I am up early and feel great this morning. I have slept for 12 hours and now am good to go for today. We have more crap that needs to be cleaned out of that shed and hopefully Ray has already taken the trailer to the dump so it should be empty and ready for re-load.
I lounged until 11:00 a.m. then got a text from Kay asking if I was ready to start on another load. John is planning on finishing the trim in the spare room today but I had a few hours before he was ready to start that so I headed over to the shed.
Ray was busy reading water meters today in the park so Kay and I started without him. A few hours later, the trailer was full and ready for the dump. I think Ray will be taking it there tomorrow. We managed to find two aluminium window that were in good shape in amongst all the junk and they can certainly be used for the man cave next year. All in all, we have found very little in the shed that can be used for any sort of salvage. It is mostly junk and I cannot quite understand why on earth anyone would save all this junk. It is a good thing that neither Kay nor I are hoarders or cleaning this shed would be a real problem!!
With the trailer full and today's "cleaning" done, we wandered back to our yards. John had already started on the trim so I simply helped him finish what was left. It went quickly and when we were done we got the bed frame into the room and fit the box spring and mattress into it. I then made up the bed and now that room is ready for guests.
It was then time to throw out some bird seed and some javelina snacks and watch our wildlife. The four of us sat out until the sun set then Ray headed in to do up his paperwork and John, Kay and I headed into the trailer to get out of the wind and the chill of the evening.
It wasn't long before the cards came out and we sat around for a few hours trying to win each other's money. I managed to end the evening winning the huge sum of $2.25!! I think I better start a bank account with all my winnings!!
It was soon time to call it an evening and get some supper on. It was simple fair tonight with the menu being brats and macaroni with tomatoes. It hit the spot and in no time I was once again in bed, watching TV. Gee, I think I am getting used to that . It is great and Hogan is more than happy to join me. He loves being under the covers and is my very own little furnace!! Life is Good!!
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Monday, February 25/2013
I am up early this morning and the sun is shining like crazy. Perhaps we are finally out of the chilly weather and back into the warm Arizona sun.
With my morning coffee in hand, I checked out the "goings on" on Facebook (as I do every morning). It wasn't long before I got a text from Kay saying that her and Ray were headed over to the shed to start the clean up. The shed (and it is a huge one) is full of garbage and all sorts of crap. Ray is hoping to use it for ATV storage over the summer as he has a few people who have already inquired as to the possibility of leaving their ATVs here in Arizona. This space would allow for secure storage and I think would work out well.
It wasn't long before we had a trailer full of old furniture and other junk that needed to be taken to the dump. Since I had never been to the dump before I tagged along and was quite impressed as to how it is removed from the trailer. It is all done by machine so once we loaded the trailer, we did not have to unload it. Awesome.
Since we had the empty trailer on the truck, I had Ray stop at Alco so that we could load the box springs and mattresses on it. This way, I did not have to worry about getting them home in the box of the truck. This would work out well.
Of course, when I went to see if all four pieces had arrived I was told by the store manager that the final mattress was yet to arrive but.... he had another box spring and mattress available and despite the fact that it was a more expensive set, he would give it to me for the same price. Well, that worked just fine for me and soon we were headed back to the park with two complete beds.
Once we got back to the park, the four of us unloaded them into the trailer then Ray took the trailer back over to the shed for the next load.
Ray and Kay then headed over to one of the properties that is owned by the fellow who gets them to all his handy work as there were things that needed to be done. On their way over there, Kay text me that the fellow that fixes windows was at his shop so I quickly headed over there with my broken window. He had it fixed in no time and now it too can go back into its place and the final trim around it can be done. Things are finally coming together!!
When I got back to the park, Ray and Kay had returned and were once again loading the trailer with more corruption. Man, there is a lot of crap in this shed. Hopefully we do not find any rattlesnakes sleeping away the winter!! They will be cold and sluggish so if we are careful, there should not be a problem. Hopefully!!
With the second trailer load ready for the dump, we called it a day. Oh dear, I think my back is aching and I am sure Kay and Ray are a bit sore themselves. It is time to sit, have a beverage and watch the birds and the javelina.
With the setting of the sun, it was time for us to head inside eat supper and relax for the rest of the evening. John had a hankering for french fries tonight so I started heating the oil. While it was heating, I had time to take a bubble bath and that was just a little chunk of heaven after a busy day.
With supper over and done with, I decide to crawl into bed to watch some TV and fell asleep within minutes. Man, I was so very tired. I slept like the dead. Hell, I didn't even hear John come to bed!!
With my morning coffee in hand, I checked out the "goings on" on Facebook (as I do every morning). It wasn't long before I got a text from Kay saying that her and Ray were headed over to the shed to start the clean up. The shed (and it is a huge one) is full of garbage and all sorts of crap. Ray is hoping to use it for ATV storage over the summer as he has a few people who have already inquired as to the possibility of leaving their ATVs here in Arizona. This space would allow for secure storage and I think would work out well.
It wasn't long before we had a trailer full of old furniture and other junk that needed to be taken to the dump. Since I had never been to the dump before I tagged along and was quite impressed as to how it is removed from the trailer. It is all done by machine so once we loaded the trailer, we did not have to unload it. Awesome.
Since we had the empty trailer on the truck, I had Ray stop at Alco so that we could load the box springs and mattresses on it. This way, I did not have to worry about getting them home in the box of the truck. This would work out well.
Of course, when I went to see if all four pieces had arrived I was told by the store manager that the final mattress was yet to arrive but.... he had another box spring and mattress available and despite the fact that it was a more expensive set, he would give it to me for the same price. Well, that worked just fine for me and soon we were headed back to the park with two complete beds.
Once we got back to the park, the four of us unloaded them into the trailer then Ray took the trailer back over to the shed for the next load.
Ray and Kay then headed over to one of the properties that is owned by the fellow who gets them to all his handy work as there were things that needed to be done. On their way over there, Kay text me that the fellow that fixes windows was at his shop so I quickly headed over there with my broken window. He had it fixed in no time and now it too can go back into its place and the final trim around it can be done. Things are finally coming together!!
When I got back to the park, Ray and Kay had returned and were once again loading the trailer with more corruption. Man, there is a lot of crap in this shed. Hopefully we do not find any rattlesnakes sleeping away the winter!! They will be cold and sluggish so if we are careful, there should not be a problem. Hopefully!!
With the second trailer load ready for the dump, we called it a day. Oh dear, I think my back is aching and I am sure Kay and Ray are a bit sore themselves. It is time to sit, have a beverage and watch the birds and the javelina.
With the setting of the sun, it was time for us to head inside eat supper and relax for the rest of the evening. John had a hankering for french fries tonight so I started heating the oil. While it was heating, I had time to take a bubble bath and that was just a little chunk of heaven after a busy day.
With supper over and done with, I decide to crawl into bed to watch some TV and fell asleep within minutes. Man, I was so very tired. I slept like the dead. Hell, I didn't even hear John come to bed!!
Sunday, February 24/2013
I was up early this morning and once again it is a bit chilly outside. I got the coffee going then sat down to "creep" Facebook and get the blog caught up.
Since we probably will not be doing anything as far as trim in the trailer today, I decided to start putting the bed frames together. Kay came over to the trailer and between the two of us, got both frames assembled and ready for the box springs and mattresses. Hopefully the last mattress will have arrived at the store and I will be able to bring all four pieces home. Either way, we will have at least one complete bed on Monday.
Kay and I then decide to hang the blind on the kitchen window above the sink. John arrived in time to screw the blind onto the wall and then Kay showed me how to shorted it. It was piddly work but now the blind is the correct length. It looks pretty good there too.
Next, Kay and I walked over to the storage shed in the park as Ray mentioned something about getting it cleaned out in the next few days so we wandered over to survey the situation. I think masks, gloves and heavy soled shoes are definitely in order for this job!!
We stopped in at trailer 15 and took a look at the damage to the ceiling from all the rains over the last few weeks and I must say, it was quite a mess and will require some extensive renovations to get it back into livable condition. I noticed a little microwave sitting on the counter that we had overlooked when we were cleaning out the place so decide to to take it back to our trailer to see if it still worked. I cleaned it up and presto - in working order!! Now we have a microwave in the kitchen so, when we play cards, I can heat up the wheat bag and Kay can use it to apply heat to her aching collarbones.
We were finally able to call it a day and sat around our table in the trailer chatting and sharing a few beverages. One thing lead to another and before too long, out came the cards and we played several games. Although I was not really a big winner tonight, I was able to gather in a few pots to add to my stash of quarters.
Once again, it was soon time to head into the bus for something to eat and start getting ready for bed. I am tired and I fear I had one too many twisted tea so I had better get to bed before I get too silly!!
Since we probably will not be doing anything as far as trim in the trailer today, I decided to start putting the bed frames together. Kay came over to the trailer and between the two of us, got both frames assembled and ready for the box springs and mattresses. Hopefully the last mattress will have arrived at the store and I will be able to bring all four pieces home. Either way, we will have at least one complete bed on Monday.
Kay and I then decide to hang the blind on the kitchen window above the sink. John arrived in time to screw the blind onto the wall and then Kay showed me how to shorted it. It was piddly work but now the blind is the correct length. It looks pretty good there too.
Next, Kay and I walked over to the storage shed in the park as Ray mentioned something about getting it cleaned out in the next few days so we wandered over to survey the situation. I think masks, gloves and heavy soled shoes are definitely in order for this job!!
We stopped in at trailer 15 and took a look at the damage to the ceiling from all the rains over the last few weeks and I must say, it was quite a mess and will require some extensive renovations to get it back into livable condition. I noticed a little microwave sitting on the counter that we had overlooked when we were cleaning out the place so decide to to take it back to our trailer to see if it still worked. I cleaned it up and presto - in working order!! Now we have a microwave in the kitchen so, when we play cards, I can heat up the wheat bag and Kay can use it to apply heat to her aching collarbones.
We were finally able to call it a day and sat around our table in the trailer chatting and sharing a few beverages. One thing lead to another and before too long, out came the cards and we played several games. Although I was not really a big winner tonight, I was able to gather in a few pots to add to my stash of quarters.
Once again, it was soon time to head into the bus for something to eat and start getting ready for bed. I am tired and I fear I had one too many twisted tea so I had better get to bed before I get too silly!!
Saturday, February 23/2013
The sun is shining this morning and it looks like we are going to have a nice weather day today.
Hogan gets his neck bandage off today so I will get to see the incision. Woo Hoo!!
John and I are supposed to be doing some work in the trailer today but since we were up rather late last night, I am not sure just how much is going to get done.
Kay text me and asked if I wanted to go to the Pottery Barn and pick up the metal peacock I have been eyeing up. I said I would and we headed down the road. Of course we had to stop at the huge flea market at Whitman because one never knows what interesting stuff might be found. As it turned out, I was able to pick up a whole set of Kershaw knives for fifteen dollars which is a great deal.
We eventually made it to the Pottery Barn and I was able to purchase the peacock. He is beautiful and we have named him Percy. He is a wonderful addition to our yard and will look great standing on our deck once it gets built!!
We got home in time to feed the birds so they were happy about that. We then returned the truck to its parking spot in Mitch's yard and since I was headed in that direction, I took a load of laundry up and threw it into the wash machine. While up there we noticed a good bit of burnable wood just on the other side of the fence so decided that we would come back with the side by side and load it up for tonight's fire. We gathered enough to keep the fire going for the night with plenty left over for another fire later on in the week.
I finally took a minute to get that bulky dressing off Hogan's neck and the incision is about four inches long. It is a bit puffy at the site but it actually looks pretty good. I think Hogan was more than happy to get it removed. Now we have to make sure he does not scratch at it.
Of course being Saturday, it was steak and baked potatoes with sautéed onions and mushrooms for supper. We sat around the fire until it was time to eat. The steak was tender and juicy as always. Kay joined us for supper (Ray had gone home earlier) - I think we are getting her into the Saturday night habit of steak and potatoes as well!! It was bedtime shortly after that. I think we were all ready to hit the sheets!! It has been long day. Good Night!!
Hogan gets his neck bandage off today so I will get to see the incision. Woo Hoo!!
John and I are supposed to be doing some work in the trailer today but since we were up rather late last night, I am not sure just how much is going to get done.
Kay text me and asked if I wanted to go to the Pottery Barn and pick up the metal peacock I have been eyeing up. I said I would and we headed down the road. Of course we had to stop at the huge flea market at Whitman because one never knows what interesting stuff might be found. As it turned out, I was able to pick up a whole set of Kershaw knives for fifteen dollars which is a great deal.
We eventually made it to the Pottery Barn and I was able to purchase the peacock. He is beautiful and we have named him Percy. He is a wonderful addition to our yard and will look great standing on our deck once it gets built!!
We got home in time to feed the birds so they were happy about that. We then returned the truck to its parking spot in Mitch's yard and since I was headed in that direction, I took a load of laundry up and threw it into the wash machine. While up there we noticed a good bit of burnable wood just on the other side of the fence so decided that we would come back with the side by side and load it up for tonight's fire. We gathered enough to keep the fire going for the night with plenty left over for another fire later on in the week.
I finally took a minute to get that bulky dressing off Hogan's neck and the incision is about four inches long. It is a bit puffy at the site but it actually looks pretty good. I think Hogan was more than happy to get it removed. Now we have to make sure he does not scratch at it.
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| "Percy" the Peacock |
Friday, February 22/2013
John has decided to go and see another van today so it looks like there is another road trip planned. Ray has taken off with some of the guys to watch a shooting competition at one of the local gun ranges and Kay is on her own so we have asked her to join us on our trip.
We headed out around 1pm and headed to our destination just outside of Phoenix. There was banter all the way there between John and Kay as he decided to listen to Kay for directions instead of the GPS and was convinced that she has taken him a hundred miles out of his way!! God, I was getting tired of listening to him!! Surprisingly, we arrived at the destination and were able to check out the van.
Once again, what was advertised was not really what was offered. No surprise there I suppose. Apparently the guy selling it was some sort of a dealer so that kind of turned John off about it. It had a generator advertised in the ad and it turned out that it required a complete overhaul in order to get it back into working condition. John also saw a whole mess of wiring hanging down from under the dash - not a good sign. It wasn't long before we were back in the truck headed for home. Another van down the drain!!
We battled some excess traffic through the Phoenix/Scottsdale area and once again I proved not to be a good traveller when it comes to all these cars. I was grabbing the door handle and applying my own brakes several times before we drove out of the chaos.
We stopped at the Carefree Home Depot and Kay and I went in to buy a wall mount light fixture for the spare bedroom. If John gets that installed tomorrow then he has no excuse not to get busy with the last of the trim that needs to go up in there. The bed frames need to be assembled as well as I will go get the beds on Monday. Hopefully the final mattress has arrived.
We stopped at a local watering hole and had a cheeseburger and a beverage before heading back to the park. One the way, we were treated with one of the prettiest sunsets yet.
When we got back to the park, John finished watching a curling game on TV and Kay and I sat in the trailer chatting and playing cards. Eventually John joined us and I ended up the big loser again tonight. Kay was the winner filling her coffers with my quarters!! I just could not get any decent cards and the dice Gods were definitely against me. Eventually, I couldn't take any more and called it quits. It was time for bed anyway and that is exactly where Hogan and I headed.
It is chilly out tonight and I think there just may be frost on the ground again tomorrow. The warm weather should be here next week and Ray is itching to get his garden planted. I am sure it will be awesome.
We headed out around 1pm and headed to our destination just outside of Phoenix. There was banter all the way there between John and Kay as he decided to listen to Kay for directions instead of the GPS and was convinced that she has taken him a hundred miles out of his way!! God, I was getting tired of listening to him!! Surprisingly, we arrived at the destination and were able to check out the van.
Once again, what was advertised was not really what was offered. No surprise there I suppose. Apparently the guy selling it was some sort of a dealer so that kind of turned John off about it. It had a generator advertised in the ad and it turned out that it required a complete overhaul in order to get it back into working condition. John also saw a whole mess of wiring hanging down from under the dash - not a good sign. It wasn't long before we were back in the truck headed for home. Another van down the drain!!
We battled some excess traffic through the Phoenix/Scottsdale area and once again I proved not to be a good traveller when it comes to all these cars. I was grabbing the door handle and applying my own brakes several times before we drove out of the chaos.
We stopped at the Carefree Home Depot and Kay and I went in to buy a wall mount light fixture for the spare bedroom. If John gets that installed tomorrow then he has no excuse not to get busy with the last of the trim that needs to go up in there. The bed frames need to be assembled as well as I will go get the beds on Monday. Hopefully the final mattress has arrived.
We stopped at a local watering hole and had a cheeseburger and a beverage before heading back to the park. One the way, we were treated with one of the prettiest sunsets yet.
When we got back to the park, John finished watching a curling game on TV and Kay and I sat in the trailer chatting and playing cards. Eventually John joined us and I ended up the big loser again tonight. Kay was the winner filling her coffers with my quarters!! I just could not get any decent cards and the dice Gods were definitely against me. Eventually, I couldn't take any more and called it quits. It was time for bed anyway and that is exactly where Hogan and I headed.
It is chilly out tonight and I think there just may be frost on the ground again tomorrow. The warm weather should be here next week and Ray is itching to get his garden planted. I am sure it will be awesome.
Friday, February 22, 2013
Thursday, February 21/2013
I headed into town first thing this morning to check on Hogan and found him more than happy to be getting out of the clinic and heading home. He has a rather large dressing around his neck and looks a bit strange. I am not sure he is impressed with it. The vet said he did fine overnight and that since I was a nurse, could remove the bulky dressing from his neck on Saturday. If the incision looks good, I do not have to bring him back until the sutures need removing in 10 days time.
When I got him home he was greeted by John and I swear, the carrying on that I witnessed....well, you would think that he had been gone for weeks. Hogan's bum didn't stop wiggling for quite a while!! I think he is glad to be home. Even "Auntie" Kay came out to greet him back home!! God, is he a spoiled dog or what!!
It is cloudy and windy today but the sun is trying to shine through. Every now and then it does and if it could manage to stay out, well that would be great. Of course, that didn't happen but I was determined to get outside and enjoy part of the day.
Ray had left earlier for a doctor's appointment so Kay was on her own for the day.
I decide to stain the boards that I had brought home the other day so that they would be ready for when ever John decided to finish off the spare bedroom. Kay and I chatted about everything and nothing while I was out staining. Hogan stayed with us just loving being home. He checked out the empty acres beyond the fence just to make sure all was well since he had been away for one whole day then, stuck pretty close to Kay and I for the rest of the afternoon.
The boards were all stained and my job was done just as the evening chill was gathering so both Kay and I headed back inside. I needed to start thinking about supper and Kay was waiting for Ray to return from his trip.
I decide to bake some rainbow trout so looked up a recipe on the internet and got things rolling. It was a simple recipe but wow, did that trout ever turn out great. It was delicious and took only a short time to prepare.
We spent the evening watch more curling on TV and then Hogan and I headed back to the bed to have our long over due cuddle. Now things are back to the way they are supposed to be!! Life is Good!!
Wednesday, February 20/2013
Well, it was one of those nights when God did not think that I needed to sleep so I am a bit tired this morning. Perhaps I will be able to rest later this afternoon.
It is raining and dreary out and rather fitting considering what Hogan is facing today. He is not even too enthused about going outside to pee this morning!!
I dropped Hogan off at 10:00 then headed to the grocery store then home to wait for the call from the vet. Hopefully the bloody phone service will be at a premium today and there will be no issues. It is a good thing that the clinic knows I have lousy service so if I haven't heard anything by 3:00 p.m. I will call them.
I got the call from the vet around 1:00 o'clock and he said that all went well. The tumour was bigger than what he expected (bigger than a golf ball) but there was no visible spread of cancer into the surrounding tissues. He will know more about the type of cancer it is when the pathology report is back. That way he will be able to give a bit of a prognosis as to the course of the disease. He wants to keep Hogan overnight for observation so I will go in tomorrow morning and see how he is doing and hopefully will be able to bring him home.
It rained off and on all day with the threat of snow. We did not get any snow here in the park but apparently there was a bit falling in town this afternoon.
Vulture Peak, which lies just outside of town was covered in snow and there are several good pictures of it on Facebook. I climbed that sucker twice and at an elevation of 4000 feet, I am not surprised to see snow covering it. It really did look pretty though.
Being a lousy weather day, we spent it doing nothing in particular. We watched curling on TV and just whiled away the day.
I got a call from the staffing department of the health region I work for and have been booked for several shifts at the nursing home this summer. I am sure there will be plenty more available and with any luck I will be working full time over the summer. Now that would be nice!! Cha Ching!!
It sure wasn't the same with out Hogan hanging with us and several times I thought I heard him "at the door" and once even got up to let him it only to realize he wasn't there.
I sure missed his cuddling in bed tonight too. Maybe tomorrow he will be back here where he belongs and we can have a "gentle" cuddle.
It is raining and dreary out and rather fitting considering what Hogan is facing today. He is not even too enthused about going outside to pee this morning!!
I dropped Hogan off at 10:00 then headed to the grocery store then home to wait for the call from the vet. Hopefully the bloody phone service will be at a premium today and there will be no issues. It is a good thing that the clinic knows I have lousy service so if I haven't heard anything by 3:00 p.m. I will call them.
I got the call from the vet around 1:00 o'clock and he said that all went well. The tumour was bigger than what he expected (bigger than a golf ball) but there was no visible spread of cancer into the surrounding tissues. He will know more about the type of cancer it is when the pathology report is back. That way he will be able to give a bit of a prognosis as to the course of the disease. He wants to keep Hogan overnight for observation so I will go in tomorrow morning and see how he is doing and hopefully will be able to bring him home.
It rained off and on all day with the threat of snow. We did not get any snow here in the park but apparently there was a bit falling in town this afternoon.
Vulture Peak, which lies just outside of town was covered in snow and there are several good pictures of it on Facebook. I climbed that sucker twice and at an elevation of 4000 feet, I am not surprised to see snow covering it. It really did look pretty though.
Being a lousy weather day, we spent it doing nothing in particular. We watched curling on TV and just whiled away the day.
I got a call from the staffing department of the health region I work for and have been booked for several shifts at the nursing home this summer. I am sure there will be plenty more available and with any luck I will be working full time over the summer. Now that would be nice!! Cha Ching!!
It sure wasn't the same with out Hogan hanging with us and several times I thought I heard him "at the door" and once even got up to let him it only to realize he wasn't there.
I sure missed his cuddling in bed tonight too. Maybe tomorrow he will be back here where he belongs and we can have a "gentle" cuddle.
Tuesday, February 19/2013
The sun is shining this morning but there is a bit of wind. We are supposed to be getting into another round of cold weather by tomorrow so we still have time to enjoy today's sunshine.
I have to head into town today to get a bit more wood for the trailer and hopefully the lumber yard has a piece of glass that can be fitted into the frame of the window in the kitchen.
Well, I got the wood but struck out with the glass. The lumber yard will cut the glass but they do not have to tools to put it into the frame. Now that sucks but at least they gave me a name of someone they think can do it so I will give them a call tomorrow.
When I got back from town I was able to watch more curling and then both John and I headed outside to sit and enjoy the rest of the day.
Ray and Kay purchased a cord of Eucalyptus wood for their new chiminea and it was delivered today. Between the four of us we had it unloaded and stacked in about an hour. The colour of the wood was incredible and it will be interesting to see how well it burns. The fellows that sold it to them say is burns well and leaves very little ash so that is a very good thing.
Kay and I hauled a load up to Mitch's place since we have been stealing his wood over the last few weeks and when we get our load, we will haul some more up there. It is nice to have a fire up at Mitch's when we go play horseshoes.
John followed us up to Mitch's so that he could see his new ceramic tile on his kitchen floor. He thought it looked good and agreed that Mitch would be happy with the results.
Once we got back to the yard, it was time to clean out our fire pit and get a fire going. Despite the fact that the cooler weather was coming in tonight, it was rather pleasant out and Ray, Kay, John and I sat out for a few hours enjoying the evening.
Ray eventually headed home to grab something to eat and John, Kay and I moved inside where the cards and the dice came out. I was once again the winner starting with only .75 cents and pocketing $5.00 by the end of the evening. Woo Hoo. Take that you suckers!!
John was in the mood for grilled cheese sandwiches so made Kay and I supper. He grilled them on the barbeque and they actually tasted pretty good.
It was soon time for me to head to the bathtub and then to bed. Hogan is scheduled for his surgery tomorrow and has to be at the clinic by 10:00 a.m. so I must get my beauty rest. Hogan will need his rest as well. I did remember to lift his food bowl off the floor so that he is not eating before his surgery.
I have to head into town today to get a bit more wood for the trailer and hopefully the lumber yard has a piece of glass that can be fitted into the frame of the window in the kitchen.
Well, I got the wood but struck out with the glass. The lumber yard will cut the glass but they do not have to tools to put it into the frame. Now that sucks but at least they gave me a name of someone they think can do it so I will give them a call tomorrow.
When I got back from town I was able to watch more curling and then both John and I headed outside to sit and enjoy the rest of the day.
Ray and Kay purchased a cord of Eucalyptus wood for their new chiminea and it was delivered today. Between the four of us we had it unloaded and stacked in about an hour. The colour of the wood was incredible and it will be interesting to see how well it burns. The fellows that sold it to them say is burns well and leaves very little ash so that is a very good thing.
Kay and I hauled a load up to Mitch's place since we have been stealing his wood over the last few weeks and when we get our load, we will haul some more up there. It is nice to have a fire up at Mitch's when we go play horseshoes.
John followed us up to Mitch's so that he could see his new ceramic tile on his kitchen floor. He thought it looked good and agreed that Mitch would be happy with the results.
Once we got back to the yard, it was time to clean out our fire pit and get a fire going. Despite the fact that the cooler weather was coming in tonight, it was rather pleasant out and Ray, Kay, John and I sat out for a few hours enjoying the evening.
Ray eventually headed home to grab something to eat and John, Kay and I moved inside where the cards and the dice came out. I was once again the winner starting with only .75 cents and pocketing $5.00 by the end of the evening. Woo Hoo. Take that you suckers!!
John was in the mood for grilled cheese sandwiches so made Kay and I supper. He grilled them on the barbeque and they actually tasted pretty good.
It was soon time for me to head to the bathtub and then to bed. Hogan is scheduled for his surgery tomorrow and has to be at the clinic by 10:00 a.m. so I must get my beauty rest. Hogan will need his rest as well. I did remember to lift his food bowl off the floor so that he is not eating before his surgery.
Monday, February 18/2013
As usual, Hogan and I are up early. The sun is shining and it looks like it will be a good weather day. The birds are rather vocal this morning and I imagine they are letting me know that I failed to throw out their seeds yesterday afternoon. I don't think they care that I was at Box Canyon with the dog!!
I chilled in the bus most of the morning and was able to finally watch the movie "War Horse". I had read the book and could not understand how the director was going to manage to portray the horse as the book was written from the horse's perspective. It was a good movie but definitely fell way short of the book as movies often do.
I called the veterinary hospital today and found out that Hogan is scheduled for removal of his neck tumour on Wednesday. He is to be there before 10:00 a.m.. Dr. Oplinger wants to get this thing removed as soon as possible so..... Wednesday it is.
Wednesday is also the day that Kay and I have decided to get busy on painting another of the buildings that require attention. The fellow that gives Ray and Kay all this work owns several properties here in Wickenburg. So, I will drop Hogan off at the vet then head over to the house that needs painting and hopefully, we can get a lot of it done.
It is also suppose to be cold tomorrow as well. Apparently there is a another cold front coming in that is supposed to bring snow. The weather man is predicting snow at elevations of 3000 feet and since Wickenburg is lower than that, we may just miss that bit of nonsense. It will be at least 20 degrees lower in temperature though so we will have gone from the mid 70s to the mid 50s. Man, what a difference a day makes!! At this rate of change, I am sure that there will be some colds and flu going around in the next few days.
I text Kay to see what she was up to and she told me that her and Ray were at The Pottery Barn exchanging their cracked chiminea. Kay and I had stopped there on the way into Surprise last week and I had managed to get a 75% return on the damaged one so now they were there getting a new one. Kay has also decided to get a rather colourful metal sun with three Kokopelles on it. It has a 3-D quality to it and will look awesome on the side of their garage. It faces into our yard so I will get lots of gazing beauty from it.
Once again, there is trouble with the sewer/septic tank system here in the park. Thankfully, it does not involve the tank our trailer drains into. It is the same one that gave Ray grief a few weeks ago. Kay says she has sewage backed up into her bathtub. OH DEAR!! Ray has already got several complaints from some of the residents of sewage back up. He has a call into the plumber and is hoping that a sewer snake is all that is required to get the system back into gear. Hopefully he is right.
When Ray and Kay arrived back at the park, her and I walked up to Mitch's to see his new kitchen flooring. All weekend long the installer has been busy and is now finished so it is time for our inspection. Since we were headed that way, I took a load of laundry with me.
The new tile floor looks awesome and I think Mitch will be pleased with the results. It will sure be nice and cool on the feet when the summertime temperatures reach 120 degrees!!
Back at the bus, it was time to feed the birds and the javelina. It didn't take too long before the pigs arrived. The babies came by (not the newest ones) and they are quite entertaining. Despite their small size, they do have attitude. One little guy (must have been a boy cause a girl would not be that rude!!) challenged a much bigger pig over a morsel of dog food. It may take the little guy 10 minutes to chew it but no one was going to take it away from him!!
While we were sitting watching the birds and the pigs, I turned around and saw Turbo (Ray and Kay's cat) carrying something across the driveway towards their house. He hauls all sorts of creatures into their home (mice, birds, bunnies, lizards, etc). I quickly asked "what does Turbo have in his mouth?" and Ray looked around and said "Oh, it's a quail". He then had to quickly beat Turbo to the door to prevent him from taking the bird inside. Turbo almost beat him to the cat door!!
With the sun sinking into the western sky, the temperature dropped and It was time to head inside for supper. I have had a stew in the slow cooker. I used the prairie chickens that Gary gave us before we left home and it smells delicious. Mmmm, I know it is going to taste awesome.
We ate supper while watching the Scotties Tournament of Hearts on TV. Tonight's curling game featured Saskatchewan and they were handed their first loss tonight which totally sucked for them, They were 4 and 0 before heading into this game so now are 4 and 1. Oh well, hopefully this is their last loss.
We spent a quiet evening tonight watching TV and just relaxing. Life is good.
I chilled in the bus most of the morning and was able to finally watch the movie "War Horse". I had read the book and could not understand how the director was going to manage to portray the horse as the book was written from the horse's perspective. It was a good movie but definitely fell way short of the book as movies often do.
I called the veterinary hospital today and found out that Hogan is scheduled for removal of his neck tumour on Wednesday. He is to be there before 10:00 a.m.. Dr. Oplinger wants to get this thing removed as soon as possible so..... Wednesday it is.
Wednesday is also the day that Kay and I have decided to get busy on painting another of the buildings that require attention. The fellow that gives Ray and Kay all this work owns several properties here in Wickenburg. So, I will drop Hogan off at the vet then head over to the house that needs painting and hopefully, we can get a lot of it done.
It is also suppose to be cold tomorrow as well. Apparently there is a another cold front coming in that is supposed to bring snow. The weather man is predicting snow at elevations of 3000 feet and since Wickenburg is lower than that, we may just miss that bit of nonsense. It will be at least 20 degrees lower in temperature though so we will have gone from the mid 70s to the mid 50s. Man, what a difference a day makes!! At this rate of change, I am sure that there will be some colds and flu going around in the next few days.
I text Kay to see what she was up to and she told me that her and Ray were at The Pottery Barn exchanging their cracked chiminea. Kay and I had stopped there on the way into Surprise last week and I had managed to get a 75% return on the damaged one so now they were there getting a new one. Kay has also decided to get a rather colourful metal sun with three Kokopelles on it. It has a 3-D quality to it and will look awesome on the side of their garage. It faces into our yard so I will get lots of gazing beauty from it.
Once again, there is trouble with the sewer/septic tank system here in the park. Thankfully, it does not involve the tank our trailer drains into. It is the same one that gave Ray grief a few weeks ago. Kay says she has sewage backed up into her bathtub. OH DEAR!! Ray has already got several complaints from some of the residents of sewage back up. He has a call into the plumber and is hoping that a sewer snake is all that is required to get the system back into gear. Hopefully he is right.
When Ray and Kay arrived back at the park, her and I walked up to Mitch's to see his new kitchen flooring. All weekend long the installer has been busy and is now finished so it is time for our inspection. Since we were headed that way, I took a load of laundry with me.
The new tile floor looks awesome and I think Mitch will be pleased with the results. It will sure be nice and cool on the feet when the summertime temperatures reach 120 degrees!!
Back at the bus, it was time to feed the birds and the javelina. It didn't take too long before the pigs arrived. The babies came by (not the newest ones) and they are quite entertaining. Despite their small size, they do have attitude. One little guy (must have been a boy cause a girl would not be that rude!!) challenged a much bigger pig over a morsel of dog food. It may take the little guy 10 minutes to chew it but no one was going to take it away from him!!
While we were sitting watching the birds and the pigs, I turned around and saw Turbo (Ray and Kay's cat) carrying something across the driveway towards their house. He hauls all sorts of creatures into their home (mice, birds, bunnies, lizards, etc). I quickly asked "what does Turbo have in his mouth?" and Ray looked around and said "Oh, it's a quail". He then had to quickly beat Turbo to the door to prevent him from taking the bird inside. Turbo almost beat him to the cat door!!
With the sun sinking into the western sky, the temperature dropped and It was time to head inside for supper. I have had a stew in the slow cooker. I used the prairie chickens that Gary gave us before we left home and it smells delicious. Mmmm, I know it is going to taste awesome.
We ate supper while watching the Scotties Tournament of Hearts on TV. Tonight's curling game featured Saskatchewan and they were handed their first loss tonight which totally sucked for them, They were 4 and 0 before heading into this game so now are 4 and 1. Oh well, hopefully this is their last loss.
We spent a quiet evening tonight watching TV and just relaxing. Life is good.
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| Tired little pigs |
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| The "baby" babies - so small |
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| Staying right beside Mom |
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| Just too tired to stand and eat!! |
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| Close up of Kay's sun |
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| Looks awesome of our side of their garage. |
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| It catches the sun and shines like crazy |
Sunday. February 17/2013
I am up early this morning and as usual, it is a bit chilly outside. Hogan and I had a short walk in the empty acres outside to fence so that he could "check out" the area for any suspicious night time activity. Man, his nose works overtime and follows all kinds of scents. I am sure he can smell a javalina a mile away!! Actually I think he just wants to check out what "goodies" Ray has thrown to the pigs!!
We are supposed to be heading to Box Canyon today to take Hogan for a run. He loved it the last time Kay and I took him there to frolic in the water. Hopefully there is still some for him to run in. We invited John to join us too so maybe he will come this time. I must remember to take the camera today.
We needed a few groceries today so I headed into town to stock up on supplies. I hit Ace Hardware first looking for that little end for Ray's dremel tool so that I could finish taking that hideous green paint off the last two legs but neither they nor Stewart's Hardware had the tip so Ray said he will stop at Home Depot for me when he goes into Surprise next week. Eventually, the darn legs will get done.
When I got home, Kay and I prepared to head up to Box Canyon with Hogan. John decided to come along as well. With Hogan loaded into the side by side, we set off.
Being Sunday, it was busy in the canyon. There were lots of quads, side by sides, jeeps, sand rails, dogs, horses and trucks of every size and shape. We did manage to find a bit of sunshine to stop in and enough water for Hogan to play in. He chased the ball everytime it was thrown. Eventually, I got tired but there was a 13 year old boy named Matt that came over and asked if he could throw the ball for Hogan and the two of them played for 2 hours. Hogan was certainly tired at the end of the day. I did get some awesome pics of him in the canyon and we now have lots of good memories of his time spent in Box Canyon.
When we arrived back at the park, we stopped at Mitch's to grab more wood for tonight's fire. We had found a huge "king" log in the wash and strapped it on the quad to use tonight as well. It wasn't too long before the fire was raging and the heat coming off it was awesome.
I threw a lasagna into the oven and 90 minutes later it was ready to eat. That and garlic toast is what was served and it tasted great.
A bubble bath and bed where the next on the agenda and I was able to catch up on a few of my Sunday night TV shows before actually closing my eyes. All in all, another great day with memories being made of Hogan in the Canyon and sharing good times with friends. Life is Good.
We are supposed to be heading to Box Canyon today to take Hogan for a run. He loved it the last time Kay and I took him there to frolic in the water. Hopefully there is still some for him to run in. We invited John to join us too so maybe he will come this time. I must remember to take the camera today.
We needed a few groceries today so I headed into town to stock up on supplies. I hit Ace Hardware first looking for that little end for Ray's dremel tool so that I could finish taking that hideous green paint off the last two legs but neither they nor Stewart's Hardware had the tip so Ray said he will stop at Home Depot for me when he goes into Surprise next week. Eventually, the darn legs will get done.
When I got home, Kay and I prepared to head up to Box Canyon with Hogan. John decided to come along as well. With Hogan loaded into the side by side, we set off.
Being Sunday, it was busy in the canyon. There were lots of quads, side by sides, jeeps, sand rails, dogs, horses and trucks of every size and shape. We did manage to find a bit of sunshine to stop in and enough water for Hogan to play in. He chased the ball everytime it was thrown. Eventually, I got tired but there was a 13 year old boy named Matt that came over and asked if he could throw the ball for Hogan and the two of them played for 2 hours. Hogan was certainly tired at the end of the day. I did get some awesome pics of him in the canyon and we now have lots of good memories of his time spent in Box Canyon.
When we arrived back at the park, we stopped at Mitch's to grab more wood for tonight's fire. We had found a huge "king" log in the wash and strapped it on the quad to use tonight as well. It wasn't too long before the fire was raging and the heat coming off it was awesome.
I threw a lasagna into the oven and 90 minutes later it was ready to eat. That and garlic toast is what was served and it tasted great.
A bubble bath and bed where the next on the agenda and I was able to catch up on a few of my Sunday night TV shows before actually closing my eyes. All in all, another great day with memories being made of Hogan in the Canyon and sharing good times with friends. Life is Good.
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| Our Handsome Hogan |
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| Box Canyon |
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| The meandering Hassayampa River through Box Canyon |
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| Salt Cedars along the Canyon |
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| Saguaro on the cliffs of the Canyon |
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| Hogan and John enjoying the day in Box Canyon |
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| One of the many self planted palm trees |
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| John, shooting Kay's 22 pistol |
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| Hawk sitting on pole |
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Saturday, February 16/2013
I am off today to help Ray and Kay clean one of the many properties that they look after. Actually they kind of work for the guy that owns the properties and whenever one of them needs repairs, cleaning or painting, he calls Ray and Kay for the job. Today, we are cleaning a studio apartment. There are a few repairs and some painting to do so while Ray is doing that, Kay and I will clean and have the place spic and span before the end of the day. Five hours later, we were done and you can now eat off the floor - that is how clean it is. Ray will have to return tomorrow to finish a bit of painting and change the shower head but it is essentially done.
Time to head back to the park as it is most definitely time for us to get into our "nature watching" mode.
I threw some seed out to the birds and had a bit of stuff for the javalina as well. Dave (one of Ray and Kay's friends) came by with some javalina food and sat and chatted for about an hour. While he was there, a few little pigs came over to enjoy what he brought.
Marybeth joined us tonight and she was able to see a few of the babies but the Mom with the brand new babies did not come over tonight. She stayed over at Howard's.
John joined us in our nature watch tonight but still feels lousy. He is drinking tons of water which for him is very unusual as he is not a big water drinker. Perhaps all that water will flush the demons from his body!!
The hawk was back again today and is becoming a regular around here. He must know that we feed the birds daily and is just waiting for an opportunity to swoop in and grab a plump little dove or a quail. They are certainly quick as we witnessed last year when one swooped in and grabbed a dove sitting on a tree branch. All we saw were feathers floating to the ground!!
There are a few vultures returning to the area as well. We have seen two now, over the last few day. Man, I forgot just how big they were. They are one of the ultimate soaring birds as they gently glide on the wind currents. They truly are awesome to watch.
As the sun starts to set, the temperature falls. We still have a few pieces of wood for a fire so John started one. It is steak night tonight and he always says we can't have steak without a fire. He is starting to feel a bit better so thinks he will be able to eat tonight.
John, Kay and I sat around the fire for a few hours while the potatoes cooked and the wood crackled. We had a few pieces of juniper left and the aroma coming from the fire was awesome.
Ray was a bit tired from all the work we did today and decide to chill in front of the TV relaxing in the comfortable la-z-boy recliner. Another good way to spend an evening.
With the spuds done and the steak sizzling on the grill, it was time to head into the bus and start getting the plates and utensils ready. I quickly made a bit of coleslaw, opened a can of Bush Beans and presto - supper is ready. The three of us chowed down (we bullied Kay into eating) and were soon satiated. (That means satisfied Kimmy!!)
Shortly after that, it was time for bed. Since I had to go shut off lights in the trailer, I walked Kay the 20 yards home then headed in to shut off the lights. I was in bed about ten seconds after that!! All in all, it was an awesome day with us getting lots of work done at the apartment then ending the day with an awesome fire and great tasting food. Life is Good!!
Time to head back to the park as it is most definitely time for us to get into our "nature watching" mode.
I threw some seed out to the birds and had a bit of stuff for the javalina as well. Dave (one of Ray and Kay's friends) came by with some javalina food and sat and chatted for about an hour. While he was there, a few little pigs came over to enjoy what he brought.
Marybeth joined us tonight and she was able to see a few of the babies but the Mom with the brand new babies did not come over tonight. She stayed over at Howard's.
John joined us in our nature watch tonight but still feels lousy. He is drinking tons of water which for him is very unusual as he is not a big water drinker. Perhaps all that water will flush the demons from his body!!
The hawk was back again today and is becoming a regular around here. He must know that we feed the birds daily and is just waiting for an opportunity to swoop in and grab a plump little dove or a quail. They are certainly quick as we witnessed last year when one swooped in and grabbed a dove sitting on a tree branch. All we saw were feathers floating to the ground!!
There are a few vultures returning to the area as well. We have seen two now, over the last few day. Man, I forgot just how big they were. They are one of the ultimate soaring birds as they gently glide on the wind currents. They truly are awesome to watch.
As the sun starts to set, the temperature falls. We still have a few pieces of wood for a fire so John started one. It is steak night tonight and he always says we can't have steak without a fire. He is starting to feel a bit better so thinks he will be able to eat tonight.
John, Kay and I sat around the fire for a few hours while the potatoes cooked and the wood crackled. We had a few pieces of juniper left and the aroma coming from the fire was awesome.
Ray was a bit tired from all the work we did today and decide to chill in front of the TV relaxing in the comfortable la-z-boy recliner. Another good way to spend an evening.
With the spuds done and the steak sizzling on the grill, it was time to head into the bus and start getting the plates and utensils ready. I quickly made a bit of coleslaw, opened a can of Bush Beans and presto - supper is ready. The three of us chowed down (we bullied Kay into eating) and were soon satiated. (That means satisfied Kimmy!!)
Shortly after that, it was time for bed. Since I had to go shut off lights in the trailer, I walked Kay the 20 yards home then headed in to shut off the lights. I was in bed about ten seconds after that!! All in all, it was an awesome day with us getting lots of work done at the apartment then ending the day with an awesome fire and great tasting food. Life is Good!!
Friday, February 15/2013
We are off today to go and check out a van John is hoping to purchase. Since we have this trailer down here in Arizona there is no longer a need for us to be bringing this huge motorhome down. He is wanting to downsize and is thinking about leaving the motorhome in Leoville for the winter and us living in it for the summer. All sorts of decisions to be made.
The ad for this van said it was in "pristine" condition so we took the hour and a half drive to Chino Valley to see this thing and were quite surprised at the "pristine" condition. I guess the creator of the ad failed to mention the dent in the side and the one in the back. It was rather rough to say the least and not something we were interested in. It was a drive for nothing but we managed to see some different scenery.
Before we left, John asked me what a gallbladder attack felt like. He said he had a nasty pain in his gut during the night and actually had to get out of bed and move around. From what he said, it sure could have been one.
One the way back from Chino Valley he mentioned that he was once again feeling poorly and was bombarded by waves of nausea. At one point he thought we would have to stop so that he could vomit. Yuck!! He couldn't get home fast enough and once there, I drugged him with gravol for his nausea and buscopan for his colicky stomach pain. He then went to bed and I did not hear from him again until 10:00pm when he awoke and said he still felt lousy but a bit better.
With John in bed, I went over to Ray and Kay's and visited with them. It was an awesome evening and the three of us sat on their back deck and enjoyed a few beverages. Ray was busy barbequing baked potatoes and ribs and they smelled awesome. After several beverages, it was time for me to head back to the bus to check on the dead and dying. John was still sleeping and at this point I turned on the TV and spent a quiet evening watching a movie and falling asleep in the chair!! Not the most comfortable position to fall asleep in.
John finally woke up and I made him a bowl of soup then headed to bed. John sat up for a few hours then he too returned to bed in the hopes that he would feel better tomorrow. With more drugs on board, it was soon lights out for him too.
The ad for this van said it was in "pristine" condition so we took the hour and a half drive to Chino Valley to see this thing and were quite surprised at the "pristine" condition. I guess the creator of the ad failed to mention the dent in the side and the one in the back. It was rather rough to say the least and not something we were interested in. It was a drive for nothing but we managed to see some different scenery.
Before we left, John asked me what a gallbladder attack felt like. He said he had a nasty pain in his gut during the night and actually had to get out of bed and move around. From what he said, it sure could have been one.
One the way back from Chino Valley he mentioned that he was once again feeling poorly and was bombarded by waves of nausea. At one point he thought we would have to stop so that he could vomit. Yuck!! He couldn't get home fast enough and once there, I drugged him with gravol for his nausea and buscopan for his colicky stomach pain. He then went to bed and I did not hear from him again until 10:00pm when he awoke and said he still felt lousy but a bit better.
With John in bed, I went over to Ray and Kay's and visited with them. It was an awesome evening and the three of us sat on their back deck and enjoyed a few beverages. Ray was busy barbequing baked potatoes and ribs and they smelled awesome. After several beverages, it was time for me to head back to the bus to check on the dead and dying. John was still sleeping and at this point I turned on the TV and spent a quiet evening watching a movie and falling asleep in the chair!! Not the most comfortable position to fall asleep in.
John finally woke up and I made him a bowl of soup then headed to bed. John sat up for a few hours then he too returned to bed in the hopes that he would feel better tomorrow. With more drugs on board, it was soon lights out for him too.
Thursday, February 14/2013
Happy Valentine's Day to everyone. I hope everyone has a great day.
The sun is shining this morning and it looks like it is going to be a warm sunny day. It is indeed a great day for being outside and enjoying the weather. It is snowing again back home so I am glad I am here.
Today, I want to start stripping that hideous green enamel paint off the four legs that are to be used on John's coffee table project. Hopefully it goes well.
Now that I have checked out Facebook and have updated the blog, I have no excuse but to get out there and get started. Wish me luck!!
Well, I spent all afternoon outside trying to get that hateful green paint off those legs. What a shit job!! I used the paint stripper and am sure glad the fellow that sold it to me told me to make sure I wore rubber gloves. He stressed how caustic it was if it got on your skin and he was right. I managed to get a few drops on my arms and WOW - it started to burn immediately. It is just nasty stuff.
Ray and Kay headed over to Mitch's earlier to rip his kitchen floor up and get it ready for the new tile that is going to be installed this weekend. When they returned home, I was still working on those damn legs and Ray thought that his dremel tool might work for all the intricate areas so brought it over for me. It actually worked wonderfully well and I was able to get a pretty decent paint removal. There is some beautiful wood under all that hideous green. I got two legs done and have two more to go.
It was time to feed the birds and wait for the javelina to come. I threw some seed out to the birds and then jumped into the shower to get all the green dust off me. It was everywhere!!
When I got out of the shower, I poured myself a drink, text Kay and said I was sitting watching the birds and that I would meet her at the fence!! Before too long, Ray and Kay, and John and I were all sitting at the fence, beverages in hand doing our "nature watch".
Before too long, the javelina came by and with them was "Scarface". We have not seen him for well over a week but there he was - big as life. His face seems to have healed fairly well and I found it hard to distinguish him from the rest. Of course the others (who have much better eyesight than mine) said it was indeed him. I was glad he had returned to us.
With him came more brand new babies. They were so little and glued to their Mom. I was surprised that Mom did not step on them because they were constantly under foot. They were quite cute and I got a few good pics of them. They cleaned up their snacks then moved on.
While we were sitting there I noticed movement further back and I initially thought it was a coyote and then changed my mind and said maybe it was the bobcat that we occasionally get to see. John saw it too and said it was the bobcat. Neither Ray nor Kay saw it but John was adamant that it was our bobcat. It sure walked like a cat!! He is rather aloof though and does not stay in the open for long. It was awesome to see him again and it finished off our night of nature watching in a great way.
Of course with the waning sun, came the chill of the evening. It was time to head inside and wait for supper to cook. Tonight, John is cooking salmon.
We spent a quiet evening again tonight.
The sun is shining this morning and it looks like it is going to be a warm sunny day. It is indeed a great day for being outside and enjoying the weather. It is snowing again back home so I am glad I am here.
Today, I want to start stripping that hideous green enamel paint off the four legs that are to be used on John's coffee table project. Hopefully it goes well.
Now that I have checked out Facebook and have updated the blog, I have no excuse but to get out there and get started. Wish me luck!!
Well, I spent all afternoon outside trying to get that hateful green paint off those legs. What a shit job!! I used the paint stripper and am sure glad the fellow that sold it to me told me to make sure I wore rubber gloves. He stressed how caustic it was if it got on your skin and he was right. I managed to get a few drops on my arms and WOW - it started to burn immediately. It is just nasty stuff.
Ray and Kay headed over to Mitch's earlier to rip his kitchen floor up and get it ready for the new tile that is going to be installed this weekend. When they returned home, I was still working on those damn legs and Ray thought that his dremel tool might work for all the intricate areas so brought it over for me. It actually worked wonderfully well and I was able to get a pretty decent paint removal. There is some beautiful wood under all that hideous green. I got two legs done and have two more to go.
It was time to feed the birds and wait for the javelina to come. I threw some seed out to the birds and then jumped into the shower to get all the green dust off me. It was everywhere!!
When I got out of the shower, I poured myself a drink, text Kay and said I was sitting watching the birds and that I would meet her at the fence!! Before too long, Ray and Kay, and John and I were all sitting at the fence, beverages in hand doing our "nature watch".
Before too long, the javelina came by and with them was "Scarface". We have not seen him for well over a week but there he was - big as life. His face seems to have healed fairly well and I found it hard to distinguish him from the rest. Of course the others (who have much better eyesight than mine) said it was indeed him. I was glad he had returned to us.
With him came more brand new babies. They were so little and glued to their Mom. I was surprised that Mom did not step on them because they were constantly under foot. They were quite cute and I got a few good pics of them. They cleaned up their snacks then moved on.
While we were sitting there I noticed movement further back and I initially thought it was a coyote and then changed my mind and said maybe it was the bobcat that we occasionally get to see. John saw it too and said it was the bobcat. Neither Ray nor Kay saw it but John was adamant that it was our bobcat. It sure walked like a cat!! He is rather aloof though and does not stay in the open for long. It was awesome to see him again and it finished off our night of nature watching in a great way.
Of course with the waning sun, came the chill of the evening. It was time to head inside and wait for supper to cook. Tonight, John is cooking salmon.
We spent a quiet evening again tonight.
Wednesday, February 13/2013
Happy Birthday to John. He is officially 6 months older than me today!! Perhaps I should bake him a cake - maybe!!
I was up early this morning. Hogan heard the neighbours start their truck and had to let me know he had heard them. Now we are both awake!! There will be no starting of trucks around this corner of the park without Hogan hearing and letting us know. Not a bad burglar alarm!!
Ray and Kay are headed into Phoenix early this morning for Ray's annual colonoscopy. Several years ago he had a bowel cancer so now is checked every year so hopefully, things go well for him today. We are all keeping our fingers crossed and sending angels along for the ride.
Today, we find out the results of Hogan's needle biopsy so hopefully that is not horrible news. I guess we will wait and see.
I headed into town and did some quick running around and while there, I stopped at the veterinary clinic to see if the doctor had a minute to chat about Hogan's results. He did and I was told that the lump in his neck was a cancer. The exact type was unknown (not enough tissue sent with the needle biopsy) but really, that is neither here nor there. The point is, that it is indeed a cancer and now has to be dealt with. After discussing the matter with John, we have decided to get the lump removed as it poses a huge choking risk at the moment. Hopefully the cancer is contained within that lump and does not have little streamers attached to it that have infiltrated the surrounding tissue. The doctor will know more once he gets in there. Either way, the surgery will allow him to remove the lump and perhaps buy Hogan some more time. After that, we will just let nature take its course. Support him as long as he is doing well and help him to Doggie Heaven when the need arises. (Stop crying Kimmy!!)
Ray and Kay returned from their trip to the city and Ray understandably is a bit tired. He did sit out in the sunshine with us for a while watching the birds then headed inside to rest for the remainder of the evening. Just before he left though, I was standing beside him chatting and I heard this big flutter of bird wings directly behind me and wondered just what the heck was going on. Thinking it was a wayward dove I didn't bother to turn around. Kay said something along the lines of "holy buckets" as a red tailed hawk swooped towards me, obviously changed its mind about landing on my head and did some sort of vertical fly maneuver to avoid contact. Everyone saw it but me!! I think I am glad it didn't land or claw me in any way!! It happened so quickly that no one had time to catch it on camera!!
Being John's birthday, Kay and I headed to Mitch's to steal some more of his wood so we could have a fire tonight. While there, I checked on the laundry I was doing and Kay ended up bringing both hers and Rays quads back to the yard so that they were not so vulnerable to thieves. With Mitch back in Utah for a few weeks they are up there by themselves. There were two quads stolen out of one of the parks in town the other night so perhaps it is better that they are down here in the yard. I am a great believer in "out of sight, out of mind".
It was pizza for supper and then it was soon time for Marie to hit the bed. It was a great evening weather wise and now hopefully all the cold crap is behind us.
I think I will start stripping the paint from those four legs that John is hoping to use on the coffee table he is building for the trailer tomorrow so I need my beauty rest!! Ya, that's right...beauty rest!! Good Night.
I was up early this morning. Hogan heard the neighbours start their truck and had to let me know he had heard them. Now we are both awake!! There will be no starting of trucks around this corner of the park without Hogan hearing and letting us know. Not a bad burglar alarm!!
Ray and Kay are headed into Phoenix early this morning for Ray's annual colonoscopy. Several years ago he had a bowel cancer so now is checked every year so hopefully, things go well for him today. We are all keeping our fingers crossed and sending angels along for the ride.
Today, we find out the results of Hogan's needle biopsy so hopefully that is not horrible news. I guess we will wait and see.
I headed into town and did some quick running around and while there, I stopped at the veterinary clinic to see if the doctor had a minute to chat about Hogan's results. He did and I was told that the lump in his neck was a cancer. The exact type was unknown (not enough tissue sent with the needle biopsy) but really, that is neither here nor there. The point is, that it is indeed a cancer and now has to be dealt with. After discussing the matter with John, we have decided to get the lump removed as it poses a huge choking risk at the moment. Hopefully the cancer is contained within that lump and does not have little streamers attached to it that have infiltrated the surrounding tissue. The doctor will know more once he gets in there. Either way, the surgery will allow him to remove the lump and perhaps buy Hogan some more time. After that, we will just let nature take its course. Support him as long as he is doing well and help him to Doggie Heaven when the need arises. (Stop crying Kimmy!!)
Ray and Kay returned from their trip to the city and Ray understandably is a bit tired. He did sit out in the sunshine with us for a while watching the birds then headed inside to rest for the remainder of the evening. Just before he left though, I was standing beside him chatting and I heard this big flutter of bird wings directly behind me and wondered just what the heck was going on. Thinking it was a wayward dove I didn't bother to turn around. Kay said something along the lines of "holy buckets" as a red tailed hawk swooped towards me, obviously changed its mind about landing on my head and did some sort of vertical fly maneuver to avoid contact. Everyone saw it but me!! I think I am glad it didn't land or claw me in any way!! It happened so quickly that no one had time to catch it on camera!!
Being John's birthday, Kay and I headed to Mitch's to steal some more of his wood so we could have a fire tonight. While there, I checked on the laundry I was doing and Kay ended up bringing both hers and Rays quads back to the yard so that they were not so vulnerable to thieves. With Mitch back in Utah for a few weeks they are up there by themselves. There were two quads stolen out of one of the parks in town the other night so perhaps it is better that they are down here in the yard. I am a great believer in "out of sight, out of mind".
It was pizza for supper and then it was soon time for Marie to hit the bed. It was a great evening weather wise and now hopefully all the cold crap is behind us.
I think I will start stripping the paint from those four legs that John is hoping to use on the coffee table he is building for the trailer tomorrow so I need my beauty rest!! Ya, that's right...beauty rest!! Good Night.
Tuesday, February 12/2013
Since there was frost on the ground last night when I headed into the trailer for my bath, I was not surprised to see a heavy frost on the ground this morning. Everything was covered with a white glistening blanket. Once the sun rises, it won't take long before the sparkle will be gone.
There was one javalina out and about this morning so I wandered out and threw him some snacks. Hogan felt compelled to do his growling thing but since it was one of the regulars (not Scarface though) it was not too worried about all the posturing going on, on this side of the fence. He perked up his ears as soon as he heard my voice and came right over.
Kay and I are supposed to be heading into Surprise today so I had better get the supper dishes done before I leave.
With the dishes done, I was soon ready to head off for a day of shopping with Kay. I guess one could say "we did up the town" as it was 5:30 in the evening before we rolled back home. We had a blast and got almost everything we set out to get. Unfortunately, I was unable to find the bed frames but I really am not too worried about that as Amazon.com has them for less than $40.00. I guess John had better get busy and order them since the last mattress is supposed to be here on Monday.
We spent the evening quietly again as it is just too damn chilly to be outside. It is supposed to freeze again tonight and by the feel of things, I am sure that it will. Oh well, I won't complain as it is supposed to be back into the 70s again on Friday so, that will be great. I will be able to get those legs stripped of all that ugly green enamel paint and the perhaps John will get the coffee table done. It could happen!!
I brought KFC home for John's supper and he totally enjoyed it. Man, we love their hot wings and I am still bummed that there is no longer a KFC her in Wickenburg. Apparently, the owner was not much of a business man and ended up closing his doors. Damn his sorry ass!!
It was soon time for my nightly trek to the bathtub in the trailer but tonight I had some adventure. The porch that is at the back door has always been a bit "iffy" and definitely needs to be replaced but, after tonight...most definitely needs repairs. While heading into the trailer, I stepped on a soft spot and all but put my foot through the board!! Crack!! OH OH!! Nothing good can come from a sound like that!!
I will have to remember on my way back not to step in the same spot. I would hate for my foot to go completely through because who knows what manner or huge, ugly poisonous creature lies in wait of some unsuspecting soul. OMG, I would scream till I was dead!! Do you suppose John would hear me and come running to my rescue? Hmmmmm........good question!!
I did make it back to the bus without injury and was soon cuddled in with Hogan. I will find out the results of his needle biopsy tomorrow so will go to sleep with a little prayer floating around the heavens.
There was one javalina out and about this morning so I wandered out and threw him some snacks. Hogan felt compelled to do his growling thing but since it was one of the regulars (not Scarface though) it was not too worried about all the posturing going on, on this side of the fence. He perked up his ears as soon as he heard my voice and came right over.
Kay and I are supposed to be heading into Surprise today so I had better get the supper dishes done before I leave.
With the dishes done, I was soon ready to head off for a day of shopping with Kay. I guess one could say "we did up the town" as it was 5:30 in the evening before we rolled back home. We had a blast and got almost everything we set out to get. Unfortunately, I was unable to find the bed frames but I really am not too worried about that as Amazon.com has them for less than $40.00. I guess John had better get busy and order them since the last mattress is supposed to be here on Monday.
We spent the evening quietly again as it is just too damn chilly to be outside. It is supposed to freeze again tonight and by the feel of things, I am sure that it will. Oh well, I won't complain as it is supposed to be back into the 70s again on Friday so, that will be great. I will be able to get those legs stripped of all that ugly green enamel paint and the perhaps John will get the coffee table done. It could happen!!
I brought KFC home for John's supper and he totally enjoyed it. Man, we love their hot wings and I am still bummed that there is no longer a KFC her in Wickenburg. Apparently, the owner was not much of a business man and ended up closing his doors. Damn his sorry ass!!
It was soon time for my nightly trek to the bathtub in the trailer but tonight I had some adventure. The porch that is at the back door has always been a bit "iffy" and definitely needs to be replaced but, after tonight...most definitely needs repairs. While heading into the trailer, I stepped on a soft spot and all but put my foot through the board!! Crack!! OH OH!! Nothing good can come from a sound like that!!
I will have to remember on my way back not to step in the same spot. I would hate for my foot to go completely through because who knows what manner or huge, ugly poisonous creature lies in wait of some unsuspecting soul. OMG, I would scream till I was dead!! Do you suppose John would hear me and come running to my rescue? Hmmmmm........good question!!
I did make it back to the bus without injury and was soon cuddled in with Hogan. I will find out the results of his needle biopsy tomorrow so will go to sleep with a little prayer floating around the heavens.
Monday, February 11/2013
It is cloudy and overcast this morning and right now, it does not appear to be starting out as a "good" weather day. Hopefully that outlook will improve.
Mitch is leaving today for a trip back to Utah. He is missing his kids and grandchildren so while visiting with them, will get his taxes done up and attend a few classes that he is required to take for his job on the road construction crew. He is hoping to be back here by the end of the month. He has issues with his roof on his trailer so when he returns, he has that job to do. I imagine that we will all help him get it done as that would be the neighbourly thing to do and Mitch himself is not that "handy" when it comes to home repairs!! We all had better rest up over the next two weeks for the job ahead!!
It remained ugly looking outside and when Kay went into town she text us that it was snowing!! She said the wash was covered in white and I said that she had better take a picture for the blog or Facebook. As it turned out, she took one of the parking lot at the local grocery store and there really was a lot of snow.
Kay suggested we drive back into town and get some pics for the blog. We stopped close to the walking bridge and I was able to get a few good ones. It was raining pretty good so we had to hurry or the rain would simply melt all the snow. The wash was running under the bridge but that was from the drain "hatch" that was connected to the street drainage system. It empties into the Hassayampa River bed. Apparently the rain and snow came so fast and furious that the system was having trouble accommodating all the water and several intersections had huge puddles.
We then headed up to Alco to check on the beds that I had ordered 5 weeks ago and found out that two box springs were in but only one mattress. The last mattress is expected either later on today or next Monday. I had better get those bed frames soon or we will have nothing to put the box spring and mattresses on!! Perhaps a trip into Surprise is in my near future.
It rained off and on for the rest of the day and was just miserable outside. Cold and damp.
Kay text me later this evening saying that Ray would be "out of commission" tomorrow as he has to do his prep for his yearly colonoscopy so will be housebound. Already she is restless and wondering what we will be doing and where we should go for a drive. I suggested California but Kay said that there were too many people there so I guess that means "No". I then suggested Walmart in Surprise so I think that will be tomorrow's destination. At least it will get her out of the house and she will then be less restless. Kay is not one to stay cooped up inside when there are so many other things to do.
Already, she has checked the weather for the weekend and I do believe that there is a quad ride scheduled. Hopefully Ray is feeling up to the adventure!! It usually takes one a few days to get back into gear after a colonoscopy. If he is and if I decide to ride with him, I will be sure to wear my seat belt as I do not want a repeat performance of my Flying Zambini out of the quad!!
We spent the evening quietly watching TV, John on the computer and me attempting to read the Kindle during commercials. I eventually headed for a bubble bath.
Hogan was in a rather playful mood tonight and brought me his blue pillow so that we could play for a while. He loves to play tug-a-war with it so we did that before he finally wanted to get under the covers and cuddle. He is such a little sweetie but is definitely more a "people" dog than he is a "dog" dog.
Mitch is leaving today for a trip back to Utah. He is missing his kids and grandchildren so while visiting with them, will get his taxes done up and attend a few classes that he is required to take for his job on the road construction crew. He is hoping to be back here by the end of the month. He has issues with his roof on his trailer so when he returns, he has that job to do. I imagine that we will all help him get it done as that would be the neighbourly thing to do and Mitch himself is not that "handy" when it comes to home repairs!! We all had better rest up over the next two weeks for the job ahead!!
It remained ugly looking outside and when Kay went into town she text us that it was snowing!! She said the wash was covered in white and I said that she had better take a picture for the blog or Facebook. As it turned out, she took one of the parking lot at the local grocery store and there really was a lot of snow.
Kay suggested we drive back into town and get some pics for the blog. We stopped close to the walking bridge and I was able to get a few good ones. It was raining pretty good so we had to hurry or the rain would simply melt all the snow. The wash was running under the bridge but that was from the drain "hatch" that was connected to the street drainage system. It empties into the Hassayampa River bed. Apparently the rain and snow came so fast and furious that the system was having trouble accommodating all the water and several intersections had huge puddles.
We then headed up to Alco to check on the beds that I had ordered 5 weeks ago and found out that two box springs were in but only one mattress. The last mattress is expected either later on today or next Monday. I had better get those bed frames soon or we will have nothing to put the box spring and mattresses on!! Perhaps a trip into Surprise is in my near future.
It rained off and on for the rest of the day and was just miserable outside. Cold and damp.
Kay text me later this evening saying that Ray would be "out of commission" tomorrow as he has to do his prep for his yearly colonoscopy so will be housebound. Already she is restless and wondering what we will be doing and where we should go for a drive. I suggested California but Kay said that there were too many people there so I guess that means "No". I then suggested Walmart in Surprise so I think that will be tomorrow's destination. At least it will get her out of the house and she will then be less restless. Kay is not one to stay cooped up inside when there are so many other things to do.
Already, she has checked the weather for the weekend and I do believe that there is a quad ride scheduled. Hopefully Ray is feeling up to the adventure!! It usually takes one a few days to get back into gear after a colonoscopy. If he is and if I decide to ride with him, I will be sure to wear my seat belt as I do not want a repeat performance of my Flying Zambini out of the quad!!
We spent the evening quietly watching TV, John on the computer and me attempting to read the Kindle during commercials. I eventually headed for a bubble bath.
Hogan was in a rather playful mood tonight and brought me his blue pillow so that we could play for a while. He loves to play tug-a-war with it so we did that before he finally wanted to get under the covers and cuddle. He is such a little sweetie but is definitely more a "people" dog than he is a "dog" dog.
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| Looking down at the snowon the Hassayampa River bed from the walking bridge. |
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| Snow covering the sand and water running in the wash |
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| This is where the water was running from. The storm drains empty into the river bed. |
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Sunday, February 10/2013
The sun is shining this morning and that is good considering it was supposed to have gone below freezing last night and it is still chilly outside. Hopefully as the morning wanes, the temperature will rise and it will be a wonderful weather day!!
Ray was busy today creating a little "garden" space for himself. Now that he is spending the summers here, he is missing his gardening so decided to make an area where he could plant a few tomatoes and some peppers. He also mentioned putting in a zucchini plant. He is so excited about this project so I hope he has great success with it. I think I might even have a few zucchini seeds from last year so I will offer them to him to see if he wants to start his own plant.
Kay and I returned to the Gold Rush festivities today. It is the last day today and I wanted to pick up a new purse. I saw them on Friday and decided that I wanted one. They are a good size and depending on how you wish to carry it, it can be a purse or it can be slung over your arm like a back pack. It is made out of leather and is lined and looks great. I got the name of the woman who makes them ...just in case I need to order a few more next year as some of the girls back home might really like it and want one - Ya Kimmy, I am talking about you!!
We stopped at the hardware store and picked up some paint stripper so now, I have the tools to hopefully strip off all that ugly enamel paint from the legs of that little table we want to use for the bigger home made coffee table John is building. Hopefully the weather is better and I can start on that little project.
It remained windy and chilly all day today so everyone spent the day inside. It was Grammy night on TV so that took up a good chunk of the evening.
John did some ribs on the BBQ and they were awesome.
Hopefully tomorrow's weather will allow for us to get outside. In the mean time, it is time for me to head to the bath tub then Hogan and I can cuddle in bed and watch more TV before finally shutting off the lights.
Ray was busy today creating a little "garden" space for himself. Now that he is spending the summers here, he is missing his gardening so decided to make an area where he could plant a few tomatoes and some peppers. He also mentioned putting in a zucchini plant. He is so excited about this project so I hope he has great success with it. I think I might even have a few zucchini seeds from last year so I will offer them to him to see if he wants to start his own plant.
Kay and I returned to the Gold Rush festivities today. It is the last day today and I wanted to pick up a new purse. I saw them on Friday and decided that I wanted one. They are a good size and depending on how you wish to carry it, it can be a purse or it can be slung over your arm like a back pack. It is made out of leather and is lined and looks great. I got the name of the woman who makes them ...just in case I need to order a few more next year as some of the girls back home might really like it and want one - Ya Kimmy, I am talking about you!!
We stopped at the hardware store and picked up some paint stripper so now, I have the tools to hopefully strip off all that ugly enamel paint from the legs of that little table we want to use for the bigger home made coffee table John is building. Hopefully the weather is better and I can start on that little project.
It remained windy and chilly all day today so everyone spent the day inside. It was Grammy night on TV so that took up a good chunk of the evening.
John did some ribs on the BBQ and they were awesome.
Hopefully tomorrow's weather will allow for us to get outside. In the mean time, it is time for me to head to the bath tub then Hogan and I can cuddle in bed and watch more TV before finally shutting off the lights.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Saturday, February 9/2013
It is chilly and damp out this morning. It rained off and on throughout most of the night and it is now overcast and rather dreary out. It is definitely not a good weather day for the Gold Rush parade, which is due to start at 10:00 this morning.
Kay's dad, who she calls "Pops" is coming from Phoenix with a friend to see the parade and will be stopping by this morning.
I got a text from Kay this morning asking if I wanted to go down to see the parade and chose not to accompany her and Ray. Despite the fact that it is the fourth largest parade in Arizona, I had no desire to battle the massive crowds that this parade attracts.
I cleaned the bus, did the dishes and baked a banana loaf. It was a productive day for me. I even got a chance to talk with Jace for a bit before he headed out on his snowmobile. Kimmy was working but was able to take a few minutes to text back and forth so I was able to catch up on their lives today as well.
Kay came over after they arrived back from the festivities in town. They had stopped at the Legion for refreshments and while there, both Ray and Mitch ended up in their mock "jail" designed so that the cash earned (you must pay, to have someone arrested and put in jail and then you must be bailed out of jail) is used for charitable works with in the Legion. Apparently, fun was had by all!!
Kay was hoping for a chance to get some of her quarters back tonight so we retired into the trailer. We called Mitch and he joined us. Tonight proved to be my night to be the loser. I managed to win only one pot. John was the winner tonight and, Kay is once again missing a few quarters!! Her little blue cup in getting pretty darn empty.
With my broke tail stuck between my legs, I headed to the bath tub and called it a day.
Kay's dad, who she calls "Pops" is coming from Phoenix with a friend to see the parade and will be stopping by this morning.
I got a text from Kay this morning asking if I wanted to go down to see the parade and chose not to accompany her and Ray. Despite the fact that it is the fourth largest parade in Arizona, I had no desire to battle the massive crowds that this parade attracts.
I cleaned the bus, did the dishes and baked a banana loaf. It was a productive day for me. I even got a chance to talk with Jace for a bit before he headed out on his snowmobile. Kimmy was working but was able to take a few minutes to text back and forth so I was able to catch up on their lives today as well.
Kay came over after they arrived back from the festivities in town. They had stopped at the Legion for refreshments and while there, both Ray and Mitch ended up in their mock "jail" designed so that the cash earned (you must pay, to have someone arrested and put in jail and then you must be bailed out of jail) is used for charitable works with in the Legion. Apparently, fun was had by all!!
Kay was hoping for a chance to get some of her quarters back tonight so we retired into the trailer. We called Mitch and he joined us. Tonight proved to be my night to be the loser. I managed to win only one pot. John was the winner tonight and, Kay is once again missing a few quarters!! Her little blue cup in getting pretty darn empty.
With my broke tail stuck between my legs, I headed to the bath tub and called it a day.
Friday, February 8/2013
Hogan and I are up early as we have a busy day today. He has an appointment with the vet at 10:45 to check out that big lump in his neck then, we will be heading back into town to take in the festivities of the 65th Annual Gold Rush Days.
Kay and I headed into town with Hogan and despite the fact that I told her that Hogan is not a fan of the vet, she was rather amused that he immediately started to tremble when we arrived. When the vet was ready for him. he was so beside himself, he peed on the floor. On my poor trembling little pup!! Half an hour later, we were out of there but not nearly fast enough for Hogan. The vet examined him, drew some blood and did a needle biopsy of the "lump". We will know next week what the tissue results are. Until then, we will keep our fingers crossed.
When Kay and I arrived back at the bus, we stopped at Mitch's and asked if he wanted to accompany us to the Gold Rush activities. There is a classic car show today and Ray loves to look at all them. He wanted to go so we said we would stop and pick him up on the way out. John did not wish to go so, Ray, Kay, Mitch and I headed out. We parked about six blocks away (at the Aztec Mobile Home/RV Park)and walked to the car show. After checking out all the fancy cars, we then walked over to the many vending booths that had been set out for the various artists who try to sell their wares. There was so many incredible artistic talents nestled in these booths that it just boggles the mind. From jewellery to leather work, to pottery and metal or wood art, from photography to painting....the choices are incredible. The prices are fairly reasonable but I suggest to anyone - be prepared to spend hundreds of dollars if you want to purchase several items. We walked around the site checking out most of the booths and soon found ourselves in the food court. Not a good place to be for me when I am trying to drop a few pounds or 50!!!! The smells were incredible and the offerings were vast. From roasted corn to Indian Fry Bread (whatever that is!! Bannock perhaps?), buffalo burgers to funnel cakes - Oh the aroma....I thought I was going to jump Mitch and rip his buffalo burger out of his hand!! Even Ray's green chili tortilla smelled good and I found myself eyeing that up too!!
We continued to wander the site and eventually headed back to the truck. We had been out and about for about four hours.
When we got back to the park, it was time to feed the birds and hopefully get to see the javelina today. The birds were generally mad about not getting fed earlier so there weren't many there to eat. Too Bad, cause if the javalina show up, they will be more than happy to chow down.
John, Ray and Kay said they saw a Mom javelina with three little babies over at Howard's. By the time I got the camera and Hogan inside the bus, she had disappeared taking her babies with her. Triplets....
Wow. Now that is wonderful. I hope she will feel safe enough to bring them closer next time.
It was soon too chilly to sit outside and we then retired into the trailer. It was time for supper and I mixed up some hamburger for John to throw on the grill. Ray had already eaten so it was just John, Kay and I that ate the burgers. Ray decided to stay at home to relax and so once the three of us had eaten, out came the cards and we started to play.
Long story short....I was the awesome winner again tonight!! Woo Hoo. I am rolling in the quarters tonight. I really should feel bad but....NOT!! Who knows, maybe I will be the loser the next time.
It was soon time for me to head to the bath tub then to bed. Shortly after that, it was lights out for everyone. It has started to rain and is a lot chillier outside. I sure hope it doesn't freeze tonight.
Kay and I headed into town with Hogan and despite the fact that I told her that Hogan is not a fan of the vet, she was rather amused that he immediately started to tremble when we arrived. When the vet was ready for him. he was so beside himself, he peed on the floor. On my poor trembling little pup!! Half an hour later, we were out of there but not nearly fast enough for Hogan. The vet examined him, drew some blood and did a needle biopsy of the "lump". We will know next week what the tissue results are. Until then, we will keep our fingers crossed.
When Kay and I arrived back at the bus, we stopped at Mitch's and asked if he wanted to accompany us to the Gold Rush activities. There is a classic car show today and Ray loves to look at all them. He wanted to go so we said we would stop and pick him up on the way out. John did not wish to go so, Ray, Kay, Mitch and I headed out. We parked about six blocks away (at the Aztec Mobile Home/RV Park)and walked to the car show. After checking out all the fancy cars, we then walked over to the many vending booths that had been set out for the various artists who try to sell their wares. There was so many incredible artistic talents nestled in these booths that it just boggles the mind. From jewellery to leather work, to pottery and metal or wood art, from photography to painting....the choices are incredible. The prices are fairly reasonable but I suggest to anyone - be prepared to spend hundreds of dollars if you want to purchase several items. We walked around the site checking out most of the booths and soon found ourselves in the food court. Not a good place to be for me when I am trying to drop a few pounds or 50!!!! The smells were incredible and the offerings were vast. From roasted corn to Indian Fry Bread (whatever that is!! Bannock perhaps?), buffalo burgers to funnel cakes - Oh the aroma....I thought I was going to jump Mitch and rip his buffalo burger out of his hand!! Even Ray's green chili tortilla smelled good and I found myself eyeing that up too!!
We continued to wander the site and eventually headed back to the truck. We had been out and about for about four hours.
When we got back to the park, it was time to feed the birds and hopefully get to see the javelina today. The birds were generally mad about not getting fed earlier so there weren't many there to eat. Too Bad, cause if the javalina show up, they will be more than happy to chow down.
John, Ray and Kay said they saw a Mom javelina with three little babies over at Howard's. By the time I got the camera and Hogan inside the bus, she had disappeared taking her babies with her. Triplets....
Wow. Now that is wonderful. I hope she will feel safe enough to bring them closer next time.
It was soon too chilly to sit outside and we then retired into the trailer. It was time for supper and I mixed up some hamburger for John to throw on the grill. Ray had already eaten so it was just John, Kay and I that ate the burgers. Ray decided to stay at home to relax and so once the three of us had eaten, out came the cards and we started to play.
Long story short....I was the awesome winner again tonight!! Woo Hoo. I am rolling in the quarters tonight. I really should feel bad but....NOT!! Who knows, maybe I will be the loser the next time.
It was soon time for me to head to the bath tub then to bed. Shortly after that, it was lights out for everyone. It has started to rain and is a lot chillier outside. I sure hope it doesn't freeze tonight.
Thursday, February 7/2013
I am up early again this morning and the sun is shining (sorry Kimmy). The birds are singing and all seems right with the world.
Hogan is busy outside making sure that his kingdom has survived the night. He is busy sniffing the yard, ensuring there have been no wayward raccoons wandering around trying to get into the shed and eat the javelina food. I left the shed door open the other night and the little rascals were in there again dining on the dogfood. They must check to see if that door is open every night!!
I decided to start taking the paint off the little table I got from the abandoned trailer earlier this year so that John could decide how he is going to use it as the legs for the coffee table he is making for the trailer. The two leafs are ready for the legs. They have been sanded, stained and have several coats of varathane on them so now all they need are a set of legs and it will be done. The top looks awesome and will compliment the decor very well.
I used my little electric palm sander and realized that the enamel paint that someone was so generous with was going to be a bugger to get off the wood. After several pieces of very rough sandpaper, the paint finally came off but I realized that there was no way that I was going to be able to sand the legs. There are just too many curves and rounded bevels on them. I guess I will have to try paint stripper and just hope for the best.
It was soon time to feed the birds and get the javalina snacks ready. Kay and I spent the next few hours outside in our chairs waiting and watching.
Mitch came over along with his friend Rory and had a few beers. We were also joined by both John and Ray tonight. Usually, it is just Kay and I but tonight.....we had a nature viewing party!!
It was soon time for supper, and since the sun had now gone down, it was chilly out.
We spent a quiet evening (after I did the supper dishes) and I once again, enjoyed a leisurely bubble bath. Then, it was time for Hogan and I to hit the sheets and watch the Food Network before actually turning the lights out!! All in all, another good day!!
Hogan is busy outside making sure that his kingdom has survived the night. He is busy sniffing the yard, ensuring there have been no wayward raccoons wandering around trying to get into the shed and eat the javelina food. I left the shed door open the other night and the little rascals were in there again dining on the dogfood. They must check to see if that door is open every night!!
I decided to start taking the paint off the little table I got from the abandoned trailer earlier this year so that John could decide how he is going to use it as the legs for the coffee table he is making for the trailer. The two leafs are ready for the legs. They have been sanded, stained and have several coats of varathane on them so now all they need are a set of legs and it will be done. The top looks awesome and will compliment the decor very well.
I used my little electric palm sander and realized that the enamel paint that someone was so generous with was going to be a bugger to get off the wood. After several pieces of very rough sandpaper, the paint finally came off but I realized that there was no way that I was going to be able to sand the legs. There are just too many curves and rounded bevels on them. I guess I will have to try paint stripper and just hope for the best.
It was soon time to feed the birds and get the javalina snacks ready. Kay and I spent the next few hours outside in our chairs waiting and watching.
Mitch came over along with his friend Rory and had a few beers. We were also joined by both John and Ray tonight. Usually, it is just Kay and I but tonight.....we had a nature viewing party!!
It was soon time for supper, and since the sun had now gone down, it was chilly out.
We spent a quiet evening (after I did the supper dishes) and I once again, enjoyed a leisurely bubble bath. Then, it was time for Hogan and I to hit the sheets and watch the Food Network before actually turning the lights out!! All in all, another good day!!
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Wednesday, February 6/2013
The sun is shining this morning and as I look outside I see several javelina scrounging around for their food. I heard Ray up and about and he has already thrown the birds their morning seeds and the javalina their snacks. I noted that the Mom was out there as well but she only had one little baby with her so I am thinking that the other met with un untimely demise. There is only a 50% survival rate for the babies and that is twice this year that we have seen two babies with a Mom and then a few days later, only one. It is a harsh reality of nature and proves that survival of the fittest, rules the wild kingdom.
Kay and I took a trip into town today to pick up our lottery tickets. The powerball is 200 million and yes, I am still hoping to win!!
I had to pick up a couple of sympathy cards as there has been a death back home so those cards are now in the mail. Postage to Canada has gone up to $1.10 a letter!!
With a quick stop at Safeway, we were soon on our way back to the park.
We stopped at Mitch's to see if he needed help with his roof and as soon as we saw the ladder he was using, we said he had to go get a decent one. One that would be far less risky in using. He came down and borrowed Ray's then headed back to his roof. When he returned, he mentioned that there were more issues than what he had originally thought and he now needed some 2x4s and some plywood to fix it properly. Now isn't that just the way it goes? Always something!!
I sat out in the sunshine again today and read my book. Man, that heat is so nice. It is finally starting to warm up back home and I chatted with my sister on the phone for a while and she said the warmer weather was very welcome. Now, if it would stop snowing, that would be even better!!
I text Kim to see if her and Jace had arrived back home safe and sound and of course they had. Apparently they had a great time with their friends in Vegas and Jace won a ton of money which, she says, they spent!! She said he won it and she lost it!! Sounds like a perfect combination to me!!
We spent the evening just relaxing and it was great. No place to go and nothing in particular to do. I watched TV and continued to read my book. What more could a person want? LIfe is good!!
Kay and I took a trip into town today to pick up our lottery tickets. The powerball is 200 million and yes, I am still hoping to win!!
I had to pick up a couple of sympathy cards as there has been a death back home so those cards are now in the mail. Postage to Canada has gone up to $1.10 a letter!!
With a quick stop at Safeway, we were soon on our way back to the park.
We stopped at Mitch's to see if he needed help with his roof and as soon as we saw the ladder he was using, we said he had to go get a decent one. One that would be far less risky in using. He came down and borrowed Ray's then headed back to his roof. When he returned, he mentioned that there were more issues than what he had originally thought and he now needed some 2x4s and some plywood to fix it properly. Now isn't that just the way it goes? Always something!!
I sat out in the sunshine again today and read my book. Man, that heat is so nice. It is finally starting to warm up back home and I chatted with my sister on the phone for a while and she said the warmer weather was very welcome. Now, if it would stop snowing, that would be even better!!
I text Kim to see if her and Jace had arrived back home safe and sound and of course they had. Apparently they had a great time with their friends in Vegas and Jace won a ton of money which, she says, they spent!! She said he won it and she lost it!! Sounds like a perfect combination to me!!
We spent the evening just relaxing and it was great. No place to go and nothing in particular to do. I watched TV and continued to read my book. What more could a person want? LIfe is good!!
Tuesday, February 5/2013
The sun is once again up and shining and another nice day is in store for us. Hogan has been out several times and is currently lying in the sun just absorbing the awesome heat.
I had nothing planned for today so decided to take my kindle outside and just sit in the sunshine and enjoy.
Duff (Ray's brother in law) came by and we had a short visit. He needed to borrow a trailer from Ray so that he could haul his side by side in for some work. It is always refreshing to chat with Duff. He is quite a character and I always look forward to our conversations.
Kay was busy today cleaning out the truck and Ray was busy planting his mandarin orange tree in their front yard. It looks so healthy and holds great promise of things to come. Hopefully it does well and we will all be enjoying the "fruits" of his labour next year!!
I made an appointment for Hogan at the local veterinary clinic today. I found a rather large lump on his neck that definitely needs to be checked out so that will be done on Friday. It is hard to believe that Hogan will be 5 years old in August. Time flies!!
Several birds came to dine on the seeds that I threw out tonight but only one javalina showed up. They have been pretty scarce since Sunday so I wonder if they just didn't like all the noise we created with the Superbowl party or, perhaps they didn't like the Baltimore Ravens winning the trophy!!
John BBQ'd pork chops tonight and they were delicious. After supper, he headed up to Mitch's for a visit. I stayed home to watch the two hour premiere of Smash on TV and enjoyed the quiet solitude. Hogan and I chilled all evening until John returned and gave us a synopsis of his evening at Mitch's.
All in all, it was a quiet, relaxing day.
I had nothing planned for today so decided to take my kindle outside and just sit in the sunshine and enjoy.
Duff (Ray's brother in law) came by and we had a short visit. He needed to borrow a trailer from Ray so that he could haul his side by side in for some work. It is always refreshing to chat with Duff. He is quite a character and I always look forward to our conversations.
Kay was busy today cleaning out the truck and Ray was busy planting his mandarin orange tree in their front yard. It looks so healthy and holds great promise of things to come. Hopefully it does well and we will all be enjoying the "fruits" of his labour next year!!
I made an appointment for Hogan at the local veterinary clinic today. I found a rather large lump on his neck that definitely needs to be checked out so that will be done on Friday. It is hard to believe that Hogan will be 5 years old in August. Time flies!!
Several birds came to dine on the seeds that I threw out tonight but only one javalina showed up. They have been pretty scarce since Sunday so I wonder if they just didn't like all the noise we created with the Superbowl party or, perhaps they didn't like the Baltimore Ravens winning the trophy!!
John BBQ'd pork chops tonight and they were delicious. After supper, he headed up to Mitch's for a visit. I stayed home to watch the two hour premiere of Smash on TV and enjoyed the quiet solitude. Hogan and I chilled all evening until John returned and gave us a synopsis of his evening at Mitch's.
All in all, it was a quiet, relaxing day.
Monday, February 4/2013
The sun is shining this morning and it looks like it will be an awesome day. Nothing but blue skies out there today.
Kay and I took a walk down one of the many paths in the open acres outside the fence today. We followed one of the javelina trails and it took us into what we believed was the River Preserve. We crossed a couple of barbed wire fences and we were pretty sure that we ended up on Preserve property. It was quite an adventure as we walked along one of the many washes. The trees were huge and provided the area with almost complete coverage from the sky. It was like a whole different wonderful world down there. There were so many game trails going in all directions that it was hard to decide which one we should follow. We chose to follow the wash as there was still a bit of water in it and since Hogan was with us, he splashed and played and looked to be having the time of his life. He ran around like a fool and provided both Kay and I some laughs. What a goof he is. While down there, we decided that we should take the side by side and drive to Box Canyon with Hogan. There he could splash and play in the water there and it would be clean, unlike the muddy stuff he was currently splashing around in. With this thought in mind, we climbed back out of the wash and headed for home. We got the side by side ready and the three of us headed out.
Hogan was not impressed by the ride in the quad but we managed to get to Box Canyon without incident. Once there, we spent a few hours tossing the ball into the water and having Hogan retrieve it. The water had receded considerably but there was still enough for Hogan to play in. Of course he ran around like a fool there too, splashing and just having fun. The ride back to the park was better as Hogan decided that he did not want to ride by my feet (as he had coming up here) but instead chose to ride on the console between Kay and I. I had brought an old rug for the floor of the quad so that is what we put on the console and between it and my lap, Hogan settled down nicely for the ride home. He obviously thought he was the king of the side by side!!
When we arrived home, it was time to feed the birds and the javelina. Kay and I sat out watching them for a while. Ray joined us and we shared some of Hogan's antics with him.
Eventually, Kay and I decided that we wanted to start a fire and ended up driving up to Mitch's to get some wood as neither one of us had any. Man, we really have to get some wood ordered.
With the quad loaded with wood, we returned to the fire pit and started a fire. Once that was done, John joined us and the three of us sat around it until it was time for me to hit the bathtub and head to bed. It was an early evening for me but John and Kay continued to enjoy the fire for a while longer.
All in all, it was another great day with Kay and I enjoying more adventures. Life is good!!
Kay and I took a walk down one of the many paths in the open acres outside the fence today. We followed one of the javelina trails and it took us into what we believed was the River Preserve. We crossed a couple of barbed wire fences and we were pretty sure that we ended up on Preserve property. It was quite an adventure as we walked along one of the many washes. The trees were huge and provided the area with almost complete coverage from the sky. It was like a whole different wonderful world down there. There were so many game trails going in all directions that it was hard to decide which one we should follow. We chose to follow the wash as there was still a bit of water in it and since Hogan was with us, he splashed and played and looked to be having the time of his life. He ran around like a fool and provided both Kay and I some laughs. What a goof he is. While down there, we decided that we should take the side by side and drive to Box Canyon with Hogan. There he could splash and play in the water there and it would be clean, unlike the muddy stuff he was currently splashing around in. With this thought in mind, we climbed back out of the wash and headed for home. We got the side by side ready and the three of us headed out.
Hogan was not impressed by the ride in the quad but we managed to get to Box Canyon without incident. Once there, we spent a few hours tossing the ball into the water and having Hogan retrieve it. The water had receded considerably but there was still enough for Hogan to play in. Of course he ran around like a fool there too, splashing and just having fun. The ride back to the park was better as Hogan decided that he did not want to ride by my feet (as he had coming up here) but instead chose to ride on the console between Kay and I. I had brought an old rug for the floor of the quad so that is what we put on the console and between it and my lap, Hogan settled down nicely for the ride home. He obviously thought he was the king of the side by side!!
When we arrived home, it was time to feed the birds and the javelina. Kay and I sat out watching them for a while. Ray joined us and we shared some of Hogan's antics with him.
Eventually, Kay and I decided that we wanted to start a fire and ended up driving up to Mitch's to get some wood as neither one of us had any. Man, we really have to get some wood ordered.
With the quad loaded with wood, we returned to the fire pit and started a fire. Once that was done, John joined us and the three of us sat around it until it was time for me to hit the bathtub and head to bed. It was an early evening for me but John and Kay continued to enjoy the fire for a while longer.
All in all, it was another great day with Kay and I enjoying more adventures. Life is good!!
Sunday, February 3/2013
It is cloudy and overcast today and does not look too promising in the sunshine category today. It is however, warm and, there is very little wind and it is not raining so we can be happy for that. I won't strike off the possibility of rain though.
It is Superbowl Sunday today and time to party. Ray and Kay plan a Superbowl party every year and today is the day. Friends and relatives have been invited and the finger foods are almost ready. It should be good.
Kay and I headed to the store where we purchased three bags of ice for the beer cooler and I bought a mini muffin tin for my brownie treats I will be baking for the game.
Once back at the park, I got busy making the treats. I had to use Ray's oven as John and I have yet to purchase one and I don't think we will until next year. We only have a couple of months left down here before we head home so I am totally OK with leaving the appliances until next year. With the treats in the oven, I got busy cutting up the vegetables and making the dip. No Superbowl party is complete unless there are veggies and dip. With that done, it was then time to just relax until guests arrived and the game started.
Ray and Kay got busy rearranging stuff in their garage so that the tables for the food could be set up and the various chairs set around the TV.
The guests started arriving, each with their hands full of different "pot luck" goodies and the food table was soon overflowing. We will definitely not be going hungry today.
With the game starting, the lines were drawn as to who was cheering for which team and friendly banter soon filled the garage.
It turned out to be an awesome game and with the Baltimore Ravens being the victor, it was a good end to the already awesome day. Fun was had by all and with the end of the game, the guests quickly gathered up their food dishes and headed for home. It wasn't too long before the garage was neat and tidy and all the left over food was shared and put away.
We sat around the chiminea after that for a while then Hogan (who was not allowed at the game but was let out of the bus after most of the guests had left) and I were ready to call it a day. Turbo (Kay's cat) was on a mission to ambush Hogan and almost succeeded and at one point I thought Hogan was going to climb up on Ray's lap to get to Turbo. NO good would come of this so Hogan and I headed home leaving Ray, Kay, Mitch and John to tend the fire.
Hogan and I cuddled in the bed and it was a few hours later that I heard John come into the bus. He grabbed some wings to munch on then he too headed to bed. All in all, it was a good day.
It is Superbowl Sunday today and time to party. Ray and Kay plan a Superbowl party every year and today is the day. Friends and relatives have been invited and the finger foods are almost ready. It should be good.
Kay and I headed to the store where we purchased three bags of ice for the beer cooler and I bought a mini muffin tin for my brownie treats I will be baking for the game.
Once back at the park, I got busy making the treats. I had to use Ray's oven as John and I have yet to purchase one and I don't think we will until next year. We only have a couple of months left down here before we head home so I am totally OK with leaving the appliances until next year. With the treats in the oven, I got busy cutting up the vegetables and making the dip. No Superbowl party is complete unless there are veggies and dip. With that done, it was then time to just relax until guests arrived and the game started.
Ray and Kay got busy rearranging stuff in their garage so that the tables for the food could be set up and the various chairs set around the TV.
The guests started arriving, each with their hands full of different "pot luck" goodies and the food table was soon overflowing. We will definitely not be going hungry today.
With the game starting, the lines were drawn as to who was cheering for which team and friendly banter soon filled the garage.
It turned out to be an awesome game and with the Baltimore Ravens being the victor, it was a good end to the already awesome day. Fun was had by all and with the end of the game, the guests quickly gathered up their food dishes and headed for home. It wasn't too long before the garage was neat and tidy and all the left over food was shared and put away.
We sat around the chiminea after that for a while then Hogan (who was not allowed at the game but was let out of the bus after most of the guests had left) and I were ready to call it a day. Turbo (Kay's cat) was on a mission to ambush Hogan and almost succeeded and at one point I thought Hogan was going to climb up on Ray's lap to get to Turbo. NO good would come of this so Hogan and I headed home leaving Ray, Kay, Mitch and John to tend the fire.
Hogan and I cuddled in the bed and it was a few hours later that I heard John come into the bus. He grabbed some wings to munch on then he too headed to bed. All in all, it was a good day.
Saturday, February 2/2013
The sun is shining and the birds are singing. As I take my first look outside, I see three javalina out enjoying some of the remaining bird seed I threw out yesterday. Man, they are like little vacuum cleaners when it comes to the birdseed.
It is Groundhog Day today and I hope that the little creature does not see his shadow. Lore says that if he does, there are 6 more weeks of winter and if he doesn't, then Spring is right around the corner. I hope Spring is indeed "right around the corner"!!
Today I plan on making the chicken wings for tomorrow's Superbowl party but first, I need to grab a cup of coffee (or two), check out Facebook and get the blog caught up. I see that John uploaded some pics to the blog before he went to sleep last night so I will be able to post them. Kimmy will be so pleased now that it is actually up to date!1
Kim and Jace landed in Las Vegas last evening and are there to see George Strait and Martina Mcbride in concert and spend a few short days. The weather will be sooo much better for them as they left the deep freeze in Saskatchewan and are now enjoying the sunshine that Vegas has to offer. Knowing Kim, she just may be sporting a sunburn when she get back home! They met friends there and I am sure it will be a totally fun filled few days for them.
Kay and I hit the Habitat Re-store today looking for bed frames and some sort of a wall mount light fixture. Unfortunately, we did not find either so left empty handed!! We then stopped at Safeway to stock up on Superbowl refreshment and while driving back to the park, stopped and picked up our lottery tickets. The power ball jackpot is in the neighbourhood of 180 million. Now that is a nice chunk of change that would look pretty nice in my bank account. What...... it could happen!!
When we got back to the park, we then decided that we should drive to Whitman and check out the big swap meet that they have every weekend. I have been there before, and found some real interesting stuff. Today, it was rather sparse and I saw a lot of junk. Needless to say, we did not buy anything.
Once back to the park, it was time for me to get the Japanese Chicken wing prepared for the party tomorrow. They are not difficult to do but it is "piddly" work.
John was outside hitting the ball to Hogan just as I was finishing the wings and it was time to feed the birds and get the javalina food ready. Kay joined us to watch the show and while I was a bit late at getting the birdseed out there ( the birds don't like when I am late) the javalina arrived. Kay saw the Mom with the brand new babies (maybe 3 weeks old) over at the neighbours so we put Hogan in the bus with the hopes that she would feel it was safe enough to bring the babies over. She did and it was so awesome to see the little ones. The original little baby (the one that was so tiny when we arrived in November) came with them and the difference in size was amazing. He has grown so much compared to these brand new little babies. Perhaps these two babies will be luckier than the other twins as only one remains. Apparently, there is only a 50% survival rate when they are babies. Coyotes and bobcats are pretty crafty predators and I can just imagine what a tasty little morsel these babies would be.
Eventually, John, Kay and I went into the trailer and played some cards. Once again I was able to squirrel away some more of Kay's quarters although I think John was a bigger winner than I. Kay did manage to win a few pots as well.
It was soon time to think about what to eat and I decided to make a pizza. Since tomato sauce gives Kay heartburn, I smeared it with "white" sauce and loaded it up. Before too long we were chowing down and enjoying. It sure hit the spot. With that, I headed to bed as there are still a few things that need to be done tomorrow before everyone arrives for the Superbowl party. Good night.
It is Groundhog Day today and I hope that the little creature does not see his shadow. Lore says that if he does, there are 6 more weeks of winter and if he doesn't, then Spring is right around the corner. I hope Spring is indeed "right around the corner"!!
Today I plan on making the chicken wings for tomorrow's Superbowl party but first, I need to grab a cup of coffee (or two), check out Facebook and get the blog caught up. I see that John uploaded some pics to the blog before he went to sleep last night so I will be able to post them. Kimmy will be so pleased now that it is actually up to date!1
Kim and Jace landed in Las Vegas last evening and are there to see George Strait and Martina Mcbride in concert and spend a few short days. The weather will be sooo much better for them as they left the deep freeze in Saskatchewan and are now enjoying the sunshine that Vegas has to offer. Knowing Kim, she just may be sporting a sunburn when she get back home! They met friends there and I am sure it will be a totally fun filled few days for them.
Kay and I hit the Habitat Re-store today looking for bed frames and some sort of a wall mount light fixture. Unfortunately, we did not find either so left empty handed!! We then stopped at Safeway to stock up on Superbowl refreshment and while driving back to the park, stopped and picked up our lottery tickets. The power ball jackpot is in the neighbourhood of 180 million. Now that is a nice chunk of change that would look pretty nice in my bank account. What...... it could happen!!
When we got back to the park, we then decided that we should drive to Whitman and check out the big swap meet that they have every weekend. I have been there before, and found some real interesting stuff. Today, it was rather sparse and I saw a lot of junk. Needless to say, we did not buy anything.
Once back to the park, it was time for me to get the Japanese Chicken wing prepared for the party tomorrow. They are not difficult to do but it is "piddly" work.
John was outside hitting the ball to Hogan just as I was finishing the wings and it was time to feed the birds and get the javalina food ready. Kay joined us to watch the show and while I was a bit late at getting the birdseed out there ( the birds don't like when I am late) the javalina arrived. Kay saw the Mom with the brand new babies (maybe 3 weeks old) over at the neighbours so we put Hogan in the bus with the hopes that she would feel it was safe enough to bring the babies over. She did and it was so awesome to see the little ones. The original little baby (the one that was so tiny when we arrived in November) came with them and the difference in size was amazing. He has grown so much compared to these brand new little babies. Perhaps these two babies will be luckier than the other twins as only one remains. Apparently, there is only a 50% survival rate when they are babies. Coyotes and bobcats are pretty crafty predators and I can just imagine what a tasty little morsel these babies would be.
Eventually, John, Kay and I went into the trailer and played some cards. Once again I was able to squirrel away some more of Kay's quarters although I think John was a bigger winner than I. Kay did manage to win a few pots as well.
It was soon time to think about what to eat and I decided to make a pizza. Since tomato sauce gives Kay heartburn, I smeared it with "white" sauce and loaded it up. Before too long we were chowing down and enjoying. It sure hit the spot. With that, I headed to bed as there are still a few things that need to be done tomorrow before everyone arrives for the Superbowl party. Good night.
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