It was 5:00 a.m. when the hockey game was over and the lights were turned off. I think I should be sleeping in, this morning!! Alas, that was not to be as my eyes popped open at 8:00 o'clock. I guess I am programmed to wake up early.
It is cloudy this morning and although I don't think if froze last night, it looks like rain may be in our forecast for today. There was an aura around the moon last night so maybe the Navajo Elders are right when they say that the ring heralds rain.
I headed into town today as it is getting close to that time of month when rent is due and since John is planning on ordering another load of wood, I might just as well pull that money out as well.
On the way into town today, the Jeep was having issues and I think either the clutch needs some repairs or the transmission as "Old Yella" did not want to go into third gear!! Being a woman in "shopping mode", I continued on in second gear and got everything I needed to do done. I will not be denied my shopping pleasures by some nasty attitude from that Jeep!! John is going to have to do some investigative work and find the problem and then fix it!!
Once back at the park, I relaxed for the rest of the afternoon reading my book while John enjoyed Sunday Football. It is getting down to the playoffs for the NFL so things are certainly heating up for the teams.
I stuck in a lasagna for supper and cooked it. Now, anyone can eat when they are hungry and I don't have to worry about preparing it. You really have got to love the microwave when it comes time to reheat!!
With supper dealt with, and football over for the evening, John and I headed into the trailer where we put the table back inside and put down the mats. We then hauled in the two boxes that contain the fireplace/TVstand. Hopefully, that will be put together before too long.
John then measured up all the windows so that we could order the trim. Perhaps I will borrow the neighbour's truck tomorrow and get the final bits of wood we will need.
Kay joined us for a few refreshments tonight around the kitchen table as well. Ray has to work tomorrow in Aguila so he decided to stay home tonight and rest up. It is the end of the month and all the water meters have to be read and that will be an all day affair for Ray.
Eventually, it was time for something to eat and I was glad that I had cooked the lasagna earlier. Now it was just a matter of throwing together a ceasar salad and reheating the lasagna. Even Kay joined us for a bite to eat. Man, if she doesn't watch out, she will get into the habit of actually eating three meals a day!! Now that would be something for sure!!
Bed soon followed and John ended up watching more hockey. Canada was winning when I finally nodded off to sleep. That is the only thing wrong with having these hockey games over in Europe - all the games are televised in the wee hours of the morning!!
Monday, December 31, 2012
Saturday, December 29/2012
It is chilly again this morning but the sun is on its way up and it will be much warmer once it rises and if it keeps shining, although, there is a bit of cloud coverage today.
The quail and the doves are busy with the leftover birdseed I threw out yesterday and are scrapping in amongst themselves. They can sure be mean to each other!!
Once I am done with my coffee, I will be heading into the trailer to continue my quest for shiny floors.
Well..... there are now two more coats of varathane on the kitchen half wall and on the living room/kitchen floor and I think that is the last coats for the floor. There is a nice shine to it now and I think I can live with it. Besides, I am getting very tired of all this bloody painting!! I want to see the trim go up and the fireplace go in and I would like that done sooner rather than later. Is that asking too much? I think not!!
John and I sat around the campfire again tonight. It is Saturday night so that means it is steak and baked potato for supper and that requires a campfire and a few beverages!! Life is tough here in the Arizona desert.
The javalina came around tonight. There were 8 in this group and Mom was here with one of the original babies who is now getting quite big. That little beggar was rummaging for food just like the others although he still sticks pretty close to his Mom. Hogan was once again, not impressed with them being so close to the fence and was huffing and puffing like he was something to be dealt with!! They have him on ignore most of the time!!
Marybeth came over for a quick visit while we were sitting by the fire. She had been visiting with Ray and Kay and was feeling the chill in the air so headed home quickly. Both Ray and Kay then joined us at the fire for a few refreshments.
I had just got out of the bathtub so was sitting by the fire in my PJs and a quilted shirt. Of course Kay has to comment on my pink PJs when ever she sees them. I think she is just jealous of how awesome I look in them and actually wants some of her own!!
I eventually headed into bed and watched TV while warming up with Hogan (who also was cold). There is a World Junior Hockey Game on tonight at 2:30 in the morning and John is hoping to watch it. I will perhaps have a little sleep first, wake up and watch it with him.
As it turned out, I woke up just as the first period ended so was able to watch the last two where Canada defeated the USA team and now are undefeated in the series. Woo Hoo - Go Canada Go!!
The quail and the doves are busy with the leftover birdseed I threw out yesterday and are scrapping in amongst themselves. They can sure be mean to each other!!
Once I am done with my coffee, I will be heading into the trailer to continue my quest for shiny floors.
Well..... there are now two more coats of varathane on the kitchen half wall and on the living room/kitchen floor and I think that is the last coats for the floor. There is a nice shine to it now and I think I can live with it. Besides, I am getting very tired of all this bloody painting!! I want to see the trim go up and the fireplace go in and I would like that done sooner rather than later. Is that asking too much? I think not!!
John and I sat around the campfire again tonight. It is Saturday night so that means it is steak and baked potato for supper and that requires a campfire and a few beverages!! Life is tough here in the Arizona desert.
The javalina came around tonight. There were 8 in this group and Mom was here with one of the original babies who is now getting quite big. That little beggar was rummaging for food just like the others although he still sticks pretty close to his Mom. Hogan was once again, not impressed with them being so close to the fence and was huffing and puffing like he was something to be dealt with!! They have him on ignore most of the time!!
Marybeth came over for a quick visit while we were sitting by the fire. She had been visiting with Ray and Kay and was feeling the chill in the air so headed home quickly. Both Ray and Kay then joined us at the fire for a few refreshments.
I had just got out of the bathtub so was sitting by the fire in my PJs and a quilted shirt. Of course Kay has to comment on my pink PJs when ever she sees them. I think she is just jealous of how awesome I look in them and actually wants some of her own!!
I eventually headed into bed and watched TV while warming up with Hogan (who also was cold). There is a World Junior Hockey Game on tonight at 2:30 in the morning and John is hoping to watch it. I will perhaps have a little sleep first, wake up and watch it with him.
As it turned out, I woke up just as the first period ended so was able to watch the last two where Canada defeated the USA team and now are undefeated in the series. Woo Hoo - Go Canada Go!!
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Friday, December 28/2012
I am up early and feel rested and wonderful. I really must get busy on the trailer floor today. Enough of this lazing around. Time to get to work.
First though...... coffee.
I headed into town for more varathane and a few groceries. Once I was back to the park I got all the necessary equipment assembled and got ready to work. Today, I decided to include the hallway in the varathane process so had to quickly get the junk out of the way and wash those boards. Last year, I slapped on a coating of semi gloss to protect the stain over the summer so now I have to redo it with the gloss finish. Once it was clean, the gloss went on without any trouble so I was happy about that. I then added another coat of gloss to the kitchen/living room floor and waited for that to dry so that a second coat could be applied today.
While waiting for the first coat to dry, I threw some birdseed out and reached for my book. It wasn't too long before a variety of feathered friends came around and enjoyed the seeds.
The second coat was applied and now the floor is starting to look a bit better. When I was in town earlier, I spoke with the paint guy at the hardware store and realized that this gloss was going to be what I was bound to use and although it did not have the wonderful shine of the main bedroom, I am forced to continue to use it. Unfortunately, I can not remember what I used on the bedroom floor and can't seem to find anything similar.
Once the second coat was on and drying, the sun had started to go down and the chill was in the air. John started a campfire and we sat around it. Eventually, Ray and Kay joined us. They had been working all day on their bathroom renovation and now have the new cabinets in place. It looks great and once the bathroom sink and cabinet goes in, their renovation will be done. Woo Hoo for them.
We sat around the fire for a few hours then it was time to head inside and eat supper. No left overs tonight. I made ribs, baked potatoes and broccoli. Mmmmm!!
All in all, it was a good day with more work getting done on the trailer and eventually......we will get it done!!
First though...... coffee.
I headed into town for more varathane and a few groceries. Once I was back to the park I got all the necessary equipment assembled and got ready to work. Today, I decided to include the hallway in the varathane process so had to quickly get the junk out of the way and wash those boards. Last year, I slapped on a coating of semi gloss to protect the stain over the summer so now I have to redo it with the gloss finish. Once it was clean, the gloss went on without any trouble so I was happy about that. I then added another coat of gloss to the kitchen/living room floor and waited for that to dry so that a second coat could be applied today.
While waiting for the first coat to dry, I threw some birdseed out and reached for my book. It wasn't too long before a variety of feathered friends came around and enjoyed the seeds.
The second coat was applied and now the floor is starting to look a bit better. When I was in town earlier, I spoke with the paint guy at the hardware store and realized that this gloss was going to be what I was bound to use and although it did not have the wonderful shine of the main bedroom, I am forced to continue to use it. Unfortunately, I can not remember what I used on the bedroom floor and can't seem to find anything similar.
Once the second coat was on and drying, the sun had started to go down and the chill was in the air. John started a campfire and we sat around it. Eventually, Ray and Kay joined us. They had been working all day on their bathroom renovation and now have the new cabinets in place. It looks great and once the bathroom sink and cabinet goes in, their renovation will be done. Woo Hoo for them.
We sat around the fire for a few hours then it was time to head inside and eat supper. No left overs tonight. I made ribs, baked potatoes and broccoli. Mmmmm!!
All in all, it was a good day with more work getting done on the trailer and eventually......we will get it done!!
Thursday, December 27/2012
Since the four of us got to bed rather late, I find that I have slept in and really have little ambition as to getting another coat of varathane on the trailer floor. I think today shall be another rest day!! I keep hearing the lyrics of "The Old Grey Mare" in my head and think man....she really ain't what she used to be!! Burning the candle at both ends is no longer an option for me.
So.....both John and I spent the day chillin in front of the TV and at one point, I laid down and had an afternoon nap. Just what I needed.
Supper was leftovers again and hopefully that will be the end of those. Leftovers are awesome after a great meal but 3 days in a row is enough!!
After that, it was more chillin with the TV then back into bed for the night. Life is good!!
So.....both John and I spent the day chillin in front of the TV and at one point, I laid down and had an afternoon nap. Just what I needed.
Supper was leftovers again and hopefully that will be the end of those. Leftovers are awesome after a great meal but 3 days in a row is enough!!
After that, it was more chillin with the TV then back into bed for the night. Life is good!!
Wednesday, December 26/2012
It is Boxing Day - the day after Christmas and although it is rather dreary outside, it is warmer than yesterday. The sun is attempting to shine today.
Last night, as we were sitting around the fire, Kay noticed that there was an aura around the moon. It looked awesome and that is the second time in the last few days that we have seen it. Kay says the Navajo believe that it is a sign of impending rain. Well, I don't think we need anymore rain but I am not one to scoff at what the Navajo Elders say!!
I think today should be a day of rest for me so I will sit here this morning, drink my coffee, check out facebook and get the blog caught up.
I started reading my book and that pretty much took up the day. Wow, I don't even feel guilty for not working on the trailer today!!
Leftovers were reheated for supper and then John and I both sat inside the trailer and had a few refreshments.
Ray and Kay had once again scooted into Home Depot for some supplies for their bathroom renovations and then Kay spent several hours in the garage staining boards - again!! I know just how she feels and I am sure her collarbones will be aching again tonight.
Both her and Ray wandered over for a drink and we all sat around chatting and enjoying each other's company. I think that tomorrow just may be a day off as well!!
Last night, as we were sitting around the fire, Kay noticed that there was an aura around the moon. It looked awesome and that is the second time in the last few days that we have seen it. Kay says the Navajo believe that it is a sign of impending rain. Well, I don't think we need anymore rain but I am not one to scoff at what the Navajo Elders say!!
I think today should be a day of rest for me so I will sit here this morning, drink my coffee, check out facebook and get the blog caught up.
I started reading my book and that pretty much took up the day. Wow, I don't even feel guilty for not working on the trailer today!!
Leftovers were reheated for supper and then John and I both sat inside the trailer and had a few refreshments.
Ray and Kay had once again scooted into Home Depot for some supplies for their bathroom renovations and then Kay spent several hours in the garage staining boards - again!! I know just how she feels and I am sure her collarbones will be aching again tonight.
Both her and Ray wandered over for a drink and we all sat around chatting and enjoying each other's company. I think that tomorrow just may be a day off as well!!
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Tuesday, December 25/2012
Merry Christmas to everyone. I hope that Santa was good to all of you.
I am up just as the sun is about to rise and it is chilly out ....not nearly as chilly as it is back home but chilly for here!!
I have tarts to make today and will start on those as soon as I am done catching up on the blog and checking out Facebook and, after drinking my coffee!! Since most of the Christmas supper has been already dealt with, I can look forward to a pretty relaxing day. John will be cooking the Trash can turkey later on but other than peeling potatoes, thickening the gravy and getting the vegetable on the stove, there is not much else needed. Charlotte is bringing the stuffing (she did an awesome job on it last year) so I think we are pretty much "good to go".
Both John and I lazed around until it was time to start getting organized for the day's festivities. I had been texting both the boys off and on all day and knew that they would spend the day out at the farm with Kimmy and her parents. I was relieved to find out that Casey was enfolded in the arms of Kimmy's family and for that I shall be forever grateful.
With the worry of my babies off my mind, I was able to get busy on our day. With much of the preparations already done, the tarts were the first thing on my "to do" list today. I am certainly glad that I remembered to bring some frozen tart shell from home as they are just not available down here. Because of this, the tarts were made and ready in no time. The challenge came in finding room for them in the fridge. Moving the beer out of the fridge just was NOT an option!!
The turkey went on at 3:45 and should be done at 6:00. This time, we have the proper "normal" briquettes and not those fancy Matchlite ones so things should be much better than the last time we did trash can turkey!! I am still not over that calamity!!
Trueman and his friend Roger were the first to arrive along with Cowboy (Trueman's dog). John had a campfire going and we sat around it listening to the turkey cook. It was sizzling away nicely.
Keith and Charlotte arrived with the stuffing in hand and they too joined us around the fire.
Ray and Kay wandered over earlier as Ray had never seen or heard of trash can turkey so was interested in how it was done.
Supper was a wonderful affair. The turkey was cooked to damn near perfection and all the accompanying side dishes were awesome as well - even if I do say so myself!! There was great conversation (although some of it was not "Christmas Talk"!!) and we had lots of laughs. I even saw Kay McScrooge laugh!! We all ate until we were full then sat around the table talking - what a motley crew we have assembled for our Arizona family. I wouldn't change one person at our table. John and I truly are blessed.
As our "family" began to leave, I made sure they had leftovers in their hands. Yes, even Cowboy got his treats!!
Soon, it was only the four of us left (Ray, Kay, John and myself). Ray was the first to give in to the full stomach and tired eyes and headed to bed. John, Kay and I sat around the fire for a while longer then allowed it to burn down and headed into the bus where John too headed to bed leaving Kay and I to finish off the night.
It was a great day. One that was surrounded by friends and family. Family, that had nothing to do with bloodlines. PRICELESS.
I am up just as the sun is about to rise and it is chilly out ....not nearly as chilly as it is back home but chilly for here!!
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| Briquettes are on |
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| Kay and Hogan |
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| Fire is ready to go |
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| Ray bringing some fire wood |
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| Our victim |
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| Really, I have to wear the stupid hat |
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| Fires on |
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| Supper is on |
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| Truman and Char |
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| Char and Kieth |
Both John and I lazed around until it was time to start getting organized for the day's festivities. I had been texting both the boys off and on all day and knew that they would spend the day out at the farm with Kimmy and her parents. I was relieved to find out that Casey was enfolded in the arms of Kimmy's family and for that I shall be forever grateful.
With the worry of my babies off my mind, I was able to get busy on our day. With much of the preparations already done, the tarts were the first thing on my "to do" list today. I am certainly glad that I remembered to bring some frozen tart shell from home as they are just not available down here. Because of this, the tarts were made and ready in no time. The challenge came in finding room for them in the fridge. Moving the beer out of the fridge just was NOT an option!!
The turkey went on at 3:45 and should be done at 6:00. This time, we have the proper "normal" briquettes and not those fancy Matchlite ones so things should be much better than the last time we did trash can turkey!! I am still not over that calamity!!
Trueman and his friend Roger were the first to arrive along with Cowboy (Trueman's dog). John had a campfire going and we sat around it listening to the turkey cook. It was sizzling away nicely.
Keith and Charlotte arrived with the stuffing in hand and they too joined us around the fire.
Ray and Kay wandered over earlier as Ray had never seen or heard of trash can turkey so was interested in how it was done.
Supper was a wonderful affair. The turkey was cooked to damn near perfection and all the accompanying side dishes were awesome as well - even if I do say so myself!! There was great conversation (although some of it was not "Christmas Talk"!!) and we had lots of laughs. I even saw Kay McScrooge laugh!! We all ate until we were full then sat around the table talking - what a motley crew we have assembled for our Arizona family. I wouldn't change one person at our table. John and I truly are blessed.
As our "family" began to leave, I made sure they had leftovers in their hands. Yes, even Cowboy got his treats!!
Soon, it was only the four of us left (Ray, Kay, John and myself). Ray was the first to give in to the full stomach and tired eyes and headed to bed. John, Kay and I sat around the fire for a while longer then allowed it to burn down and headed into the bus where John too headed to bed leaving Kay and I to finish off the night.
It was a great day. One that was surrounded by friends and family. Family, that had nothing to do with bloodlines. PRICELESS.
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Monday, December 24/2012
It is laundry day today and I was at the laundromat by 9:00 a.m. so my day is off to an early start and that is probably a good thing as there are several things on my list of "jobs to do" today. Once I got the clothes into the washers, I headed off to Alco to do some last minute shopping.
The laundromat was empty when I first arrived but by the time I left, it was busy so I was glad that I had arrived early on this Christmas Eve Day.
Once the laundry was done, I stopped at the beer store (CVS Pharmacy - cheapest beer in town at 17.99 for a 30 pack) and stocked up our supplies then headed back to the bus.
Once there, it was a matter of unpacking the laundry and heading into the trailer to start the clean up in there. There are paint cans and tools everywhere and that all needs to be cleaned up before our guests arrive for Christmas supper tomorrow.
John woke up with a nasty headache this morning for some reason (must have slept wrong and he only had one eggnog last night!) so he will not be much help until the tylenol kicks in and his headache takes a hike!! He is a lousy cleaner anyway so I can wait till later when I actually need him to help lift the table back into the trailer.
Once the counter was clean, the place actually started looking like it could be lived in. The sink was a bit of a challenge to clean with all the bits of spilled stain and varathane coating the surface but, my tenaciousness paid off and now I have a clean white enamel sink again. Woo Hoo!! It is the simple things in life that matter!!
My sights were then set on the outside as it looked like no one cared about the yard. There are bits and pieces of wood here, there and everywhere along with a ton of sawdust. John's headache was better and together we tidied up the yard and got the tables into the trailer and set up for tomorrow's meal.
By this time, I was ready for a beer break and did just that!! While we were sitting, enjoying a break, the UPS man arrived with the second half of the fireplace. Now, we have all the necessary parts to get it assembled and up and running although that will not happen until after Christmas.
Remember that 12 piece set of dishes I got from the abandoned trailer here in the park? Well, I am planning on using them for Christmas supper so they have to be washed and put away in the cupboard. It is a good thing that I don't mind doing dishes as there were a lot of them!! It is a huge set of dishes and it was a collaborative effort in dealing with them. I washed, God dried and John found room for them in the cupboard!! Then......all the utensils (also from the abandoned trailer) had to be washed and dried but eventually, everything got done and we are now "mostly" ready for our guests.
Ray and Kay have been working on their bathroom renovations all day and have finally quit so have joined us for a few Christmas Eve refreshments.
We played cards and taught them how to play kaiser so now we can start a Christmas tradition down here. We also taught them the game of "31" which neither one had heard of. As it turned out, John and Ray won the kaiser game and they each won a pot in "31". Kay and I were the losers when it came to cards.
It was a nice evening spent with our neighbours. The fiber optic Christmas tree was on and I brought the snow man in from the cold and turned him on as well. We all got a little silly and took lots of pictures.
I text the boys and Kimmy and missed them like crazy wishing they were all here with us. Who knows, maybe next year.......
My evening ended with a bath and movie - the classic "A Christmas Carol" with Ebenezer Scrooge. An awesome way to end another great day. John was busy uploading pics to the blog and he too watched part of the movie.
The laundromat was empty when I first arrived but by the time I left, it was busy so I was glad that I had arrived early on this Christmas Eve Day.
Once the laundry was done, I stopped at the beer store (CVS Pharmacy - cheapest beer in town at 17.99 for a 30 pack) and stocked up our supplies then headed back to the bus.
Once there, it was a matter of unpacking the laundry and heading into the trailer to start the clean up in there. There are paint cans and tools everywhere and that all needs to be cleaned up before our guests arrive for Christmas supper tomorrow.
John woke up with a nasty headache this morning for some reason (must have slept wrong and he only had one eggnog last night!) so he will not be much help until the tylenol kicks in and his headache takes a hike!! He is a lousy cleaner anyway so I can wait till later when I actually need him to help lift the table back into the trailer.
Once the counter was clean, the place actually started looking like it could be lived in. The sink was a bit of a challenge to clean with all the bits of spilled stain and varathane coating the surface but, my tenaciousness paid off and now I have a clean white enamel sink again. Woo Hoo!! It is the simple things in life that matter!!
My sights were then set on the outside as it looked like no one cared about the yard. There are bits and pieces of wood here, there and everywhere along with a ton of sawdust. John's headache was better and together we tidied up the yard and got the tables into the trailer and set up for tomorrow's meal.
By this time, I was ready for a beer break and did just that!! While we were sitting, enjoying a break, the UPS man arrived with the second half of the fireplace. Now, we have all the necessary parts to get it assembled and up and running although that will not happen until after Christmas.
Remember that 12 piece set of dishes I got from the abandoned trailer here in the park? Well, I am planning on using them for Christmas supper so they have to be washed and put away in the cupboard. It is a good thing that I don't mind doing dishes as there were a lot of them!! It is a huge set of dishes and it was a collaborative effort in dealing with them. I washed, God dried and John found room for them in the cupboard!! Then......all the utensils (also from the abandoned trailer) had to be washed and dried but eventually, everything got done and we are now "mostly" ready for our guests.
Ray and Kay have been working on their bathroom renovations all day and have finally quit so have joined us for a few Christmas Eve refreshments.
We played cards and taught them how to play kaiser so now we can start a Christmas tradition down here. We also taught them the game of "31" which neither one had heard of. As it turned out, John and Ray won the kaiser game and they each won a pot in "31". Kay and I were the losers when it came to cards.
It was a nice evening spent with our neighbours. The fiber optic Christmas tree was on and I brought the snow man in from the cold and turned him on as well. We all got a little silly and took lots of pictures.
I text the boys and Kimmy and missed them like crazy wishing they were all here with us. Who knows, maybe next year.......
My evening ended with a bath and movie - the classic "A Christmas Carol" with Ebenezer Scrooge. An awesome way to end another great day. John was busy uploading pics to the blog and he too watched part of the movie.
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| She's cool |
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| Hogans getting in the act |
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| Ray, Kay and Marie |
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| Kay |
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| Ray |
Sunday, December 23/2012
There is frost on the pumpkin this morning!! It covers the quads and the bird water is frozen. Brrrr....
I have a lot to do today - now doesn't that sound familiar!! The turkey need to go into the brine today, the aspic needs to be made, the turkey neck bones need to be slow simmered for the gravy, the tarts should be made and the floor in the trailer needs its first coat of varathane. So, with that in mind, I have full intentions of sitting back and relaxing over two cups of coffee before the madness begins. Sometimes, it is all about taking the time to smell the roses!!
Well, I did eventually get into gear and now the turkey is sitting in its brine and the cranberry sauce is made and cooling on the counter (soon to be put into the fridge). The aspic is also made and I must say that I make this purely for selfish reasons as no one else likes it and Ray (who is the resident cook in their household) has not even heard of it!! Some people live such sheltered lives!! The tart shells are done and ready for the cream cheese filling but that will be done Christmas morning and the turkey neck bones are simmering in the gravy pot. The aromas in the bus today are incredible.
With the inside work all done, I headed into the trailer to start the varathane coats to the kitchen/living room floor. Now that I have a new roller, I decided to give the long handle a try instead on getting down on my hands and knees using just the roller. To my surprise, the varathane went on beautifully and in no time, the first coat was on and looking wonderful. I cranked up the heat and turned on the big fan in the hopes that it would dry enough so that I could apply a second coat. Again, to my surprise, I was able to get a second coat on before calling it a day.
Whew....... I think I am getting tired!! LOL
I had a few things to get in town so headed in and picked up everything I would need to make it to the other side of Christmas and closed stores. I truly am now, done for the day!!
I threw some seed out to the birds and waited for them to arrive. They are enthusiastic eaters and a joy to watch. Three bunnies showed up tonight (have not seen them in a while) and enjoyed the "new" bird seed. This stuff has more corn in it and they really like that!!
The javalina arrived so Hogan got his entertainment as well. He so enjoys growling and posturing for them. I would really hate to tell him that they are not afraid and seem to know he cannot get to them through the fence so they stand, just on the other side looking at him and perhaps teasing him from time to time!! They sure are stinky little creatures though!!
Once again, as the sun sinks in the west, the chill sets in and it was time to head into the bus. Supper was a quick affair tonight as I did not feel like standing at the stove anymore today. Burgers and oven fries had to do tonight.
After that, it was time for me to rest up overnight for yet another marathon day of activity tomorrow.
I have a lot to do today - now doesn't that sound familiar!! The turkey need to go into the brine today, the aspic needs to be made, the turkey neck bones need to be slow simmered for the gravy, the tarts should be made and the floor in the trailer needs its first coat of varathane. So, with that in mind, I have full intentions of sitting back and relaxing over two cups of coffee before the madness begins. Sometimes, it is all about taking the time to smell the roses!!
Well, I did eventually get into gear and now the turkey is sitting in its brine and the cranberry sauce is made and cooling on the counter (soon to be put into the fridge). The aspic is also made and I must say that I make this purely for selfish reasons as no one else likes it and Ray (who is the resident cook in their household) has not even heard of it!! Some people live such sheltered lives!! The tart shells are done and ready for the cream cheese filling but that will be done Christmas morning and the turkey neck bones are simmering in the gravy pot. The aromas in the bus today are incredible.
With the inside work all done, I headed into the trailer to start the varathane coats to the kitchen/living room floor. Now that I have a new roller, I decided to give the long handle a try instead on getting down on my hands and knees using just the roller. To my surprise, the varathane went on beautifully and in no time, the first coat was on and looking wonderful. I cranked up the heat and turned on the big fan in the hopes that it would dry enough so that I could apply a second coat. Again, to my surprise, I was able to get a second coat on before calling it a day.
Whew....... I think I am getting tired!! LOL
I had a few things to get in town so headed in and picked up everything I would need to make it to the other side of Christmas and closed stores. I truly am now, done for the day!!
I threw some seed out to the birds and waited for them to arrive. They are enthusiastic eaters and a joy to watch. Three bunnies showed up tonight (have not seen them in a while) and enjoyed the "new" bird seed. This stuff has more corn in it and they really like that!!
The javalina arrived so Hogan got his entertainment as well. He so enjoys growling and posturing for them. I would really hate to tell him that they are not afraid and seem to know he cannot get to them through the fence so they stand, just on the other side looking at him and perhaps teasing him from time to time!! They sure are stinky little creatures though!!
Once again, as the sun sinks in the west, the chill sets in and it was time to head into the bus. Supper was a quick affair tonight as I did not feel like standing at the stove anymore today. Burgers and oven fries had to do tonight.
After that, it was time for me to rest up overnight for yet another marathon day of activity tomorrow.
Saturday, December 22/2012
I awoke early this morning and the sun was shining. It is supposed to be another nice day and we are planning on going for a quad ride today.
I had to scoot into town before leaving to do the final shopping needed before Christmas and I also had to stop and get an new roller for the varathane. The one I used on the spare bedroom floor was way too thick and put too much varathane on the floor at one time so I was busy brushing it around and that totally sucked. So, before I start the kitchen/living room floor I will get a new roller.
Back at the bus everyone was pretty much ready to leave except me (of course). Once the groceries were hauled in, and the refreshments secured in the back of Henrietta (the side by side) we were off. Kay wanted to ride her own quad so I sat in Henrietta with Ray and John rode the CanAm.
We headed to the Hassayammpa, under the train trestle and towards Wickenburg Mountain where we accessed another trail that eventually took us back to the river bed. From here, we went under Hwy 60 and accessed San Domingo Wash which eventually led us to "The Wall". It is here that prospectors built a huge wall in order to hold back water that was used for their sluice boxes when they were mining for gold. There was still water running, from where, I have no idea considering there was nothing but desert out here so it must have been from underground.
I kept my eyes peeled to the ground in the hopes of finding that one huge nugget of gold that the last rains just happen to have washed up!! Now, wouldn't that be an awesome Christmas present?? Alas....it was not to be!!
We carried on down the wash, accessing Little San Domingo Wash, then another trail (leading to an active gold mining claim) which eventually spit us out into Monarch Wash. It was here that one was able to finally open up the throttle and "drift" around a few corners although I can't really say that Henrietta is all that great at "drifting". It was fun though and Ray and I were able to throw a little dust on John and Kay!!
We accessed Hwy 60 about a mile and a half from home and arrived back just in time to feed the javelina. They had just arrived so we were able to enjoy their antics for a while. The Triplets came to visit tonight and they are always entertaining. Sibling rivalry is alive and well, even amongst the
javalina!!
Another fire was started and we all sat around again tonight while we each took our turn in our respective showers. Again, it was another awesome day and with the potatoes on the BBQ and the steak ready to go on when the spuds are done.......Well, what could be better? Life is good!!
I had to scoot into town before leaving to do the final shopping needed before Christmas and I also had to stop and get an new roller for the varathane. The one I used on the spare bedroom floor was way too thick and put too much varathane on the floor at one time so I was busy brushing it around and that totally sucked. So, before I start the kitchen/living room floor I will get a new roller.
Back at the bus everyone was pretty much ready to leave except me (of course). Once the groceries were hauled in, and the refreshments secured in the back of Henrietta (the side by side) we were off. Kay wanted to ride her own quad so I sat in Henrietta with Ray and John rode the CanAm.
We headed to the Hassayammpa, under the train trestle and towards Wickenburg Mountain where we accessed another trail that eventually took us back to the river bed. From here, we went under Hwy 60 and accessed San Domingo Wash which eventually led us to "The Wall". It is here that prospectors built a huge wall in order to hold back water that was used for their sluice boxes when they were mining for gold. There was still water running, from where, I have no idea considering there was nothing but desert out here so it must have been from underground.
I kept my eyes peeled to the ground in the hopes of finding that one huge nugget of gold that the last rains just happen to have washed up!! Now, wouldn't that be an awesome Christmas present?? Alas....it was not to be!!
We carried on down the wash, accessing Little San Domingo Wash, then another trail (leading to an active gold mining claim) which eventually spit us out into Monarch Wash. It was here that one was able to finally open up the throttle and "drift" around a few corners although I can't really say that Henrietta is all that great at "drifting". It was fun though and Ray and I were able to throw a little dust on John and Kay!!
We accessed Hwy 60 about a mile and a half from home and arrived back just in time to feed the javelina. They had just arrived so we were able to enjoy their antics for a while. The Triplets came to visit tonight and they are always entertaining. Sibling rivalry is alive and well, even amongst the
javalina!!
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| Heading down the Hassayamppa River bed |
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| Wonderful desert scenery along the trail |
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| Awesome trails |
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| Lots of "prickles" along the way.......just waiting to poke the unsuspecting |
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| One can never take too many pictures of the magnificent saguaro cactus |
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| Too many to count!! |
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| Our first refreshment stop. There is a geo cache nearby. Last year we took a look inside and found all sorts of little treasures. |
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| Another peril of this desert - the teddy bear cholla - always looking to attach itself to your person!! |
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| One of the many washes. Many of which were still damp from the recent rains |
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| Rocky terrain in some of the washes |
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| Back on the Hassayamppa. Have travelled about 15 miles so far. |
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| Under the train trestle |
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| More awesome rock formations heading towards Hwy 60 Bridge |
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| San Domingo Wash |
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| Guess who got the gate? Ya, that's right.......Marie!! |
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| Lots of travel in this wash as well |
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| smooth easy trails |
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| perpetual water at "the wall" |
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| The Wall - constructed by gold miners to hold back the water for their sluice boxes |
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| There must have been some swift moving water at one point to move this rock up against this tree. |
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| John "chillin" beside The Wall |
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| Kay "chillin" on top of The Wall |
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| Open, wide trail |
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| A challenging spot on the trail |
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| Kay requiring a "helping hand" |
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| Out of San Domingo Wash and on desert trail heading towards Monarch Wash |
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| Final refreshment stop in Monarch Wash |
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| Pic from behind "the surveillance bush"..........actually, I just had to pee!! |
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