Apricity West 4

March 8, 2024 - Friday Happy Birthday to sister, Cindy!

Went to Terri and Jim’s after lunch to play ukulele and harmonica - then shrimp cocktail, crackers, cheese, and veggies. 

 

March 9, 2024 - Saturday

Got started later in the morning for a Tahitian kind of day. these words were on a pamphlet in KonTiki, our first stop:

TİKİ CARVINGS ARE SAID TO REPRESENT A POLYNESIAN GOD. They're an integral part of South Pacific mythology, culture and history.

Similar to the way the Christian religion sees Adam as the first created human, MAORI MYTHOLOGY REFERS TO TIKI AS THE FIRST MAN.

On December 7th, 1934, Don the Beachcomber (DON BEACH) opened a Polynesian themed restaurant in Hollywood, California. They served Cantonese cuisine and tropical rum punches with decor featuring carved tiki's, masks, flaming torches, rattan furniture, flower leis and brightly colored fabrics. Others, like Trader Vic, began to copy the Polynesian theme. When the American soldiers returned home from the South Pacific theatre of World War II, they brought with them stories and souvenirs from Oceania. Then America became enthralled with a romanticized version of Polynesia and the popularity of everything Polynesian skyrocketed.

KON TIKI opened its doors in Tucson in 1962, and has been a destination for Tiki lovers all across the nation. 

 

First stop with cocktails...

And pu pu platters. 

 

Then we drove to Oro Valley on our maiden voyage to Cabali Tiki Bar which just opened on February 1st. Well, we really had a hard time finding it - the door was locked and a sign said to enter in the rear of the building. So we walked around to the back which has a typical behind the building look - no door to be seen, just a green wall of fake greenery.

Thankfully, someone was coming out so we could find the hidden door. We entered into a very dark room with an oversized tiki in the middle of the bar and carved tiki poles positioned around the room.

We told the bartender that it was very difficult to find our way in and she said, “That’s the way we want it!” It seems that it is speakeasy style and people learn about it through word of mouth. And they are very busy! We had a cocktail and shared Spam Sliders and wings. Spam is their most popular dish which is how we remember it when we were in Kauai on a family trip years ago. The Hawaiian Kings sweet roll and Tropical slaw topping made a delicious combination.

 

A couple of hundred mugs are displayed in locked glass cabinets around the perimeter of the room. The owner, Fini, has collected them for years and finally has a place to show them off.  He owns the Landing Restaurant next door and another bar in the Foothills, Fini’s Landing. These are just a few of the mugs…

I found my fantasy self portrait in the darkness. Lol!

As we were leaving, a cowboy asked us how we like it in there. We gave him the thumbs up and he said, “I built it.” So we peppered him with questions about it and, of course, I asked if he would let me take his picture for this blog. He immediately replied kiddingly, “No paparazzi, please.” Then he rattled off, “My name is Dan. I am a Virgo. I love to take long walks along the beach.” We all laughed and lined up for the picture. He then took off his hat and his bald head was smooth as a cueball. 

March 10, 2024 - Sunday

Off to the Firetruck Brewery for wings and brew. I had a bottled blood orange cider that was very good. Stopped at Harlow Nursery on the way home. WOW!

Back to T&J’s to get my pot roast in the Nesco cooker. My sous chef, Rich, prepped the veggies and I made slits in the chuck roast to inbed garlic cloves. My mother had suggested that I add red wine which I did. Terri and I played a few songs for practice. Then out to the backyard for cocktails while awaiting our dinner. I have to say it turned out pretty good. 

 

March 11, 2024 - Monday

Walked, played Uke, did word puzzles, and visited with Marilyn in the afternoon on our patio area. When we sit out watching the bird activity, we wonder what this one little hummingbird could be feeding on. The bush has no flowers at all, so Rich ordered a hummingbird feeder and we hung it today. 

March 12, 2024 - Tuesday 

Walked, played Uke, did word puzzles, crocheted, went to get Rich a haircut in town. First born grandchild, Leanna, FaceTimed me and we actually played a little music together with her new guitar. Fun!

 

March 13, 2024 - Wednesday 

Walked, played Uke, did word puzzles, crocheted, did chair yoga - I really like the feeling of stretching in chair yoga, just can’t seem to get to it more often. Marilyn came by to visit and brought a delicious mixture of tuna fish in olive oil with her own recipe for seasoned salt to put on Triscuits. We really enjoyed it. 

 

Our neighbors behind us are a young couple who have been full timing in an older Class A for 2 years. They have 2 very well behaved dogs - lab and retriever, I think. 

We haven’t had a real conversation with them yet although they have been here for a couple of weeks. Anyway, they asked if they could park their car behind our rig because they are selling theirs and want the buyer to park in their space. That opened us up a little bit to conversation. So we watched the process today as the 2 ladies came to look things over, spent a lot of time chatting with them, and finally were handing papers back and forth. Looked like the sale happened! At one point, the guy came out and was close to us so Rich hollered out, “Did you sell it?”  The guy said that he did and it was the best case scenario all around. The buyers are only 10 miles from here so will pick it up on Sunday and take it back for housing for someone’s mother. They got exactly what they were asking and everyone is happy. We asked if they were upgrading or getting off the road. Somehow, Rich mentioned, that he used to manage the park in Congress, and that led to the fact that the new coach they are buying is from a couple at North Ranch who just bought a better rig which is sitting alongside the one they are selling. So they will go pick it up on Friday to bring here and park to transfer into and stay a little while longer. I just knew they were upgrading, but never dreamed it was associated with North Ranch! Again, small world! Cant wait to see their new home…

 

March 14, 2024 - Thursday

Walked, played Uke, did word puzzles, crocheted - do you notice a pattern? Then we went to Fry’s for groceries. Sat outside the better part of the day. Marilyn came by and we discussed yarn. The first time we met 3 years ago, it was about how to “turn the heel” while knitting socks. 

 

Another spectacular sunset!