Apricity West 5

November 15, 2024 - Friday

Stopped to see Lu after walking and dancing. She’s on the mend. After lunch, Cindy and I went to Joanne and Denny’s house to pick up an electric keyboard that they are not using. Cindy’s played for over 30 years at her church and really knows her stuff. She has a keyboard back in Wyoming and will bring it down next year. This is a loaner which she really appreciates.

Penny and Dave stopped by to invite us out to the Wild West Saloon for dinner. We had a great conversation and learned that she went to Westfield State and he to Western New England College (now University). These are colleges very familiar to me, so we talked about a lot of  commonalities. They also graduated from high school in 1965 like me. Tonight there was a bright and beautiful full moon. 

Speaking of high school, the Wildcat football team lost tonight. Their first loss for the season, but in the post season quarter-finals. They sure provided a lot of entertainment and good football to the little town of Lee this season. Next year...

 

November 16, 2024 - Saturday

It was 38 degrees when I walked this morning, with no wind. I found my winter coat which just happened to have a pair of gloves in the pockets. As I walked through Saguaro Park, the crazy shapes of the trees stood out to me so I took a few pictures. 

Today was the annual North Ranch Craft Fair where crafters of every ilk come from inside and outside of the park.

Rich chose not to participate this year since we sell every Saturday of the summer back in Lee. And, it is a lot to haul across the country for one day. As usual, all Veterans are gifted a beautiful quilt by our in-park quilters, Alet and Kathy.  

Cindy was happy to receive one for her service in the Army National Guard.

November 17, 2024 - Sunday

Weighed in and it has been 50 days straight of tracking (and walking). Thankfully every weigh-in has gone in the right direction - down, though it doesn’t seem fast enough. We treat ourselves to a nice breakfast after weigh in. Today was French Toast with Dave’s Killer thin sliced bread that we got at the Senior Center - it tasted good.

 

Cindy & Tom W. offered their lovely home to have one more uke practice. She has a couple of banjoleles which she offered me to take one home and try, which I did. 😁

 

It was a pretty cold day so no sitting outside, but Cindy came over later and we had a bowl of chili topped with cheese and Fritos. 

 

November 18, 2024 - Monday

Walked, went to the Dollar Store, and danced. Later in the afternoon, Penny and I went over to Cindy’s to practice on her new keyboard for the jam. We all made some pretty decent music for the first time together, but Penny has company coming on Thursday so won't be able to jam with us. 

 

November 19, 2024 - Tuesday 

Extended my walk a little bit by going up to the dog park after the cactus garden - it was only .14 more miles than what I have been doing. Hmmmm! We finally Celebrated Roxie’s Life at Coffinger Park today. It was a lovely tribute to her life and 11 ukulele players were there, as well as Roxie’s ashes. 

Links to music are in the body of this email…

When we were going inside, Steve, neighbor behind us, was at his grill. I said, “What are you cooking tonight?” He said, “Butter chicken - it’s spicy.” Rich said, “What time should we arrive?” Haha! I had to Google butter chicken - a spicy Indian dish.

 

November 20, 2024 - Wednesday

After I walked and danced, we went to Safeway to stock up. What a mistake! You would have thought this was Thanksgiving week - tons of people shopping and a lot of empty shelves. We still managed to spend a lot though. After putting everything away and having lunch, Amazon delivered our new banjolele! Yup - that’s right. Rich ordered one and here it is. Now to learn to play it properly...

Rich was sitting outside when Dave and Penny meandered over with a drink in hand and a couple of beers in a bag. 

Great way to start a progressive cocktail party which then moved to their place on their brand new outdoor rug. Dee and Dwight joined us and Cindy arrived soon after. Dave brought out a few "new to us” whiskeys and topped it off with Reese Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Thins. We also got a tour of their 40-foot Class A Motorhome - WOW! So luxurious. Also got to meet Buddy, their 16-year-old cat. 😸

We also received a dish of Butter Chicken with a package of pre-cooked rice from Steve. Wow! It was like a party in our mouths! They are so kind…

November 21, 2024 - Thursday

A cold, windy walk today. Practicing some songs on the banjo for the jam. Heather drove down from Grand Canyon for the jam today - 4 hours with pit stops for Bella. She’s dry camping for the weekend - 70+ degree weather. It sure was great to hear her music again. There is a short clip in the body of this email. Cindy made her debut on keys - 🎹 😊 They came over for a post-jam cocktail.