Wednesday, December 30/09

Looks like it is going to be another nice day in the neighborhood. Will definitely have to get out for my walk today - after I solve the latest murder in my book!! This reading is tough work!! The sun has just come over the hill so the bus is filled with gentle rays of light - and the day begins. Went for a short ride today - the trails seem to go on forever. John took me to the abandoned mine site where Hogan darn near met his waterloo by almost sliding into the mine shaft. John managed to grab him just in time or he would have been about 60 feet below ground. Gosh if it isn't kids you have to worry about, it is dogs!! I don't know why these areas aren't either fenced off or filled back in. A child could just as easily fall into these holes. Anyway, Hogan was saved and all is well.

A stray dog came into camp today - looking pretty darn skinny and thirsty. At first I thought he was from a neighboring campsite and couldn't understand why people can't treat their dogs properly but, he hung around, making no effort to leave. Of course I had to feed it and make sure he had water to drink - man is he skinny!! Maybe he is a stray and maybe someone dumped him off on the highway near here - who knows. John was not impressed that I had fed and watered it because "now the damn thing won't leave". Of course John knew he was fighting a battle he couldn't win and deep down he will not allow a dog in need to suffer. He did however try to chase the dog away several times throughout the day. Once he realized that the damn dog was not leaving he did remind me to feed the dog before we came in from around the fire that night!!! We could always take him into the Humane Society if he was still here in the morning.

Tuesday, December 29/09

Another cloudy day today - there always seems to be wind. No rain yesterday so maybe today is the day --- it could happen!! Hogan is anxious to get outside. There is a little chipmunk out there that has been bugging him so I guess I should let him out so that he can have a little fun!!

Lots of traffic along the trail today - both quads and vehicles. Maybe Hogan and I will go for one of our infamous walks today.

John and Hogan went for the walk today, I stayed here and did some cleaning!! Yeah!! It was time to do the dusting and haul out the vacuum. At least there is only 40 feet to worry about!!

Took time out of my busy schedule to do some reading and actually started on organizing my recipe file. It is quite a mess!!

Canadians are playing hockey tonight so I must save some energy if I am going to be helping them skate up and down the ice and score a few goals!!

Another quiet day spent - I really could get used to this!!

Monday, December 28/09

A bit cloudy today when Hogan and I woke up. Looks like it could rain although the forecast didn't mention anything about it. Oh well, the desert can always use a bit more of the wet stuff.

Must really head into town today and pick up some milk and bread but will have coffee and read a few chapters in my book and catch up on the blog first.

Back from town so now must put what I bought away then, it must be time for a coffee break!! Still a bit cloudy out and there is a bit of a breeze, making it too chilly to read outside. I can hear that the junior hockey game has started so should go and watch that.

Corned Beef and cabbage for supper (turkey is just about gone) then, time for a movie.

Sunday, December 27/09

The day after, the day after - time to get on with life - enough of this Christmas stuff!!! Might even take the tree down today - will leave the outside lights on though. I usually light them up for New Year's Eve so, why change now?

I had to sit this AM and catch up on the blog because I had slacked off on it the last couple of days. John even had the pictures downloaded before me!!

That being done, I took some time out of my busy schedule to read a few chapters in my book. The hummingbird is back so I even have some entertainment - provided by Mother Nature. Hogan and I didn't go for our walk yesterday so there was no getting out of it today. We will stick to the main trail and head down to the 2 mile marker. That will be a good little jaunt for both of us. There have been a few new campers move in and alot of vehicle traffic today so really must go and check out the neighborhood!! Off we go, stopping to chat to a few folks along the way and finally reaching the coveted 2 mile marker. Now, time to head all the way back!! Hogan, I am sure travels at least an extra 1/2 mile with all the zigzagging he does!! Occasionally, there is a rabbit he has to chase and I don't have the heart to tell him he will never catch the silly thing. I only hope he doesn't step on a cactus when he is in "pursuit" mode!! Those little Teddy Bear Chollas love to grab on to you. John made a good suggestion the other day - said I should carry a small pair of pliers with me when Hogan and I go exploring just in case I have to pull some thorns out of his paws. Good idea!!

On the way home I chatted to a fellow who has driven passed the motorhome several times in his older model two toned Ford truck. His name is Truman and he is an old prospector!! He had a full faced white beard and looked like your typical Gabby Hayes prospector type guy!! He has been prospecting for years and has a mining claim further up the road where he mines and prospects for gold and other minerals. He was a very interesting fellow and explained all sorts of things to me. When I mentioned that I had never seen raw gold and probably wouldn't know what I was looking at even if I did, he pulled out a small square container and proceeded to show me some of the gold that he had mined from his claim. When he said I would most definitely recognize it he was quite right. There it was, resting beautifully in the palm of my hand, sparkling as gold as gold could be. WOW!! Truman said "it's the same color as the rings on your fingers" and he was most definitely right. Because we had seen several mining claim signs on our travels in this area he explained the different types of claims. There are basically two types of mining claims and Truman has a Lode Claim which means that he can actually dig into the mountain to obtain the gold or what ever mineral he is after. In a Placer Claim, you cannot actually dig into the mountain - this is where panning for gold comes in, I do believe. Anyway, it was quite interesting talking to Truman and meeting his dog who, by the way, had two different colored eyes.

Hogan and I eventually made it home and after a short rest and coffee break with John in the sunshine (might just as well enhance the suntan!) decided to take down the Christmas tree and get things back to normal in the bus. That being done, it was time for supper - TURKEY again!!

Saturday, December 26/09

Boxing Day - another day of rest!! Life is tough!! Since I had cooked a turkey yesterday there is no reason for me to cook so I can just chill all day. Read my emails, drank coffee and even took the day off from walking!! How lazy is that??

Junior Hockey starts today so must save my energy. John eventually awake so had to have even more coffee!!

Spent the rest of the day watching hockey and even managed to squeeze in a "feel good, happily ever after" movie. Had a long chat with Ariane on Skype and it was good to hear from her too!! She has a new computer so now she has a camera and I can see her when we talk - I love this skype thing!! Technology at it's finest.

Friday, December 25/09 Christmas Day

Merry Christmas everyone!! Hogan and I up early again and to my surprise Santa had come to Arizona!! How did he know where to find me!! The first thing I do every morning is open the computer and check the emails (my sister Jan sends me emails darn near every day). Today is no different but, when I hit the first key, what do my wondering eyes see??? - why it is Santa and his reindeer serenading me with "I'm Dreaming Of A White Christmas"!! It was marvelous, I loved it!! Santa left me this incredibly beautiful Navajo printed plush blanket - reversible, no less. What a surprise!!

The sun was up and shining and Hogan and I went for our walk - just a short one today. Imagine walking down a sandy trail, looking at the desert on Christmas day!! When we got back to camp John was sitting in the sunshine having coffee and watching the hummingbirds at the feeder. I managed to get a few pics of them.

Soon, it was time to start the turkey and prepare for Christmas Supper. While I was doing that, John took a few pics of the day, - Hogan waiting patiently in his chair, the supper table and of course the little green clay Christmas Tree that Casey made us when he was in grade one, The fireplace in the bus capturing the little church that has been in John's life since he was a young boy on the farm and, finally, the little tree we have sitting on the dash of the motorhome.

Supper was good and finally the dishes were done so that we could relax and simply enjoy the moment. John and I have so much to be thankful for and are blessed with an awesome family and wonderful friends. What more could we ask for??

Thursday, December 24/09

Today Hogan and I went for a long walk. We have both been trying to "get into shape"!! We headed up the trail and after about an hour, were fairly far back into the desert. You know how you just want to see what is over that next rise or what is around that next curve?? I was thinking about heading back when I heard voices. Along come three Caballeros - all between the ages of 65 - 70 years of age riding their horses. Hogan didn't seem to mind the horses and the cowboys told me that yes, the trail I was on eventually hooked up to the main trail but not for several miles so of course Hogan and I decided to turn around and make our way back to the bus the same way we had come. What incredible scenery we walked through. The Saguaro Cactus surrounded us and I couldn't help but marvel at the incredible luck that John and I have to be able to experience this landscape and all it entails. Finally, back at the bus and John is making the little truck ready for a road trip. We have been idle too long - time to do a trail and I knew exactly where I wanted to go!! Lets see what was around that curve!!!

We headed out and spent the day touring the miles and miles of trails that surround, intersect and climb over and weave their way around and between the various mountain ranges in this area of the Sonoran Desert. Once again, we are greeted by incredible scenery and again we can't believe that we are here, Christmas Eve Day (no snow or cold weather) in Arizona. The only thing that would make this better would be to experience this with our friends and family.

I couldn't stop taking pictures of the cactus and there were so many different shapes and sizes - so many of them being older that 150 years old. We travelled through several washes and past the various "unfriendly" trees and shrubs and let me tell you, MOST are unfriendly - equipped with very sharp and scary looking thorns and spines. As you can see from the pictures, these cactus have no problem sticking into the tires of the truck or the sides of your shoes. We needed the pliers to remove them!! Shortly after we got the thorns out of my shoe, we had to get thorns out of Hogans back foot. He had several imbedded into his foot when he was not watching where he was walking. He stood very calmly while John pulled all the thorns out with the pliers and I was quite pleased that only a few had caused any bleeding. All in all, Hogan has done pretty good in staying away for the thorns.

We passed several of the yellow signs you see in the one picture. These are posted Mining claims which make it illegal for anyone to do any sort of exploring for metal (ie gold, silver etc.) and illegal to remove any rocks from these areas as well. These claims where held by the Vulture Mining Company. There apparently is still, plenty of gold in these here hills!!

We eventually made it back to the motorhome (after a few dead end trails) as it was time to start a campfire and Skype Jan and Ron as they were having their annual Christmas get together and we of course were invited although it would be long distance!! With the campfire roaring, John and I spent about two hours with the family and that was great. Casey, our youngest son was there and it was great to see him and hear his voice - I really miss him. I had spoken to our oldest son Jace earlier in the day and he and his girlfriend were headed out to spent the festive season with her parents. It was great to finally get to speak with Jace as well. Once all the visiting was done, John got out the bbq and cooked the most awesome steaks. All we had to do now was go to bed and wait for Santa!! Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

Wednesday, December 23/09

Up early, coffee on and a quick email off to my sister Jan then, had to finish my book - get this murder solved - will probably have to duck a few bullets so it is a good thing that John is not out of bed yet. Must head into town again today to get the final stuff I need for Xmas dinner - like the turkey!!

Tuesday, December 22/09

Laundry day today - Yeah!! Must fortify with coffee and get my arse into gear. Sorted clothes and about 10 loads should do the trick. Hogan is ready so, with my coffee and the current murder mystery in hand, off we go. I might as well be solving a murder while I am doing laundry!! All went smoothly and I was home about 2 1/2 hours later with bags of clean clothes and someone I can give all my read novels to. The lady that works at the Wash Tub here in Wickenburg is an avid reader so will gladly take the books off my hands!! Now John will be real pleased that I have reduced the overall weight of the motorhome!! Once back at the bus and the laundry put away the Yahtzee came out and I managed to win one game out of the three we played. Switched to Spite and Malice and lost that one too. Had a quick supper and John actually watched a girly Christmas movie with me!! Ended the evening watching the movie Defiance. A true story of survival of a group of Jewish people in the forest during WWII trying to evade the Germans. It was a great story and I would recommend it to anyone who likes action movies.

Monday December 21/09

Today is the first day of winter in case you folks back in the snow drifts forgot!! At least the cold snap is over and now the days are getting longer. Not to make you feel to bad, it is supposed to rain a bit today. I really should go do laundry one of these days before Christmas.

Went into town (no laundry with me), stopped at the dept store and picked up a Christmas wreath for the outside of the bus. I really need more decorations and I can already here John asking me where we are going to store it!! Maybe he won't notice it and will think I brought it with me!! I seriously considered getting more LED light strings for the poky tree but didn't feel like fighting with the spikes so, I SAVED John some money!! I stopped and picked up a few groceries and of course the dog needed food as well. Saw 24 beer (Coors light bottles) advertised for $13.99 so felt compelled to buy it too, quickly paid for it and wanted to rush out of the store screaming "start the truck, start the truck"!! I am sure that John and I are going to feel as guilty as hell drinking it!! All in all, another quiet day.

Sunday, December 20/09

Last night's light display was awesome. The Xmas lights on the poky tree were great although it could stand a few more strings but, I am wondering if I really need to brave all those sharp spikes again. I'll think about that one!! The solar lights were great as well and the campfire was even better. We had a few folks driving by and I am sure they were a little surprised to see our Christmas display.

Hogan and I off again for our walk. We stopped and spoke to the "neighbors" just down the trail and they appreciated our lights - so that was nice to hear. They were from Wisconsin and have been coming here for about 10 years now.

Quiet day today, have to get ready for the Survivor finale - what an exciting life we lead!! Also it is Sunday Football. Will get back to solving my murder mystery!!

Saturday, December 19/09

Woke up this morning to the Christmas tree lying horizontal across the dash of the bus. Pretty sad site if I do say so myself. Must get some caffeine into the system and then tackle this situation. First things first though - had to read a few chapters in my latest novel!! And you people think I'm down here relaxing when in reality I am solving a very complex murder!!

Time to concentrate on the tree and in no time at all it was standing perpendicular and decorated. Thank heavens for tree skirts because no one can see the was it is being held up and I'm sure that God's Hand is involved!! It looks nice and looks much better on the dash as opposed to the kitchen table.

The sun is shining brightly so it is time to add a little more tanning to the schedule but first Hogan and I have to go for our little walk and by the time we get back John should be ready to sit and tan with us.

I can't wait till the sun goes down and we get to see the solar lights all lit from all the sunshine they have been storing. It will be lovely. Might even have a fire tonight.

Friday, December 18/09

Today is Christmas decorating day. Time to make the bus look a little more festive. The sun is shining like crazy again today so had to sit outside while we had our coffee and formulated a plan of action. We decided that one of the bushes outside needed to be decorated so I got out the strings of lights, donned the gloves (all these bushes are armed with thorns and spikes) and started stringing the lights. I was quite pleased with myself as I completed the task with only a few pokes and scratches. John, in the mean time was hooking up the inverter in the little truck so we could run the LED lights off the truck battery then we wouldn't have to have the generator running. That being done, he put down the awning and hung the icicle lights along the edge. While John was doing that I tackled the Christmas tree inside. We had planned to put it on the kitchen table over the Christmas season but I couldn't see it from where I usually sit so decided to set it up in the dash. It sat there pretty good although I couldn't use the proper stand for it because it made the tree too tall so came up with a solution that worked well. I decorated the tree in all it's glory, went to plug it in and the bloody thing fell over, spewing Christmas balls all over the motorhome. YEAH!!! I guess my solution didn't work that well!! I left it lying on the dash - I'll deal with it tomorrow!!

We sat outside around the campfire, turned the lights on and enjoyed the view. It was lovely and brings a little Christmas to our little corner of the Sonoran Desert.