Wednesday, we decided to just have a day of relaxation and do very little. There was laundry, cleaning, reading, cycling, walking, swimming and Internet use taking place, but all at a very slow pace. That evening we watched anther video that bombed. A forgettable title. I again fell asleep and woke up alone.
Thursday was a social day. We arrived at 7:30 AM for a 8:30 tee off time, ended up getting away early. We golfed the Sunland Springs Village courses at the housing complex where Bill and Donna live. They had invited us there for a round of golf and lunch. I had a good round with a 76! Starting to figure this game out, right? You may remember that B&D were at our house in MBV for a dinner party that we had put on for a number of Ellen's friends. They included their neighbours Ray and Shiela, and we sat out on the patio overlooking the 3rd green where they live. Very nice spot and a delightful lunch followed a round of Margueritas! B&D showed us around their village and we picked out a nice show home to buy (in another lifetime). We headed for Costco to re-stock on our way back. A light dinner and I headed off for a swim and Interneting in the evening. It was a long day.
Friday morning after breakfast Ellen and Jette went grocery shopping. When they returned, I went to the flea market. Bought some long tees and a small nylon bag. It was a good walk, though. I was back for lunch, and in the afternoon, Jette and I went to an outlet mall to check out buys. It was flop. The place was virtually deserted, the stores having moved on to better venues. I filled the tank ($4.10/gallon) and then we stopped for a frozen yogurt on our way home. Neil and Paula, our guests for the evening, arrived at about 5, and we sat outside in the shade enjoying drinks and conversation. N&P used to live in the Winnipeg area, and moved to the US back in '65. Ellen had cooked up a great dish of curried chicken and rice, which we ate after salad. Desert was a delicious cake (Terramissu?) that we found at Costco. We discussed the various routes for heading back home and finally agreed on the 10, 93, 40, Bakersfield and on up through California getting on the 5 north of Sacramento. Neil and Paula left at about 10, and after a little clean-up we all turned in.
After breakfast on Saturday, Ellen and I decided to do a little more hiking in the Superstition wilderness. Jette stayed back as she was aching a little from the last hike. We returned to the western flank of the Superstitions and repeated a part of the hike, returning by a different route. We were back in time for lunch which we enjoyed on the front patio. The temperature today will likely reach about 35. Sssss! Ahhhh! Jette headed for the pool after lunch and I wrote this. Phylis called and invited us over for a drink, so we went over to their place at about 5PM. Both Phylis and Carl are back to normal after a being hit by some kind of bug. After drinks, snacks and a visit, we were back at the house about 8PM. TV and bed followed.
Sunday, we had a tee-off at 0930, but Ellen gave it a pass because her back was acting up. So Jette and I went over to Augusta Ranch for pleasant round, followed by lunch at the club house. Scored 77 and 89. We did a little shopping at Albertsons on the way home because the tonic was getting low. I played a little pool at the pool room. It was interesting - different rules down here. Back for happy hour and then left-overs and a good bottle of wine (Tin Roof from California). Warm day today, we relaxed and watched PBS before bed.
Monday, Jette and I slept in. After breakfast we went for a cycle ride over to Bashas for some supplies. I bought a bottle of Mescal with the worm on sale so bought that for future guests... Later in the morning we went to the pool as the day was really starting to heat up. We expect 35 today. Started to pack and plan how to jam everything into that Jetta. It's going to be a squeeze - golf clubs and luggage for 3... It was a hot afternoon, so Jette and decided to see a matinee(Deception). Recommended. It was a fun little diversion and we had the very comfy theatre to ouselves. We were back for happy hour. Ellen had prepared a nice pork tenderloin and we enjoyed a very nice Cab (JH Lohr) with it for dinner. We watched TV after and were in bed fairly early.
Tuesday, is our last day, so it is basically cleaning, getting packed and organized. I vacuumed the place, and treated some carpet spots (the carpet really needs a cleaning). Ellen washed floors and Jette dusted and did bathrooms. I cleaned the bikes up, and Ellen rode out to Phylis' to return the bike that was lent to her. Jette will leave her loaner with Fred and Linda next door. I will probably just leave my bike in the garage for Ivy. We have started packing bags and putting things out for the return trip. I will be turning in the MBV pass keys and meeting with Sherry for an inspection before we go. Sherry arrived about noon and gave us a pass, so we don't need to worry about paying $150 for cleaning. After a leftover cleanup dinner, we went for another walk and I stopped at the club house on the way back for some Internet work, a swim and shooting some pool. Home and bed.
We woke at 0500 today, so that we would get a good start. We were on the road at just after 6. Everything fit into the car and that was something! Drove over 1000 kms. and finally stopped at Firebaugh, CA at about 4PM. We got a room at the Best Western (Apricot Inn) again. It's like a little oasis off the I5. A little relaxation before dinner at the local restaurant. Then back to the room for the evening. I am really tired. Looking forward to a good night and another good day of getting as far north as possible.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Saturday, April 19, 2008
April in the Desert con'd
Hi. In case you didn't notice, I have been just adding each days events to the bottom of the last section of this blog. Today, I thought I would add something new so it is easily visible. I have been keeping the blog up, but it may have been tricky finding the additions. Not that user (or reader) friendly.
I has been a couple of days since I posted. Seems that it has been a little busy. Last Tuesday, I decided that I would rent a Harley for Thursday, so I called up Superstition Harley Davidson and made the arrangements. I would pick it up on Wednesday evening, and return it the following evening. The bike. I rented a Harley Davidson Heritage Softail Classic and did pick it up the day Wednesday evening. Got some evening riding in before happy hour. I was up early on Thursday to ride out to Tortilla Flat
on the Apache Trail (lots of twisties). At just before 7AM I was stopped at a stop sign on my way and the next thing I knew I was on the asphalt and the bike over on its side, pushed about 15 feet. 
I was rear-ended by a ditz who was likely doing text messaging while driving!! 
Cops, reports, insurance, documentation, took the next 4 hours, but they gave me another bike just the same, black instead of red, and I carried on. 
Didn't have the same panache, though, as I was a little shaken by the experience. Anyway, I had all the insurance, and I was not at fault, so that covered the $2143 damage. Was worried for a while though. Could have been very expensive, both financially and physically... Did manage to get a great ride to Tortilla Flat and beyond where I had lunch and then out to Globe on the 60 in the afternoon. I was butt sore and back at the dealer at about 5:30 PM. Happy hour was vary relaxing after that day. We ate in that evening and were early to bed.
Friday we had a tee time for 0830 at Augusta Ranch. An enjoyable round lead us to a light lunch overlooking the 9th before heading back home. Pool drill and Internet activity in the PM and we headed over to Tia Rosa's Mexican Restaurant for dinner. Noisy but nice - lots of atmosphere. We had Margueritas and good solid Mexican grub. Stared at the tube after getting home until it was bed time.
Saturday, April 19, we decided to go hiking again in the Superstition Wilderness.
Enjoyed a great little track that ran up against the promement peaks near Apache Junction. We then headed for the flea market, and also did some grocery shopping before getting home to eat a late lunch. Rested and read in the afternoon. We enjoyed quiet evening with happy hour followed by a nice chicken dish and salad that Jette prepared. I opened another bottle of wine, an Italian Merlot that was a little too frisky. We then went for a walk around the complex, one of our tracks, and I stopped at club house to check my email. Saw a lone shooter in the pool room, so I asked him if he needed a partner. We played about 5 games. He won them all. Back to the hacienda, a little tv and then bed about 10 PM.
The next day, Sunday, April 20, we had a tee-off time of 0745 at the local full size course where the development is located. The Mountainbrook Golf Club. A beautiful day, we finished at just about noon. We picked up a single, a guy named Scott. He didn't play very well, but then he did say he was a hero at the driving range. That'll do it every time. I came off with a 92, which was great for a full sized course I had never played. After lunch at home, I went to NW Phoenix to pick up a motorcycle part I found on the local Craigslist. It's a crash bar that fits my bike and it was less than half price. Micheal was the guy selling it, and what a bike he had - all the goodies. It was a pearl 2006 Roadstar, the same as mine, so we had something to talk about. He had put Harley hard bags on and pipes that ran down each side ending under the bags. He had put lowers on the windshield, so had to change the crash bar as the bar he was selling isn't compatable with lowers. Chrome everywhere. Brought the blog up to date over at the club house before returning for happy hour. Jette and Ellen went to the pool in the afternoon and read and relaxed. Ellen prepared a fish dinner that was very nice. We polished off a bottle of wine with. The girls went for a walk after dinner. I loafed. Perhaps I drank more than my share of the wine...
We were up early Monday morning. We went to the club house to do some email things before heading off to the shops.
Ellen and Jette found some clothes that they liked and we tried to get Ellen's sun-glasses repaired. Ended up buying some glue that is currently drying. We will see if that does the job... This evening we were invited out to dinner by some old friends of Ellen's, Neil and Paula over at the Gold Canyon RV Resort. The place seems pretty dead as most everyone has headed north. But we had a great little happy hour and dinner on the patio next to the golf course where they live. Bob and Pat were also there, so we were seven. I really enjoyed the pork ribs. Back at the casa at about 10 and then to bed.
Tuesday, April 22, we decided to go to Phoenix to visit the Phoenix Art Museum. We arrived just at 10 when it opens and we all enjoyed the exhibits, and the lunch in the cafe they had on site. We walked around outside the gallery a little before beating the traffic back to MBV. We were back at about 3:30. It was warm, so we just relaxed and had a nice dinner that Ellen prepared. Watched another video after dinner, but I slept through most of it... Definitely a girl flick! Good night.
I has been a couple of days since I posted. Seems that it has been a little busy. Last Tuesday, I decided that I would rent a Harley for Thursday, so I called up Superstition Harley Davidson and made the arrangements. I would pick it up on Wednesday evening, and return it the following evening. The bike. I rented a Harley Davidson Heritage Softail Classic and did pick it up the day Wednesday evening. Got some evening riding in before happy hour. I was up early on Thursday to ride out to Tortilla Flat
on the Apache Trail (lots of twisties). At just before 7AM I was stopped at a stop sign on my way and the next thing I knew I was on the asphalt and the bike over on its side, pushed about 15 feet. 
I was rear-ended by a ditz who was likely doing text messaging while driving!! 
Cops, reports, insurance, documentation, took the next 4 hours, but they gave me another bike just the same, black instead of red, and I carried on. 
Didn't have the same panache, though, as I was a little shaken by the experience. Anyway, I had all the insurance, and I was not at fault, so that covered the $2143 damage. Was worried for a while though. Could have been very expensive, both financially and physically... Did manage to get a great ride to Tortilla Flat and beyond where I had lunch and then out to Globe on the 60 in the afternoon. I was butt sore and back at the dealer at about 5:30 PM. Happy hour was vary relaxing after that day. We ate in that evening and were early to bed.Friday we had a tee time for 0830 at Augusta Ranch. An enjoyable round lead us to a light lunch overlooking the 9th before heading back home. Pool drill and Internet activity in the PM and we headed over to Tia Rosa's Mexican Restaurant for dinner. Noisy but nice - lots of atmosphere. We had Margueritas and good solid Mexican grub. Stared at the tube after getting home until it was bed time.
Saturday, April 19, we decided to go hiking again in the Superstition Wilderness.
Enjoyed a great little track that ran up against the promement peaks near Apache Junction. We then headed for the flea market, and also did some grocery shopping before getting home to eat a late lunch. Rested and read in the afternoon. We enjoyed quiet evening with happy hour followed by a nice chicken dish and salad that Jette prepared. I opened another bottle of wine, an Italian Merlot that was a little too frisky. We then went for a walk around the complex, one of our tracks, and I stopped at club house to check my email. Saw a lone shooter in the pool room, so I asked him if he needed a partner. We played about 5 games. He won them all. Back to the hacienda, a little tv and then bed about 10 PM.The next day, Sunday, April 20, we had a tee-off time of 0745 at the local full size course where the development is located. The Mountainbrook Golf Club. A beautiful day, we finished at just about noon. We picked up a single, a guy named Scott. He didn't play very well, but then he did say he was a hero at the driving range. That'll do it every time. I came off with a 92, which was great for a full sized course I had never played. After lunch at home, I went to NW Phoenix to pick up a motorcycle part I found on the local Craigslist. It's a crash bar that fits my bike and it was less than half price. Micheal was the guy selling it, and what a bike he had - all the goodies. It was a pearl 2006 Roadstar, the same as mine, so we had something to talk about. He had put Harley hard bags on and pipes that ran down each side ending under the bags. He had put lowers on the windshield, so had to change the crash bar as the bar he was selling isn't compatable with lowers. Chrome everywhere. Brought the blog up to date over at the club house before returning for happy hour. Jette and Ellen went to the pool in the afternoon and read and relaxed. Ellen prepared a fish dinner that was very nice. We polished off a bottle of wine with. The girls went for a walk after dinner. I loafed. Perhaps I drank more than my share of the wine...
We were up early Monday morning. We went to the club house to do some email things before heading off to the shops.
Ellen and Jette found some clothes that they liked and we tried to get Ellen's sun-glasses repaired. Ended up buying some glue that is currently drying. We will see if that does the job... This evening we were invited out to dinner by some old friends of Ellen's, Neil and Paula over at the Gold Canyon RV Resort. The place seems pretty dead as most everyone has headed north. But we had a great little happy hour and dinner on the patio next to the golf course where they live. Bob and Pat were also there, so we were seven. I really enjoyed the pork ribs. Back at the casa at about 10 and then to bed.Tuesday, April 22, we decided to go to Phoenix to visit the Phoenix Art Museum. We arrived just at 10 when it opens and we all enjoyed the exhibits, and the lunch in the cafe they had on site. We walked around outside the gallery a little before beating the traffic back to MBV. We were back at about 3:30. It was warm, so we just relaxed and had a nice dinner that Ellen prepared. Watched another video after dinner, but I slept through most of it... Definitely a girl flick! Good night.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Our April in Arizona
It's April 1, and we fooled ourselves. The time in Utah is Mountain, and the time in Arizona is Pacific. We didn't realize that until late morning. Hah! We were certainly up early today! We are starting to get into a routine as we sort out our new home. We had a pleasant breakfast and then went to the club house to sort out access to the facilities. Everything works on a key fob, and we just couldn't get one for several hours and then it had to be programmed three times before it worked properly. Anyway, all enjoyable stuff as the staff were so helpful and apologetic. We met our neighbours to the east - Fred and Linda. We had a crisis with the plumbing and Fred turned out to be the guy who does the handyman chores for the owner. After lunch we went over to Gold Canyon RV Resort where Ellen used to stay. I think it might have been a bit sad for Ellen, as she has so many good memories from living there. More shopping, car wash, and mailing of cards before it was swimming at the pool followed by late afternoon drinks.
Yesterday was April 2nd and we did a number of things: We went for walk, I went and bought an old bike I saw on Craigslist, we picked up a bike for Jette that our neighbour Linda had arranged with a friend, I checked out Harley rentals at Superstition Harley (big dealership!), Ellen and Jette swam in the afternoon while I worked on pimping my ride, and then we had a pleasant dinner al fresco. A little TV and then to bed.
April 3 Ellen wanted to go to see Phylis and Carl so we did that. They live out in the desert, so lots of fauna around their large piece of land. Carl showed me his shop - it has everything including a Ford Model A that came from South Africa. We talked guy stuff while Ellen gabbed with Phylis. We will be at their place for diner tonight. Then it was off to do some shopping - groceries mostly, but I needed a couple of bike parts. We had lunch when we got back, and I finished tweaking up the rides. Will try to get a picture soon of our three bicycles that we have bought or arranged for our time here. Spruced up in the PM and headed over to Carl and Phylis' place. A relaxing evening of talking and eating. We got home at about 1015.
This morning we had arranged a tee-off time at Augusta Ranch exec course. It was just right for us being so golf rusty. Ellen went off to a happy hour and early bird in the late afternoon with her old gang from Gold Canyon. Jette and I had a spaghetti dinner after biking over to the the local supermarket for some essentials like wine, cheese and a baguette loaf. Ellen got back about 6 or 7 and we chatted and did our on-line duties. An early night tonight. Looks like I am going to be missing the bike week events down here....
April 8, I had booked a twosome for 11AM at the same golf course that we played last week. Only Ellen and I will be going, as Jette is still nursing her bursitis. Before golf, Jette and I attended a 30 minute meeting for all residents of MBV to find out what is going on. The free donuts brought a good turnout. Ellen and I teed off about 11AM at Augusta Ranch and enjoyed a pleasant round in the desert sun. It was perfect. When we got home, Jette had been shopping and after a rest, we enjoyed a splendid barbecue chicken dinner with good wine, cheese, veggies and salads.
On Friday, we mostly spent the day preparing for the evening party. I was the chili chef, and created a pretty good chili, I think. I had bought all the ingredients the day before, and got it bubbling away before lunch. That afternoon we went for brisk walk, Ellen went by bike to pick up a few extras, and then it was the usual swim before guests arrived shortly after 4:30. We had nine folks come, all old friends of Ellens from her Gold Canyon RV days. There was Pat and Anne, Bob and Pat, and Bill and Donna. It was a good time and the chili was a hit along with all the other goodies we provided.
Saturday we went to the flea market again, split up and each of us bought a few things. We were back home for lunch a little after noon. It was another lazy afternoon. Jette and Ellen went swimming and I puttered around repairing my car key (battery replacement) going for a bike ride and hitting some golf balls. Ellen also went for a bike ride over to Gold Canyon RV Park. Leftovers were dinner and we watched another video before bed.
Sunday, April 13, went hiking in the Superstitions. We took the Dutchman Mine train (104). We were out about 2 hours. It was great - wonderful scenery and not too tough hiking. We washed the dust off the car when returned and then it was lunch time. We lazed the afternoon away again as the temperature climbed to over 100. We had a relaxing meal at home, and then the usual video before bed.
Monday, we left for Tuscon at 8AM and arrived at our destination, the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum at about 1030. We spent about 3 or 4 hours there. So much to see and do. Very entertaining and educational. Quite a lot of driving that day, though. We arrived back home sun tired, as we were out doors in 38 degree heat for most of that time. Just a lazy evening after a busy day...
Tuesday, we teed off at just after 8 AM at Augusta Ranch again. A pleasant round that took us to almost to lunch. We had to make a shopping trip, so went to a local Albertsons on our way home. Got a message that Carl was in the hospital, so we are waiting to see how he is doing and whether the dinner we are hosting for them tomorrow is off or not. Phylis will let us know how things are going.
Yesterday was April 2nd and we did a number of things: We went for walk, I went and bought an old bike I saw on Craigslist, we picked up a bike for Jette that our neighbour Linda had arranged with a friend, I checked out Harley rentals at Superstition Harley (big dealership!), Ellen and Jette swam in the afternoon while I worked on pimping my ride, and then we had a pleasant dinner al fresco. A little TV and then to bed.
April 3 Ellen wanted to go to see Phylis and Carl so we did that. They live out in the desert, so lots of fauna around their large piece of land. Carl showed me his shop - it has everything including a Ford Model A that came from South Africa. We talked guy stuff while Ellen gabbed with Phylis. We will be at their place for diner tonight. Then it was off to do some shopping - groceries mostly, but I needed a couple of bike parts. We had lunch when we got back, and I finished tweaking up the rides. Will try to get a picture soon of our three bicycles that we have bought or arranged for our time here. Spruced up in the PM and headed over to Carl and Phylis' place. A relaxing evening of talking and eating. We got home at about 1015.
This morning we had arranged a tee-off time at Augusta Ranch exec course. It was just right for us being so golf rusty. Ellen went off to a happy hour and early bird in the late afternoon with her old gang from Gold Canyon. Jette and I had a spaghetti dinner after biking over to the the local supermarket for some essentials like wine, cheese and a baguette loaf. Ellen got back about 6 or 7 and we chatted and did our on-line duties. An early night tonight. Looks like I am going to be missing the bike week events down here....Today, was the 5th, a Saturday. We had our usual brekky at about 8AM, and were on the road to shopping by 9. We went to the market and spent the morning there buying a few bargains. It was huge – we didn’t see it all. Lunch at home again and then I went off to do a little shopping for bread at Bashas and banking with Wells Fargo. Jette and Ellen went to the pool. Instead of heading directly back from shopping, I took bicycle a tour around the complex. Ellen and I then played a little tennis before it was ‘happy hour’ and then a spaghetti dinner. We watched a video after dinner and that took us to bed time.
Today was Sunday, April 6. We decided not to go to church. Instead, we watched lots of other people go to church as we went on a long walk in the Superstition wilderness – not. Actually we hiked around the development which is pretty extensive as you can see on the map. It was another beautiful day. After lunch, Jette and Ellen biked over to Basha’s and shopped for the day’s evening meal. I headed off to the library and met them later at the pool. The rest of the afternoon was pretty lazy with reading and sudokuing. Dinner was pork chops and veggies accompanied by a Turning Leaf cab reserve. We watched another video after dinner – ‘American Perfekt’ (not recommended unless you really enjoy Amanda Plummer) before calling it a day.
April 7. We have been here a week, now. Today was a shopping day and we got away at about 9 AM. I dropped the girls off at a very swank shopping mall and they cruised around looking at fashions. I headed for Costco and picked a few things before heading back to the house. Just as I got in, Ivy the owner knocked on the door. She wanted to do a little weeding and to tell us that a prospective buyer would like to view the place on Thursday, April 17th with the listing agent. They will be in touch about that, I expect. Ivy is interesting. We chatted about her life and family and I helped her a bit with the weeding. She stayed and met Jette and Ellen when they got back from their swim and so we had a nice foursome for happy hour. Jette and Ellen had bought mahi mahi which Ellen prepared and we then had an enjoyable 
dinner.
April 8, I had booked a twosome for 11AM at the same golf course that we played last week. Only Ellen and I will be going, as Jette is still nursing her bursitis. Before golf, Jette and I attended a 30 minute meeting for all residents of MBV to find out what is going on. The free donuts brought a good turnout. Ellen and I teed off about 11AM at Augusta Ranch and enjoyed a pleasant round in the desert sun. It was perfect. When we got home, Jette had been shopping and after a rest, we enjoyed a splendid barbecue chicken dinner with good wine, cheese, veggies and salads.
Wednesday, April 9th we decided to go hiking in the
On Friday, we mostly spent the day preparing for the evening party. I was the chili chef, and created a pretty good chili, I think. I had bought all the ingredients the day before, and got it bubbling away before lunch. That afternoon we went for brisk walk, Ellen went by bike to pick up a few extras, and then it was the usual swim before guests arrived shortly after 4:30. We had nine folks come, all old friends of Ellens from her Gold Canyon RV days. There was Pat and Anne, Bob and Pat, and Bill and Donna. It was a good time and the chili was a hit along with all the other goodies we provided.
Saturday we went to the flea market again, split up and each of us bought a few things. We were back home for lunch a little after noon. It was another lazy afternoon. Jette and Ellen went swimming and I puttered around repairing my car key (battery replacement) going for a bike ride and hitting some golf balls. Ellen also went for a bike ride over to Gold Canyon RV Park. Leftovers were dinner and we watched another video before bed.
Sunday, April 13, went hiking in the Superstitions. We took the Dutchman Mine train (104). We were out about 2 hours. It was great - wonderful scenery and not too tough hiking. We washed the dust off the car when returned and then it was lunch time. We lazed the afternoon away again as the temperature climbed to over 100. We had a relaxing meal at home, and then the usual video before bed.
Monday, we left for Tuscon at 8AM and arrived at our destination, the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum at about 1030. We spent about 3 or 4 hours there. So much to see and do. Very entertaining and educational. Quite a lot of driving that day, though. We arrived back home sun tired, as we were out doors in 38 degree heat for most of that time. Just a lazy evening after a busy day...Tuesday, we teed off at just after 8 AM at Augusta Ranch again. A pleasant round that took us to almost to lunch. We had to make a shopping trip, so went to a local Albertsons on our way home. Got a message that Carl was in the hospital, so we are waiting to see how he is doing and whether the dinner we are hosting for them tomorrow is off or not. Phylis will let us know how things are going.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)