It was windy all night and this morning, it remains the same. There are several little solar lights off the tree lying on the ground so I will have to go deal with those soon. This wind, which is kicking up all sorts of dust is rocking the bus!! It reminds me of the blizzard type wind except this is sand and dirt that it is blowing around and not snow.
I need to go into town sometime today as we are in need of a few groceries and being Monday, I will stop at Alco and pick up that 4 in 1 bakeware that Erin wants and hopefully I will get the senior's discount today. It often depends on the cashier and whether or not she thinks you look old enough to qualify. I will go in there today looking "old"!!
Ha - seniors discount on the bill and I chuckled all the way to the jeep!! I love this town, even if they think I am older than I actually am!!
It was quite windy driving into town and it was still windy driving back to the bus. Once I got there, I noticed that there was only one chair still standing upright. When I asked John about it, he said that there had been one hell of a wind go through camp throwing stuff all over. It must have been a good one cause I am sure that is what it would take to topple those big zero gravity lounge chairs over.
I bought the makings for pizza buns and got that started while John played Jace another game of Zynga. When I was done, we played a game of yahtzee then it was time for the news, eat supper and watch The Voice on TV. I know, we live such as exciting life!!
Eventually, I took my book to bed and the wind continued to blow and rock me to sleep!! I guess John did a good job at securing those solar panels as they road out the wind without any problems - Now THAT is a very good thing!!
The rain started about midnight and continued intermittently throughout the night. Gee I wonder what tomorrow's weather will bring?
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Sunday, February 26/2012
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| Horned Toad on John's shoulder!! |
Unfortunately, Hogan will have to stay here today so I will leave the keys to the bus in our usual place so that Charlotte and Keith can let him out off and on today. The poor little pup has a sore in his mouth that I think is perhaps an abscessed tooth so I now have him on some antibiotics to see is that helps. I will have to keep an eye on it and maybe Hogan just may be taking a trip to the vet for an dental extraction.
With both John and I showered and stinking "pretty" we headed into town to get Ray's sister and brother in law moved into their new house. As it turned out, there was not much left to move so we were pretty much done in about 2 hours. We all had to check out their new home (which is lovely by the way) and while sitting in their back yard had to voice our opinion as to where the pool should go!! The site still remains "up for debate".
We then stopped at Mitch's home (which is in the same trailer park) for a few refreshments and while there everyone of us had to have our blood pressure checked on Mitch's fancy machine. Of course everyone but Kay and Marybeth had elevated reading - ME included!!! What is with that!!
We then headed down to the back of the park where Ray and Kay's home is with ours sitting right beside it so that I could look for the javelina and check out all the birds. Ray was telling me that they now have a little horned toad scurrying around and he no sooner said the words than out he came to check out all the noise. Kay caught him and sat him on John's shoulder where he seemed more than content to stay. Of course I had to take a few pics!!
Keith and Charlotte stopped by as they had just finished a walk at the Hassayampa River Preserve. They had done some bird watching.
We had ordered some KFC (they have delivery!!) so they stayed for supper and left about an hour or so later. John and I got back to the bus around 8:30 or so - much to Hogan's delight. We watched a bit of TV before it was time for me to head to bed to read and John spent the wee hours of the morning on the computer playing Zynga with Jace. I think Jace now has him hooked on this game!!
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Saturday, February 25/2012
It looks like there is going to be sunshine again today. I was up early and Hogan has done all his necessary perimeter checks. I wonder if he will miss the freedom he now enjoys here in the desert once we get into town. Although the yard is big, it certainly is much smaller that what he is used to. He will still have plenty of things to chase as the yard has access to a huge open area where the javelina, rabbits and birds abound. It is acres of unimproved private property and apparently the owner lives in California somewhere so, when he feels he has to get out and run, he can.
The one thing that Hogan will have to adjust to is Ray and Kay's two cats - Maudy and Turbo. Now Maudy (aka Bee-atch) already hates him and thinks that not only Hogan but everyone around her is sooo very "beneath " her. She is a regal queen and the rest of the world can just "kiss her ass". Turbo, on the other hand, really has no fear of dogs and will eventually get to be friends with Hogan I am sure. Right now, they are both very wary of each other. Hell, Hogan has never really had anything to do with cats and we all know what a trembling little chicken he is!! He too, is in for some adventure!!
John spent the day playing scrabble with Jace and Kimmy again. What a nice distraction for him!! I was able to catch some sun until it got too hot for me then had to seek out the shade of the palo verde tree to finish my reading.
We received a few texts from Kay saying the yard at the trailer was now finally clean so that is a very good thing. Now we can go in and start with much needed renos. Those two were relaxing as well today and saving the energy we will need to help Ray's sister move tomorrow. She bought a home here in Wickenburg and needs help with the move.
Keith and Charlotte wandered over for happy hour and John started a fire. There is a bit of wood here that should be used up before we make the move into town. Unfortunately, John threw on a piece that had something hateful like maybe creosote in it and stunk up the place for a while. Thanks for the carcinogenic fumes John!! Of course we all gave him the gears about it but I don't think he really cared!!
Of course being Saturday, it was baked potato and steak for supper and once again, the chef out did himself with the steak which was both tender and juicy. Mmmmm.
TV, reading and then sweet sleep - We will need energy for tomorrow when we help with that move so it is lights out for us.
The one thing that Hogan will have to adjust to is Ray and Kay's two cats - Maudy and Turbo. Now Maudy (aka Bee-atch) already hates him and thinks that not only Hogan but everyone around her is sooo very "beneath " her. She is a regal queen and the rest of the world can just "kiss her ass". Turbo, on the other hand, really has no fear of dogs and will eventually get to be friends with Hogan I am sure. Right now, they are both very wary of each other. Hell, Hogan has never really had anything to do with cats and we all know what a trembling little chicken he is!! He too, is in for some adventure!!
John spent the day playing scrabble with Jace and Kimmy again. What a nice distraction for him!! I was able to catch some sun until it got too hot for me then had to seek out the shade of the palo verde tree to finish my reading.
We received a few texts from Kay saying the yard at the trailer was now finally clean so that is a very good thing. Now we can go in and start with much needed renos. Those two were relaxing as well today and saving the energy we will need to help Ray's sister move tomorrow. She bought a home here in Wickenburg and needs help with the move.
Keith and Charlotte wandered over for happy hour and John started a fire. There is a bit of wood here that should be used up before we make the move into town. Unfortunately, John threw on a piece that had something hateful like maybe creosote in it and stunk up the place for a while. Thanks for the carcinogenic fumes John!! Of course we all gave him the gears about it but I don't think he really cared!!
Of course being Saturday, it was baked potato and steak for supper and once again, the chef out did himself with the steak which was both tender and juicy. Mmmmm.
TV, reading and then sweet sleep - We will need energy for tomorrow when we help with that move so it is lights out for us.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Friday, February 24/2012
Hogan and I are up early and of course the birds are out of seed in the feeder so that was my first job of the day. Gosh, it isn't even 8:00 a.m. and already I am working!!
It was hot all day with the sun shining brightly and although I love the sun - well - so do the rattlesnakes so now it is imperative that we all start watching where we walk. I drove into town today to see about getting the power hooked up in our name at the trailer then stopped at the Neon Sign Shop where I had to pick up a "Five O'clock Somewhere" sign for the man cave. We have already bought three signs from the guy and since I wanted this one, he agreed to give me a smaller sign for free - hell ya!! Unfortunately, he forgot to bring me my free sign so promised to have it here next week.
We will be leaving the desert here and moving to the new digs where we can start the much needed renovations on the mobile home we purchased. I am so excited I can hardly wait. It will certainly be a surprise for our boys when they finally read the blog and see what new adventures John and I are involved in now!! Once the renos are done, we will have a second bedroom for any visitors that may travel our way. Nice!!
John BBQ pork chops for supper and they were deliciously moist and tender. Man, that guy can cook. Too bad he has a aversion for the stove in the kitchen - What is with that!! He tells me he is the "outside" cook. I should not complain because we really do enjoy a lot of BBQ food.
John spent the evening in a heated battle of scrabble. One with Jace and one with Kimmy in which he got his arse kicked rather soundly in both games!! It did not sit very well with him so now the game is on!! If this goes on for any length of time, I may have to invest in a scrabble dictionary because some of the words this game allows on the computer, I have never seen before. Who thought "QI" was a word!!
I finished reading my book while John played scrabble then it was lights out and time for the ever important, much needed, beauty rest.
It was hot all day with the sun shining brightly and although I love the sun - well - so do the rattlesnakes so now it is imperative that we all start watching where we walk. I drove into town today to see about getting the power hooked up in our name at the trailer then stopped at the Neon Sign Shop where I had to pick up a "Five O'clock Somewhere" sign for the man cave. We have already bought three signs from the guy and since I wanted this one, he agreed to give me a smaller sign for free - hell ya!! Unfortunately, he forgot to bring me my free sign so promised to have it here next week.
We will be leaving the desert here and moving to the new digs where we can start the much needed renovations on the mobile home we purchased. I am so excited I can hardly wait. It will certainly be a surprise for our boys when they finally read the blog and see what new adventures John and I are involved in now!! Once the renos are done, we will have a second bedroom for any visitors that may travel our way. Nice!!
John BBQ pork chops for supper and they were deliciously moist and tender. Man, that guy can cook. Too bad he has a aversion for the stove in the kitchen - What is with that!! He tells me he is the "outside" cook. I should not complain because we really do enjoy a lot of BBQ food.
John spent the evening in a heated battle of scrabble. One with Jace and one with Kimmy in which he got his arse kicked rather soundly in both games!! It did not sit very well with him so now the game is on!! If this goes on for any length of time, I may have to invest in a scrabble dictionary because some of the words this game allows on the computer, I have never seen before. Who thought "QI" was a word!!
I finished reading my book while John played scrabble then it was lights out and time for the ever important, much needed, beauty rest.
Thursday, February 23/2012
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| Our back yard |
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| Beautiful - Thanks Kay! |
I spoke with my sister Jan yesterday and she tells me that it has been nice at home for a few weeks now and there is not very much snow on the ground any longer. Both her grandsons were out playing yesterday and she says that they are outside almost everyday now. They must have awesome little rosy cheeks by the time they get back inside.
John and I will be home in 8 weeks so hopefully it will be warm and sunny. Then I can start to think about planting the garden!! Woo Hoo!!
I actually made it into town today with the laundry although I truly did try to talk myself out of the experience!! While in the laundromat, I saw Kiki and Harvey - they are from Washington state and had plans to head back to their home last week however, poor weather there has kept them here in Wickenburg so we will have one more shuffleboard tournament with them tonight. Kiki is such a hoot while Harvey is a bit more reserved.... until the refreshments kick in!!
Being the designated driver again tonight (my choice this time as I had a few too many last night and just can't see myself indulging tonight) we headed into town, parked at Ray and Kay's then piled into their car for the ride to the Bar 7. The jeep just does not handle 5 people all that well so we got smart and took the car.
Shuffleboard was a cut throat game tonight with pride and $30.00 on the line!! Being Kiki and Harvey's last night, and with her on the winning team, all she wanted was for everyone just to keep liking her and not run her out of town with gunfire!! I think I laughed from the time the tournament started till it was finished two hours later!! One of the best things we ever did was get involved with this group of fun loving people. I so look forward to these Thursday night showdowns!!
With all the non sober folks loaded into the car, I drove back to Ray and Kay's and, I must say that I had lots advise as to how to drive, when to signal, when to start applying the brakes, etc. etc. etc. and despite all this advise, made it back safe and sound!!
Of course we had to stay for a few more refreshments as we all know that no one had actually had enough so I opened a bottle of water and enjoyed the entertainment. Kay started a fire in their chiminea and it wasn't long before the chill was chased away and everyone was comfortable and chatting about all things of great importance!! I so enjoy sitting around with Ray and Kay. They truly are marvellous, caring people and I think that we will have lots of fun and good times in the future.
Ray deep fried some of the rattlesnake from a few days ago and I must say, it was not unpleasant although there was very little flavour. It is one of those meats that tend to take on the flavour of the spices that are used while cooking it. It is the texture that is rather unique - kind of like calamari.
Kay had purchased a unique "medicine bag" at Gold Rush Days last weekend and gave it to John and I as a gift tonight. It is beautifully painted with an eagle's head on it and made out of the softest hide I have ever felt. It is absolutely beautiful and I felt honoured to receive such a personal gift from her. Kay's roots are Navajo and since I love native art and know how meaningful a medicine bag is to the native culture, I was incredibly moved by this gift. Inside this bag, I told Kay that I would put part of the geode that Ray split in half for me. Inside the geode, were some wonderful crystals. It seemed only fitting that this should be what goes inside my medicine bag.
Finally, back at the bus and into bed. John of course has to catch up on the news on TV (although I am not sure if he will remember it in the morning!!) and I had to read a few chapters of my latest book.
All in all, it was another great day with fun being had by all.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Wednesday, February 22/2012
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| Our new digs |
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| We are now Ray and Kays neighbours, Look out!! |
The sun is shining and it will be yet another good day to sit and relax and just enjoy!! Oh yes, life is rough here in the Sonoran Desert. Hogan is already outside doing the perimeter checks just to make sure that everything is in its proper place. No Body Moves and No Body Gets Hurt!!
I really should go into town and do some laundry but may just leave it for tomorrow. Decisions, decisions!!
Well, after much debate and discussion, we have finally decided to purchase a mobile home here in Wickenburg. It is a two bedroom home and sits on a rather large yard. It is in need of some inside renovations and hopefully we will be able to get a lot of it done before we head back home. We have several volunteers to help us with the renos and yesterday Keith even offered his services. He tells us he has a strong back so we will have to put it to the test!! There is a rather large hateful looking shed in the yard that has to go so that is going to be one of the first projects.
The trailer housed 3 cats and 4 dogs so need I say more about the condition of the inside of the trailer!! Needless to say, the carpets will be ripped out and hopefully replaced with ceramic tile. There is a bit of work ahead of us but for the price we paid for it, we can afford to spend a bit on it. More adventures are yet to come I am sure!!
Keith went in and got water for their trailer then came over here with the rest of the barrel, so we pumped that in. We could probably still use a full barrel so Keith said he would go in either tomorrow or the next day to get more for us.
John and I took the jeep down to visit with Trueman for a while tonight. We have not seen him for a few weeks so thought it was time for a visit. We chatted with him until the sun went down and there was a chill in the air so, headed back to the bus and sat around the "campfire in a can" until it was time for supper.
TV and bed soon followed. I should really do the laundry tomorrow......
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Tuesday, February 21/2012
The sun is shining and the birds are singing. This must be an indication of the wonderful day that is offered up to us for our enjoyment.
It should be a bit quieter in this area today as the long President's Day weekend is now officially over and many of the weekend campers are gone. Quiet has once again enfolded our piece of this wonderful desert... well, except for the wonderful sounds of nature.
I headed into town today to get some much needed groceries. Once back at the bus, John and I headed back into town to visit with Ray and Kay for a while. We took Hogan with us (for which I am sure he was grateful) since he was not with us the last few times we visited.
John and I had stopped at QuikPrint and pickup up one of those pocket versions of Arizona Birds for them so that they could try to identify some of the many species they have at their home.
We sat around for a few hours enjoying refreshments while I (once again, the designated driver) sipped on bottled water!! Somehow this is just too unfair!!
Ray and Kay found a rather sedate rattlesnake in their wood pile today and were able to chop its head off before it became too aware of the danger. They then skinned it, cleaned it up and put it in a pot of water to simmer for a few hours. Once that was done, I helped Kay clean the bones away and we ended up with a fair amount of meat. Ray is going to decide how he is going to prepare it for an appetizer before we head to the shuffleboard tournament on Thursday.
We were home around eight and once there, I made the most delicious homemade pizza ever!! It was TV, chatting to our youngest son through text messaging then, off to bed. John really needs his beauty rest!!
It should be a bit quieter in this area today as the long President's Day weekend is now officially over and many of the weekend campers are gone. Quiet has once again enfolded our piece of this wonderful desert... well, except for the wonderful sounds of nature.
I headed into town today to get some much needed groceries. Once back at the bus, John and I headed back into town to visit with Ray and Kay for a while. We took Hogan with us (for which I am sure he was grateful) since he was not with us the last few times we visited.
John and I had stopped at QuikPrint and pickup up one of those pocket versions of Arizona Birds for them so that they could try to identify some of the many species they have at their home.
We sat around for a few hours enjoying refreshments while I (once again, the designated driver) sipped on bottled water!! Somehow this is just too unfair!!
Ray and Kay found a rather sedate rattlesnake in their wood pile today and were able to chop its head off before it became too aware of the danger. They then skinned it, cleaned it up and put it in a pot of water to simmer for a few hours. Once that was done, I helped Kay clean the bones away and we ended up with a fair amount of meat. Ray is going to decide how he is going to prepare it for an appetizer before we head to the shuffleboard tournament on Thursday.
We were home around eight and once there, I made the most delicious homemade pizza ever!! It was TV, chatting to our youngest son through text messaging then, off to bed. John really needs his beauty rest!!
Monday, February 20/2012
Once again, I am up early - before the sun has risen and it is chilly in the bus so decided to lay in bed until the sun was shining through the big windows. I eventually got up around 8 to the chirping birds and cooing doves.
I got the coffee on then caught up on this blog and checked in with the kids on Facebook. It was then time to finally drink that coffee and settle down to my book. Life is good!!
Ray said something yesterday about maybe a quad ride today, so will wait for his text. Ray's brother is heading home (he stays down here for winter) and this will be his last ride.
As it turned out, it was another quiet, stay at home day and that is a good thing. The recent hustle and bustle of the last few days can certainly take a toll on what is normally a rather sedentary lifestyle!!
I enjoyed the sunshine while reading my book then Keith came down for a bit of a visit and it was nice chatting with him and catching up on his and Charlotte's gossip.
Once again, I got my arse kicked in yahtzee (no surprise there) then cooked supper, watched some TV then headed to bed for some much needed beauty rest.
I got the coffee on then caught up on this blog and checked in with the kids on Facebook. It was then time to finally drink that coffee and settle down to my book. Life is good!!
Ray said something yesterday about maybe a quad ride today, so will wait for his text. Ray's brother is heading home (he stays down here for winter) and this will be his last ride.
As it turned out, it was another quiet, stay at home day and that is a good thing. The recent hustle and bustle of the last few days can certainly take a toll on what is normally a rather sedentary lifestyle!!
I enjoyed the sunshine while reading my book then Keith came down for a bit of a visit and it was nice chatting with him and catching up on his and Charlotte's gossip.
Once again, I got my arse kicked in yahtzee (no surprise there) then cooked supper, watched some TV then headed to bed for some much needed beauty rest.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Sunday, February 19/2012
I was up by 8:00 a.m. and feeling only a bit "out of sorts" and was truly glad that I had gone to bed early and actually re-evaluated my role as designated driver ..... it is easier on the system!! I was the first up and so decided to go for a bit of a walk out into the acreage behind Ray and Kay's.
It was rather interesting with all the different birds. It is funny how the variety changes simply by a few miles. I have yet to see cardinals out in the desert and there has been virtually no quail where we are but here, there are plenty of both. I hooked up to an animal trail, which I assume is used by the numerous javelina and walked until I came to the remnants of a house that looks like it was started, then abandoned. Walking back, I saw a cute little rabbit and couldn't help but notice the happy singing of the birds. There are all sorts of sounds here in the desert if one just takes the time to listen.
Ray was up by the time I got back. He already had the coffee ready (for which I was quite grateful) then went out to feed his birds. We then sat back and enjoyed the entertainment provided by his fine feathered friends. Today, he had a Western Scrub Jay join the flock. Apparently he has been around before and enjoys the dog food that Ray puts out for the javelina.
Eventually John got up looking a bit ragged around the edges. After a cup of coffee, we headed back to the bus - Kay was still in bed enjoying a rare sleep in!!
Back at the bus, we had a quick chat with Keith (who had been looking after Hogan) then, John headed back to bed "for a rest" and I sat in the chair reading for the rest of the day. It was quiet and relaxing.
Because we missed our usual baked potato and bbq steak last night, that is what was on tonight's menu.
The rest of the evening was spent quietly watching TV and eventually heading to bed for some more sleep. Gosh, this partying for a living is awful hard on the system!!
It was rather interesting with all the different birds. It is funny how the variety changes simply by a few miles. I have yet to see cardinals out in the desert and there has been virtually no quail where we are but here, there are plenty of both. I hooked up to an animal trail, which I assume is used by the numerous javelina and walked until I came to the remnants of a house that looks like it was started, then abandoned. Walking back, I saw a cute little rabbit and couldn't help but notice the happy singing of the birds. There are all sorts of sounds here in the desert if one just takes the time to listen.
Ray was up by the time I got back. He already had the coffee ready (for which I was quite grateful) then went out to feed his birds. We then sat back and enjoyed the entertainment provided by his fine feathered friends. Today, he had a Western Scrub Jay join the flock. Apparently he has been around before and enjoys the dog food that Ray puts out for the javelina.
Eventually John got up looking a bit ragged around the edges. After a cup of coffee, we headed back to the bus - Kay was still in bed enjoying a rare sleep in!!
Back at the bus, we had a quick chat with Keith (who had been looking after Hogan) then, John headed back to bed "for a rest" and I sat in the chair reading for the rest of the day. It was quiet and relaxing.
Because we missed our usual baked potato and bbq steak last night, that is what was on tonight's menu.
The rest of the evening was spent quietly watching TV and eventually heading to bed for some more sleep. Gosh, this partying for a living is awful hard on the system!!
Saturday, February 18/2012
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| Mitch and Marie |
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| Kays dancin shoes |
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| Mitch |
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| Ray and Kay |
We are to meet Kay and Ray in town and hang with them today. Also, Keith told us about a trailer full of neon signs along the highway and we are going to stop and check him out. Perhaps there is a sign or two we need!!
We met up with Ray and Kay at the Aztec, where they do a lot of the maintenance for the park and met all the feral cats that they feed at the park. The SPCA spays and neuters all the feral cats in town if there is an agreement from the person who brings them in that they will feed them for a year or so and we have met several folks who have taken the time to trap these cats and then feed them. Both Erika and Dena do this and are now feeding several cats in their yards!! Ray and Kay have about 7 cats to feed at the park. Cat food is much cheaper down here than it is at home.
The town is full of people and parking is at a premium. We headed back to the Foothills where Ray and Kay live, stopped and bought some neon signs then stopped at Mitch's place where I scrounged some elk steak and eventually got to Ray and Kay's where I decided that I was not being the designated driver tonight and proceeded to have a few refreshments too many!! It is a good thing that there is an extra bed here at Ray and Kay's.
Kay had to eventually get her dancing shoes out and entertained us with a dance and hopefully it turned out on the video I shot of it. She is quite a hoot and you just have to love the shoes!!
Me of course, being the seasoned drinker that I am, was in bed before midnight while the other losers carried on till two in the morning!! All in all, I think a good time was had by all!!
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Friday, February 17/2012
It was a chilly ride back to the bus last night but once again, the sun is shining and it looks like Gold Rush Days will have some good weather this year. That just makes things better for everyone.
We really have no plans for today and I hope that this is a stay at home and just relax day but who knows, maybe I will feel more energetic later on.
Hogan is currently outside chasing the doves and being generally annoying. I think they hate him!! The hummingbird is busy at the feeder and pays Hogan no attention at all. I believe that the regal little hummingbird thinks that Hogan is "beneath" his station in life!!
As it turned out, the sun shone for a good part of the day and I had a good two hours of suntanning. It was so hot actually that I had to come in and finish reading in the bus!!
John did not feel like going into town to partake in any of the Gold Rush activities and I was happy about that. Dealing with thousands of extra people is definitely not my idea of fun!!
Keith and Charlotte went in and are planning on going again tomorrow. The parade is tomorrow and it is the fourth largest parade in Arizona. Sounds like even more people!!
Hopefully we get to stay here in the quiet of the desert tomorrow too.
I got kicked around in the yahtzee game tonight as usual. I thought that since we had not played in a while, my skill level may have improved - Wrong!!
Salmon, baked potato and asparagus for supper and it was scrumptious. All in all, another good day here in the Sonoran Desert.
We really have no plans for today and I hope that this is a stay at home and just relax day but who knows, maybe I will feel more energetic later on.
Hogan is currently outside chasing the doves and being generally annoying. I think they hate him!! The hummingbird is busy at the feeder and pays Hogan no attention at all. I believe that the regal little hummingbird thinks that Hogan is "beneath" his station in life!!
As it turned out, the sun shone for a good part of the day and I had a good two hours of suntanning. It was so hot actually that I had to come in and finish reading in the bus!!
John did not feel like going into town to partake in any of the Gold Rush activities and I was happy about that. Dealing with thousands of extra people is definitely not my idea of fun!!
Keith and Charlotte went in and are planning on going again tomorrow. The parade is tomorrow and it is the fourth largest parade in Arizona. Sounds like even more people!!
Hopefully we get to stay here in the quiet of the desert tomorrow too.
I got kicked around in the yahtzee game tonight as usual. I thought that since we had not played in a while, my skill level may have improved - Wrong!!
Salmon, baked potato and asparagus for supper and it was scrumptious. All in all, another good day here in the Sonoran Desert.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Thursday, February 16/2012
The sun is shining like crazy this morning and it looks like the weather has finally turned around. Hopefully it stays nice and the wind stays away.
It is shuffleboard night tonight so already my mouth is watering for that wonderful burger that is served at the "7". This is my one weekly indulgence and my reward to myself for being the designated driver.
Today, we headed over to Ray and Kay's for a few drinks before leaving for the bar. The Northern cardinal was out and about again as well as what I believe was a mockingbird as it had this rather long tail. I will have to remember to take my binoculars over the next time I go to get a much better view of them. Even the javelina came out for a quick visit before we left.
I was spared the indignation of playing in the tournament tonight and that is good although I did get up and play a couple of games after just to keep my incredible skills up to par!! John was my partner and we played Kay and Mitch who, by the way, were tonight's shuffleboard champions. We unfortunately got our asses kicked!! It is a good thing that no one really cares if they win or lose.
Being the designated driver again, we drove back to Ray and Kay's cause Lord only knows they all needed more beer and stayed there for a few more hours.
Eventually we made it back to the bus where you would have thought that we had been away for days as Hogan was so happy to see us. Keith and Charlotte had let him out of the bus earlier and check on him when we go into town and don't take him.
Tomorrow, Gold Rush is in full swing and all the cops I have talked to are so not looking forward to this weekend. Traffic tie ups, drunks and fist fights!! Three of the local constabulary walked through the bar last night setting off a rather heated discussion as to whether they should or should not do so. I think it ended with an agreement to disagree.
All in all, it was yet another good day and I am so ready for the bed.
It is shuffleboard night tonight so already my mouth is watering for that wonderful burger that is served at the "7". This is my one weekly indulgence and my reward to myself for being the designated driver.
Today, we headed over to Ray and Kay's for a few drinks before leaving for the bar. The Northern cardinal was out and about again as well as what I believe was a mockingbird as it had this rather long tail. I will have to remember to take my binoculars over the next time I go to get a much better view of them. Even the javelina came out for a quick visit before we left.
I was spared the indignation of playing in the tournament tonight and that is good although I did get up and play a couple of games after just to keep my incredible skills up to par!! John was my partner and we played Kay and Mitch who, by the way, were tonight's shuffleboard champions. We unfortunately got our asses kicked!! It is a good thing that no one really cares if they win or lose.
Being the designated driver again, we drove back to Ray and Kay's cause Lord only knows they all needed more beer and stayed there for a few more hours.
Eventually we made it back to the bus where you would have thought that we had been away for days as Hogan was so happy to see us. Keith and Charlotte had let him out of the bus earlier and check on him when we go into town and don't take him.
Tomorrow, Gold Rush is in full swing and all the cops I have talked to are so not looking forward to this weekend. Traffic tie ups, drunks and fist fights!! Three of the local constabulary walked through the bar last night setting off a rather heated discussion as to whether they should or should not do so. I think it ended with an agreement to disagree.
All in all, it was yet another good day and I am so ready for the bed.
Wednesday, February 15/2012
Well the sun is shining this morning and there is only a few scattered clouds in the sky. It looks like it will be a nice day although according to the weather man, it is supposed to be cool again. Maybe this weather man is as lousy as the one at home!!
John and I had some running to do in town and while we were stopped at the bank to raid the bank account, we saw Erika's Lee there. He was driving her white jeep so we had to stop and chat with him for a while. Not usually very chatty, Lee was talking a lot today so that was quite a change for him. He is a police officer here in Wickenburg and also has a canine unit. His dog is trained to sniff out drugs which apparently is a bit of an issue here in Wickenburg.
We stopped in at Ray and Kay's today for a little visit, had a few refreshments and watched the birds in their back yard. I saw several Gambel's Quail and a few cardinals - both the Northern Cardinal which is the red one and the Desert Cardinal which only has a little bit of red on it's face and chest. They were awesome to watch and I wished Charlotte was with us so that she too could enjoy these birds. We will have to take both her and Keith over there after Gold Rush Days.
Once back at the bus, we sat around the "campfire in a can" until the baked potato was done then John cooked the steak and we enjoyed supper.
Another good day was had by all and it was time for me to get my beauty rest as tomorrow is shuffleboard night so that means more partying!! Wow!!
John and I had some running to do in town and while we were stopped at the bank to raid the bank account, we saw Erika's Lee there. He was driving her white jeep so we had to stop and chat with him for a while. Not usually very chatty, Lee was talking a lot today so that was quite a change for him. He is a police officer here in Wickenburg and also has a canine unit. His dog is trained to sniff out drugs which apparently is a bit of an issue here in Wickenburg.
We stopped in at Ray and Kay's today for a little visit, had a few refreshments and watched the birds in their back yard. I saw several Gambel's Quail and a few cardinals - both the Northern Cardinal which is the red one and the Desert Cardinal which only has a little bit of red on it's face and chest. They were awesome to watch and I wished Charlotte was with us so that she too could enjoy these birds. We will have to take both her and Keith over there after Gold Rush Days.
Once back at the bus, we sat around the "campfire in a can" until the baked potato was done then John cooked the steak and we enjoyed supper.
Another good day was had by all and it was time for me to get my beauty rest as tomorrow is shuffleboard night so that means more partying!! Wow!!
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Tuesday, February 14/2012
Happy Valentine's Day to everyone. As I have said on numerous occasion, time sure does fly.
It will be Gold Rush Days here this weekend so that means more partying!! Gosh, we will have to go home just to rest up and get ready for next year!!
It is chilly in the bus this morning and I have no qualms about starting the heater. It is 37F at present and Hogan and I are up before the sun today. Hopefully, it is a better day than what the weather man predicts, which is 66% chance of rain.
It remained cloudy, windy and miserable all morning. It was just the kind of day to curl up with a good book and let the day pass you by. John and I did go into town for a bit to pick up some new wheels and tires for the quad he had ordered then stopped at the store for some valentine chocolates for the girls at the Bar 7 then headed home. It is days like this that I hate that there is no top on the jeep as it was a bit of a chilly ride to and from town. That bikini top just does not cut it and I was glad to be back home.
Back at the bus, John had those new wheels and tires on the quad in no time and it certainly looks pretty fancy now!!
Neither John nor I had any desire to cook supper so, it was soup and a sandwich tonight!! Now doesn't that just sound like a culinary delight!!
Bed soon followed with us watching TV and then it was lights out. Not a very exciting day, no big adventures but all in all, it was another good day.
It will be Gold Rush Days here this weekend so that means more partying!! Gosh, we will have to go home just to rest up and get ready for next year!!
It is chilly in the bus this morning and I have no qualms about starting the heater. It is 37F at present and Hogan and I are up before the sun today. Hopefully, it is a better day than what the weather man predicts, which is 66% chance of rain.
It remained cloudy, windy and miserable all morning. It was just the kind of day to curl up with a good book and let the day pass you by. John and I did go into town for a bit to pick up some new wheels and tires for the quad he had ordered then stopped at the store for some valentine chocolates for the girls at the Bar 7 then headed home. It is days like this that I hate that there is no top on the jeep as it was a bit of a chilly ride to and from town. That bikini top just does not cut it and I was glad to be back home.
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| New wheels and tires on |
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| 27" Swamp Lites |
Neither John nor I had any desire to cook supper so, it was soup and a sandwich tonight!! Now doesn't that just sound like a culinary delight!!
Bed soon followed with us watching TV and then it was lights out. Not a very exciting day, no big adventures but all in all, it was another good day.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Monday, February 13/2012
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| Party in the shop |
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| Ray and Kay with John |
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| The Javelina showed up |
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| My birthday cookie and shot |
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| Wow! That was nasty |
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| Getting down! |
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| Beer, pizza and good friends! |
It is chilly out this morning. The darn wind is still blowing and the sun is behind the clouds. It sure looks like the weather man was right in predicting lower temperatures. It is supposed to get close to freezing at night for a few days before it finally gets back into the 70s by the weekend. Oh well, I still won't complain as the temperatures back home remains MUCH colder than this!!
Today I must scoot into town to do a load of laundry and get some running around done. Since the weather is so lousy, there really isn't much else to be done. Might be a good time to start cleaning the bus - cupboards and all and start getting things in order for the trip home. I always like to clean up and organize before heading back to Canada. It really is quite amazing how much crap is stuffed into the closets and cupboards while we are down here for 6 months. Not all that stuff needs to be hauled home - hence - the cleaning!! According to the weather man, I will have all week to "tidy" up!!
back from town then time to clean up. John and I are headed back into town for some birthday celebration and I am not sure what is on tonight's agenda so we will have to play this by ear. We hooked up with Ray and Kay and sat in their garage enjoying the evening. Kay and I went to pick up pizza because the munchies had come calling and Ray presented John with a cookie and candle which he ate and did not share!!. I managed to hand feed one of the javelina tonight and that was kind of neat and yes, they do stink -they smell skunky. John partied like there was no tomorrow and is now tucked into bed and snoring!! A good day was had by all and it is now time for me to shut off the lights and lock the door.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Sunday, February 12/2012
Being the Designated Driver certainly does have its advantages. I am up early and I feel good!! The sun is shining and the birds are singing although the feeder is low of food and I now must make the trek to the trailer to refill it. I heard Hogan growling and looked out to see where he was headed and saw a couple of Gambel Quail !! OMG, I have been looking for them around here since we arrived and now here is the stupid dog, chasing them. I hollered at him to "come" but by this time, the quail were gone. I only hope that they will return as they really are something to watch.
I have no plans for today and hope to spend it relaxing and doing - Nothing!! It will be nice to just sit and recoup from the last few days of activity. I love riding the trails but believe me, it can be rather bumpy at times and I swear I felt my arms lengthen a few times yesterday and that is not natural!!
Keith and Charlotte brought over a barrel of water for us in their new fancy blue water barrel so our job today was to pump it into the bus. Gosh, and I thought this was going to be a "no work" day!!
The sun continued to shine off and on all day today but it was accompanied by a bit of a breeze which made sitting outside a bit chilly - especially when the sun went behind a cloud. John and I wandered down to Keith and Charlotte's campsite for a few beverages and while there enjoyed the antics of the two hummingbirds that were fighting over her feeder.
Eventually, we all moved to the trailer where we were protected from the wind and sat around the "campfire in a can" for a few more hours, once again, solving all the world's problems!! It was soon time for supper so we each retired to our respective homes and did what needed to be done.
The Grammy awards were on tonight so John and I spent the evening watching TV while he uploaded one video and some pics to the blog. Then, it was time to crawl into bed where we watched the season premiere of The Walking Dead. Another good day has come and gone and by the sounds of it, the good weather has left us as well, apparently, until next weekend.
I have no plans for today and hope to spend it relaxing and doing - Nothing!! It will be nice to just sit and recoup from the last few days of activity. I love riding the trails but believe me, it can be rather bumpy at times and I swear I felt my arms lengthen a few times yesterday and that is not natural!!
Keith and Charlotte brought over a barrel of water for us in their new fancy blue water barrel so our job today was to pump it into the bus. Gosh, and I thought this was going to be a "no work" day!!
The sun continued to shine off and on all day today but it was accompanied by a bit of a breeze which made sitting outside a bit chilly - especially when the sun went behind a cloud. John and I wandered down to Keith and Charlotte's campsite for a few beverages and while there enjoyed the antics of the two hummingbirds that were fighting over her feeder.
Eventually, we all moved to the trailer where we were protected from the wind and sat around the "campfire in a can" for a few more hours, once again, solving all the world's problems!! It was soon time for supper so we each retired to our respective homes and did what needed to be done.
The Grammy awards were on tonight so John and I spent the evening watching TV while he uploaded one video and some pics to the blog. Then, it was time to crawl into bed where we watched the season premiere of The Walking Dead. Another good day has come and gone and by the sounds of it, the good weather has left us as well, apparently, until next weekend.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Saturday, February 11/2012
Trying out Ray's 357 mag
It is a bit cloudy this morning but once again, the sun is managing to break through the cloud and shed its warming rays upon us.
I just received a text from Ray confirming today's ride so it looks like we are off for more fun and adventure!!
As I was packing the quad Tim stopped by for a quick visit riding his RZR with Rosco his dog sitting in the passenger seat like he owned it. John had met Tim and Rosco a few weeks ago when Tim was out riding the trails so he decided to stop to see what John was up to today. Luckily, we too were heading out on the trails so I invited Tim to join us.
We met Ray, Kay, Tom and Jeremy up on Wickenburg Mountain and started our ride. We travelled over varied terrain which included the same narrow canyons and washes we took with Keith and Charlotte in the jeep. It was a beautiful day for a ride with the breeze helping to keep some of the dust off the trail. We stopped for a hot dog roast and several beverages along the way and eventually made it back to the split in the trail where, John and I headed back to the bus and Vulture Peak Road with Tim and Rosco and the rest of the quads headed back to Wickenburg and home. It was getting late and time for all of us to be getting off the trail and avoiding the cool temperatures when the sun went down. It was a good ride and we managed to show Tim a few more trails so that he will eventually get more familiar with them and of course John and I got to meet another one of Ray and Kay's friends in Jeremy. We have riden with Tom before and he is always interesting to listen to.
Back at the bus, we quickly showered and then headed over to Ray's and Kay's house as we had been invited for supper. Maybe tonight, I will get to see the Javalina that make a daily trip up to their fence line scrounging for food. Since they did not make an appearance the last time we were there, I did not hold out much hope of this however I did bring my camera - just in case!! As you can see, they did indeed show up and I got several pics of these elusive little creatures. Hogan was not impressed by them and let out a few of his "girly" barks to warn them he was in the area!! He is pretty brave from the other side of the fence!!
Beer Can Chicken was on the menu for tonight and Ray is a master chef when it comes to this. John and Kay were busy partying while Ray and I cut the vegetables up and got the chicken on the BBQ. It had been marinating for a few days and looked and smelled divine. Of course Ray would not reveal his marinade secret as he told me he would have to kill me if he did - He has several big guns so of course I did not pursue this with him!!! He did a rather unique thing with the roasted vegetables by adding a bit of Jimmy Dean "hot" sausage to the mix and it truly did add a wonderful flavour to them. I will have to try that the next time we BBQ vegetables. And, I also found out that there is NON STICK aluminum foil - something I had never seen before!! Gosh, this was certainly a very productive and informative evening!!
It is a bit cloudy this morning but once again, the sun is managing to break through the cloud and shed its warming rays upon us.
I just received a text from Ray confirming today's ride so it looks like we are off for more fun and adventure!!
As I was packing the quad Tim stopped by for a quick visit riding his RZR with Rosco his dog sitting in the passenger seat like he owned it. John had met Tim and Rosco a few weeks ago when Tim was out riding the trails so he decided to stop to see what John was up to today. Luckily, we too were heading out on the trails so I invited Tim to join us.
We met Ray, Kay, Tom and Jeremy up on Wickenburg Mountain and started our ride. We travelled over varied terrain which included the same narrow canyons and washes we took with Keith and Charlotte in the jeep. It was a beautiful day for a ride with the breeze helping to keep some of the dust off the trail. We stopped for a hot dog roast and several beverages along the way and eventually made it back to the split in the trail where, John and I headed back to the bus and Vulture Peak Road with Tim and Rosco and the rest of the quads headed back to Wickenburg and home. It was getting late and time for all of us to be getting off the trail and avoiding the cool temperatures when the sun went down. It was a good ride and we managed to show Tim a few more trails so that he will eventually get more familiar with them and of course John and I got to meet another one of Ray and Kay's friends in Jeremy. We have riden with Tom before and he is always interesting to listen to.
Back at the bus, we quickly showered and then headed over to Ray's and Kay's house as we had been invited for supper. Maybe tonight, I will get to see the Javalina that make a daily trip up to their fence line scrounging for food. Since they did not make an appearance the last time we were there, I did not hold out much hope of this however I did bring my camera - just in case!! As you can see, they did indeed show up and I got several pics of these elusive little creatures. Hogan was not impressed by them and let out a few of his "girly" barks to warn them he was in the area!! He is pretty brave from the other side of the fence!!
Beer Can Chicken was on the menu for tonight and Ray is a master chef when it comes to this. John and Kay were busy partying while Ray and I cut the vegetables up and got the chicken on the BBQ. It had been marinating for a few days and looked and smelled divine. Of course Ray would not reveal his marinade secret as he told me he would have to kill me if he did - He has several big guns so of course I did not pursue this with him!!! He did a rather unique thing with the roasted vegetables by adding a bit of Jimmy Dean "hot" sausage to the mix and it truly did add a wonderful flavour to them. I will have to try that the next time we BBQ vegetables. And, I also found out that there is NON STICK aluminum foil - something I had never seen before!! Gosh, this was certainly a very productive and informative evening!!
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| Up on Wickenburg Mountain - Ocotillo starting to green up and leaf out |
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| Spring is on its way - a Mexican Poppy |
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| Wickenburg Mountain |
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| Tim's RZR with ours behind it |
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| Wickenburg Mountain Raven - there were several of them soaring around I managed to only get one in the pic!! |
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| The rest of the gang shows up |
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| Heading out |
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| Ray and Kay in the lead |
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| Lunch stop |
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| Shooting Ray's 357 |
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| One of the many horse acreages |
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| Rosco is pooped |
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| Flying down the Hassayampa River bed |
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| Tim's RZR |
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| "young" saguaro using a "helper" tree eventually outliving the tree to stand alone. |
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| Only in America!! No, it is NOT hunting season. |
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| Peccary - also known as javelina. They make regular stops at Ray and Kay's fence to scrounge for food |
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| Hand feeding - Kids, do not try this at home!! |
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| Nosy little creatures - have poor eye sight but incredible sense of smell |
Eventually, it was time for us to head back to the bus - bet you can't guess who the designated driver was!!!! All in all, another good day - good ride - good friends - good food - Great Memories.
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