Apricity West 4

November 17, 2023 - Friday

Elks for lunch and then went to see where we would be setting up tomorrow at the Crafts and Art Sale. Karen loved her crosses.

November 18, 2023 - Saturday

Woke up to a thunderous storm at 4am that sounded like a loud waterfall on the camper roof. Cool, cloudy day ahead.

 

Big Craft and Arts Sale today from 9-2pm. We had a decent day with more sales than last year. Kathy coordinated the event and has 3 tables of her artistry. 

I actually sold one of my books and signed it! 

November 19, 2023 - Sunday

Now that the art show is behind us, it's time to clean up our tiny little home which is in disarray. Rich lined the shelves and floor board under the sink with the nice plastic roll I bought for 50 cents at a yard sale, while Lu and I went for a walk. Upon my return I tore my wardrobe apart to see and sort what was within. Then swept and mopped the floor which was much needed. I even did the laundry today while working on a jigsaw puzzle at the clubhouse. 

 

November 20, 2023 - Monday

The line dance class is growing in numbers as snow birds continue to arrive. One of the visitors introduced herself as Fawnda - sounds like Monda.

 

Look who stopped by - Dee. Had a nice visit and ended up moving inside when the cold wind picked up. 

November 21, 2023 - Tuesday

I really messed up today - totally forgot about my hair appointment! Stephanie called to ask me if I could go in a little earlier or late. BUT I missed the call as I decided (for the first time ever) to attend the 10am chair yoga class, instead of 8:30am. My appointment was scheduled at 10:30. I didn’t get the message until almost 11:30, so too late to do anything at all. Have to wait 2 weeks for another appointment.

 

Happy to see Bob and Eddi walk over to our place today - Bob had back surgery just a few days ago and was standing straight and tall and pain-free. He had been stooped over and in pain for the last five years so this is a fantastic outcome. 

 

Had a nice practice session at Dot and Harvey’s - no harmonicas today, unfortunately. We did get a few new songs together for the next jam session. 

 

November 22, 2023 - Wednesday 

Had a great line dance class this morning. We sailed through a lot of dances and really had the heartbeat up. Therefore, a hearty lunch at the Elks was well deserved. We were asking others about their Thanksgiving plans and learned that Karen and her boyfriend plan to go to the downtown Roper’s Arena to help and participate. A local family has been holding this event for many years; recently the father died and the daughter is continuing the tradition. The family provides all of the food and has recently started charging a nominal fee to cover the costs. Volunteers assist in the preparation and set up which is open to all ropers and spectators - a noble cause. This is a forward look of what happened this year…

Mark and Regina stopped over for a visit. Then Dee showed up in her souped up golf cart. Lots of reminiscing from there on...

The motto here is when "the mountains are pink, it’s time to drink.” Truth be known, these days we start earlier than that and are having dinner to end our day by this time.

November 23, 2023 - Thursday    HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Glorious sunrise...

Happy to get a call from Jeff and Cindy in Florida. With any luck, we will see them on the way home in the Spring. 

 

It was a cool, breezy morning so went for a walk with Lu around the perimeter of the park - just shy of 2 miles. We went in the clubhouse to check on the signup sheets for Pot Luck Dinner - there were about 10 tables reserved - each table has a name and a list of what each party is bringing. 

 

On the way out, a woman was walking by and we asked if she was going to Pot Luck. She said that she was here with a group of 7 rigs that call themselves Framily, as they are a family of friends. They have been traveling together for decades - once they decide where and when they are going, they make it happen. 

 

Rich and I talked to our families back home about their plans for the day. We were fortunate to be invited to John and Eileen’s in Surprise - a 45 minute drive. This is our 3rd year celebrating Thanksgiving with them and their son, Matt, and wife, Sue (who recently walked across Spain); neighbors, Rod and Steve; and Eileen’s sister (a new addition this year), Pat, from Sacramento. John is responsible for smoking the turkey after soaking in brine.

Eileen handles the mashed potatoes; and Steve and Sue do the lion’s share of the kitchen work while we stand around drinking wine and watch the masters at work. They have been prepping for days now, with Steve, a former restauranteur, preparing a sliced sweet potato and cheese casserole, artisan jalapeño/cheese bread, honey butter, stuffing, giblet gravy, and a delicious apple puff pastry dessert in their new commercial kitchen. 

Rich carving the turkey. He also did shrimp cocktail for appetizer.


Our gracious hosts sat at the head of the table.

You could have fed another 10 people with all the food we had, so we were sent home with two generous plates of food with extra gravy on the side. So happy... 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Apricity West 4

November 10, 2023 - Friday

Changed it up this week - went to the Elks for lunch instead of Fish Fry dinner. And there was no line dancing in the morning because the North Ranch Yard Sale was happening on Friday and Saturday. Bless those that make these signs!

November 11, 2023 - Saturday

Lu and I took a short walk to check out some of the sales. We ended up stopping and talking so much that it was a leisurely stroll. Talked with Jan who had come to the jam on Thursday as an observer. She told me a story about the song I had played - Little Boxes by Pete Seeger. Her mother always sang it to them as kids so she knew it very well. Someone thought it was made up which they protested it was not. Anyway, I asked her if she played an instrument and she said she considers her voice her instrument (as do I), but she picked up a mandolin and banjo to give them a try. I invited her to come sit right next to me as a newbie and give it a twirl. We’ll see next week if she comes. 

Nola and Mary are the main keepers of Saguaro Park and were selling cactus cuttings that they had planted into small pots. 

Bought a few affordable items and was really interested in one lot that was totally loaded with Western wear and other cowboy items.

A life time collection of boots. 

My purchase was a DeGrazia piece that her mother had bought in Tucson. Sound familiar? We visited his museum with Terri and Jim in Tucson about a month ago. Great buy!

We opted to go to Nichols for dinner to celebrate my book release. Sat at the bar, as we like to do, and started watching the John Wayne Western, Stage Coach, on the TV. The fellow next to Rich turned and said, “That’s a Concord Coach, the best stage coach ever made, and I grew up in the same area in New Hampshire.”

Of course, this led to a lengthy discussion about our home bases. He is a retired State Police Officer of New Hampshire. He came out here for a short spell and is still here 14 years later. We mentioned that we were in North Ranch and his head spun around. He had just moved out of a lot there today and was finishing up tomorrow. We know exactly where the lot is, next to our friend Josie.

 

November 12, 2023 - Sunday

Walked again with Lu to get some brisk exercise. Came across the owner of that cowboy lot so stopped her to see how she did. It was the best sales day she has had. Her name is Dee and she recently lost her husband of 10 years after a year of fighting off cancer. She told us she would be open again today to see who came out. We were there with money in our pockets to take a closer look. One thing led to another- an hour and half later, we made our way home.

She and Russ married in Vegas in full regalia…

During lunch, I was telling Rich about the Stetson hat I tried on at Dee’s and actually had taken a picture in a mirror. Sure enough, he wanted to go down and buy the hat for me. I protested, but was persuaded to join him. Another Richard and Pat were there and set up chairs and beer for us. Then Conrad from Washington state drove up and made a few purchases. After we bought the Stetson and I was wearing it to protect myself from the sun, someone made the comment that I needed a Western top to set off the hat. Soooo I got up and started poking through the glitzy tops and found 2 that I had missed the day before. Tried them on and voila! I finally have a full blown cowgirl outfit (with bling). Rich decided to try on a hat and sure as shootin’, bought it. (Not pictured below) Three hours later, we moseyed on home and started thinking about dinner. 

November 13, 2023 - Monday

The usual - dance and lunch at the Elks. While the dancers are dancing, the Beautification Crew is hard at work doing designated chores on the park grounds. The 18-22 volunteers are residents who come out every week to do community work under John’s direction. At the end of the hour, coffee and snacks are provided for their hard work and dedication, coordinated by his wife, Gerri. 

 

November 14, 2023 - Tuesday

A walk with Lu, followed by Yoga in the morning. Went to Dot and Harvey’s to play music. This time poor Rascal was behind closed doors, so that Dot and Rich could practice harmonica. Dot really knows how to play and it is a joy to hear her. She taught Rich how to play an easy song.

 

North Ranch Roadside Cleanup happens once a year under the direction of Doug and Suzanne. It extends 1/2 mile before and after the entrance. The volunteers are home/lot owners here - 28 folks came out to clean up the shoulders of Route 89. Blue bags are left on the side of the road for the state trucks to pick up for disposal.

 

Beautiful sunset tonight.

 

November 15, 2023 - Wednesday

Dance, lunch at Elks. Usually the Cowboy Channel is on while we are there. We had never seen the following sport before - Wild Cow Milking.

 

Four cowboys are on each team - one is on a horse and ropes a massive wild cow and then dismounts to help control her, one goes after her tail, one goes for her head and the other has an empty beer bottle. 

The goal is to milk her for enough milk to pour out of a beer bottle. The milker has to run like crazy to the judge who then pours out what was attained to prove they accomplished the goal. Of course, it is a timed event. 

My animal-lover readers won’t be happy with this, and I, too, am unhappy to see the animals go through this. I considered taking this story out of the blog, but rodeo is a BIG sport in the Southwest and I am determined to keep learning (and sharing) the cultures where I travel - the good, the bad, and the ugly,

 

November 16, 2023 - Thursday 

Unusual weather here with overcast skies and light rain during the night. Rich goes with a few guys into Wickenburg Horseshoe Cafe on Thursday mornings. One whole biscuit is huge, so they each order 1/4 of a biscuit with gravy.  

Big event coming up - North Ranch Arts and Crafts Show. We have two tables at $1 each!

I put my name on a cancellation list for a pedicure since the earliest I could get an appointment was mid-December. Luckily, I got a call for a cancellation this morning. So walk, yoga, pedicure, Elks lunch, rest, jam session, cocktails is the line up for today😳🤪. 

By the way, it was a great jam session with the regulars, the occasionals, and a newby, Julie. A very talented young lady who you will see and hear more about in the future. Stay tuned…

 

Apricity West 4

November 3, 2023 - Friday

Line Dancing to start the day off on a good foot - haha. Then back to the grind of finalizing my book. We went into the Elks for Friday Fish Fry - Rich had the fish and I had stuffed chicken breast. We were home by 6 o’clock and retired early.

 

November 4, 2023 - Saturday

I woke up at 1:30am thinking about my issue with the paperback book cover. I do some of my best problem solving in the middle of the night. So I picked up my phone and started trying different solutions I thought of - and voila! At 3am I had finished the cover and published it - all on my phone. Everytime you edit anything in Kindle Direct Publishing, it takes up to 72 hours to be reviewed and released, so waiting patiently.

 

Went for a 2-mile walk with Lu around the park. Weather is in the 80’s this weekend and then it drops to high 60’s later next week. Perfect weather. The nights get colder (40’s and 50’s) so we have a small heater to take off the chill in the morning. 

 

Went into Surprise to have lunch with John and Eileen at a new place to us - Cooper’s Hawk Winery. It was a real class act - food and wine was delicious. They are out of Chicago and this is the farthest West they have ventured. 

Our wait-person, Geraldin, was a lot of fun and had a lot of knowledge about the wines. She is in the background of this picture. 

We sampled a red from this Barrel Reserve oak barrel.

My Tai Lettuce Wraps were a party in my mouth with the peanut, red spicy, and mild green sauces.

This is the “doggy bag” they use - dated and identified! 

Living succulent art hanging.

On the way out, bought a bottle of the oak Chardonay that I had with lunch. This wine tasting bar is usually 2 deep.

  

November 5, 2023 - Sunday

Daylight Savings Time sets us two hours behind the folks back home instead of three. 

On-line church service in the morning - got to hear our new settled pastor. I like her message and delivery. Welcome, Rev. Marisa!

Not much else happening today, but we were invited over to Lu and Roger’s across the way. Fun times, conversation, and debates over a cocktail.

 

November 6, 2023 - Monday 

Danced in the morning, then lunch at the Elks for a very tasty burger. We stopped at Safeway until we realized we didn’t have the card we use and their system doesn’t allow for Tap on Apple Wallet. So back again tomorrow.

 

November 7, 2023 - Tuesday

Laundry at 7am. Then chair yoga. Then went back to Safeway with our card to do our shopping. Early in the afternoon, Lu and Roger invited us over and we looked on as they worked out a deal with an awning company who was working on their neighbor's rig. Jim, the neighbor, shared that he was starting up a band and the nearby town of Prescott has 7 recording studios! The town is very much into music. I understand they are having a concert by Jake Shimabukuro, a fabulous ukulele player! Look him up on YouTube for a real treat…

 

Played a little music ourselves - didn’t go to Dot and Harvey’s this week as they went to Albuquerque for a Western Music Convention.

 

Our friend, Tom, is a woodworker and he dropped off a bag of scraps left over from his creations. I love all the different sizes, shapes, and colors. Since I haven’t given much attention to the jigsaw puzzles in the Clubhouse, I decided to piece them together as best I could on our picnic table.

November 8, 2023 - Wednesday

Danced in the morning, then lunch at the Elks. UPS Jenny delivered a package to us and spent a few minutes to chat. Things are much more laid back here than they are back East. 

 

Rich finished up a cat which he started a few days ago. 

November 9, 2023 - Thursday

Chair yoga after a short walk with Lu earned me 356 calories today. However will I spend them? Jam session and trying out a few new songs for this year - fingers crossed. Got home from the jam to open a package - Voila! 

I was able to rectify the Spanish Version of my book in Kindle. Here is the link to check it out. 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CMH1NB9B?asin=B0CMH1NB9B&revisionId=62d1f17a&format=1&depth=1

By the way, you do not have to have a Kindle machine to read it digitally, but you will be directed to download the FREE app. The digital ebook is only $4.99, but the paperback is priced at $15.99 which is black and white inside. I highly recommend using the Kindle app to see the full beauty of the places we have traveled. And would much appreciate Reviews in Amazon. 

 

 

 

Apricity West 4

October 27, 2023 - Friday 

Danced off 532 calories so I could enjoy Friday Night Fish Fry at the Elks - special tonight is steak!

You see all kinds...

Full moon is shining bright.

October 28, 2023 - Saturday

Lu and I went for a good walk this morning around the park. Afterward, we sat to chat at her campsite. Along came Greg, 50-year-old foot loose and fancy free off the grid pretty much.

He worked on military marine vessels. Young man for this park who has been off the grid since November 2022. He picked up a stray feral cat, Sammy, who is his travel companion. His wife passed in 2014. He had a nice home in Florida with a $1500 mortgage, but when found himself dipping into his savings every month to cover the bills, it was a wake up call. So he sold everything and bought a Black Series HQ19 trailer which is made for off roading and rough terrain. He made his way to Alaska where he spent the entire summer fishing, hiking, etc. and then followed the weather to Arizona. He stops at Harvest Host RV parks on his journey which is an inexpensive way to travel, if you don’t mind no hook ups. 

 

Took a ride into town to check out local honey being sold at a mom-and-pop hardware store. I couldn’t believe how affordable it is - $7 for a small container, $14 for 48 ounces. They even had a gallon jug of it. It is from here in Wickenburg at the Robson’s Ranch. The young man who waited on me said that he had allergies so bad, he could hardly breathe. His grandpa had a hive of bees and told him honey was the sure cure. It was for him; now I hope it is for me too.  

October 29, 2023 - Sunday

Tom stopped by to gift us one of his creations.

October 30, 2023 - Monday

Danced and went to the Elks for lunch, but the rest of the day I was committed to my book publishing project. I am taking a course on how to self-publish and am trying to fulfill the 7-Day Profit Challenge. You have to do a series of steps day by day over seven days. Today is Day Five which involves writing the book. Since I have been doing this blog for four years now, I figure I have enough material already written. It is a huge learning curve to get through all of it, but I am determined. I will be sharing it with you once I actually publish it this week. 

October 31, 2023 - Tuesday

 HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Crunch day today getting stuff done - most of it completely foreign to me, but you’ve got to keep the brain sharp. 

 

Did yoga this morning, but had to leave about 5 minutes early since my nose was running so bad. I hope the honey fix kicks in sooner than later. 

 

November 1, 2023 - Wednesday

Stayed up late (9PM) last night trying to upload my manuscript to Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing before the bewitching hour of 12AM EST. Kept on saying Failed Manuscript Upload! Doesn’t make sense since the e-book version uploaded ok. Therefore I made a call to them today and spoke to an Aussie, Christian, who can hopefully help me. I did successfully complete the Challenge, but just not completely done on the selling side. 

 

I sneezed all night which isn’t pretty when you wear a CPAP (continuous positive air pressure) mask for sleep apnea. So I got up at 5:30 rather than try to sleep more with my mouth open. Made it through dancing with tissue in hand, and then off to the Elks for a quick lunch. Now back at it waiting for Christian to figure out what is wrong even after we cleaned out the cookies and cache. 

 

A package arrived for me today - a refurbished iPad from Rich for my music. That way I can pull up songs to play along with the band. Now, I don’t do anything but strum unless it is my turn to sing/play because I don’t have the song list with chords. 

It was a nice surprise to have Bob and Eddie come across the way for a visit. We shared more music on iTunes and many stories about boating and singing. It seems that they both sang in groups early on in their lives. As a matter of fact that is how they met. 

They are both 88 years young - Eddie retired from the office here at North Ranch and Bob is still a work camper responsible for the water and sewer plant here. 

They bought their first RV when their kids were young. Over the years, the rigs got bigger until they bought their fifth wheel home 22 years ago and have been here ever since - happily ever after.💕

November 2, 2023 - Thursday  

Another night interrupted by sneezing and wheezing! Not as bad as last night, but… After a walk with Lu and chair yoga, today’s mission was to get the size of my paperback book down below 650MB in order to upload it to Amazon KDP! It is very difficult, but necessary, to delete pictures from the first year of my blog. Pictures take up most of the data and that is what my blog is based on - pictures. Ugh. Also, the paperback will be printed in black and white, but the eBook will be in color. This is the recommendation of the course as color printing it is so expensive.

 

Shockingly, I was able to upload the manuscript just in time for the jam session. It went fairly well, thanks to Harvey and his patience with me. Miss Ellie’s son, Randy, came today with the pictures used at the service. 

I dedicated “Summertime” to her which he appreciated. He told the story of the person who bought the house already. When Ellie first came to Wickenburg, she engaged in all things music and met her second husband, a musician. They had many friends and one of them stood in the kitchen and said, “I have an overwhelming feeling that someday I will own this house!” Well, she is the one who bought it soon after Miss Ellie passed! You can’t make this stuff up...

Update - the eBook is Live on Amazon with Updates in Review. This could take up to 72 hours. Right now, it says (Spanish Edition) which it is NOT! Working on that with KDP. 

They say the best way to earn money is having people review the book! Search for “Finding Love Again by Driscoll.” Would appreciate any reviews I can get from this special group. ❤️