12/31/2009 Our Year in Review

Another one down. These years seem to be going faster, have YOU noticed that too?

What a busy year we had.

JANUARY We were in Quail Run with me as Activities Coordinator with a very full schedule. This was month of omelets for thirty eight, strawberry shortcake for a hundred thirty nine, a trip to Barrett Jackson and visit from friends DeAnn and Bruce.

FEBRUARY This month Bob and I celebrated our 28th anniversary and it was also the month that Bob never saw his wife because of the hectic schedule. It was in February that we bought the park model. We learned everything that could be made out of gourds when we attended the Running of the Gourds show. We also enjoyed our first Renaissance Festival. We both participated in the Winter Olympics but neither one of us took a medal this year.

MARCH Again, Bob is wondering where is wife is but at the same time is busy plotting routes and checking out campgrounds for our summer jaunt. This is the month I learned a lot about who I am. I learned not to be so trusting and I learned a lot about human nature. Its not always pretty.

APRIL Always a bittersweet month, you have to say goodbye to people you really care about, some you may never see again although you hope your paths will cross again down the road. Others, its so long for six months, see ya in the fall! This is month that we started our trip to Alaska, our trip of a life time! We visited wonderful sights California that included Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey and we took that famous Seventeen Mile Drive.

MAY San Francisco! We loved our time in SF with friends Bob and Karen Fischer. We visited them at their home for several days and they showed us some awesome sights. We traveled the beautiful Coastal Highway into Oregon and then on to Washington. We visited a real rain forest, a sculpture garden and watched fish be thrown in a farmer’s market. Oh the sights these fulltimer’s see.

JUNE ALASKA! We made it to Alaska! We learned what night time is in the Land of the Midnight Sun…..it ISN’T! We saw the wonders of Denali and took in beautiful scenery everywhere we went. We really learned to appreciate the benefits of Bob’s service to our country here in this expensive land.

JULY This month and Bob and I fell in love all over again….with ALASKA this time! Grizzlies and moose and glaciers, oh my! We spent time with Quail Run friends Lin, Dan and Darlene and to share our experience with them. There are no words to describe Alaska in a few short sentences. We are so fortunate to have the experience here!

AUGUST Still in Alaska but now Dianne, our forever friend is here with us. We backtrack a little to show her what we’ve seen and to see things for the first time. What a truly special time this was for us. Its also the month we head home. Its also the month we see the wonder of a sign post forest too.

SEPTEMBER This month brings us back through Canada again and a visit to the home of Wilf and Marilyn, our Quail Run friends. Here is where we saw the devastation that happens when a mountain…… walks. On a lighter note this is where we saw the largest pool table we’ve ever seen too. We wondered if Bob would get back in the States since there seems to be fugitive with the exact same name and birth date as him, not to mention a social security number that is only one digit off. After getting waylaid in Montana for nearly two weeks we became potato pickers when we visited with Don and Billee, yet another couple from Quail Run. It was then on to Utah and yes, we visited more Quail Run friends, Steve and Carol and also got to see George and Nancy,,,,you guessed it, more Quail Run friends. On the way to Arizona we made a quick stop in Las Vegas so I could get a Capriotti’s sub fix.

OCTOBER Back in Quail Run for the winter, its good to be still. We made the transition from 5th wheel to park model with few problems but with a lot of trips between the two moving our “STUFF”. We reconnected with friends and are happy to be here.

NOVEMBER We were busy find our routine for the winter this month. Filling the calendar with pool dates, card games dates and meetings of the Domino Divas. Its good to be still and to have routine for a change.

DECEMBER Lots of game playing going, wrapping of gifts for the children of the city, putting up of lights and ringing in the new year with great friends.

WHAT A YEAR ITS BEEN!

12/31/2009 AN END OF YEAR POEM FOR YOU

BOB & I WISH EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU A HAPPY 2010! A YEAR THAT WILL BRING YOU LAUGHTER, JOY, PROSPERITY AND PEACE.

12/26-30/2009 A Week’s Worth

Have you caught what’s going around yet? Well, I’ve had my share of it and it isn’t fun and it’s not gone yet!

It all started with what I thought was going to be a sinus infection. Before bed I took 2 Tylenol or Bayer or whatever it was I grabbed out of the medicine cabinet. Then I spent the next 48 hours in bed. I coughed, I wheezed, I went through entire box of Puffs and started on the next and in between the coughing and wheezing I slept. I had no appetite but I forced myself to eat. It was a miserable 48 hours.

Now I admit it, I am a wuss. In fact, I’ll even go as far as saying I’m a Wuss with a capital W. What makes me say this? I say this because even I know what I go through to take Nyquil is a step to the extreme. I mean I really have to psyche myself up for this. First and foremost, it has to be CHERRY flavor. If only the green stuff was available I’d hack my brains out all night instead. I get the shivers just thinking about the taste of that vile stuff. Ok, so I get the cherry poison flavored medication out and carefully, very carefully, measure into the HUGE cup (2 TBS) that comes with the bottle. I make very sure that I DO NOT pass the line in the cup for the dosage. I do not want one more drop of this stuff than I have to have. To tell the truth, I have been known to fill the cup a smidgen BELOW the line. Ok, its poured. Now I stand at the sink and pray. Now during this prayer I ask God to make this stuff to really, really taste like cherry when I chug-a-lug this two tablespoonfuls of horrid liquid. While I’m praying for Him to perform this miracle for me I figure I might as well thank Him for the people and things in my life. My list goes on and on and on, anything to prolong the time. Ok, it’s now about an hour and twenty minutes later and I realize that even He doesn’t really care that I’m thrilled with the opportunity I had to get one of the free pens that New Image Hair & Nail Salon brought to the park, free for the taking. I tell myself ITS TIME! I take the stance, yes, make no mistake about it, there is a stance which one takes. It’s feet shoulder width apart, bending slightly at the waist so that one is over the sink, dosage cup of the red stuff that you hope God performed a miracle on in your left hand and a chaser in your right. Now my personal preference for a Nyquil chaser is my drink of choice,,,,PEPSI. Now the count begins. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight,,,,,oh yeah, count of three. One, two, two and a quarter, two and a half,,,,,,THREE! Eyes squeezed shut, you throw your head back and pour! All one gulp here, it goes down, you have a full body shiver and a look on your face like you just drank castor oil. I’ve never tasted castor oil but I’m betting its safe to equate the two. As the left arm is being lowered the right is coming up with the chaser. Then comes the sound. That sound that comes from deep within you. Its a cross between a pirate’s AAARRRGGGHHHH and a cornered pit bull’'s growl. One more full body shiver and its done. Twenty minutes later, I’m sound asleep because things that “may make you drowsy” put me out like a light.

I started feeling better on day three and had to get out of this house. So the evening time brought a game of Hand & Foot in the Cantina with friends.

At this point in time, I still have IT and I’m trying to determine if this is going into pneumonia. I’ve had it twice already and I’m feeling very much like I did the last two times. I’m having difficulty with breathing again and there is no humidity to blame it on this time around. I’ll give it to Monday and if this is still settled in my chest then a doctor’s visit is inevitable. I hope he or she doesn’t need a CORE TEMPERATURE from me. (Barb, I just know you are laughing!)

So what else has been going on these past days?

Christmas. We had a nice Christmas with having dinner in the Carvnaval Room with a lot of the other park residents. The park owners provided turkeys and hams and the residents each signed up for whatever side they wanted to bring. Since we were to bring a hot veggie to feed eleven (we sit at tables of 22) I steamed up fresh broccoli, cauliflower and carrots. Personally, I don’t know that I want to do this type of dinner again next year. We’re supposed to eat at four but by the time the announcements and grace get done our hot dishes are past their prime heat and on the way to lukewarm. I think I’d rather cook a turkey at home and have another couple in to join us for dinner.

Remember our Christmas lights? Put up in part for participation in the Christmas Decorating contest here in the park?

…..and even the night that Bob had our truck all lit up.

The winner of the contest was announced right before dinner.

Bob didn’t win. We knew before the first string of lights was even plugged in that he wouldn’t but we still hoped. Without going into detail we’ll just leave it that park politics came into play. We had a lot of people come up to us afterward and say that they felt Bob should have won but they too knew there wasn’t a snowball’s chance in hell that he would.

Now that isn’t to say the couple that did win didn’t have a nice display, they did. Sharon and Jim decorated their house very nicely indeed and we congratulate them on winning the contest. I talked to Jim a few days later and they were surprised they won because they thought Bob would/should have taken first place.

Oddly enough, there weren’t even “honorable mentions” given this year as in years past.

Other than Christmas and being sick, Bob taking the lights down and trip to town for some needed groceries, there really hasn’t been all that much going on.

Bob and I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!

12/29/2009 Still Sick

I feel like crap. I've been in bed for 48 hours now. I hate being sick. I feel like crap.

12/27/2009 sick

i'm sick....when i feel better i'll post.

12/25/2009 Signs of Christmas ….Part 2

Bob and I would like to wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas. We hope you have a wonderful day and that Santa was good to you.

We have a busy day ahead of us so I’m going to use this space to post more Signs of Christmas from around our park. I hope you enjoy them.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

12/24/2009 Christmas Music Anyone?

1. SCHIZOPHRENIA: -- Do You Hear What We Hear?

2. AMNESIA -- I Don't Know If I'll Be Home for Christmas.

3. NARCISSIST -- Hark the Herald Angels Sing-All About Me.

4. MANIC -- Deck the Halls and Walls and House and Lawn and Streets and Stores and Office and Town and Cars and Buses and Trucks and Trees and Fire Hydrants, and.....

5. MULTIPLE PERSONALITY DISORDER -- We Three Queens Disoriented Are.

6. PARANOID --- Santa Claus Is Coming To Get Me.

7. BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER -- Thoughts of Roasting on an Open Fire.

8. FULL PERSONALITY DISORDER -- You Better Watch Out! I'm Gonna cry; I'm Gonna Pout! -- Maybe I'll Tell You Why .

9. OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER -- Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells.....

10. AGORAPHOBIA -- I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day, but Wouldn't Leave My House.

11. SENILE DEMENTIA -- Walking in a Winter Wonderland--Miles from My House in My Slippers and Robe

12. OPPOSITIONAL DEFIANCE DISORDER -- I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus-so I Burned Down the House.

13. SOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDER -- Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, While I Sit Here and Hyperventilate

14. ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER -- We Wish You.. . . Hey Look!!! It's Snowing!!!

THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS – Irish Style CLICK HERE for a good laugh!

It was a romantic full moon when Pedro said, "Hey, mamacita, let's do Weeweechu."

Oh no, not now, let's look at the moon!" , said Rosita.

Oh, c'mon baby, let's you and I do Weeweechu. I love you and it's the perfect time," Pedro begged.

"But I wanna just hold your hand and watch the moon." , replied Rosita.

"Please, corazoncito, just once, do Weeweechu with me."

Rosita looked at Pedro and said, "OK, one time, we'll do Weeweechu."

Pedro grabbed his guitar and they both sang.....

"Weeweechu a Merry Christmas,

Weeweechu a Merry Christmas,

Weeweechu a Merry Christmas,

and a Happy New Year."

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!!

12/24/2009 Signs of Christmas….Part 1

Like you, today is going to be a busy day for us. A trip to town is in order to pick up our part of the Christmas dinner tomorrow and a few other errands have to be run as well.

I thought I’d use the space today to share with you “signs of Christmas” from around Quail Run, our winter perch. Enjoy.

We hope Santa is good to you!

12/23/2009 As I Write This....

....we are sixteen hits away from 98,000. Look at the counter, is it YOU?

If so, leave a comment telling us who you are, where you're from and anything else you'd like to share.

Thank you,

Snookie

Well, we didn't hear from anyone, maybe next time.

12/23/2009 Fifty seven years ago…..

….my Mom and Dad tied the marital knot. Happy Anniversary!

Four days have passed since I last posted and as I sit here thinking back about what we did its a blur. We’ve been busy, we’ve been doing stuff but no one thing really stands out.

Oh wait, I’m wrong, one thing does stand out. Saturday night Bob and I attended the Christmas dance here in the park. Our good friends Sandy and Carl provided a good time for all with the great music Carl played and the fun time Sandy always gives us. In addition to dancing we played Christmas trivia for prizes. I won one because I knew that Christmas was the 359th day of the year.

I won another prize, a wine bottle cozy, cozee, cozie, a bag for a wine bottle and a bottle stopper. Since we are not “wine people” I gave it to the fella sitting next to me because, well because he was drinking wine. It worked for me.

We are having delightful winter weather here in the desert. Only a light jacket is needed in the evening time and lots of us are still in shorts as the temperature has been in the low to mid 70’s. We’re sure enjoying this compared to our old hometown temps of 20’s and 30’s and the twenty inches of snow on the ground.

Do you ever wonder how holiday traditions start? I mean really, whose idea was it to bring a dying tree into the house (face it, you cut a tree down, its gonna die) and cover it with stringed popcorn and cranberries, remember this was how it all started before twinkling, multi colored LED lights. And the angel on top of the tree, how did that start? Well, folks, wonder no more on that one as I have the answer to that one for you. Read on.

When four of Santa's elves got sick, the trainee elves did not produce toys as fast as the regular ones, and Santa began to feel the Pre-Christmas pressure.

Then Mrs Claus told Santa her Mother was coming to visit, which stressed Santa even more.

When he went to harness the reindeer, he found that three of them were about to give birth and two others had jumped the fence and were out, Heaven knows where.

Then when he began to load the sleigh, one of the floorboards cracked, the toy bag fell to the ground and all the toys were scattered.

Frustrated, Santa went in the house for a cup of apple cider and a shot of rum. When he went to the cupboard, he discovered the elves had drank all the cider and hidden the liquor. In his frustration, he accidentally dropped the cider jug, and it broke into hundreds of little glass pieces all over the kitchen floor. He went to get the broom and found the mice had eaten all the straw off the end of the broom.

Just then the doorbell rang, and irritated Santa marched to the door, yanked it open, and there stood a little angel with a great big Christmas tree. The angel said very cheerfully, 'Merry Christmas, Santa. Isn't this a lovely day? I have a beautiful tree for you. Where would you like me to stick it?'

And so began the tradition of the little angel on top of the Christmas tree.

Monday we had a horrific sand storm here. Just eight miles away in Casa Grande a 20 car pile up occurred on I-10 due to zero visibility. Here in the park we couldn’t see the houses across the street. As if all the damaged cars and trucks weren’t bad enough two local teens, 17 and 14, siblings, were killed. I can’t even imagine……..

Tuesday brought a trip to the local VFW for Bob, you know, gotta keep that wrist exercised and I played Mexican train with the girls in the park.

Tuesday night Bob played pool and I learned how to play Hand and a Foot, a card game.

So that’s what we’ve been up to.

I hope you are all done your shopping, the gifts are wrapped, the baking is done and you have the time to enjoy the coming days. Most of all, let’s not forget the reason for the season. It’s not all about how many toys are under the tree, who sends the prettiest cards or who has the ugliest Christmas sweater. We’re celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, son of God, the savior of all people. Let’s not forget that.