Yes, we are finally close to home. After Bob driving most of the day in the pouring rain, we decided to stop in Port Huron (so he could watch the hockey game) and just relax. It's been a long day.
We are staying at the Best Western here in Port Huron. Judging by the people who come out the front door to have a smoke...........it looks like a half-way house for alcoholics (lol). We must be tired!!
Another card game planned, probably the last one for awhile. We never seem to do this at home - work, activities and television always seem to get in the way.
Back to reality tomorrow. It's been an awesome experience!!
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Saturday May 14, 2011
After spending almost an hour to find a motel that had a vacancy, we ended up at the Super 8 in Davenport, IL. Apparently between a big Track & Field Meet and Graduations, weddings and it being Saturday night, it's a pretty busy corridor.
We had a long day of driving - 10 hours in total which is a lot for us. We ate lunch on the way (while driving) and had a steady run going through the farmland of Iowa. It's very similar to our farm land in southern Ontario.
We are close to the Illinois border so think we will probably get home by Monday.
We had a long day of driving - 10 hours in total which is a lot for us. We ate lunch on the way (while driving) and had a steady run going through the farmland of Iowa. It's very similar to our farm land in southern Ontario.
We are close to the Illinois border so think we will probably get home by Monday.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Friday, May 13, 2011
Well, I'm going to try this again. I just lost the last version of this - something funny about the internet connection! Last night I could only send a couple of emails, the connection speed was so slow, I just gave up.
We are settled at Americas Best Value Inn in Broken Bow, Nebraska. We spent this morning touring the Crazy Horse Museum in South Dakota. Yesterday we ended up in Custer South Dakota. We are going through a lot of little Western towns and stop if we think something looks interesting.
The drive through Montana, South Dakota and now Nebraska has been really interesting - the terrain changing by the minute it seems.
It's been a wonderful trip but I think we are both ready to head home - we are talking about what colour flowers to buy, how the lawn probably needs mowing, etc. so I think it's time!
Judging by what we've seen - we ARE VERY LUCKY to be living where we're living and how we live and are thankful for each day.
We are settled at Americas Best Value Inn in Broken Bow, Nebraska. We spent this morning touring the Crazy Horse Museum in South Dakota. Yesterday we ended up in Custer South Dakota. We are going through a lot of little Western towns and stop if we think something looks interesting.
The drive through Montana, South Dakota and now Nebraska has been really interesting - the terrain changing by the minute it seems.
It's been a wonderful trip but I think we are both ready to head home - we are talking about what colour flowers to buy, how the lawn probably needs mowing, etc. so I think it's time!
Judging by what we've seen - we ARE VERY LUCKY to be living where we're living and how we live and are thankful for each day.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Wednesday May 11th, 2011
Another great day. We toured the Buffalo Bill Cody museum this morning and had lunch at the Irma Hotel (originally owned by Buffalo Bill and named for his daughter Irma). What an amazing museum (5 different museums inside) and an interesting old Hotel/Saloon/Dining Room.
We then toured the main street of Cody - old fashioned western town. We left there and travelled over Big Horn Mountain (where temperatures were minus 2 C) and had a LOT of snow. It was beautiful because the roads were clear and NO SNOW STORM!!!
We are settled in at another Best Western in Sheridan Wyoming. The clerk asked Bob if he wanted a room close to the pool and of course Bob said yes. Well, our back door opens right onto the heated indoor pool deck and hot tub! Nice..........
I'm hoping that is the end of high elevation mountains (over 9,000 ft) with low temperatures. We are passing through a mountain range in South Dakota but don't think they will be as high.....
I will keep my fingers crossed anyway.
We then toured the main street of Cody - old fashioned western town. We left there and travelled over Big Horn Mountain (where temperatures were minus 2 C) and had a LOT of snow. It was beautiful because the roads were clear and NO SNOW STORM!!!
We are settled in at another Best Western in Sheridan Wyoming. The clerk asked Bob if he wanted a room close to the pool and of course Bob said yes. Well, our back door opens right onto the heated indoor pool deck and hot tub! Nice..........
I'm hoping that is the end of high elevation mountains (over 9,000 ft) with low temperatures. We are passing through a mountain range in South Dakota but don't think they will be as high.....
I will keep my fingers crossed anyway.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Tuesday May 10th, 2011
It stopped snowing during the night and we heard the pass was open with restrictions (mandatory chains and no trailers allowed) so the Canadian Sweetheart that I'm married to decided that HE can get out of Jackson Hole. So away we went, going through an avalanche area, another snow storm and finally got to Yellowstone National Park. We stopped to see Old Faithful (the Geyer that reaches up to 180 ft).
There was a LOT of snow there, sometimes the banks were twice the height of our truck but the roads were clear and it had stopped snowing by then. We saw herds of Big Horn Sheep, Deer, Bison and Elk....very interesting.
We ended up in Cody Wyoming, a real cute llittle town with a large Wild Bill Cody Cultural Center, apparently with 5 museums inside so that will keep us busy tomorrow.
Once again we are at a Best Western motel in Cody.
There was a LOT of snow there, sometimes the banks were twice the height of our truck but the roads were clear and it had stopped snowing by then. We saw herds of Big Horn Sheep, Deer, Bison and Elk....very interesting.
We ended up in Cody Wyoming, a real cute llittle town with a large Wild Bill Cody Cultural Center, apparently with 5 museums inside so that will keep us busy tomorrow.
Once again we are at a Best Western motel in Cody.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Monday, May 9, 2011
Well, more surprises to-day! We tried to get into YellowStone Park but most of the roads were closed because the 'winter' roads haven't been plowed yet. There are a few open but not the one we wanted to drive to Jackson Hole Wyoming.
Soooooo we took the long way around and had to go through a Pass to get there. Well it started snowing while going through the pass, snowing so hard that the Sheriff was there suggesting people either put on their chains or at least have 4 wheel drive! Of course this is almost 8,000 ft. above sea level so it is VERY HIGH and does not have a lot of guard rails.......Bob decided we should 'go for it' because we only had 12 miles to go to get here. We arrived safely but it kept on snowing. I'm not sure when we will be able to leave here as both Passes going out of this town are closed! We hit a high today of 3 degrees C but most of the time it was down to 0 degree C. They are predicting 2 inches of snow here in the valley so don't know what that means up in the mountains (Passes). We'll see.
To be stranded anywhere, this is the place to be. It's like a BIG St. Jacobs or Whistler - in the winter it is a ski resort so it has a lot of restaurants and many upscale shops and galleries. The odd shop is closed because it is 'between seasons'. Seasons being the winter skiing and the summer tourist industry. We just got back from doing our laundry and using the hot tub and heated indoor swimming pool. So, please don't feel too sorry for us. Besides, we don't HAVE to be home at any special time.
Bob is so happy that he won the SkipBo tournament last night - for the first time ever!! He's not so happy that he can't get to watch Nashville and Vancouver hockey game tonight. It all depends on the TV station in the area we stop in.
We will see what tomorrow brings.
Soooooo we took the long way around and had to go through a Pass to get there. Well it started snowing while going through the pass, snowing so hard that the Sheriff was there suggesting people either put on their chains or at least have 4 wheel drive! Of course this is almost 8,000 ft. above sea level so it is VERY HIGH and does not have a lot of guard rails.......Bob decided we should 'go for it' because we only had 12 miles to go to get here. We arrived safely but it kept on snowing. I'm not sure when we will be able to leave here as both Passes going out of this town are closed! We hit a high today of 3 degrees C but most of the time it was down to 0 degree C. They are predicting 2 inches of snow here in the valley so don't know what that means up in the mountains (Passes). We'll see.
To be stranded anywhere, this is the place to be. It's like a BIG St. Jacobs or Whistler - in the winter it is a ski resort so it has a lot of restaurants and many upscale shops and galleries. The odd shop is closed because it is 'between seasons'. Seasons being the winter skiing and the summer tourist industry. We just got back from doing our laundry and using the hot tub and heated indoor swimming pool. So, please don't feel too sorry for us. Besides, we don't HAVE to be home at any special time.
Bob is so happy that he won the SkipBo tournament last night - for the first time ever!! He's not so happy that he can't get to watch Nashville and Vancouver hockey game tonight. It all depends on the TV station in the area we stop in.
We will see what tomorrow brings.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Sunday, May 8th,2011
What a surprise we got today! We started out on our little trek through Phillipsburg, Butte, Montana then on to Virginia City and stopped at a few other places, ended up in Ennis Montana. It seems almost ALL the places don't open until the long week-end in May until Labour Day week-end. So we ended up looking in a lot of store windows. The only places that had activity or were busy were the Saloons!!
Unfortunatley there were a LOT of stores that were closed down completely. I guess the recession has finally caught up to these little store owners. Some of the tiny places look like ghost towns. One of the locals said we are here two months too soon!! We ran into quite a bit of snow on the ground- with temperatures varying from 36 to 55 degrees depending whether or not we were driving through mountain areas.
We did manage to get into a Mercantile here in Ennis and ended buying an old framed print and a decorated Native American dress (for display). It is beautiful.
One of the motels we passed had a sign that said "Hot Water Available" so we knew we might be in trouble if they were offering that as a way to get people to stop in! We ended up at the Fan Mountain Inn at Ennis, Montana. I was shocked that they had internet available.
Well, on to bigger and better things, we hope. We are going through Yellowstone Park tomorrow. On the map it says "Roads Closed in Winter Months" on most of the roads so we are hoping their 'winter' has passed and we are able to drive through.
Unfortunatley there were a LOT of stores that were closed down completely. I guess the recession has finally caught up to these little store owners. Some of the tiny places look like ghost towns. One of the locals said we are here two months too soon!! We ran into quite a bit of snow on the ground- with temperatures varying from 36 to 55 degrees depending whether or not we were driving through mountain areas.
We did manage to get into a Mercantile here in Ennis and ended buying an old framed print and a decorated Native American dress (for display). It is beautiful.
One of the motels we passed had a sign that said "Hot Water Available" so we knew we might be in trouble if they were offering that as a way to get people to stop in! We ended up at the Fan Mountain Inn at Ennis, Montana. I was shocked that they had internet available.
Well, on to bigger and better things, we hope. We are going through Yellowstone Park tomorrow. On the map it says "Roads Closed in Winter Months" on most of the roads so we are hoping their 'winter' has passed and we are able to drive through.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Saturday, May 7, 2011
What a day! We travelled through the rest of Oregon, through a little bit of Washington State, a bit of Idaho then into Montana. The terrain is so beautiful and so different. For awhile we were driving through beautiful mountainous terrain, then flat farmland then all of a sudden we ran into more mountains with snow on the mountains - a LOT of snow!! I thought we were in Canada for awhile.
I've not been able to read or rest while driving.................as there is just too much to see and enjoy (such a problem)! We are so lucky and grateful to be able to take advantage of this trip - what an experience!
Obviously Bob is a much better driver than I am because when he drives, there is no one who 'helps' him drive but when I am driving, I seem to need a LOT of help (lol).
We are staying at the C'mon Inn at Missoula, Montana. It is a Lodge - almost reminds me of the Great Wolfe Lodge in Ontario. Something must be going on in this town as we got one of the last rooms available.
Tomorrow we are on to Cowboy country, so that shold be interesting.
I've not been able to read or rest while driving.................as there is just too much to see and enjoy (such a problem)! We are so lucky and grateful to be able to take advantage of this trip - what an experience!
Obviously Bob is a much better driver than I am because when he drives, there is no one who 'helps' him drive but when I am driving, I seem to need a LOT of help (lol).
We are staying at the C'mon Inn at Missoula, Montana. It is a Lodge - almost reminds me of the Great Wolfe Lodge in Ontario. Something must be going on in this town as we got one of the last rooms available.
Tomorrow we are on to Cowboy country, so that shold be interesting.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Friday, May 6, 2011
Well, here we are at another Best Western in Hood River, Oregon. My, what a beautiful state this is! It seems all the states are just a little different with many different sights. We passed a lot of state parks - it seems it would be haven for campers, hikers and boaters.
This is the first time on this trip that we ran into some rain. When we got to the motel, Bob realized that he could watch the last period of the hockey game - he was smiling even more than usual. It was very hard on him, knowing there were two games a night being played..................and he couldn't see them as they weren't televised in the areas we were staying.
There are many times during this trip that we lose satallite with our GPS and cell phone service.
My little Ethel is recuperating and there is talk of her being moved to Sunnyside for recuperation. She has been put into isolation because of a Super Bug that is apparently going around at Grand River (and they felt she was exposed to it from another patient). She is in a private room and is finally able to feed herself with solid food. The only hiccup is that her daughter-in-law who has been looking after her is in the same hospital as of yesterday with a problem with her hip. She is unable to walk and is working with a therapist to get her walking again. It never rains but it pours........
Well, we are definitely heading EAST while driving so are on the right track to get to our home.
This is the first time on this trip that we ran into some rain. When we got to the motel, Bob realized that he could watch the last period of the hockey game - he was smiling even more than usual. It was very hard on him, knowing there were two games a night being played..................and he couldn't see them as they weren't televised in the areas we were staying.
There are many times during this trip that we lose satallite with our GPS and cell phone service.
My little Ethel is recuperating and there is talk of her being moved to Sunnyside for recuperation. She has been put into isolation because of a Super Bug that is apparently going around at Grand River (and they felt she was exposed to it from another patient). She is in a private room and is finally able to feed herself with solid food. The only hiccup is that her daughter-in-law who has been looking after her is in the same hospital as of yesterday with a problem with her hip. She is unable to walk and is working with a therapist to get her walking again. It never rains but it pours........
Well, we are definitely heading EAST while driving so are on the right track to get to our home.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Thursday, May 5th, 2011
We are in Crescent City California (at another Best Western) after spending a day driving through the Avenue of the Giants (Redwoods).We tried to get Bob's truck to drive through one of the Redwoods (tourist trap). We were a little worried we would get stuck so decided to take a picture of it IN FRONT of the tree instead! Awesome sights!
We stopped for lunch at a little town called Ferndale, very Victorian, pretty and interesting. I had a sandwich made of creamed cheese, black olives, lettuce and avocado on sour dough bread - awesome. I'll have to try it at home.
We are getting a little weary of 'coastal' driving. We travelled 250 kms and were on the road for 8 hours so that should tell you how windy and hilly the roads were. So we are heading inland and heading north through Oregon. Apparently it is beautiful and has a lot of state parks, etc.
What an exciting and beautiful trip - sure there are many more 'different' spots to come.
Well on to another SkipBo card game!
We stopped for lunch at a little town called Ferndale, very Victorian, pretty and interesting. I had a sandwich made of creamed cheese, black olives, lettuce and avocado on sour dough bread - awesome. I'll have to try it at home.
We are getting a little weary of 'coastal' driving. We travelled 250 kms and were on the road for 8 hours so that should tell you how windy and hilly the roads were. So we are heading inland and heading north through Oregon. Apparently it is beautiful and has a lot of state parks, etc.
What an exciting and beautiful trip - sure there are many more 'different' spots to come.
Well on to another SkipBo card game!
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Wednesday, May 4th,2011
What a beautiful and diversified this State of California is. We are now inland at the Best Western Humboldt House Inn at Garberville. The terrain is fabulous - getting ready to go through the Avenue of the Giants (Giant Redwoods) tomorrow. The town of Garberville is very small and has an interesting main street.
Apparently the weather here has been unusually warm. We will take it! Today it was 98 degrees and we are fairly far north!
This motel has a wine and cheese happy hour, compliments, every day. We have never experienced that before in our travels.
We are about to have another game of Skip-Bo. Last night the score was 385 (Bob) and my score was 0. Bob was NOT happy, but as you can imagine, he was a good sport about it. He's still smiling........
Apparently the weather here has been unusually warm. We will take it! Today it was 98 degrees and we are fairly far north!
This motel has a wine and cheese happy hour, compliments, every day. We have never experienced that before in our travels.
We are about to have another game of Skip-Bo. Last night the score was 385 (Bob) and my score was 0. Bob was NOT happy, but as you can imagine, he was a good sport about it. He's still smiling........
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Tuesday, May 3rd, 2011
What a great way to celebrate my 50th birthday (lol). We drove to San Francisco and had lunch at Pier 39 - nice seafood lunch starting with a bowl of Clam Chowder. We toured around Fisherman's Wharf and ended up going on a 2 hour open aired bus tour of the city.
We toured Boudin Bistro, a company famous for making sour dough bread which we both love. I think I could have bought half the place......fabulous. We did end up with a product of Blue Cheese/Dijon Mustard and a loaf of sour dough bread. That, along with cheese and meats was our dinner.
We travelling north of San Francisco after realizing that between Bob's bum knee and my angina problems, hilly San Fran was not for us! We ended up at a place called Point Reyes Seashore Lodge in Olema, CA right on Hwy 1 (coast) about an hour north of San Fran. What a find! It's stuck in the middle of nowhere - even has a jazucci (but no TV - boo hoo for Bob). He can't watch the hockey games.....
Anyway, we will be touring in the area tomorrow.
We toured Boudin Bistro, a company famous for making sour dough bread which we both love. I think I could have bought half the place......fabulous. We did end up with a product of Blue Cheese/Dijon Mustard and a loaf of sour dough bread. That, along with cheese and meats was our dinner.
We travelling north of San Francisco after realizing that between Bob's bum knee and my angina problems, hilly San Fran was not for us! We ended up at a place called Point Reyes Seashore Lodge in Olema, CA right on Hwy 1 (coast) about an hour north of San Fran. What a find! It's stuck in the middle of nowhere - even has a jazucci (but no TV - boo hoo for Bob). He can't watch the hockey games.....
Anyway, we will be touring in the area tomorrow.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Monday May 2nd
Another great day - spent about 4 hours driving on Hwy 1 up the California coast. We stopped and watched the Elephant Seals on the beach - what an experience.
We ended up in Carmel By The Sea. We are staying at the Best Western Carmel Bay View Inn which is very nice. It even has a fireplace in the room.
I don't know how long we can play cards tonight - I haven't been able to have power naps in the car during the day. There is just too much to watch and so beautiful that I have trouble resting. Such a problem, don't you think???????
We ended up in Carmel By The Sea. We are staying at the Best Western Carmel Bay View Inn which is very nice. It even has a fireplace in the room.
I don't know how long we can play cards tonight - I haven't been able to have power naps in the car during the day. There is just too much to watch and so beautiful that I have trouble resting. Such a problem, don't you think???????
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Sunday, May 1, 2011
What a beautiful day. We drove to Santa Barbara to attend an Arts and Crafts Show held every Sunday on the boardwalk right along the Ocean. It's an awesome sight. We took a tour of the city on a bus, then drove to the pier and the bus drove into the water and we became a boat for 1-1/2 hours. What a gorgeous area.
We stopped in at Solvang, a little Finnish town with a lot of shops (similar to St. Jacobs), then through interesting farming area with fields of strawberries, spinach, lettuce and many vineyards.
We ended up at the Best Western Casa Grande Inn at Arryo Grande, a few miles south of Pismo Beach. We are pretty excited about the next few days, driving up Highway 1 heading north to San Francisco. Off to play Skip-Bo again tonight.
We stopped in at Solvang, a little Finnish town with a lot of shops (similar to St. Jacobs), then through interesting farming area with fields of strawberries, spinach, lettuce and many vineyards.
We ended up at the Best Western Casa Grande Inn at Arryo Grande, a few miles south of Pismo Beach. We are pretty excited about the next few days, driving up Highway 1 heading north to San Francisco. Off to play Skip-Bo again tonight.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Saturday April 30, 2011
Well, we are on the road. We stopped in the Palm Springs/Bermuda Dunes area and had lunch at the Shields Date Garden (burger with sauteed dates and blue cheese - awesome combination). Of course, we had to share a date shake to go. Things sure have changed and expanded since we lived there!
We are at the Best Western in Ventura California for the night. The positive is that we are located right at the Ocean and can see the water from our room but the negative is that there is a train track running right in between the motel and the water front - and it is LOUD when the whistle blows. The view makes up for the train though.
We are having beautiful weather and hope it continues. We are planning to travel up the coast to Santa Barbara tomorrow where there is a weekly Arts and Crafts show along the ocean. Should be fun.
We are at the Best Western in Ventura California for the night. The positive is that we are located right at the Ocean and can see the water from our room but the negative is that there is a train track running right in between the motel and the water front - and it is LOUD when the whistle blows. The view makes up for the train though.
We are having beautiful weather and hope it continues. We are planning to travel up the coast to Santa Barbara tomorrow where there is a weekly Arts and Crafts show along the ocean. Should be fun.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Thursday April 28th, 2011
Well - first time for everything! We went golfing today in 97 degree temperature - teed off at 1 pm. It was HOT, HOT!! It was the last time to golf before leaving for our tour and heading home. We did have a nice breeze while golfing and ended up in the pool after so that was nice and refreshing.
We spent the morning in a meeting with the Planning Committee of the complex here. In order to make any changes to your property, you have to submit an application and hopefully get approval. We are planning to get rid of all the overgrown shrubbery in front of the house and replace it with a patio. We are hoping to do this in the Fall but thought we would go through the process now so we can go ahead with it then. Bob (the Builder) did such a good job with the diagram that it didn't take very long for the approval. We just had to sit and wait over an hour before they got to us.
We are getting packed and ready to leave for Santa Barbara, California on Saturday. There always seems to be a lot of little things to do before leaving a house for any length of time. We found a very informative house sitter who checks the house every week. He's full of info re painters, construction people, etc. etc. so it's always good to get recommendations from someone in the subdivision.
I've been checking the forecasted temperatures for the towns/locations we plan to visit for the next 2-3 weeks and there seems to be a lot of 40s, 45s and 50s listed. I'm hoping the weather gets warmer but am taking my ski jacket along just in case. I'm wondering if perhaps we should be doing this trip mid-summer!! I'm sure we will hve fun anyway.
We spent the morning in a meeting with the Planning Committee of the complex here. In order to make any changes to your property, you have to submit an application and hopefully get approval. We are planning to get rid of all the overgrown shrubbery in front of the house and replace it with a patio. We are hoping to do this in the Fall but thought we would go through the process now so we can go ahead with it then. Bob (the Builder) did such a good job with the diagram that it didn't take very long for the approval. We just had to sit and wait over an hour before they got to us.
We are getting packed and ready to leave for Santa Barbara, California on Saturday. There always seems to be a lot of little things to do before leaving a house for any length of time. We found a very informative house sitter who checks the house every week. He's full of info re painters, construction people, etc. etc. so it's always good to get recommendations from someone in the subdivision.
I've been checking the forecasted temperatures for the towns/locations we plan to visit for the next 2-3 weeks and there seems to be a lot of 40s, 45s and 50s listed. I'm hoping the weather gets warmer but am taking my ski jacket along just in case. I'm wondering if perhaps we should be doing this trip mid-summer!! I'm sure we will hve fun anyway.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Saturday April 23, 2011
Well, here we are waiting for word on whether or not our garburator will be replaced. The repair man is sitting and waiting for directions from his company. It has made terrible noises and every 2-3 days, Bob has to take it apart because it's clogged but guess what.....................today when the repair man arrives, IT WORKS PERFECTLY!! Just like having a terrible toothache while waiting for your Dentist's appointment and then the day of the appointment......nothing!
After he leaves we are heading for a little town called Jerome - a mining town in the hills that has been deserted but now there are a lot of little boutiques set up. Once again, it is a beautiful day in sunny Arizona - about 80 degrees and dry which is perfect for me - feels like low 70s (Ontario weather).
We've been golfing this week - Bob golfed twice with different groups and we both golfed on Thursday with two older gentlemen who were just a delight to be with. Guess what? We encountered another smaller snake on the 9th green - a gold snake who took off when he saw us approaching. That's snake #3 for Arizona in 2011 - so since things happen in 3s, hopefully that will be it!! (That does include the 12" dead snake we saw on the street) I don't mind seeing them on the golf course or while hiking but definitely not at the swimming pool.......
We plan on leaving Arizona next Saturday April 30th and heading to the Arts and Crafts Market in Santa Barbara for Sunday then travelling up the California coastline for as long as it takes. We want to stop in San Francisco, Monterey and Pebble Beach of course. We won't be golfing but might just go to the Clubhouse for brunch. I've been this route before but this will be all new for Bob, which will in turn, be fun for me too.
So, we are on our way, now that the Disposal has been replaced.
After he leaves we are heading for a little town called Jerome - a mining town in the hills that has been deserted but now there are a lot of little boutiques set up. Once again, it is a beautiful day in sunny Arizona - about 80 degrees and dry which is perfect for me - feels like low 70s (Ontario weather).
We've been golfing this week - Bob golfed twice with different groups and we both golfed on Thursday with two older gentlemen who were just a delight to be with. Guess what? We encountered another smaller snake on the 9th green - a gold snake who took off when he saw us approaching. That's snake #3 for Arizona in 2011 - so since things happen in 3s, hopefully that will be it!! (That does include the 12" dead snake we saw on the street) I don't mind seeing them on the golf course or while hiking but definitely not at the swimming pool.......
We plan on leaving Arizona next Saturday April 30th and heading to the Arts and Crafts Market in Santa Barbara for Sunday then travelling up the California coastline for as long as it takes. We want to stop in San Francisco, Monterey and Pebble Beach of course. We won't be golfing but might just go to the Clubhouse for brunch. I've been this route before but this will be all new for Bob, which will in turn, be fun for me too.
So, we are on our way, now that the Disposal has been replaced.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Tuesday April Something 2011
Can you tell I'm on holidays? I'm sitting in the den, too lazy to walk out to look at the exact date.
Well after the 'snake' event, I still haven't gone to the pool area, but will venture there tomorrow FOR SURE. I don't want to allow the fear to completely take over my life!
I had a craft day today, arranging all my cactus plants (artificial) and other greenery around the house and placing them.
It's been very cool here - this morning is was 40 degrees F and very chilly but the forecast says it's warming up and will be back to mid to high 80s by tomorrow. What strange weather the world is having!
Having company for cards tomorrow night and guests for dinner on Wednesday evening. Should be interesting to have guests (without having proper serving dishes, etc.) but I'm sure they will understand.
We are thoroughly enjoying the house and can't believe we will be leaving here in another two weeks - yikes!!
Well after the 'snake' event, I still haven't gone to the pool area, but will venture there tomorrow FOR SURE. I don't want to allow the fear to completely take over my life!
I had a craft day today, arranging all my cactus plants (artificial) and other greenery around the house and placing them.
It's been very cool here - this morning is was 40 degrees F and very chilly but the forecast says it's warming up and will be back to mid to high 80s by tomorrow. What strange weather the world is having!
Having company for cards tomorrow night and guests for dinner on Wednesday evening. Should be interesting to have guests (without having proper serving dishes, etc.) but I'm sure they will understand.
We are thoroughly enjoying the house and can't believe we will be leaving here in another two weeks - yikes!!
Friday, April 8, 2011
SNAKE IN ARIZONA
Yikes!!!!!!!
Thank God it didn't curl up INSIDE the bag. I would have REALLY freaked!!!!!
Nice welcome to the pool at Mountain Brook Village. We've been coming to this area for at least 6 years and this was the first time we used their pool facilities (second time this week). Yikes!
I think it's interesting that the thing didn't go to anyone else in the pool area - I think I attract them.
I was sitting on my chaise lounge over at the pool. There were about 50 people around the pool, playing volleyball in the water, in the pool swimming and some just sitting around but no-one near me. I had my beach bag sitting beside me. I went to sit up and saw a SNAKE about 12 inches from my bag, heading away from my bag. It was about 4 feet long and big. You can well imagine my reaction. I screamed, ran, screamed, cried, screamed and screamed some more. People tried to chase it by pouring water on it and finally some guy picked it up by its tail and took it to the fence surrounding the pool and let it go.
A very kind man came up behind me to comfort me and put his hand on my arm. Well, I screamed again and jumped. He felt really bad. I was a mess to say the least. Apparently it had diamonds on its back but Bob says it wasn’t a Diamondback rattle snake – go figure – I think he is bullshitting me.
My thought was that the thing must have probably been under my chair or around my beach bag as it was not going on an angle but very STRAIGHT!!
Nice welcome to the pool at Mountain Brook Village. We've been coming to this area for at least 6 years and this was the first time we used their pool facilities (second time this week). Yikes!
I think it's interesting that the thing didn't go to anyone else in the pool area - I think I attract them.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
What a wonderful day here is Paradise! Our friends left yesterday morning for home in Canada and we spent the day cleaning/purging the 'stuff' that we found in storage cupboards in the garage. The truck was full and on its way to the Thrift Shop in town.
Now, we are able to finally REALLY see what is in the house and what we want to paint/change/decorate, etc. What fun.
Bob was off golfing this morning and we are going to the pool this afternoon - Bob joined the water volleyball team and I am going to do water aerobics. It is such a beautiful complex - relaxed and very safe offering lots of amenities.
The temperature is high 80s and dry, lovely husband and beautiful surroundings. What more could a gal ask for......................
Now, we are able to finally REALLY see what is in the house and what we want to paint/change/decorate, etc. What fun.
Bob was off golfing this morning and we are going to the pool this afternoon - Bob joined the water volleyball team and I am going to do water aerobics. It is such a beautiful complex - relaxed and very safe offering lots of amenities.
The temperature is high 80s and dry, lovely husband and beautiful surroundings. What more could a gal ask for......................
Monday, April 4, 2011
Monday, April 4, 2011
Well we are finally here in Arizona! Had a good trip but as usual, it takes time to get unpacked and settled. We still have our friends from Mount Forest here until tomorrow, when they leave for home bright and early.
The weather today was absolutely beautiful - mid 80s. Bob and Harvey went golfing and Cynthia and I relaxed and settled the world's problems this morning. This afternoon we went to the pool - the men played water volleyball and we did water aerobics and enjoyed the sunshine. The first time we have ever sat by the pool in all the years we've come to Mountainbrook Village. It was heaven!!
Our stop in Albuquerque was very interesting. We purchased a new light fixture from a store called Simply Southwestern and stopped to visit the Indian Cultural Center which was very interesting. We were able to watch Native Indians drum and dance - the youngest member was almost 4 years old - he was just adorable. He wore the full Indian costume and participated doing all the same dance moves as the adults. He was definitely the hit of the show!
We are looking forward to spending the next month golfing and relaxing and enjoying our house.
Till the next blog....................
The weather today was absolutely beautiful - mid 80s. Bob and Harvey went golfing and Cynthia and I relaxed and settled the world's problems this morning. This afternoon we went to the pool - the men played water volleyball and we did water aerobics and enjoyed the sunshine. The first time we have ever sat by the pool in all the years we've come to Mountainbrook Village. It was heaven!!
Our stop in Albuquerque was very interesting. We purchased a new light fixture from a store called Simply Southwestern and stopped to visit the Indian Cultural Center which was very interesting. We were able to watch Native Indians drum and dance - the youngest member was almost 4 years old - he was just adorable. He wore the full Indian costume and participated doing all the same dance moves as the adults. He was definitely the hit of the show!
We are looking forward to spending the next month golfing and relaxing and enjoying our house.
Till the next blog....................
Friday, April 1, 2011
Friday, April 1, 2011
We had a nice day again - stopped for a late lunch in Amarillo, Texas at our favourite steak house. Awesome as usual.
We are settled in at a Best Western in Moriarty, New Mexico after another 9 hour day on the road. Looking forward to shopping for a light fixture in Albuquerque tomorrow, then getting to the house tomorrow night. Apparently it was 99 degrees there today - yikes! We are still wearing our winter clothes.
Take care everyone.
We are settled in at a Best Western in Moriarty, New Mexico after another 9 hour day on the road. Looking forward to shopping for a light fixture in Albuquerque tomorrow, then getting to the house tomorrow night. Apparently it was 99 degrees there today - yikes! We are still wearing our winter clothes.
Take care everyone.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Thursday, March 31, 2011
We arrived in Tulsa Oklahoma tonight, staying at a Super 8 motel - after driving 1,000 kms and 9 hours. What a treat to be able to walk to the restaurant (Ruby Tuesdays) in 60 degree weather wearing just a light jacket and the sun shining at 8 pm!! We had such a great pasta meal with a very interesting and fresh salad bar.
The countryside and scenery was beautiful. We didn't stop at any of our regular spots because we thought we would wait to see what the house looked like in Arizona and besides, we are going to travel to such awesome spots like Wyoming, South Dakota and Montana on our way home. I'm sure there are lots of shops along the way.
Anyway, 'till tomorrow....................
The countryside and scenery was beautiful. We didn't stop at any of our regular spots because we thought we would wait to see what the house looked like in Arizona and besides, we are going to travel to such awesome spots like Wyoming, South Dakota and Montana on our way home. I'm sure there are lots of shops along the way.
Anyway, 'till tomorrow....................
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Well, we are on our way - left KW today by noon. We are staying at a Day's Inn in Indianapolis. We've had a long day so far.
Bob has surgery scheduled for June 28th to replace his left knee. He's pretty happy about the time - thought it would be later in the summer. Dr. Chris thinks he's been 'very tough' to put it off for this length of time.
We've been using a converter in the car so I can use my laptop to play Spider Solitaire - very addictive but it makes the time go quickly. I've also started reading an autobiography by Wynonna Judd - very interesting!!
It's almost 11 pm but think we have time for at least ONE game of Skip-BO before turning in.
Good night.
Bob has surgery scheduled for June 28th to replace his left knee. He's pretty happy about the time - thought it would be later in the summer. Dr. Chris thinks he's been 'very tough' to put it off for this length of time.
We've been using a converter in the car so I can use my laptop to play Spider Solitaire - very addictive but it makes the time go quickly. I've also started reading an autobiography by Wynonna Judd - very interesting!!
It's almost 11 pm but think we have time for at least ONE game of Skip-BO before turning in.
Good night.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
February 5, 2011
We are in Rollo Missouri, on our way home. We were watching the Weather Channel and decided to head for Canada. San Antonio's roads were all closed down and an ice storm was heading for Mississippi and Alabama, so decided to head north.
The weather channel also let us know that Tulsa had terrible weather but we decided to try it anyway. When we got there, it was just fine - they were just trying to recover from yesterday's storm.
I published a post yesterday February 4th but for some reason it didn't show up.
We are staying in a nice motel called the Hampton Inn - very nice.
The weather channel also let us know that Tulsa had terrible weather but we decided to try it anyway. When we got there, it was just fine - they were just trying to recover from yesterday's storm.
I published a post yesterday February 4th but for some reason it didn't show up.
We are staying in a nice motel called the Hampton Inn - very nice.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
January 22, 2011
It's so hard to believe it's almost the end of January - where has the time gone? We were shopping today for used bicycles. Bob was able to find one for himself but nothing for me yet. We went to a few yard sales and a used bicycle shop - I'm sure we will come across something soon.
We were golfing yesterday - we were paired up with a 85 year old man who admitted to us that he only started golfing when he was 75! What a sweetheart he was. We had such a good time with him. Originally he only signed up for 9 holes but decided to play another 9 to join us for the entire 18. He sure has a lot of stamina!
The weather has been absolutely beautiful. We are hearing about the problems in Texas and the cool temperatures in Florida, but we have been blessed - high 70s all week and the outlook for the following week is the low 70s, which is just fine with us.
We are expecting friends to arrive tomorrow to stay with us until we head for home on the 3rd of February. They are a lot of fun so we are guaranteed to have a good time. The early part of the week will be taken up with us moving into our house but they are hoping to visit the Grand Canyon and Sedona/Jerome area so we will just give them our truck and we can stay here and get organized while they tour.
We heard yesterday that 5 homes have sold in Mountainbrook during the month of January and they were all Canadians! Must be the dollar being at par with the US dollar- perhaps has something to do with it.
We also attended the Gold Canyon Arts Show this afternoon - beautiful work with a lot of turquoise stones and many gems from the area as well as carvings made from cactus and trees in the area and the desert. Bob reminded me what we would get at a yard sale when we sold it sometime in the future so we came away empty handed. There sure are a lot of talented people in the world.
So long for now.
We were golfing yesterday - we were paired up with a 85 year old man who admitted to us that he only started golfing when he was 75! What a sweetheart he was. We had such a good time with him. Originally he only signed up for 9 holes but decided to play another 9 to join us for the entire 18. He sure has a lot of stamina!
The weather has been absolutely beautiful. We are hearing about the problems in Texas and the cool temperatures in Florida, but we have been blessed - high 70s all week and the outlook for the following week is the low 70s, which is just fine with us.
We are expecting friends to arrive tomorrow to stay with us until we head for home on the 3rd of February. They are a lot of fun so we are guaranteed to have a good time. The early part of the week will be taken up with us moving into our house but they are hoping to visit the Grand Canyon and Sedona/Jerome area so we will just give them our truck and we can stay here and get organized while they tour.
We heard yesterday that 5 homes have sold in Mountainbrook during the month of January and they were all Canadians! Must be the dollar being at par with the US dollar- perhaps has something to do with it.
We also attended the Gold Canyon Arts Show this afternoon - beautiful work with a lot of turquoise stones and many gems from the area as well as carvings made from cactus and trees in the area and the desert. Bob reminded me what we would get at a yard sale when we sold it sometime in the future so we came away empty handed. There sure are a lot of talented people in the world.
So long for now.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
January 13th,2011
We've been a little busy - made a whirlwind trip to Canada to get some banking straightened out. We flew into Buffalo and back again. Stayed on my nephew and wife's home and got a few special hugs from grandchildren (which made the trip worthwhile).
We had a final walk-through at the new house this morning and everything looks good. It is pretty exciting for us and we hate to have to leave the end of the month.
The temperatures have been perfect for golfing - 65 to 70 degrees this past week and it looks as if the forecast is good for the next week or so.
Bob is going with nephew Bob to the Barrett-Jackson Auction on Monday - most people (especially men) know about this Auction. Just hope they don't raise their arms and put in a bid! Cars are pretty expensive.
My sister Dorothy and son Bob are visiting until the 18th then we have a few days by ourselves and friends (neighbours from the farm) are arriving on the 23rd and staying until February 3rd.
We went to a Biker Bar on Sunday (Greasewood Flats) and the Pinacle Peak Steak House. Monday, we went to a quaint little place called Tortilla Flats and last night attended the Arizona Opry for dinner and a show. It was awesome!
Today is a day of rest and catch-up for Dorothy and me while the men are playing a beautiful gold course called Gold Canyon Golf Couse and playing Rattlesnake Mountain course. It is so picturesque......so beautiful. I'm sure they will be enjoying it.
Till we 'talk' again........................
We had a final walk-through at the new house this morning and everything looks good. It is pretty exciting for us and we hate to have to leave the end of the month.
The temperatures have been perfect for golfing - 65 to 70 degrees this past week and it looks as if the forecast is good for the next week or so.
Bob is going with nephew Bob to the Barrett-Jackson Auction on Monday - most people (especially men) know about this Auction. Just hope they don't raise their arms and put in a bid! Cars are pretty expensive.
My sister Dorothy and son Bob are visiting until the 18th then we have a few days by ourselves and friends (neighbours from the farm) are arriving on the 23rd and staying until February 3rd.
We went to a Biker Bar on Sunday (Greasewood Flats) and the Pinacle Peak Steak House. Monday, we went to a quaint little place called Tortilla Flats and last night attended the Arizona Opry for dinner and a show. It was awesome!
Today is a day of rest and catch-up for Dorothy and me while the men are playing a beautiful gold course called Gold Canyon Golf Couse and playing Rattlesnake Mountain course. It is so picturesque......so beautiful. I'm sure they will be enjoying it.
Till we 'talk' again........................
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)