March 2–12, 2023 Casa Grande Week 1

On Thursday, March 2nd, we woke to about 2” of snow.  Amazing.   After packing up and saying our “See You Laters” we were off heading south to Casa Grande.

Although I took a lot of pictures, I cannot find them..  Darn, that never happened to me before…

We arrived on our lot in Casa Grande, set up, and took a walk around.  I have not been here since 2016 so it was nice to see that some things remain the same and yet others change.  Looking forward to reconnecting with friends and meeting new friends.

Miles Traveled: 132 Miles

Routes Traveled:

Arizona: AZ-89; US-93; AZ-303; I-10; AZ-202; I-10; AZ-387; W. Cottonwood Lane; Thornton Road; AZ-84; S. Montgomery Road

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On Friday , March 3rd, I started feeling a little under the weather so for the next few days, I avoided everyone.  Said hello from my doorway – LOL!

I did take advantage of the downtime to organize and back up all my photos from the past 4 years.  Still haven’t found the ones from 3/1.  I probably thought that I had transferred them and then formatted the card.  Oh well… 

When I did start to feel better I also took the time to go thru the RV and get rid of things we have not used nor will use.  Thank God for the Salvation Army and the Humane Society! I also know that there is a lot of items that I am leaving home next time.  It is amazing to find out how much I do not need or can live without.

Andy has done a few bike rides in the desert and one day came upon this:

In 2014, we found a horse that was shot.  Over the course of 2 years for me and quite a few more for Andy, we watched it deteriorate from flesh to bone.  Not a pretty site.  Here it is 9 years later and the bones are still there!

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Reconnecting.

It was so so good to see and reconnect with folks that I haven’t seen in a long time.  And it has been nice to meet people that Andy talked about when he was here and I was home.

On Tuesday, we had dinner with Nora and Dennis who were here for doctor’s appointments in Phoenix.  We last saw them in November in California.  Many years ago, they had a lot here in Casa Grande.  When they gave up their lot, we took it and are still here.

After dinner, we took a walk around to visit folks that we both knew – what a great time.

On Saturday, we went to Sky Dive Arizona (see below for pictures and information).  Along with a few folks from the park (Gerry, John, Pam, Steve, and Amanda), we met up with our friends, Larry and Cheryl.  We met Larry and Cheryl in 2009 in Alaska and have kept in touch every since.  They are now living in Casa Grande and after the event, we went to their new house and got caught up.  Hope to see them again before we leave Casa Grande and head east.

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On Saturday, 11th, there was a tag along to Sky Dive Arizona in Eloy.

Sky Dive Arizona is one of the largest areas in the world where people come to learn how to skydive.  There is also an area for military training.

Spectators are allowed most days from October to March.  Gerry’s one friend, Alice, was jumping that day and she arranged to have her talk with us on skydiving.

https://www.skydiveaz.com/

All I can say is that it was amazing!  There were professional skydivers, amateur skydivers, and tandem skydivers.  There was also military skydivers on the field next to us.

And the parachutes were colorful.

I loved watching them land.  Some came in fast and skidded; some slowly and just walked the field; and still others just rolled.

This was Alice after one of her jumps:

Alice’s husband packing her chute.  He is also a skydiver and the two of them met skydiving in the late 60’s.  Cute story.

Alice explaining how she got into skydiving.  She also explained the packing of the parachute.  There are two chutes.  The main one can be packed by anyone (they pack their own) but the second chute must be packed by a certified person.  If they have not used the second chute in 6 months, it must be recertified before they can jump again.  She did tell us about her husband – a few years ago his first chute failed, then his second chute failed.  He broke quite a few bones.  I cannot even imagine.

A group of 5 practicing maneuvers for their jump:

A group of 8 practicing maneuvers for their jump:

We stayed for both the 5 member group and the 8 member group.  However, we did not see their maneuvers since we did not have super powerful binoculars.  But as they released their chutes, it was like they magically appeared in the sky. They are the dots in the photo.   It was really cool.

After that jump, 7 of us headed over to the Bent Prop Saloon for lunch – it was Yummy!

After lunch Pam, Steve, Andy and I headed over to Sky Venture to watch.  This is a huge wind tunnel that produces wind speeds of up to 160 mph and is used to train skydivers (or for anyone to just try it out!)

We watched this guy do a lot of acrobats and a couple just trying it out.

I would be willing to try this out with a coach.  If I were younger, I might try the tandem skydive but I break bones now…  hmmm.. in my next life..  LOL!

From there we spent the rest of the afternoon with Larry and Cheryl at their new home.  Hope to see them again before we head east.

What a nice day.

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My kitties

This is what happens every morning with Gray:

He has become my Velcro cat.  Bella is just lost.  Dusty and her were a bonded pair and she is really missing him.  She has started to lose her hair on her legs and I am sure losing Dusty might be part of it.  So we are watching her at this point.

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So that is the end of our first week here.  Stay tuned for week 2 and enjoy today!

 

February 27–March 1, 2023 North Ranch and Friends and an OH-OH

This morning we woke to a nice sunny day so we packed up and headed south with me driving.  It was my first time driving on the interstate (I-40) and it went okay.  We made the turn south on US-93 passing some awesome scenery.  The road wasn’t the best of shape and about 40 miles from Wickenburg, we heard a strange sound….OH-OH…..

I pulled over and we looked underneath.. Our one tailpipe bracket broke (the other bracket held) and the tailpipe was dragging.  Plus it got hung up on the drive shaft.  OH. S—T! 

And, of course, we are in the middle of nowhere and no cell service.  Well, off I went in the car and found a place to call.  Told our road service where we were and what happened and that we had no cell service.  Back at the RV, we waited for an hour.  Went back to the cell phone area, no message.  Called again!  Their answer is we are still trying to find someone.  Now back at the RV, we look the situation over and figure if we can cut the other bracket, we might be able to get the tail pipe over the shaft.  So we waited for another hour and did the same routine.. drove car to cell service, no message, called .. they are still trying to find someone…

Back at the RV, Andy and I started to cut the bracket.  In the meantime, I was able to get texts and was texting our friends Geri and John.  They decided to get some tools and head up to us.  (THANK YOU SO SO MUCH!)

After trying, we finally got the bracket off.   Now, we both had to go under the motorhome and lift the pipe up and over the drive shaft.. At this time, I get a phone message that a mechanic is coming to us.  Should be 2-3 hours.  Sheesh!!

Back to the tailpipe, we finally got it! (Thank you, God!).  Just as were putting it in the grass, Geri and John were here – Thank you so much.  John and Andy got the pipe in the motorhome and off we went (hoping that no other damage was done).  Once we got into cell phone range, I cancelled the road service.  We made it safely to Geri and John’s place with no other issues…..

Our tailpipe:

 

We have an appointment in April in Casa Grande to get this fixed.

Miles Traveled (02/27): 120 Miles

Routes Traveled:

Arizona: McDonald Avenue; Detroit Avenue; Andy Devine Blvd; I-40; US-93; AZ-71; AZ-89

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We met Geri and John a few years ago in Quartzsite and traveled and hung out together for quite a few years.  Seeing them in Quartzsite a month ago made me realize how much I missed them so I just had to spend more time with them.  They were gracious enough to let us mooch-dock in their driveway.

I did not take pictures – sorry..  But these are from my earlier blogs..

In 2013, Andy, Diane, Geri, John, Sue, Bruce:

Sadly, we lost Bruce a while ago.  And if you are following the blog, I spent time with Sue in October 2022.

In 2013, Diane, Sue, Geri, Pat:

In 2012, Bruce, Sue, Diane, Andy, John, Geri, Bill, Shelley:

Such good memories!

Over the next few days, we had some meals together and got caught up with each other.  We told stories, laughed and laughed some more and cried too.  What a wonderful time.  It did my heart good to spend time with them and I feel so blessed to know them.

On Tuesday, I went to beading with Geri and saw a number of ladies that I met over the years at beading.  On Wednesday, we went to Delores's and met with others that I have not seen in a long time.   It was so so good to see these ladies that taught me over the years.  And many of them I worked with at a few Bead Weeks.  I really missed them!  What a wonderful group.

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Andy and I are very blessed to meet many of the good folks in our travels.   When I came off the road, I knew I had to.  So part of me put blinders on so I did what I had to do and not miss folks and traveling.   Coming back on the road, I wanted to reconnect with folks who made my heart smile.  And boy, I never realized how much I missed them until we reconnected! We are blessed both on the road and at home.

Thank you to all who make my heart and soul smile!

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Tomorrow we head to Casa Grande so stay tuned, enjoy today, and enjoy those who make your heart and soul smile.

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March 14–20, 2016 Bead Retreat, Friends, and a Little History

The Bead Retreat here at North Ranch was from March 13 thru March 19 and it was WONDERFUL.  Thanks to all who made this happen.

Each year, there is a Bead Week, which consists of classes all day long.  This year it was a little different.  There was a lot of sharing, impromptu classes, one on one teaching, make and take classes.  Many of these ladies I have met over the years and it was great to spend some one on one time and get caught up with each them.  What a blessing!

So what did I learn?  Well..

Peggy D took the time to teach me how to wire wrap a cabochon.  I have tried wire-wrapping in the past and failed miserably.  But this time, I did have some success!  I was able to seat the Cab but still need much practice on what I call Curly Q’s.   Thank you Peggy!

Here is my finished piece:

Judee N. took the time to teach me bead crochet.  That was another one that I had not been able to master.  Well, I still need practice but I finally understand the concept and moves.  So I picked up some beads and that is on my list to do.

I also took a polymer clay “make and take”.  That was a lot of fun – I have wanted to try my hand at that and hopefully get to do more next season.  Thank you Boni and Della.

It was a wonderful week!

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Along with the one on one time with the ladies, Andy and I spent time with Geri and John (Dinner and Happy Hours), Carolyn and Pete (who came here for a few weeks), and Dinner with Lois, Bill, Lois, Dave.   Always good to see old friends and meet new ones.

There were a few spousal activities.  On Wednesday, I took off and went with Andy to the Museum (see below) and on Friday, Andy spent the day with John after the men’s breakfast.

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On Wednesday, Andy and I joined the spousal trip for lunch at Anita’s in Wickenburg and then to a private tour of the Desert Caballeros Western Museum.  We had been to this museum about 5 years ago and did the audio tour so it was really nice to have this private tour by two docents that live in North Ranch.

Our tour started out on the top floor that housed much of the western artwork.  We were told about the history of the art and the meaning of many of the pictures.

One of the pictures was called “Thanks for the Rain” by Joe Beeler who in 1965, along with many other cowboy artists started the Cowboy Artists of America.  His sculpture of that picture is in front of the museum:

We were not able to see all of the upper floor because they were preparing for the Cowgirl Up Exhibit this weekend.

Next we headed downstairs where there is a replica of an old western town complete with a blacksmith shop:

A saloon:

General Store with many supplies:

A chuck wagon:

There was a diorama of the history of the Wickenburg area from the ancient peoples to the present and our docent was wonderful in explaining all that history. 

More information can be found here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wickenburg,_Arizona

http://www.wickenburgchamber.com/about/wickenburg-history/

Here is an interesting Wickenburg Creation:

This statue represents the town jail from 1863 to 1890.  The prisoners were chained to this mesquite tree until they served their sentence.  This mesquite tree is over 200 years old.

Around the down town are 6 large bronze sculptures and 16 linking pieces.  By each of the large sculptures there is an audio narrative about that piece.  This is a “Vaquero” who would provide evening serenades to downtown visitors in the late 1800's and early 1900's.  Isn’t he cute – ?

It was a wonderful tour day and if you are in the area, I highly recommend the museum and a walking tour of the town.

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On Saturday, we did some cleanup and visiting and on Sunday after some final “see you laters”,  we headed west towards the Colorado River.

The desert is getting greener and greener:

Cool advertisement in the middle of nowhere:

I bet this barn could tell stories:

Rocks and more rocks:

Across the river into California:

We are staying at Emerald Cove, one of our membership parks.  I originally wanted to camp in the desert but since it is going to be in the 90’s and I am a wuss, we opted for a place with air conditioning.  Have no idea what is next so stay tuned.

Today’s stats:

Miles Traveled: 121 Miles

Routes Traveled:

Arizona:  SR-89; SR-71; US-60; SR-72; SR-95;

California:  SR-95; SR-62; Parker Dam Road

Enjoy today!

March 7-13, 2016 Our Last Week in Yuma

WOW!  Hard to believe that this season is winding down and we will be heading north east soon. 

This week was also another busy one:

On Monday, we measured our lot, decided what our first steps next season will be, and submitted the schematic to the Lot Development Committee.  We will not be doing anything until we come back down but we wanted to know if we have to change anything before we apply for the permits.

So what are the changes… well, a new, larger shed located closer to the front of the lot.  That way we can develop the back part of the lot into a patio or even a temporary Arizona room.  Stay tuned for the changes.

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Tuesday was spent in Los Algodones, Mexico for Andy’s dental – next step in the implant process.  We arrived at 10:30 and Irene walked us a few blocks to get X-Rays to ensure the bone graft (that he had done in December) was all healed.  Then back to the office.  Dr. Roberto (Dr. Roberto Arce Lopez of the Smille Shoppe) told us to come back in about an hour or so and he would have the results and then we would go from there.

So off we went to have a great chicken lunch (Thanks Larry for the recommendation) and some shopping in the Plazas.  We arrived back at the office around 12:30 and Dr. Roberto told us all was good and his surgery was scheduled for 1:30.  We walked around a little bit then came back and waited.  At 1:30, Irene walked us to the end of the block, we hopped in the Dr.’s Car and off we went a few blocks to the surgery center.  When we got out of the car, we walked down a narrow alleyway to the office (it turned out that this was a shortcut – the office was beautiful).  As we went down that narrow passage, Andy and I looked at each other and thought oh-oh…  Had we not been with Dr. Roberto for the last 7 years, we would have walked the other way.  The reason we went to the center is that Dr. Roberto is getting another certification and Andy’s surgery had to be observed by another doctor.

When it was all over, we went back to the office, finalized his next steps over the next few months, got his prescriptions and away we went  - across the border and home again.  A long day.

As of today, Sunday, Andy is doing well.  Still a little sore and a little swollen but that is to be expected.  In six to eight months, he will receive his permanent tooth – .

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Wednesday I went beading – finally finished one of my bracelets:

Really like the button closure!

Late afternoon, we went to dinner with JoAnn and Judd and had a great time getting caught up.  JoAnn and I met about four years ago in a laundry in Quartzsite, found out we had a lot in common, and remained friends ever since.  It was great to see them again.

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Thursday was hang out day until we went to the Yuma Historic Theatre to hear “Paperback Writer” a great Beatles tribute band.  They played for two hours with a short 10 minute break and had the audience singing along.

Here is their web page:  http://paperbackwritersite.com/

Next season we hope to see more shows here.

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Friday was spent getting the lot/shed ready for shutdown and the motorhome ready to go.  That afternoon, we went to see Sandy and Raul and then to the seafood buffet at the Q.  We had been just missing each other this season so we were glad to reconnect and get caught up.  (They are our son-in-law’s parents.)

And by the way, the seafood buffet was EXCELLENT!

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Saturday was spent doing laundry, cleaning and the final prep to summer-ize the lot.  I did get a chance to get around the park and take some pictures of the beautiful flowers:

The ocotillo is blooming:

The hummingbirds just love sitting in the ocotillo and it drives the kitties crazy:

Our neighbor’s cactus is blooming:

Beautiful flowing tree in boon-docking:

Oh my, the flowers and the brilliant colors:

Speaking of flowers, we can smell the orange blossoms every day from the citrus fields – it is wonderful!

The weather has cooled down a little and it is beautiful.  Even the kitties are being lazy:

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On Friday we (actually me, Diane) decided that since Andy’s swelling was down, we would go to Congress on Sunday for the Bead Retreat.  So I made reservations on Friday for the campground (still figuring that if his swelling was up we would cancel and go back to the doctor).

Well, Sunday, he was still good – there was only swelling around his gum/cheek area which was to be expected. So we finished shutting down and away we went.

Check out these citrus groves – we found out that after the fruit is picked, the cutter comes in and trims them – almost looks like my bushes at home:

We traveled up US-95 past the Big Guns (which is near the entrance to the Yuma Proving Grounds):

The desert has really greened:

For my friends that go to Quartzite in January – this is Kuehn Street today – very empty.  For my friends that do not go to Quartzsite, in January this is bumper to bumper traffic along with lots of folks on foot!

We continued east on I-10 – check out the flowers:

Then on US-60 thru Hope:

How cute:

Our journey continued:

Past a pecan farm:

Oh my.. a dust devil (tornado):

Coming into Wickenburg:

Heading to North Ranch, an Escapee Park, we saw this in the new traffic circle.  In 2008, there was a golfing community starting here but it did not happen.  Now the building of the new community is going strong:

We arrived, set up (our spot is next to Della and Bob – ), and I went to the Activity Center to register. I surprised our friends Geri and John – SO GREAT to see them.  It was SO GREAT to see the ladies that I have not seen in quite a few years also.  Can’t wait to spend more time this week with them.

After dinner, we visited with Geri and John and got caught up with each other in their new home.  WONDERFUL VISIT.

Today’s stats:

Miles Traveled: 186 Miles

Routes Traveled:

Arizona: East County 17th Street; Avenue 4E; East County 14th Street; US-195; Frontage Road; Fortuna Road; US-95; Kuehn Street; Riggles Avenue; I-10; US-60; Vulture Mine Road; US-93; SR-89

We will be here for a week so stay tuned and enjoy today!