Apricity West 5

November 8, 2024 - Friday 

Too cold this morning to walk, so I lounged around in my fuzzy lounge PJs until 9 and went to line dancing. In the middle of a dance, teacher Cindy stopped and yelled, “There is a huge spider on the floor!” We all froze and looked down on a baby tarantula, the size of a half dollar. Care was taken to carefully pick him up and put him outside. I learned that tarantula bites, though poisonous, are not fatal to humans. Instead, they are valued for their part in keeping desert insects under control.

After the excitement, Rich and I took Cindy to the Elks for lunch. I stuck to my usual turkey wrap, but they both had the French Dip sandwich. All were happy with the choices. Today is the first day of the North Ranch Yard Sale where you can find many kinds of wares, clothes, power tools, furniture, etc. We went directly to Dee’s which is where we bought several cowboy hats, a sweatshirt, hat bands, and bling tops last year. This year I got a cute sweater and a margarita. Since I hadn’t walked yet, I held it to one and then had to go home to rest a few minutes before taking my walk. BUT I DID IT! I do not want to break my streak of walking and tracking points…

Glennette

Cindy and Dee

We were back home sitting outside and a couple out for a walk commented on our New York plates which led us to an easy flow of conversation.They grew up in Springfield, MA (which is where my career was based) and raised their children in Enfield, CT. They know upper NY state well and their daughter considered going to Cazanovia College which is where Theresa went to college. She now lives in Boston and their son lives in Chicago, so they decided to travel. They visited friends in Jojoba Hills who were at an Escapee Park, who suggested that they might like this lifestyle and they said, Noooooo. But a week later they found a gorgeous Class A motorhome to their liking, sold their home in California, and are now waiting for a site in Jojoba Hills SKP Resort Coop Park in Temecula, CA. They actually started this whole process in August of this year so are learning a lot. AND he is a photographer with a website and she wants to do a blog to record their journey. Small world! Meet Penny and David - together since they were 14 years old❤️

Lee High Wildcats won their State Semi-Final game tonight 38-0, so they will play West Boylston this Friday night.  GO WILDCATS! Football icon 

November 9, 2024 - Saturday

Went for a walk with Cindy and Lu and the rest of the day was a do nothing day. 

 

November 10, 2024 - Sunday

Walk and online church today. It was a gorgeous 72 degree bright sunny day so we spent most of the day outside. A new Casita pulled in across the way from us this afternoon and I noticed their license plate was from Massachusetts. Of course, the first chance we got, we asked the man while walking their dog, “Where in Massachusetts?” “Woostah” (Worcester) was his reply. They retired recently and started their RV journey in July. They bounced around until they arrived here which is enroute to their destination, Imperial Valley. They will be here for 7 days. 

 

It was nice to have Eddi come over for a visit. 

 

November 11, 2024 - Monday 

HAPPY VETERANS' DAY

The usual walk, dance, chill… Do nothing kind of day, but I did have a phone call with all of my 4 grandchildren today. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

 

We got a package from Amazon - Rich ordered a small unit that will air fry/bake/roast. This was to cover for not having a microwave. It is a perfect size and very affordable. 

Dee came by for cocktail hour. When the mountains are pink, it’s time to drink...

November 12, 2024 - Tuesday

Went into Wickenburg for ukulele practice preparing for Roxie’s Celebration of Life. Afterwards, Rich and I went to Bar 7 for the first time and had a scrumpdili-icious pot roast dinner. 

The decor is very Western...

When we got home, there was a knock on the door. Penny was inviting us to come over at 3pm for cocktails, food, and fun - just bring drinks. They are just about 5 sites down from us and we trotted right over at 3 sharp. Their neighbors (Glinda and Keith, Larry and Debbie) right behind them are from Washington state. They were our neighbors last year. She had chips, dips, shrimp, peanut butter pretzels, queso, and taquitas. After a while, Cleve and Jerri came with delicious homemade pickles, green beans and special candies. Next thing we know Glinda and Debbie are setting up tacos with all the fixings between their rigs. 

Once the sun set, warm blankets were offered by them to keep us warm. I learned that Penny is an alto for a choral group that was invited to sing in Normandy for the 60th anniversary of D-Day! What a special evening…although the WW point count was far beyond the daily points and well into the weekly points!

 

November 13, 2024 - Wednesday

Time to get back on track today - walked, danced, and made good food choices. Also managed to get a 1.5 hour pedicure too. Cindy came over after a trip to Prescott. Soon after Steve came - he is Lu’s neighbor (retired Marine, retired law enforcement) - to ask about our motorhome as he is considering a new rig. He has an Airstream now, but is looking for a different layout. As we adjusted our lawn chairs according to the direction of the sun, he commented that is why Western gunfights were always at high noon - because the sun would be a disadvantage to one and an advantage to the other. Never knew that!

 

November 14, 2024 - Thursday

Walked and skipped chair yoga session (again). Reason being we are practicing today at 11am for Roxie’s Celebration of Life which would make it too tight to fit everything in before we go. I drove today. It occurred to me that I never drive except on our way out here (towing our car) and around the park once in a while. I was a little nervous about driving on the highway with speeders and several roundabouts, but all went well. Phew! I am going to do it more often to stay sharp. Ha! 

 

The jam was very sparse today - bass, guitars, dobro and ukulele. It certainly wasn’t our finest moment. I use the excuse that I had already played 1.5 hours before we got there for 2 hours. My fingers feel like raw meat. I think we drove the half a dozen people in the audience out. Oh well. At least Rich played his harmonica for one song! 

Next time will be better - Heather will be there!  

 

Apricity West 5

November 1, 2024 - Friday

Walked, danced, and then went into the Elks for lunch. The usual turkey wrap with no dressing was my choice. It is a lot of veggies and turkey with a little cheese - very good. Cindy, Lu and Roger came over to visit. Our neighbors left today so we had more room to spread out. 

 

My Ring doorbell got a picture of a bear sauntering through my yard in Massachusetts. There is a family across the street near a ledge.

November 2, 2024 - Saturday

Walked with Lu at 8am - later now as there are no classes to go to on Saturday. Later in the day, a Road Runner walked through our site.

Cindy stopped over after a trip into Wickenburg. Glenette was walking by, and she dropped in to visit.

 

November 3, 2024 - Sunday

Weighed in and still on the right path - downward! Took laundry over before our 8am walk - me and Lu. We saw a coyote approaching us on Vagabond, but he ended up crossing through someone’s yard to the next street over, Wandering Way. He looked skinny and mangy. We see scat all over the grounds. 

Well, our microwave/convection oven died once again. Last year it died just before we left for home and then it came on again at the first stop we made. So we tried unplugging from the main post, but no luck. Dang! 

 

November 4, 2024 - Monday 

It was cold and windy for my walk today - 42 degrees wouldn’t feel that bad if the wind wasn’t blowing. Did line dancing and then we went into town for more supplies. I know, it was supposed to last two weeks the last time we went, but there is always something more you need.

 

The HUG group will be playing at a Celebration of Life for Roxie at Coffinger Park. We got the song list and it is 20 songs, half of which we never heard before. So Joanne and I got together this afternoon to at least listen to them. The date is 11/19/24 and there will be music, music, music. Tomorrow is our only rehearsal for this so 🙏! After practicing, Joanne showed me her greenhouse of veggie sprouts. It is hard to get dirt here in the desert - at least dirt worthy of growing. 

Dee came by to visit in late afternoon. 

 

November 5, 2024 - Tuesday

Took my morning walk with more layers of clothes before going into Wickenburg with Denny and Joanne to ukulele practice. We actually made it through the whole song list and it will be ok after 2 more practices. Did more laundry and it warmed up enough to sit outside later in the afternoon. Pat is back from Tucson for several days and Cindy came over. We shared thoughts on healthy food preparation. Rich uses an electric skillet and the microwave to cook our meals, so we don’t use the gas stove (we would have to unhook to fill up - a bit of a pain). So he ordered a small air fryer. Can’t wait to try some WW recipes I have found. 

 

Another beautiful sunset…Cindy’s POV!

She also got a shot of a javelina poking around her territory. 

November 6, 2024 - Wednesday 

This is the first day I did not walk in the morning - the wind howled all night shaking our tiny house and 40 something degrees which was not inviting to go outside. So I put on my fleece jammie’s and shawl and scarf to relax and do my NY Times puzzles before dance - then we went into Wickenburg.

When back in Congress, we drove past North Ranch to check out the status of Ramblin’ Dan’s. You may recall there was a kitchen fire two years ago. No progress on the rebuild. 

I walked at 3pm - still windy, but not as cold. Cindy had to have an RV Repair guy come, so I asked him if he could check our motorhome while in the park. Not only the microwave, but we have a leak under the fridge that we can’t figure out. He did come and was able to change a corroded pipe fixture - voila! He will be back in the park for Cindy on the 26th, so he will remove our microwave and we have a replacement ordered. 

November 7, 2024 - Thursday

37 degrees when I woke up this morning (it's warmer in Massachusetts) and only going up to 60! Lu and I walked at 9 when it went up to 45… Ditched yoga today because I do NOT want to ruin my streak for days walking. Went to the jam and we were honored by Rich playing his harmonica to a couple of my songs. He sounded good. Charles is who sold him the octave and he gave him a thumbs up! Charles has joined the group with his guitar and voice which he hasn’t done is many years. And Gary has brought a song to sing during my turn. Really nice voice. Heather, our neighbor last year, chose a permanent position driving a tour bus at Grand Canyon. She will be joining the jam in two weeks. She will drive here for a two night stay dry camping in her truck. Can’t wait - stay tuned…🎶

 

Until next time...

 

Apricity West 5

October 25, 2024 - Friday

Walked, danced and hung out all day. What a life?! Back home, Lee is a big football town - both grandsons play and my son was on the team that won the Central/Western Massachusetts Super Bowl as a wide receiver. They had a 30 year reunion on the field before the current Lee High Wildcat team played. This team is still undefeated, 7 and 0, so it was a big night under the Friday night lights!

 

October 26. 2024 - Saturday

After my walk, we went to Wickenburg for supplies. It’s amazing how much food you need to follow a Weight Watcher Diet! I swear we should be set for 2 weeks, but time will tell. Cindy came over for a visit in the afternoon. It is getting darker earlier, so it’s hard to stay up a little later after supper.

 

Another loss 💔 - Roxie, the leader of our HUG ukulele group passed away peacefully at home. She organized the group, got a tax exempt status, provided “loaners" to folks who wanted to try a new instrument, made gig books, and finally, opened her home to us for practice sessions. She will be missed by the group and the community. 

October 27, 2024 - Sunday

Weighed in this morning and we are both ⬇️!

Laundry, walk, church, and a gathering of the minds in the afternoon - Cindy and Lu came over and Dee and then Dwight pulled up. 

 

October 28, 2024 - Monday

Nice surprise that Roberta showed up at line dancing. She used to teach line dancing and brought over a couple of cute pairs of cowgirl boots to donate. After that, she came over to see Rich. She and Keith have made the decision to live full time in their park model home here in North Ranch. They donated their 5th-wheel, which they have had since 1986, to Best Friends, "the largest sanctuary of its kind in the US, is the heart of a collaborative no-kill movement, and a a model for the future of animal welfare.” It is my understanding that they picked up their 5th-wheel and will sell it using the proceeds to benefit the sanctuary. 

October 29, 2024 - Tuesday

Walked in the chilling 47-degree morning light. If I don’t do it first thing, I might not do it. Went to the HUG ukulele group session - we will soon be doing a memorial to Roxie in a local park with music, music, music. Rich picked me up and we went into Surprise to see John and Eileen. 

As always, we find a cool place to have lunch. You can find a Mexican, Chinese, Burger, Burrito restaurant within walking distance of each other. We chose OHSO nano-brewery and distillery, a brand new building in an extremely congested section in Surprise. Outrageous Homebrewers Social Outpost is a dog-friendly establishment and, if you look closely, they have orange bicycles hanging on the walls. 

October 30, 2024 - Wednesday

Forty-five degrees when I walked this morning, but I pulled up my hoodie and did just fine. After dancing, I worked on the jigsaw puzzle a little bit, then got home to practice music. 

 

October 31, 2024 - Thursday HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Busy day today - walk, yoga, jam and Halloween Party in downtown Congress. Allison had a Grand Opening of her new thrift store, the Dusty Diamond, with 4 food trucks, the Wise Owl band …

How can you resist fresh fried mini-donuts in cinnamon and sugar? 

Trunk or Treat…

Antique trucks…

And costumes… It was fun and I didn’t even recognize costumed people that are people I see daily! Dee and Dwight…

Ed and Maryann…

 

When Lu and I walked through Saguaro Park, Nola was at the exit. She said, “The Easter Lily is in bloom back there.” I told her I would see it tomorrow. She says, “It won’t be there - it only blooms for 24 hours!” So we turned around and went back for a picture…

 

 

Apricity West 5

October 18, 2024 - Friday

Walked (very windy), danced, and later we were off to the Wild West Saloon for an early appetizer and a cocktail. The good news, it is only 3.6 miles down the road and no construction. Going into Wickenburg is 12 miles with construction along the way.

 

Look who’s back - Lu! She and Roger pulled in yesterday and she showed up for line dancing today. Sassy little thing…😉

October 19, 2024 - Saturday

Woke up to 51-degree weather today, so the electric fan is off and the little heater is on. It was pretty cozy under the comforter, so I didn’t walk until 9am with Cindy and Lu. We stopped at a Yard/Moving Sale to check things out. Rich and I went to the Dollar Store to stock up on wine and supplies for making veggie salad. Cindy stopped over for a nice visit.

 

October 20, 2024 - Sunday

Sleeping a little later now with the chill in the morning air. Walked at 7ish and noticed a roadrunner, a flock of quail, and rabbit all sharing cover of the same bush. As I walked, I listened to my back-home church service. I liked her message, “The older I get, the more I realize how much I do not know… and the more open to learn I must be." And of humility, Rick Warren said, “It’s not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.” Being humble makes you honor, respect and value others more. 

 

My weigh-in was successful - still going in the right direction - ⬇️...

 

RIP - Cowboy Bob! 💕 This picture was taken last year on 11/1/23 and now he is gone. And what a presence he was - well over 6 ft. tall, add the cowboy hat, his booming bass voice, and his rich sense of humor - that was Bob. Rich knew and loved him for the last 12 years. While he was manager here, Bob would come to his aide any hour of the day or night if there was a water or sewer problem in the park. What a loss to this community…

Eddi was moved by the fact that they lowered the SKP flag to half mast which is reserved for lot/home owners, but they lowered it for him. They have lived here in the park in their 5th wheel for 21 years.

October 21, 2024 - Monday

It was 50 when I walked but by the time I got out of dancing 3 hours later, it was 73… 

 

Joanne’s friend, Kay, has purchased a ukulele and is learning so I went down to play along with them. 

 

Our new neighbors, Anita and Steve, stopped over as we sat outside and we started a lengthy conversation revealing several similarities. They too are from back East - Maryland, in fact. They are full-timing and use Livingston, Texas as their domicile to receive mail. On top of that she also writes a blog since they have been together - 2 years. They met at a party, but he was in the middle of his divorce. A year later they went to a party at the same place and he asked her out. They are self-proclaimed DINKs - double income, no kids (without dogs). They are looking for others interested in going to Alaska next summer. 

October 22, 2024 - Tuesday

Went into Wickenburg Senior Center with Denny, Joanne and Kay for the ukulele group gathering. Twelve players were there today and it sounded really good. I get a lot out of playing with this group, especially the rhythm!

October 23, 2024 - Wednesday

Walked, danced, and got a haircut from Nancy - right here in the park. We had a great conversation and learned a lot about each other - I walked out with a great haircut. Rich said I should weigh in now since it had gotten so bushy and out of control...

 

October 24, 2024 - Thursday

Walked, did chair yoga, visited with Lu, had lunch, visited with Cindy (who brought 3 cookies for Rich). She said she wouldn’t sabotage my efforts to lose weight.❤️

Went to the jam where only 6 players showed up due to extenuating circumstances. Only 5 of us sang, so we were under pressure to pick our song every 5th sing played. Doesn’t sound like much, but it can get tricky. Thankfully, we are there to have fun and hopefully, the full capacity audience enjoyed it.

My morning walk had lovely landscaping along the way.

Took a brief break on a bench in Saguaro Park to enjoy the view - and catch my breath…

Apricity West 5

October 11, 2024 - Friday

Did my walk, but skipped dancing today because we had plans to go to John and Eileen’s in Surprise for a visit and lunch at the Wolfhound - these boys love their Guinness. We all had the Guinness Batter Shrimp Basket, which was way out of line for WW, but I counted the points as best I could and stayed within budget using weekly points. That was our meal for the day. 

 

Cindy (line dance teacher) from Wyoming pulled in today, so we had her over for a cocktail and conversation. She and her bestie just got off of a trip to five National Parks within 10 days - Great Sand Dunes, Carlsbad Caverns, Guadalupe Mountains, White Sands, and Saguaro. Twenty down - forty three to go. She had great pictures and tales to tell about them. 

October 12, 2024 - Saturday 

Cindy and I walked and talked and I hit two miles for the first time in years. Yay! 

 

Pat, a recently retired SKP park manager who Rich knew, arrived across the street from us, so he went over to welcome her. Later, she stopped over to wait for her rig temp to cool down. She told us about her hero-ing journey from Tucson (2.5 hours) driving her rig while towing her car for the first time as a widow and retiree. Several things went awry before leaving, but along the way she had, not one, but two tire blowouts within 10 miles. She had to call her tow service for two separate issues within an hour! As we talked, she mentioned that she had a daughter who lived in Maine. I always ask the question, where in Maine as we have a family camp on a relatively small lake in a small village and yet so many people that I come in contact with know of or have history there. Sure enough, her daughter lives in Portland and she knows our town very well as she worked for Hannaford Supermarkets as a Scan Specialist and there is a store in town. That information led us to talking about the supermarket industry since my career was at Big Y Foods - we had similar career paths. We were both involved in opening newly acquired stores; we were both there for Y2K transition to 8 digit dates; we both got degrees later than most to do for our job.

October 13, 2024 - Sunday

Did our shopping right after my walk and stocked up on the WW appropriate fruits, veggies, chicken, and salmon. We both weighed in - not as much as last week, but the scale is moving in the right direction! Went to church online and just chillaxed the rest of the day. Practiced a little ukulele too.

 

October 14, 2024 - Monday

Walked, danced, sat outside for a change with temps in the high 80’s - it felt good. We even got to sit out after dinner for a while. 

 

October 15, 2024 - Tuesday

Walking a little later as the sun rises later and, thankfully, it has cooled down today - sweater weather at this hour. Of course, that changes as the day goes on. 

 

Did chair yoga which is a decent workout and then started cleaning the camper. Made my second corn and black bean relish as the first one was gone in two days with both of us eating it. ZERO points for this delicious option. 

Had an impromptu cocktail hour now that the weather allows us to sit outside comfortably. L to R - Cindy, Rich, Dee, Dwight…

October 16, 2024 - Wednesday

Tired today so did a little shorter walk before line dancing. Then went into the Elks for lunch - the turkey wrap is full of turkey breast, lettuce, tomatoes and a little cheese - no dressing. Delicious and healthy. Happy hour with Dot and Harvey on their patio - we had a lot of catching up to do. They have put Harvey’s Herkimer (NewYork) Diamonds on display inside. He made all of the flints as well. 

Outside is a nice exhibit of rocks found over the years…

October 17, 2024 - Thursday

Cool, crisp walk at 6:30am is a good start to the day. Later did chair yoga, followed by practicing uke songs with Joanne for the jam. It paid off - we did a decent job. Rich surprised us with playing harmonica for Red River Valley. Charles, who sold Rich his harmonicas last year, has picked up his guitar again and came with some sassy tunes that he did back in the day. It was great to see him surprise himself.