb1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5KSgA5YrPz0/VpbOobBt37I/AAAAAAABHWQ/uaNvLrZok_M/s1600-h/IMG_5829_thumb_thumb1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5829_thumb_thumb1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5829_thumb_thumb1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qkl1OXPNONY/VpbOpZTZ1BI/AAAAAAABHWY/KNsVHzrBPMM/IMG_5829_thumb_thumb1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Pp7aaGg3foY/VpbOqZcUcmI/AAAAAAABHWg/jpkLKruZXkY/s1600-h/IMG_5847_thumb_thumb1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5847_thumb_thumb1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5847_thumb_thumb1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FjK7I8x13Jk/VpbOrgUU_eI/AAAAAAABHWo/fcAC67Bty7k/IMG_5847_thumb_thumb1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y86Su38KErM/VpbOsxD6_gI/AAAAAAABHWw/k15ZjaixysA/s1600-h/IMG_5848_thumb_thumb1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5848_thumb_thumb1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5848_thumb_thumb1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tUV78WQYxXo/VpbOttGfjKI/AAAAAAABHW4/-bZospOT8C8/IMG_5848_thumb_thumb1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--PwSHTrehg0/VpbOxLMNCqI/AAAAAAABHXM/OPJ0kAXbhDc/s1600-h/IMG_5857_thumb_thumb1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5857_thumb_thumb1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5857_thumb_thumb1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-taay3pLL7Uo/VpbOyAz4OoI/AAAAAAABHXY/Zo5Q05rMMyY/IMG_5857_thumb_thumb1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-djhIYGAhRDE/VpbOy4euILI/AAAAAAABHXc/DHCqc8UhQT0/s1600-h/IMG_5858_thumb5_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5858_thumb5_thumb" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5858_thumb5_thumb" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0Gc4sqJI4to/VpbOz-t3X8I/AAAAAAABHXo/wkURLjPgpoo/IMG_5858_thumb5_thumb_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Buffalo Wild Wings in Sierra Vista donated 5,000 chicken wings, along with various sauces plus lots of napkins in support of the event. </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1X22d4NPRsw/VpbO06smfSI/AAAAAAABHXw/RFqDkruakEg/s1600-h/IMG_5856_thumb_thumb1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5856_thumb_thumb1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5856_thumb_thumb1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZWdiFGzuOpE/VpbO16Ihw5I/AAAAAAABHX4/41x0lApOvq4/IMG_5856_thumb_thumb1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Below, the manager drew the winning ticket for the 50/50 drawing.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G6qdxko0eXk/VpbO2_CqRyI/AAAAAAABHYA/d8ANAxOp0OY/s1600-h/IMG_5853_thumb_thumb1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5853_thumb_thumb1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5853_thumb_thumb1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hdJy9rUtbY8/VpbO4Htk7nI/AAAAAAABHYI/n_PWdVl23NI/IMG_5853_thumb_thumb1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Susan Williamson claimed the cash prize.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3avn7bjELHs/VpbO5N5RipI/AAAAAAABHYQ/TNahzknuk6U/s1600-h/IMG_5860_thumb_thumb1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5860_thumb_thumb1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5860_thumb_thumb1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B7F2w88JgBo/VpbO6o2tKLI/AAAAAAABHYY/fXXB_mWuj8Q/IMG_5860_thumb_thumb1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>These volunteers were thanked for their efforts to provide a successful fund raising event.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8FkmuKoLKUg/VpbO7dheE4I/AAAAAAABHYg/_OjvktfGp8c/s1600-h/IMG_5873_thumb_thumb1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5873_thumb_thumb1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5873_thumb_thumb1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--JT22Ux9yik/VpbO8re-1cI/AAAAAAABHYo/FwZE7ZC3xsw/IMG_5873_thumb_thumb1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Susan & Bruce Williamson held the winning ticket for the 50/50. They generously donated their winnings back to the funds for the Food Bank.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LvJVvqSUR0k/VpbO9sloGJI/AAAAAAABHYw/9jptoevo7hA/s1600-h/IMG_5877_thumb_thumb1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5877_thumb_thumb1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5877_thumb_thumb1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R9d_ODgto7k/VpbO-tgkQFI/AAAAAAABHY4/1xwRbZQioG8/IMG_5877_thumb_thumb1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Don & I really enjoyed seeing a lot of friends, but it was raining and growing darker every minute on our drive back to Tucson. Don did a great job of driving and making it safely through the rain and traffic.</p>Sharon Del Rosariohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11743800968323230586noreply@blogger.com1