Well the sun is shining and already it is hot. I can certainly tell that the days are most definitely getting warmer and I just can't imagine how I would handle the summer temperatures when they reach the triple digits!! Most assuredly, the fricken rattlesnakes will now be out and about so, everyone has to be on their toes once again.
Ray saw a big lizard go into his garage the other day. He said it was about 6 or 8 inches long. I didn't see it but Hogan chased it out and it went under his deck. The little creature kept Hogan busy for a while though!!
Kay caught a horned toad the other day and let it go under our deck. She said it would catch and eat lots of insects so I am cool with that.
Today I headed into the hardware store to pick up the stain that I had ordered the other day so now I have enough to hopefully do all the trim on this renovation.
Marybeth is having a garage sale tomorrow and Saturday and asked if John and I wanted to buy one of the table and chair sets she had for sale so we walked back to her place and I am now the proud owner of one of the sets. I now have some place to sit once the kitchen cupboards go back on the walls!!
It is shuffleboard night tonight and hopefully I will be just the scorekeeper. As it turned out, I was forced to play as Mitch was down as a player and he had returned to Utah. Cloud and I were partners and I must say that neither of us really played all that well!! We were not in the running for the money!! Ray and Kay ended up with the loot!!
Being designated driver again, I ended up bringing Ray home early then heading back to the bar to wait for John and Kay.
We closed down the Bar Seven (after Erika and I kicked John and Kay's ass at the shuffleboard table) then headed over to the Mecca to close that down as well. Erika came with us and fun was had by all - well except for the DD!!
We met Bill and Dena over there so had a chat with them as well. It was good to see them again
Finally, the Mecca closed and I herded the two partiers home and was so glad to finally be in my bed!!
Good Night.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Wednesday, March 28/2012
It looks like it is going to be another nice day. I have to scoot into town today and pick up the stain for the trim and then hurry home so that the wood can be stained and then put up on the walls. I think the dark trim will really contrast well with the colour of the walls. I can't wait to see it!!
Mitch stopped by this morning to say goodbye as he is headed for Utah today. He is hoping to be working by Monday so that will be great for him. He is anxious to go but had to stop and say goodbye to us and Hogan.
Ray and Kay are off to their job again this morning. They are hopefully going to be able to paint the outside of the building with Ray's new paint sprayer. Everyone is busy and that is probably a good thing.
I'm back from town and my stain did not come in today so was assured that it will be here tomorrow. Since I had to mail a sympathy card to folks back home, I stopped at Stewart's Hardware just to see if they might have some of the stain and was lucky enough to find one can. Woo Hoo!! With my treasure in hand, I headed for home ready to paint my little heart out.
John was busy today, starting on the panels of the hallway. Things sure go faster when one is working with straight sheets of panelling. The only thing that was holding up progress today was some wiring and after he shocked himself for the third time, the job was done and the switches were working!!
I was busy staining all the trim so now it just needs to be measured, cut and attached to the wall. I think it is going to look good. Once the trim is up, the floor can go down and that will be an interesting adventure as neither one of us really knows what they are doing and are simply "winging" this reno!!
Happy hour couldn't roll around quick enough today and we all sat around chit chatting about everything and nothing. It is a great life if you don't weaken!!
Mitch stopped by this morning to say goodbye as he is headed for Utah today. He is hoping to be working by Monday so that will be great for him. He is anxious to go but had to stop and say goodbye to us and Hogan.
Ray and Kay are off to their job again this morning. They are hopefully going to be able to paint the outside of the building with Ray's new paint sprayer. Everyone is busy and that is probably a good thing.
I'm back from town and my stain did not come in today so was assured that it will be here tomorrow. Since I had to mail a sympathy card to folks back home, I stopped at Stewart's Hardware just to see if they might have some of the stain and was lucky enough to find one can. Woo Hoo!! With my treasure in hand, I headed for home ready to paint my little heart out.
John was busy today, starting on the panels of the hallway. Things sure go faster when one is working with straight sheets of panelling. The only thing that was holding up progress today was some wiring and after he shocked himself for the third time, the job was done and the switches were working!!
I was busy staining all the trim so now it just needs to be measured, cut and attached to the wall. I think it is going to look good. Once the trim is up, the floor can go down and that will be an interesting adventure as neither one of us really knows what they are doing and are simply "winging" this reno!!
Happy hour couldn't roll around quick enough today and we all sat around chit chatting about everything and nothing. It is a great life if you don't weaken!!
Tuesday, March 27/2012
I am up early again and the sun is shining. It looks like it is going to be another nice day. And to think, the folks back home are still sitting in some lousy weather!! I sure hope it starts getting nice back there soon as we will be on our way home in a few weeks.
John was busy today replacing the floor in the halls outside the entrance to the bathroom so now that is as sturdy as it should be. He also moved some wiring so that when it comes time to make the bathroom a bit bigger, the wiring is already moved. I put the finishing touches on the bedroom walls and put the face covers on the switches. We are using a polished copper face plate and it goes well with the walls.
I then stained the two panels John hung in the bathroom and will hopefully get it polyurethaned tomorrow. The stain comes in on Wednesday for the crown molding and baseboards so I will stain all those boards and then they can be put up and presto - the walls will be done. All that will remain, will be the floor and that should not take too long to do although I hear it will need at least 4 coats of varathane on it - taking at least one day to dry between coats.
Lorne arrived at 4:30 to drive us into town as we decided that we would take a cab home. No one needs to be driving when they have been drinking!! We had a few cocktails at their room then headed to Tumbleweeds where we had a few more before ordering supper. The food was great and the company was awesome. I had a great time. Once supper was over, we stopped at the Bar 7 and had a few games of shuffleboard - OH, and another drink!! Like I needed another!! It is a good thing that the bar closes at 11 cause I was starting to get tired - big surprised there!!
We walked Lorne and Marilyn over to their hotel room and eventually called a cab to take us home. Max, the cab driver has driven us from place to place three times tonight!!
Back at the bus, I was most definitely ready for bed and crawled into it without any delays. Once again, it was another good day spent with good friends simply enjoying life.
John was busy today replacing the floor in the halls outside the entrance to the bathroom so now that is as sturdy as it should be. He also moved some wiring so that when it comes time to make the bathroom a bit bigger, the wiring is already moved. I put the finishing touches on the bedroom walls and put the face covers on the switches. We are using a polished copper face plate and it goes well with the walls.
I then stained the two panels John hung in the bathroom and will hopefully get it polyurethaned tomorrow. The stain comes in on Wednesday for the crown molding and baseboards so I will stain all those boards and then they can be put up and presto - the walls will be done. All that will remain, will be the floor and that should not take too long to do although I hear it will need at least 4 coats of varathane on it - taking at least one day to dry between coats.
Lorne arrived at 4:30 to drive us into town as we decided that we would take a cab home. No one needs to be driving when they have been drinking!! We had a few cocktails at their room then headed to Tumbleweeds where we had a few more before ordering supper. The food was great and the company was awesome. I had a great time. Once supper was over, we stopped at the Bar 7 and had a few games of shuffleboard - OH, and another drink!! Like I needed another!! It is a good thing that the bar closes at 11 cause I was starting to get tired - big surprised there!!
We walked Lorne and Marilyn over to their hotel room and eventually called a cab to take us home. Max, the cab driver has driven us from place to place three times tonight!!
Back at the bus, I was most definitely ready for bed and crawled into it without any delays. Once again, it was another good day spent with good friends simply enjoying life.
Sunday, March 25/2012
Hogan and I are up early and there are two javelina out chowing down on the food that was left for them. The "encounter" from the other day has certainly not distracted them from their visits. While they were here, I went out and threw them some apples (which they love) and some dog biscuits. Hogan was on this side of the fence (where he will remain from now on) growling and posturing and it is apparent that he did not learn any lessons from the other night. These creatures have the ability to inflict a lot of damage and even kill. Karen was telling us yesterday that she heard about a dog being attacked by 5 javelina and the dog required massive suturing to close all its wounds.
It was supposed to be windy today (according to the forecast) but there is not a breath of wind at all. BONUS!! The birds are singing happily and the sun is shining. It looks like it is going to be another awesome day.
Ray is outside at the moment painting the trim around his garage. That is his project for today. He also said last night that he will make his Green Chili Stew for supper and promised not to make it the "burn your mouth off" kind. Kay, on the other hand says if we are going to live down here for six months of the year we have to learn to eat like the rest of them!! OH DEAR - I should stock a bunch of Tums - just in case!!
Today, I want to put the second coat of polyurethane on the bedroom walls. Once that is done, the trim can go up (the stain for that is coming in on Wednesday) and the floor can be laid and stained. Then, once the million coats of Varathane is on it, the bedroom will officially be done!! Woo Hoo!!
Well although I intended to get the second coat to polyurethane on the walls, that just didn't happen. I did however take the weed killer and sprayed the remaining weeds in the yard. I missed several when I did it the first time so it was much easier as I could see what needed to be dealt with. Hopefully now all the greenery will be brown and crisp by the time we leave here.
Marybeth came over her for a short visit and since everyone was watching Nascar, her and I sat outside and chatted until she had to return home to decide what she would be preparing for dinner.
Eventually, everyone gathered for Happy Hour. Lorne and Marilyn arrived (late again!!) and stayed for a few before heading back into town. We have an invitation to join them for supper on Tuesday so hopefully we can get our act together and go. They are planning on leaving Wednesday to will start their leisurely drive home following the warm weather.
Mitch arrived just before Lorne and Marilyn left. He had just returned from golfing in Mesa with his niece and her husband so was full of stories from his adventure.
We moved into the garage once again as there was a wind blowing and it was starting to get chilly. Ray fired up the heater and it was soon cozy in there. Too cozy sometimes when my "tropical moments" arrived and I was forced to stand outside to cool down!! Turbo (Kay's cat) and Hogan seem to be getting along a bit better and I am sure eventually they too will become friends.
Ray did indeed make his green chill stew and it was delicious. It had just enough "bite" to make it scrumptious. It definitely was not "blow your face off hot" and for that I thank him.
I must tell you readers that I stayed up partying with everyone till 11:00 o'clock tonight which, is about three hours longer than I usually do!! Woo Hoo!! Once 11:00 o'clock hit though, it was time for my beauty rest so Hogan and I left the party and crawled into bed where I was able to watch the gold medal final of the women's curling. Unfortunately, Canada was not in it.
John came in shortly after I did and was able to catch the end on the game as well.
All in all, it was another good day and although not much work was done, it was great just to sit around and enjoy our lives
It was supposed to be windy today (according to the forecast) but there is not a breath of wind at all. BONUS!! The birds are singing happily and the sun is shining. It looks like it is going to be another awesome day.
Ray is outside at the moment painting the trim around his garage. That is his project for today. He also said last night that he will make his Green Chili Stew for supper and promised not to make it the "burn your mouth off" kind. Kay, on the other hand says if we are going to live down here for six months of the year we have to learn to eat like the rest of them!! OH DEAR - I should stock a bunch of Tums - just in case!!
Today, I want to put the second coat of polyurethane on the bedroom walls. Once that is done, the trim can go up (the stain for that is coming in on Wednesday) and the floor can be laid and stained. Then, once the million coats of Varathane is on it, the bedroom will officially be done!! Woo Hoo!!
Well although I intended to get the second coat to polyurethane on the walls, that just didn't happen. I did however take the weed killer and sprayed the remaining weeds in the yard. I missed several when I did it the first time so it was much easier as I could see what needed to be dealt with. Hopefully now all the greenery will be brown and crisp by the time we leave here.
Marybeth came over her for a short visit and since everyone was watching Nascar, her and I sat outside and chatted until she had to return home to decide what she would be preparing for dinner.
Eventually, everyone gathered for Happy Hour. Lorne and Marilyn arrived (late again!!) and stayed for a few before heading back into town. We have an invitation to join them for supper on Tuesday so hopefully we can get our act together and go. They are planning on leaving Wednesday to will start their leisurely drive home following the warm weather.
Mitch arrived just before Lorne and Marilyn left. He had just returned from golfing in Mesa with his niece and her husband so was full of stories from his adventure.
We moved into the garage once again as there was a wind blowing and it was starting to get chilly. Ray fired up the heater and it was soon cozy in there. Too cozy sometimes when my "tropical moments" arrived and I was forced to stand outside to cool down!! Turbo (Kay's cat) and Hogan seem to be getting along a bit better and I am sure eventually they too will become friends.
Ray did indeed make his green chill stew and it was delicious. It had just enough "bite" to make it scrumptious. It definitely was not "blow your face off hot" and for that I thank him.
I must tell you readers that I stayed up partying with everyone till 11:00 o'clock tonight which, is about three hours longer than I usually do!! Woo Hoo!! Once 11:00 o'clock hit though, it was time for my beauty rest so Hogan and I left the party and crawled into bed where I was able to watch the gold medal final of the women's curling. Unfortunately, Canada was not in it.
John came in shortly after I did and was able to catch the end on the game as well.
All in all, it was another good day and although not much work was done, it was great just to sit around and enjoy our lives
Friday, March 30, 2012
Monday, March 26/2012
Hogan got me up at 7:00 a.m. this morning. He had to pee!! The sun is shining and there is no wind. I say this in a whisper as I do not want to have the wind Gods hear me and think I miss it!!
I must head to the laundromat today as it is once again time for clean clothes. I had great intentions of going into town yesterday but for some reason, did not make it so, today is the day.
Back from town and I put another coat of polyurethane on the walls in the master bedroom. They are looking much better with the extra coat. Once that dries, it is time to put the switch covers on. That will add one more finishing touch.
Happy hour rolled around and we all sat around enjoying the evening. Lorne and Marilyn arrived for a few and again, invited us out for supper tomorrow. We decided to try Tumbleweeds as we had never been there before although Lorne and Marilyn had been there once last year. With Lorne and Marilyn's departure, we moved inside to sit around the chiminea. Warm, welcoming heat!!
Mitch joined the gathering tonight. He is supposed to be heading back to Utah on Wednesday and hopefully starting work soon after he arrives there. He seems anxious to leave.
There were a total of 8 javelina outside the fence tonight - the most I have seen at one time. Being so many, one could really smell the mild "skunky" odor they carry. They are rather interesting to watch though and I do get a kick out of them.
With one too many beer drank, I was the first to leave the gathering. It was time for me to eat and head to bed. At the bus, I made a pizza and watched some TV while I waited for it to cook. It was delicious and I went to bed full of beer and food!! The others partied on although it was not too long after I went to bed that John wandered home. An early night for the usual late nighters!!
I must head to the laundromat today as it is once again time for clean clothes. I had great intentions of going into town yesterday but for some reason, did not make it so, today is the day.
Back from town and I put another coat of polyurethane on the walls in the master bedroom. They are looking much better with the extra coat. Once that dries, it is time to put the switch covers on. That will add one more finishing touch.
Happy hour rolled around and we all sat around enjoying the evening. Lorne and Marilyn arrived for a few and again, invited us out for supper tomorrow. We decided to try Tumbleweeds as we had never been there before although Lorne and Marilyn had been there once last year. With Lorne and Marilyn's departure, we moved inside to sit around the chiminea. Warm, welcoming heat!!
Mitch joined the gathering tonight. He is supposed to be heading back to Utah on Wednesday and hopefully starting work soon after he arrives there. He seems anxious to leave.
There were a total of 8 javelina outside the fence tonight - the most I have seen at one time. Being so many, one could really smell the mild "skunky" odor they carry. They are rather interesting to watch though and I do get a kick out of them.
With one too many beer drank, I was the first to leave the gathering. It was time for me to eat and head to bed. At the bus, I made a pizza and watched some TV while I waited for it to cook. It was delicious and I went to bed full of beer and food!! The others partied on although it was not too long after I went to bed that John wandered home. An early night for the usual late nighters!!
Monday, March 26, 2012
Saturday, March 24/2012
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| Heading out to the trail |
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| On the river |
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| In Box Canyon |
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| Sunset from our back yard |
The sun is shining and I think I heard someone say last night that it should get up into the high 80s today so the ride should be awesome.
I heard today that one of my favourite ladies back in Leoville passed away yesterday and was saddened by the news. She had been battling cancer for a few years so her death was not unexpected however it is always sad to lose someone you care about. She was a special lady and I count myself lucky to have had the privilege to know her.
John and I will be taking the jeep today so that Hogan can go on the ride. He loves to be part of the action and is not sitting in the back waiting for us to start the engine!! The jeep is loaded and ready to go except for the beer cooler which is the last thing to be put on the rack.
Lorne and Marilyn arrived and we were off on another adventure. This is the first time that Lorne and Marilyn have been on a side by side quad so it should be interesting for them. We met Ray's sister Karen and her husband Duff at the designated spot and headed up the Hassayampa River bed to Box Canyon. Once there, Hogan frolicked in the water and had a great time chasing the ball. He is such a goof and in no time at all, he was pretty wet and sandy. Of course we had to stop for refreshments along the way and today I am drinking beer and tomato juice which is tasting mighty fine!!
Duff took us up a trail that neither Ray nor John and I had travelled before and it was one of the best trails that we have ever been on in this area. There were some pretty narrow spots along it but the jeep is not any wider than Karen and Duff's CanAm side by side so we had no problem navigating these sections. There were a few areas where we climbed through rocky spots but once again it was the best trail to date. We will have to remember this trail for when our boys come down - hopefully next year.
Although I did not see any wildlife (where was Marilyn's cougar today?) the other folks did see a few lizards and rabbits. There were a couple of Hedgehog Cactus in bloom and of course the Ocotillo were starting to bloom as well. The scenery was incredible and one just can not get tired of seeing what this Sonoran Desert has to offer.
The trail eventually spit us out on Constellation Road which we followed back into town. Back at the bus, we sat around for a bit enjoying the evening before Lorne and Marilyn returned to the Best Western hoping they still had a room for the night. We didn't hear back from them so assumed that they were accommodated!!
Ray and Kay, and John and I continued to sit around the fire until Kay decided that she needed to shower off the trail dust. When she came back to the fire she was smelling so good it made the rest of us smell like stinky old pole cats!! I went and had a bath in my Tranquil Moments bubble bath and returned to the fire wearing my pink pyjama ensemble only to be laughed at, mocked and ridiculed!! NO MERCY!! I just didn't think that the looking like a crazy Ukrainian comment was necessary - John!! There truly is NO MERCY around here. So much for my "tranquil moments" around the fire!!
Eventually, Hogan and I retired to the bus while the others sat around the fire for a while longer. It was a lovely evening with no wind. All in all, it was an awesome day filled with lots of fun and laughter. How blessed we are to be able to spend our days in this manner.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Friday, March 23/2012
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| The stand off!! |
Today I must head into town to get a few more supplies for the trailer then John and Ray are doing a dump run. After that, Kay and I are to meet them at the Aztec to cut some fire wood. It will be a busy day.
John and Ray took off for the dump and Kay and I waited for their text as to when we should meet them at the Aztec. Once we received the text, we headed off as well.
Down at the Aztec, Ray and John looked at the tree that needed to be cut down and decided that it was just too close to the house windows and the relatively newly constructed fence for them to tackle on their own. It was decided that the manager of the park would have the other tree cutter come and cut it down then we would go and cut it up into usable sized logs for the fire place, We will have a good start on the wood requirements for next season. Woo Hoo!!
Once we were back at home, John mucked around with stuff in the trailer and Ray received his new paint sprayer so he was busy trying to figure it out. Kay and I decided that it was just warm enough for us to enjoy a beer in the shade!!
Eventually, Marybeth arrived to inspect yesterday's work in the trailer. Once again it passed her standards and John gave a sigh of relief!! Marybeth has been harping about a pair of Danica Patrick sunglasses ever since we came back from Phoenix and the Nascar thing without a pair for her so a few days ago Kay ordered her a pair from the Nascar Superstore. They arrived today and Kay gave them to Marybeth who was very surprised and pleased. She wore them for the rest of the day!! They looked good on her too which, is hard to believe considering that they are lime green and orange!!
Lorne and Marilyn arrived for happy hour although a bit late!! We firmed up our plans for the quad ride tomorrow and that should be fun. I think we will take the jeep - that way Hogan can come with us and he can frolic in the water of the Hassayampa River. It should be about 8-12 inches deep in some places!!
One javelina came for a visit tonight and stupid us (John and me) decided to let Hogan go chase the thing. He has chased them in the past without incident. They are quick and usually Hogan gets nowhere near them. Well tonight, Hogan was so quick, the stupid thing did not see him coming until it was too late and poor Hogan slammed into him at a hell of a pace and the javelina managed to get one of his teeth into him leaving him with a bit of a gouge in his neck. The skirmish did not last long with the javelina running away and Hogan in hot pursuit. We called Hogan back and when he returned, I saw the small open area on his neck and was so pissed off at myself for being stupid and letting Hogan chase the javelina. God, how stupid can some people be. I cleaned the area and smeared it with Polysporin. Hogan was all puffed up and ready to go again - no javelina was going to get the best of him!! I made him lay down on the blanket for the rest of the night - ya I know, I am no fun!! God I can't believe we were so stupid!! Some people should not be pet owners!!
Eventually Lorne and Marilyn went back to town and with none of us interested in cooking supper, ordered hot wings from KFC. Man they are good!!
With supper over and I was headed inside to bed. I took my wounded dog and left the campfire. I gave Hogan a "baby" aspirin just in case he was feeling a bit poorly as I can imagine hitting that javelina at Mach 1must have felt like hitting a brick wall!! They are short stocky little creatures.
Ray soon headed in as well, once again, leaving John and Kay to party on!! Somebody should call the cops cause I fear those two are just having too much fun!!
Thursday, March 22/2012
Oh the sun is shining and it is supposed to be hot again today. Darn!! And to think that the folks back home have just been through another snow storm and lousy roads. The kids have posted some pics on Facebook showing the road conditions and I am so glad that we are here and not there!!
I headed into town early this morning to do some running around and once back at home, I had the big decision as to what colour to use for the trim in the bedroom. We had decided on a darker brown to accent the colour of the walls but I was having trouble deciding. I was not happy with the dark walnut stain I had purchased as it was not dark enough. Ray and Kay came home about the time I was deep in deliberation and Kay brought me a darker stain that her and Ray had used on their home. Once I had that colour on the boards and up against the walls, it was decided!! It looked much better than the colour I had so now, I must go back into town tomorrow to see if I can find the darker colour.
With the decision being made on the trim, I started putting the polyurethane on the walls to protect that colour. I was using a small brush initially then Kay took mercy on me and went to find me a larger brush. I was done in a few hours with the larger brush but after inspection, have decided that the walls do need another coat so will actually use a roller to put the second coat on. John was busy putting up more panelling and mucking with the switches. All in all, the place is coming along rather nicely.
Happy hour arrived and it appeared that I was the only one to enjoy it. John laid down for a nap before the shuffleboard tournament and I believe Ray and Kay were also taking some "quiet" time. It appeared that Hogan and I were the last one's standing!! I put some bird seed out and in no time had entertainment. Once my first beer was gone, I took a leisurely bath (getting all the paint off me) and got ready for the Bar 7. When I got settled in the chair for my second beer, Ray arrived and together we watched the birds and the antics of two cottontail bunnies as they frolicked in the open area outside the fence.
Ray's brother in law Duff stopped over for a quick visit and took a look at the progress of the trailer. We mentioned to him that we were planning on going for a quad ride on Saturday and asked him to join us.
Eventually, we were all ready to head to the tournament so we piled into the car and headed out. Once there, I found out that I was playing as someone did not show up - Oh Brother. As it turned out, Kay was my partner and she is such an awesome player that my first thought was "Oh Dear, No Pressure There!!"
It is a very good thing she doesn't care if she wins or loses as my playing skills are very limited!! As it turned out, we came in second place and were able to at least get out $5.00 entry fee back. John and Ray were not so lucky!!
Lorne and Marilyn joined us at the bar again tonight and that is always fun when they are around. Today they were driving some back roads and ended up around Stanton and Marilyn saw a cougar. She said it blended so well with the surrounding landscape that had it not moved, she would never have seen it. Of course, by the time she got her camera out, it was gone. Sooo Jealous!!
After we ate supper, it was game on for our standing rivalry between the guys vs the girls. Kay and I are currently winning and tonight proved no different. In fact, we absolutely "killed" them at the table. It was so sweet and since Kay and I are not ones to gloat, we will say no more. We were really GREAT though!! OH YA!! And Kay got to ride "shotgun" on the way home (winners get the front seat) AND we listened to Enrique Iglasias on the way home. Sweeter Yet!!
Once back at home, we retired to the area around the chiminea and enjoyed a few more cocktails. Eventually I was the first to leave (Hogan was tired!!) and crawled into bed where I was able to catch the last few ends of Canada vs Italy in the Women's World Curling Championship. - Canada lost leaving them in a four way tie for first place!!
Tomorrow, I must head into town to pick up a few more supplies for the trailer and then we are headed to the Aztec Trailer Park to cut down some firewood after Ray and John make a dump run. Another busy day is on the horizon and I must get my beauty rest. Good Night!!
I headed into town early this morning to do some running around and once back at home, I had the big decision as to what colour to use for the trim in the bedroom. We had decided on a darker brown to accent the colour of the walls but I was having trouble deciding. I was not happy with the dark walnut stain I had purchased as it was not dark enough. Ray and Kay came home about the time I was deep in deliberation and Kay brought me a darker stain that her and Ray had used on their home. Once I had that colour on the boards and up against the walls, it was decided!! It looked much better than the colour I had so now, I must go back into town tomorrow to see if I can find the darker colour.
With the decision being made on the trim, I started putting the polyurethane on the walls to protect that colour. I was using a small brush initially then Kay took mercy on me and went to find me a larger brush. I was done in a few hours with the larger brush but after inspection, have decided that the walls do need another coat so will actually use a roller to put the second coat on. John was busy putting up more panelling and mucking with the switches. All in all, the place is coming along rather nicely.
Happy hour arrived and it appeared that I was the only one to enjoy it. John laid down for a nap before the shuffleboard tournament and I believe Ray and Kay were also taking some "quiet" time. It appeared that Hogan and I were the last one's standing!! I put some bird seed out and in no time had entertainment. Once my first beer was gone, I took a leisurely bath (getting all the paint off me) and got ready for the Bar 7. When I got settled in the chair for my second beer, Ray arrived and together we watched the birds and the antics of two cottontail bunnies as they frolicked in the open area outside the fence.
Ray's brother in law Duff stopped over for a quick visit and took a look at the progress of the trailer. We mentioned to him that we were planning on going for a quad ride on Saturday and asked him to join us.
Eventually, we were all ready to head to the tournament so we piled into the car and headed out. Once there, I found out that I was playing as someone did not show up - Oh Brother. As it turned out, Kay was my partner and she is such an awesome player that my first thought was "Oh Dear, No Pressure There!!"
It is a very good thing she doesn't care if she wins or loses as my playing skills are very limited!! As it turned out, we came in second place and were able to at least get out $5.00 entry fee back. John and Ray were not so lucky!!
Lorne and Marilyn joined us at the bar again tonight and that is always fun when they are around. Today they were driving some back roads and ended up around Stanton and Marilyn saw a cougar. She said it blended so well with the surrounding landscape that had it not moved, she would never have seen it. Of course, by the time she got her camera out, it was gone. Sooo Jealous!!
After we ate supper, it was game on for our standing rivalry between the guys vs the girls. Kay and I are currently winning and tonight proved no different. In fact, we absolutely "killed" them at the table. It was so sweet and since Kay and I are not ones to gloat, we will say no more. We were really GREAT though!! OH YA!! And Kay got to ride "shotgun" on the way home (winners get the front seat) AND we listened to Enrique Iglasias on the way home. Sweeter Yet!!
Once back at home, we retired to the area around the chiminea and enjoyed a few more cocktails. Eventually I was the first to leave (Hogan was tired!!) and crawled into bed where I was able to catch the last few ends of Canada vs Italy in the Women's World Curling Championship. - Canada lost leaving them in a four way tie for first place!!
Tomorrow, I must head into town to pick up a few more supplies for the trailer and then we are headed to the Aztec Trailer Park to cut down some firewood after Ray and John make a dump run. Another busy day is on the horizon and I must get my beauty rest. Good Night!!
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Wednesday, March 21/2012
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| Kay |
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| Turbo relaxing |
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| R I P - Ray |
I made a quick trip into town today. I had to stop at the bank for some money (not sure where it all goes!!) and I stopped to get a couple propane bottles filled. We have been sitting in Ray and Kay's garage in the evenings and they have a wonderful little heater that works incredibly well so their bottle needed a fill as well so I took ours and theirs to be filled.
Once back from town, Kay was ready to go raid the Agave plants at the Aztec Trailer Park so off we went and dug up several of the babies. Of course they are armed (like everything else around here) and I was scratched, poked and bleeding in no time. The Native Americans used the very tip of this plant for their needles and I can certainly attest to the fact that they are very sharp and would work well!! I now have a decent poke hole in my leg from one of the "needles".
With our treasures in buckets, we returned to the park where we planted three outside the fence by our yard and two outside the fence by Ray and Kay's yard. They will hopefully grow tall and wide (at least 6 feet) and are the epitome of Southwestern Desert plant life. Hopefully, the javelina will not eat them. They are beautiful as long as you do not get too close to them!! That is why we planted them in the neighbour's property outside the fence!!
Marybeth came over and the bee sting she received yesterday is HUGE on her arm and I would safely say that "yes, she is allergic to them"!! She popped more benadryl when she got home yesterday and spent a rather uncomfortable night with the darn thing. She liked the agave and decided she wanted to plant a few as well so scored about four for her place.
Kay and I took some up to Mitch's place and ended up planting five along his fence line for him. They will look awesome once they are bigger.
Finally back at home and ready to enjoy happy hour, we settle in to enjoy the sunshine. Beer was not sitting well with me today so I broke out the lemon gin (which I brought with me cause you can not buy it down here) and that was much better!! Lorne and Marilyn arrived for a few then once again headed back into town for supper. We will be meeting them for drinks and supper at the Bar 7 tomorrow for the shuffleboard tournament.
While sitting outside, several red winged blackbirds descended on the bird feeder and enjoyed the seeds but I must say that they were certainly messy and rude. While two sat on the feeder, the others were on the ground enjoying the seeds that the other two were actually scooping out of the feeder. Seeds were flying everywhere!!
Of course when the sun went down, the heat of the day was lost so, once again we headed into the garage where the warmth of the day has kept the temperature in the 70s. Nice!!
Eventually, it was time for me to cook some supper - stir fry and bbq'd pork chops. Mmmm.
Another great day was had by all. Good friends - Good times - Good food.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Tuesday, March 20/2012
I am up at 6:30 this morning getting in gear and ready for Hogan's veterinarian appointment. As I look outside, I see FROST on the bags tied to the quad box and frost on the seats of both the quads!! I guess it got below 32F during the night!!
The sun will be shining soon and I am sure the frost will be gone in no time but I did manage to get a couple of pics!! Today is supposed to be warmer with no rain in the forecast and right now, there are no clouds in the sky so it is looking good!!
Back from the vet and Hogan has a clean bill of health. The sore in his mouth is healing nicely and we are not on a "just watch it" alert. He was so nervous his teeth were chattering while we were sitting in the waiting room!! I was embarrassed for him!! The visit cost $36.00 and is sooo much cheaper than at home!!
I stopped by the lumber yard before coming home and got some stain for the panelling and hope to have the bedroom walls done later today.
The bedroom is now stained and looks good. It is weird how the different panels have taken the stain differently but it does look good. John got the outlets in today and so things are starting to come together in there. I can't put any polyurethane on the walls for 3 days according to the directions so I am done with the walls for now.
Marybeth came over and has given her stamp of approval and while we were sitting enjoying the sunshine, she got bit by a bee! Unfortunately, she is allergic to them so I had to quickly get her a Benadryl to hopefully reduce any effects that she may have from the bite.
As I was sitting chatting to Marybeth, I got an awful pain in my abdomen and it certainly reminded me of a gallbladder attack. I have had it before and will never forget exactly how it feels!! I went in and luckily I still have some antispasmodic medication so took it and stayed inside until that pain had started to subside. It took a while but eventually I felt better.
Lorne and Marilyn stopped by for happy hour, had a few drinks then returned to town for supper. Marybeth went home, Mitch went home and we moved into Ray and Kay's garage as it was once again getting chilly and I was already sitting with my pink bunny hug and my insulated jacket on - pain was gone but I still felt lousy.
I was back at the bus by 7:00 p.m. and settled in for the night while Ray, Kay and John partied on....
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| A little frost |
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| Just need to put the trim pieces on |
Back from the vet and Hogan has a clean bill of health. The sore in his mouth is healing nicely and we are not on a "just watch it" alert. He was so nervous his teeth were chattering while we were sitting in the waiting room!! I was embarrassed for him!! The visit cost $36.00 and is sooo much cheaper than at home!!
I stopped by the lumber yard before coming home and got some stain for the panelling and hope to have the bedroom walls done later today.
The bedroom is now stained and looks good. It is weird how the different panels have taken the stain differently but it does look good. John got the outlets in today and so things are starting to come together in there. I can't put any polyurethane on the walls for 3 days according to the directions so I am done with the walls for now.
Marybeth came over and has given her stamp of approval and while we were sitting enjoying the sunshine, she got bit by a bee! Unfortunately, she is allergic to them so I had to quickly get her a Benadryl to hopefully reduce any effects that she may have from the bite.
As I was sitting chatting to Marybeth, I got an awful pain in my abdomen and it certainly reminded me of a gallbladder attack. I have had it before and will never forget exactly how it feels!! I went in and luckily I still have some antispasmodic medication so took it and stayed inside until that pain had started to subside. It took a while but eventually I felt better.
Lorne and Marilyn stopped by for happy hour, had a few drinks then returned to town for supper. Marybeth went home, Mitch went home and we moved into Ray and Kay's garage as it was once again getting chilly and I was already sitting with my pink bunny hug and my insulated jacket on - pain was gone but I still felt lousy.
I was back at the bus by 7:00 p.m. and settled in for the night while Ray, Kay and John partied on....
Monday, March 19/2012
Well, I can see blue sky today where it was only grey yesterday. It is still calling for rain this morning and it actually is trying its hardest to do exactly that. I looked on the 10 day forecast and it says by Wednesday, we are back up into the high 70s and low 80s. Yeah!!!
With yesterday being a day of rest, I wonder if John plans on getting any of that panelling up on the walls. I guess I will just have to wait and see......
I phoned Hogan's veterinarian back home today to ask him what he thinks I should do about this open sore in Hogan's mouth and since I have already tried the few antibiotics I had for him, he suggested that I take him in to a vet here. Kay gave me the name of her vet and I now have an appointment for tomorrow morning at 8:00 a.m. Good thing I am an early riser!!
ALAS!! The panelling is up in the bedroom and so far, it looks awesome. Ray, John and I had it up and done just as happy hour came upon us and, the sun has decided to appear, warming up the day. Lorne and Marilyn showed up shortly after we sat down and joined us for a few as well. Eventually, we had to move to the warmth of the chiminea as it was getting too chilly to just sit outside. Lorne and Marilyn headed back into town for supper but left us with an invitation to join them for drinks and supper tomorrow.
Happy Hour extended into happy hours and since I have to be up early tomorrow morning, Hogan and I shut it down (I had already had too many beer!) and returned to the bus where I made a quick supper and watched The Voice on TV before crawling into bed. The others............partied on!!!!
With yesterday being a day of rest, I wonder if John plans on getting any of that panelling up on the walls. I guess I will just have to wait and see......
I phoned Hogan's veterinarian back home today to ask him what he thinks I should do about this open sore in Hogan's mouth and since I have already tried the few antibiotics I had for him, he suggested that I take him in to a vet here. Kay gave me the name of her vet and I now have an appointment for tomorrow morning at 8:00 a.m. Good thing I am an early riser!!
ALAS!! The panelling is up in the bedroom and so far, it looks awesome. Ray, John and I had it up and done just as happy hour came upon us and, the sun has decided to appear, warming up the day. Lorne and Marilyn showed up shortly after we sat down and joined us for a few as well. Eventually, we had to move to the warmth of the chiminea as it was getting too chilly to just sit outside. Lorne and Marilyn headed back into town for supper but left us with an invitation to join them for drinks and supper tomorrow.
Happy Hour extended into happy hours and since I have to be up early tomorrow morning, Hogan and I shut it down (I had already had too many beer!) and returned to the bus where I made a quick supper and watched The Voice on TV before crawling into bed. The others............partied on!!!!
Monday, March 19, 2012
Sunday, March 18/2012
Happy Birthday wishes go out to Casey as he turns 23 today. My, has the time flown. He celebrated last night so today he can recover and be ready for work Monday morning!! Good move Case!!
It rained pretty steady throughout the night and this morning it is cloudy and rather dreary. It still looks like it could rain. The desert will certainly "green" up over the next few days with this rain and perhaps all the cottonwood fluff will now settle down a bit as well. Everyone around us is popping their allergy pills.
It continued to rain and at times, even hailed through out the day. It is a good day to read, watch TV and just relax. I popped a roast in the oven and soon the aroma was wafting through the air. Mmmm!!
What a great day to recoup from a very busy week.
It rained pretty steady throughout the night and this morning it is cloudy and rather dreary. It still looks like it could rain. The desert will certainly "green" up over the next few days with this rain and perhaps all the cottonwood fluff will now settle down a bit as well. Everyone around us is popping their allergy pills.
It continued to rain and at times, even hailed through out the day. It is a good day to read, watch TV and just relax. I popped a roast in the oven and soon the aroma was wafting through the air. Mmmm!!
What a great day to recoup from a very busy week.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Saturday, March 17/2012
Happy St. Patrick's Day to everyone. May you all find your pot of gold and live long happy lives.
It is rather dreary out this morning but the temperature seems fine and it is not as cold as what I expected. There apparently is still rain and cold temperatures heading our way but so far, today is good.
I must scoot to the store today as there are a few things I need to pick up.
Back from my "chores" and now it is time to make the rhubarb cake I promised for tonight's dessert. I even bought some ice cream to go with it!!
I talked to Casey on the phone today and wished him a happy birthday even though it isn't until tomorrow but he was going out tonight to celebrate so I thought he will in all likelihood spend most of the day in bed tomorrow recovering from the celebration.
I pounded a few more staples into the walls to get them ready for the panelling, then vacuumed the edges. With rain in the forecast, John and I moved all the wood inside the trailer so that it would not get wet. With that lousy job done, John mucked around a bit inside and then Lorne and Marilyn showed up for happy hour. We all sat outside until it got chilly then moved over to Ray and Kay's sweet little back deck. Ray had the chiminea going and it was wonderfully warm on the deck.
Ray has been cooking all day making his corned beef and cabbage and when it was finally ready, we dived in and I thought it tasted wonderful. He used different spices in it and it had a bit of a bite but it was great. Kay gave me the gears for my less spicy palate and said if I was going to live down here in the Southwest I had to learn to eat the spicy food!! No Mercy!!
Marilyn brought St. Patrick's Day cupcakes and they too looked delicious. Unfortunately, I was so full from dinner, that I did not have room for one. I will save it for tomorrow.
As per usual, once I eat, I am ready for bed and since it was late, that is exactly what I did. Hogan and I hit the sheets and the others partied on. Every party needs a pooper and I guess that it is me!!
It is rather dreary out this morning but the temperature seems fine and it is not as cold as what I expected. There apparently is still rain and cold temperatures heading our way but so far, today is good.
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| Enjoying Ray's deck |
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| Yum! |
Back from my "chores" and now it is time to make the rhubarb cake I promised for tonight's dessert. I even bought some ice cream to go with it!!
I talked to Casey on the phone today and wished him a happy birthday even though it isn't until tomorrow but he was going out tonight to celebrate so I thought he will in all likelihood spend most of the day in bed tomorrow recovering from the celebration.
I pounded a few more staples into the walls to get them ready for the panelling, then vacuumed the edges. With rain in the forecast, John and I moved all the wood inside the trailer so that it would not get wet. With that lousy job done, John mucked around a bit inside and then Lorne and Marilyn showed up for happy hour. We all sat outside until it got chilly then moved over to Ray and Kay's sweet little back deck. Ray had the chiminea going and it was wonderfully warm on the deck.
Ray has been cooking all day making his corned beef and cabbage and when it was finally ready, we dived in and I thought it tasted wonderful. He used different spices in it and it had a bit of a bite but it was great. Kay gave me the gears for my less spicy palate and said if I was going to live down here in the Southwest I had to learn to eat the spicy food!! No Mercy!!
Marilyn brought St. Patrick's Day cupcakes and they too looked delicious. Unfortunately, I was so full from dinner, that I did not have room for one. I will save it for tomorrow.
As per usual, once I eat, I am ready for bed and since it was late, that is exactly what I did. Hogan and I hit the sheets and the others partied on. Every party needs a pooper and I guess that it is me!!
Friday, March 16/2012
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| New wall up |
The wall got built today and it really did not take that long to build it. It looks great and is straight, flush and plumb so I think we are good to go as far as getting the panelling up. At least then, the place will look like a room. We have decided where the closet will be so that is another decision made.
Marybeth came down and inspected today's work and once again it passed so I was pleased with that!! All our work would not be official if she did not approve of the workmanship!!
Lorne and Marilyn must have been out and about as they did not turn up for happy hour but we felt it was our duty to hold up their end of the stick and continued on with out them. I did up some quick pizza and that is what we had for supper. It goes well with beer!!
I was in bed early (as usual) and John came in much later - no surprise there!!
Tomorrow is St. Patrick's Day so I must find something green to wear. Ray is cooking his version of corned beef and cabbage so that will be interesting. I can't wait to taste it!!
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