Wrap it up!

Last morning pool time. Will certainly miss that. Spoze I could check out the Y schedule. Last chance for any quilt store shopping. Had 3 on the list today. Into Phx. Only made it to 2 of them. Found a little more Rte 66 fabric and some special pieces of batik for a special project. Made my way over to the second. So much fabric out these days. You really need a project in mind when going. Bought a new thimble and some fat quarters. Wasn't north enough in Scottsdale for late lunch at Brio. Was watching the clock and wanted to be back around 3. Stopped at the grocery store to pick up a sandwich and dog treats to keep the boy quiet for the long ride home. Had to take a nap, since Murph went out at 5:30 this morning and wouldn't let me sleep anymore. Will be nice to just open the door and let him go by himself again! Went to the pet area, chatted with some people. The Canadian neighbors were on their deck and introduced me to their daughter who arrived today. Invited us to join them for a beer with tomato juice. 1/2 small can of tomato juice to a beer. Wasn't too bad. Ok, time to start packing it up. Kept throwing out what I didn't need and found more debit slips I missed the other day. Oh, well. Catch those up when I get home. Had to finish the latest wallhanging. Time to do the dishes and take a shower and catch some shut-eye. Leaving for home in the morning.

Monday Monday

was good to me-except Murph going out at 5:30....guess he's starting his time change already. Pool time, clean up, some recycling. The dumpster is full already. people are packing up to leave. people are throwing out carpet and doing some upgrades, too. started a little clean up myself. pulled all the debit slips together again. Maybe I'll have to stay-not enuf money to get home! It is getting low, but a fresh supply gets deposited soon. had lunch here at the patio grill. egg salad sandwich was good. Back to trip tick travels for a route home. After Albekwerkie and Santa Fe, I'll head north to Colorado Springs and then head east. Just made a hotel reservation for the 1st night. Play it by ear. Turned in my request for next March. They get to the 1 month requests by November. Who wants to come visit? Headed over to Sandy & Gene's. (Sandy was married to my cousin who died very young). Steve & Leslie had come from Vegas for a long weekend (another cousin). I need a new family tree to keep them all straight. Met Debbie's daughter Megan who lives with them. Also met their daughter Heidi and her family. Paul came over after work. He definately is a Kragness! Built like his Colfax cousins. We had a good time laughing and telling stories. Sandy was so excited to find the apron I had made her in high school! I didn't remember that at all. Blue/white gingham, pocket, some pleats across the front and topstitched all around with one of those new decorative stitiches on the Singer 402. She said I was so proud when I gave it to her. I said I must have liked you best! (Maybe I made one for the other cousins' wives, too, but don't remember). She said she'd have it starched and pressed next year. Didn't leave there until 10:30. Not quite done stitching the binding yet on my project.

anyone for toast? I hate this toaster oven-I put it in and start blogging...got the windows open. I followed directions and didn't open the door. Now I have a little extra clean up to take care of.

Sunday Sewing

I'd better finish this putzy project! Took Murphy out twice this morning. It's Sunday, no water play, just let me sleep in or go back to sleep. My eyes are itchy and groggy. All he really needed was food and water. Went to the local Village Inn for the waffle combo. Not many young people working there...the hostess was really old (I have to be careful now) and the waitress was bent over to one side and had one of those back braces on! Muriel=on the ticket it said Queen Bee. Privacy, you know. Then why was she wearing a nametag? Sunday paper. Interesting article about a mother/son. He converted to Mormon and the parents were not allowed in for the marriage ceremony here in Mesa. She did not want to wait outside since that felt like loosing. At the last minute, she did go wait outside to see his face when they came out and she was glad to be there for that. She's a wedding consultant, so sees weddings all the time and the look on newlywed faces. Ok, let's get this project done. Had to re-cut a couple applique pieces that turned out backwards. I've now learned (again) to check the fusible to see which side of the paper releases easier for fusing to the wrong side of the fabric. Ok, set all the pieces together then fuse. Stitch 1/8" from the raw edges and then stitch 1/8" around the completed flowers. Had the binding sewed on before I made supper. Phone call with Ann. Pet area. Chatted with Vi on the corner. She loves Murphy. She worked for 31 years for the city of Winnipeg. Hand sewing the binding. Not quite finished when I called it a night. Check back-I just might post the pic here later today, or you'll have to wait until tomorrow! (you still out there?)

Last Saturday ;-(

Oh, no, time is running out here. Water play; cleaned up; took Murphy to the big dog park. Some people were just letting their dogs run back and forth along the fence of the smaller area for "timid" dogs. Nothing timid about them. run, bark, growl, etc. etc. All that barking was unnecessary. Had to keep Murph from joining in each time we went around. Back home again. Missed connecting with my grad school friend. My phone died overnight and I didn't notice. She had left a message Friday night for Sat. activities. I tried calling her at 9 after the pool, but just got voice mail. We connected about 2:30 so just chatted on the phone. Been windy the past few days. Who knows what's floating around in the air, but my eyes are really itchy. took some zrytec, so hopefully that will help. A little sun time, Murphy to the pet area, changed clothes and went out for din din. Went to SanTan Village. Outdoor mall with lots of nice eating places. Got to eat at Brio again. I really like their pasta dishes, but went with the halibut/garlic mashed potatoes. It was good, but not like their pasta. Had a little dessert, too. They come in expresso cups, so it's just the right size! No guilt!

Fab Friday

What a glorious day. Sunshine, 75-79 degrees and the wind was blowing. Perfect timimg. Met up with Kari in the parking lot at the Botanical Gardens. We took the 11:00 tour with a docent who talked about desert plants and how they survive with or without water. The ocotillo really isn't a cactus. If it has enough water, it leaves out. If it gets too dry, it looses its leaves and can do this multiple times over the year. Had lunch and prickly pear cactus tea at the patio cafe. Made our way back to the center and headed through the wildlife plant areas. Checked out the plant sale. No purchases from either of us. I had to buy a few trinkets there. Stopped at Zoe's Trunk

quilting store on my way back home. Nice store, too. Made a stop at the post office (to pick up something with postage due-media doesn't get forwarded free-and back home. To the pet area where Murphy was fetching tennis balls! Honestly, this is the first time he's ever done that. Guess he liked chasing Gracie (german shepard who stands in the radio flyer so she's not "walked" to the area) that he decided he should do it too. Quiet night on the home front.

57 year old woman cutting paper dolls in public

As seen in the headlines, today. Kept me busy. That was the fastest oil change/rotation at a dealership in history! I got the 16 dolls cut out, though. Thought The Maid was sitting behind me. Rattling around in a bag of more bags. I was just chuckling inside. Couldn't turn around and directly look to see what she was doing. The rustling went on for what seemed like an hour (oh, yeah, I wasn't waiting an hour). Another guy was snoring. Such interesting people to meet. The 3 Dudes quilting was just on the otherside of I-10 from the garage. So, I had to use my 20% coupon. Picked up the list/google maps of the other shops in the area. Got to 3 of the 4 in that same part of town. One of them had a really really large supply of batiks. Cut out some paper doll clothes while watching Days. Then it was time for some more late afternoon sun. Talked with Kari - she just wanted to make sure she put the right address in her gps for dummies so she can make it to the botanical garden today. We plan to take the 11:00 docent tour.

Just never know what you'll see going down the road. Good thing I still had the camera with me. Been seeing quite a few T-birds down here. yellow, blue, black, red. One of the women who works at the resort has a red one. 2004 and her husband worked for Ford. No premium fee for her. I told her I was lonesome for mine, and could I take hers for a drive?She just smiled at me. (Hudson)

Gorgeous Wed

Time is running out. What to do when? Have some quilt shops to visit yet. Planned out a route for Saturday. Need to get the truck serviced before the trip home-Thurs. appt. for that. Back to the sewing project. Finished the background. Cut out all the applique pieces. Decided I needed something to do while waiting for the truck. Did more fusing of some "paper dolls" fabric I found. Early evening trip to the big dog park. Big puddles there, too. Murph was just running thru them for a long time. Then, yep, sat down. Have a towel in the truck to dry him off-I've learned over time. Just a sandwich supper and more fusing. I'll keep plenty busy at the local Pontiac dealer. Time to get ready for the pool!

Soggy and Overcast

It was raining pretty hard again this morning. I didn't want to go outside. Mom waited until it was just sprinkling, then she took me out. Mom checked the weather toward Tucson and it was spozed to clear up, so she packed me in the truck and we headed out of town. She took some state hiways to get there. I saw some steers and barked at them. There were lots of wildflowers along the side of the road. Mom stopped to get a sandwich and shared some with me. I liked that! We drove thru Catalina, Oracle and then into Tucson from the north. I think we had limited time or something, because we didn't really look around the town much. Mom headed right for the Saguaro National Park. Wow, it's really pretty here. Cacti all over the place! and the hillsides are so green from all the rain they had this winter. We stopped at this overlook area. There was a family originally from WI there. Good looking son (too young-but you never know). Mom and I moved over to read some signs and there were 4 more guys visiting the area. I'm such a guy magnet-they all want to pet me. 1 of the guys lives in Tucson and has a landscape business. He was explaining things to his friends, so we stayed close so mom could hear. We just might have to stay longer-the cactus won't be blooming until in April. Darn. One of the guys was hitting on mom. He gave her a card with his name and number on the back. "This is for you" he said. He was good looking. I really think they were looking for people to be born again. We then kept going down the road. We didn't stop in Old Tucson where they used to make movies. Mom really wanted to see more saguaros. She stopped at the park office to pay the fees and get me some more water. Then a rough 6 mile dirt road trail through guess what? More saguaros. Some of the ocotillo cactuses had orange plumes at the tops. Then we headed out of the park thru some residential areas, back thru part of the park and out again. Mom decided to take I-10 back toward Phoenix. She was a little nervous. She's heard some stories of some awful wrecks. But, with the rain as we left, there shouldn't be any dust storms today. Another pretty drive home. We got back about 5. I got to go in the fenced area and play with a boxer who liked to run more than me. There was a nice puddle to lay down in, too. Mom changed clothes and stopped at Walgreens for another inhaler and went to dinner at a mexican restaurant. She had a margarita and a chicken chimichanga. Then she came home to watch Biggest Loser! Hellllooooo-What was that about?

Taste of WI

Left Murph in the truck this am while I went to the pool. Cleaned up over there, since I was attending the Sewing Club meeting today. My Alberta neighbors were sitting near the pool having coffee. Sat down a while and chatted with them. 3 Dudes Quilting were the guest speakers today. 2 dudes went to a quilting class at another shop and decided they needed to open a quilt shop. 3 years later they were in business and have been open a year now. all 3 dudes quilt. 2 stay at the store; the 3rd dude stays home to make fresh cookies for the store every day (about 4-5 kinds!), takes care of their poodle business and has dinner on the table when the others come home at night. He was promoting 1 block quilts and how different they look with different fabrics and how they're set together. Every 2 mo. they have a challenge block. you pay $2 for 2 pieces of fabric. Use your stash and creativity to make a 12 1/2 " block. Customers pick their favorite. That person gets to choose the charity that the quilt goes to when completed. He also talked about the importance of having quilts appraised.
Bit more sewing on my project. Off to the doggie park-just let him run and chase birds. Found a different place to get my fingers done again. Was thinking a burger sounded good for supper. Looked up Culvers in the phone book and took a trip over there. There's now 2 open in AZ and 2 more in planning. Told the gal I was from WI, where Culvers is from. She agreed, that she knew that. There are so many people from WI who come in here, she said.

Sewing Sunday

Finished cutting all my trapezoids. 16 different colors. Put some chicken in the oven. Had to unsew my first few sections. Then I caught onto the directions. add 1 trapezoid; press open; add another; press open, etc. Took a break after the 1st section completed. Enjoyed some late afternoon sun along with the ipod. Too much time with the tv on. Just needed some music. Then it finally dawned on me-internet radio.....duh.....The 2nd section was made in reverse. unsewed the first seams again, and then it went good. Then sew those 2 sections together. Looks like a braid so far. then it gets 2 more borders that are also pieced. 11 1/2 X 42 when completed. Talked with Tootie to see what's happening there. Usual Sunday nite TV. 2 trips out with the Murph. He had a scent about him....you know.....

I'ma bad boy....

When mom came home from the pool this morning, she happened to look in the front window and could see blinds laying over the top of the couch. She came in and said I was a bad boy, bad boy. She could tell from the looks of things, I got my feet tangled in the cord or chain to watch her go down the street. then I get really nervous and jump around. I pulled down one section of vertical blinds from the front window. The one side closest to me just popped from the support. The other side didn't cooperate, so I ended up pulling the bracket out of the wood. (I don't chew blinds, tho, like Harley did). Mom kept calling me a bad boy. She just left it there, wondering how to fix it. She cleaned up and did the dishes. Then she started taking the blinds off the track so it would be easier to hang it up again. She stopped at Home Depot today while we were out to get some gorilla glue and some anchors-2 different kinds/sizes to see what would fit the best. She borrowed a screwdriver from a neighbor with a motor home. He was sure to have some tools with him. She fixed it and no one (here) will know the difference.

Mom took me to the big dog park today. There was a softball game going on in our park, so we didn't want to get caught "walking" to the pet area. I thought there would be more dogs at the park than there were. I had fun, anyway. Then we went on a trip to Queen Creek to visit an olive mill. I got the stay in the car. Mom put in her lunch order and shopped around the store and then went outside to taste some wine that was for sale. She really liked the first one. After she ate her sandwich, she did some shopping for olive oil, dipping oil and some spread stuff for bread-and a bottle of that wine she liked. then she took some pictures of some model T fords that had stopped there too.

T-shirts for sale: Olive You; Extra Virgin

Orange Blossom Special

the orange trees are in bloom. What a great smell as you walk by them. Murphy has figured out now he can run inside the fence. he chases the little ones around. Cleaned up after water play. Got the ironing board out again and started cutting out another project. Have to make some trapezoid cuts. I'm hoping I'm doing it right. Lots of small pieces (colorful, of course) make the background, then some flowers are appliqued (fused) down. Met up with Christy and Glee for lunch at Paradise Bakery (only my 2nd trip there, tho). Gorgeous day-mid 70's. was cloudy and a few rain drops while in the pool. Kept cutting fabric. took a rest to watch NCIS. Just a quiet day at home.

Thought you'd enjoy the back door security system.

Hot Hot Hot

The temp is fine, but the sun will scorch you in no time! No time for water play this morning. Going to visit at another resort. Christy invited me over to hear a speaker on underground railroad quilts. Very interesting woman. She has done a lot of research on them. She has also made a number of quilts using the various signs. Very nice colors, too. What an ambitious sewing/quilting group at that park! They were having a raffle of "crayon" quilts. They picked a color and then created a 12" block. There were about 35 of them. Also lots of guests attending yesterday. Got to chat with Glee for a bit, too. Also Market Day-vendors come in and set up to sell their wares. This resort is 1 of about 8 owned by the same company in the area. I happened to see their concert series for next year-The Three Tenors will be there in 2011. I'd better check the dates so I can see them. They were on tv last summer on America's Got Talent. 3 Very Good looking guys! Went grocery shopping again. Safeway this time. I'm just shopping around. Lunch, Days, 40 min. of sun time. 5:45 steak fry tonight. salad, baked potato, roll, steak, raspberry sherbert. Bring your own dishes to this one. Had a nice visit with 3 ladies. 2 live here year round; other is from OK. Then 3 of the steak fry workers joined us at the table. Nice visit. No mail today. Wow, I never realized how much (little) "mail" I get. Having mail forwarded, so I'm not getting any junk mail!

Murphy in Queen Creek after our hike.

Trip is 1/2 over!

Just like a gas tank, the second half always goes quicker. Why is that? Really enjoying my time away. It's nice to know people in the area, too. Water exercises felt good this morning after the Ridge Trail from the day before. I've not been on any stairs for a couple weeks. Today was another catch up day. Dishes, washed the bedding and towels, cleaned up the table. I managed to trash the place in no time. The fenced doggie area was done by noon. Murphy was one of the first to use it. Enjoyed corned beef, cabbage, red potatoes, carrots and lime sherbert at the resort St Patty's party. Irish music in the background. It was 84 today and the sun just sort of burns through you. After dinner, took Murphy to the fenced area. A number of people were in there with their dogs. As folks left, there was a couple just sitting there yet. Started chatting and found out they're my new neighbors. They don't have a dog, but were missing their granddogs, so came to get some pets in. Murphy abliged them. Was just nice being outside tonite.

Sunrise over Superstition Mtn.

Hiking Day!

the view looking down and what it really was like

most of the trail looked like this, tho

Hiking Day!

Every trip seems to include some hiking. Headed east on Hwy 60 toward Superior & Globe. What a beautiful ride. When the girls were here 5-6 years ago, I think I napped on our way back around Superstition Mtn. Last Nov. it was dark when Marla and I made our way around that way. Boyce Thompson Arboretum was the destination. Pets are welcome on the trail. The main trail is 1.5 miles but up to 5 mi. if you take all the other trails off the main trail. Saw quite a few wildflowers on the drive and now able to see some upclose. You can see quite a few photos on my facebook page. Got our exercise today. Of course, had to take the Ridge Trail -could't stay on the main trail. Really was a pretty nice trail until one point where I wondered how the heck I was going to get down without another broken wrist! Just took my time. Made it! The Ridge Trail follows along Queen Creek. At the end of the trail, there are stepping stones (long reach for short legs) to cross the creek. Murphy finally got his secret wish to lay down in the water. I just let him enjoy it. We spent a couple hours there. Went down the road a few more miles to Superior for a very late lunch. Family restaurant: Los Hermanos. Had the gordita enchillada special. Was good!
Back at home-the neighbors carport was fixed. Wonder what that cost them? Work is progressing on the fence in the pet area. It should be ready for use by tomorrow. Looks like the Janesville neighbors left before dawn. Now a car from Alberta in the driveway. Called Sandy (Kragness/Schmidt) . Will connect with her next week. Guess what...there's not much sewing taking place now. Oh well.

Monday Monday

...so good to me. Water exercises, quick bowl of cereal. Clean up. Take Murphy out before I leave to meet Kari and Stephanie for lunch at Tempe Marketplace. Another of many outdoor malls. California Pizza Kitchen was the destination. Such a variety of pizza's. We ordered 3 and a side salad that we shared. Good to see them both again and spend some time together. Stephanie and her friend had to return to work ;-(. Kari and I wondered the mall and sat in the sun near the water feature. Fun to watch the little ones running through the water. One little cutie pie had a black and white suit with yellow trim and a matching hat. so adorable. We plan to get together once more before I leave. Talked with Lois on her way home. Back home again. Traffic wasn't too bad-6 lanes of it. My contacts get so dried out from the wind and sun on this trip. Never noticed it so much before. Took a quick nap. Was thinking of the bowling team tonight. Checked my phone, and there were pics from the bowling alley! Had to call and chat with the team. Christy called to remind me of the program on undergroud quilts at her resort on Thursday morning. I'll be there. Then we'll arrange a lunch date with Glee before she leaves.
Sign at one of the booths at the AZ Quilt Show:
Fabricologist's Resource Room (now doesn't that sound better than a room (semi) for your stash?) Guess I'll need to make one of these-I know a few friends who could use one, too!

Another Sunday Morning....

drinking coffee and reading the sunday paper in the sun. Even when the temp is lower, the sun is still hot. I'll be wearing spf 30 when I'm out & about. Kinda antsy today-need to get out and explore. Saw an ad for Macaroni Grill in the paper. The one in Madison has already changed to something else. Went to Gilbert for lunch. Saw Trader Joe's on the way there. MMMM good lunch. Even spilled some on my shirt to prove it. Gilbert is a nice little town. Lots of shopping areas and still has an old-time downtown area. Found a great shopping mall-outdoor courts kind of like Bayshore. I was looking for the Fresh Produce (clothing) store. Great supply of 'extra' fresh items to choose from. Some even on sale. Also lots of nice eating places at this location. Found a USBank machine for more cash. Talked with Stephanie and Kari to firm up lunch plans for Monday at 11. There's a unit across the street that has a golf cart. It has this high pitched squeal when in reverse. It was really annoying. Then I heard this awful sound like a crash. Looked out and didn't see anything-go cart still in reverse and still squealing. Then it backed up and hit the support for the carport. More crunch. Hit it again. Someone finally drove it forward and parked it. The wrecked 2 of the supports for the carport. It's still standing. I'm sure there's some damage above. That was today's excitement!

Weekend...it's not much different than weekday

Off to the pool again this morning. Patio sale this morning aka garage/rummage sale. Folks set out their wares they're trying to dump. One man's junk.....Went down the road a piece to Apache Junction to visit with Marie and Fred. She's Deb's (OK) mom, who lives in Janesville. I traveled 2K miles to see her vs. a little over an hour. She gave me a tour of their park and facilities. Little craft fair going on there. The sewing room here is larger. The tennis group was having a burger sale for lunch. burger, potato salad, ice cream bar for $4. Marie had an article from the paper announcing a quilt show at another park. Off we went. Nice park, too. Might have to check that one out. Nice amount of quilts from the park sewers. Didn't get a call that either of us won the "opportunity" quilt. They can't call them raffle quilts here. Visited a while longer and headed home (15 min) to take out the Murph. We went to the dog park again. Such a nice facility and some people can't pick up after their dogs. Unbelievable.
Quiet night at home. Finished 1 slipper size 13. There's no daylight savings time here. There's 2 hours difference between us now.

I can sing in the sunshine....(not very well)

Walk Murphy in the pet area

Go to water aerobics

Talk with Kari-will meet her and Stephanie on Monday for lunch

Clean up

Walk Murphy

Go to AZ Quilt Show at the Mesa Convention Center-very nice quilts on display. I thought there would be more vendors-about 30 of them. MN Quilt show is MUCH bigger.

Talk with Ann

Talk with Stephanie

Download quilt pics-this cheapy camera I bought at the last minute takes some darn nice pics

Walk Murphy; chat with the Janesville neighbors

Upload quilt pics to Walgreens so others can view them

Attend/eat Bea's Friday Fish Fry. Was pretty good. Met some more folks from MN.

Still uploading quilt pics to Walgreens

Still uploading quilt pics to Walgreens

Still uploading quilt pics to Walgreens (inet connection slow)

I think the upload is done!

Walk Murphy on last time for the night

night night-lights out

(one of my favorites from the quilt show. click to enlarge to see all the details. this personwent broke buying beads/buttons, etc to add to it!)

Busy Busy

Early morning walk in the pet area. Chatting with another doggie owner from Iowa. She's only here for 2 weeks, while her retired hubby is here for the month. She said she was going to aquasize at 8. I thought it'd be too cool with your body in and out of water. OK, decided to join her and about 8 other ladies in the pool. The heater had been out for 2 weeks, so it's now fixed and they're back in the water. The 8:00 class uses a taped program. The ladies are good about helping you along. After an hour in the pool, time to head home for a shower. Later a guy was at the door asking if I'd like a couch for the front room. Said I didn't own the unit so couldn't answer. Well, he did know the owner and she was happy to get a couch. Someone was getting all new furniture....it takes up the whole front of the unit! We moved some other pieces to make room for it. Finished sewing the borders on my sewing project. Kokopelli is known as a fertility god, prankster and flute player.

Talked with Marie from Janesville. Will be visiting her park on Saturday. Checked out some projects I brought along to decide what I'll work on next. Looked up some yardages so I can make my Rte 66 quilt and buy more fabric at the AZ Quilt Show on Friday.

Sunshine again!

Murphy here. Yeah, sunshine! Got to visit with Tia again this morning. Her dad is married...so, there is someone who rides shotgun in that mercedes. Mom left me this morning. She went to the sewing room to work on charity quilts. She just let the lady tell her what to do. She had to baste some batting together to fit the quilt tops. She pinned them together so other ladies could sew them. Another table of ladies tied them. the group started working in November. The goal was to make 100 quilts. today, they went over that amount. Next week will be the last work day and the final tally. Mom said she met some people that were new to the park, too. When she came home, we went to the dog park again. It's really only 10 min. from here. Of course, I had to sit in the only mud puddle again. I don't like being hot. Mom walked again while I played with a couple huskies and german shepards. I tired to be the boss again. When we got back home, mom tied me up outside so I could dry off. She pulled out the lounge chair and sat in the sun for a while. her face caught a little sun, too.

Ahhh, man....

miss a day and you catch hell for it! guess people really are reading this and keeping up with our adventures! Tuesday was another cool and cloudy day. Big down pour again around noon. Retention pond was doing it's thing. Quilted on the wallhanging. soon ready for a picture of it. Just have to sew down the binding. More of a napping day. Made a trip to Joann's for more thread and stopped for a few more groceries. made a big taco salad for supper. Pretty quiet day, otherwise.

Cool & Cloudy

Yeah, just have a laugh on me! It's so funny to see people coming to the pet area with their golf carts with fully enclosed canvas-like you'd wrap around your snowblowers! Then they come out with hats and gloves. It's really not that cold here. Murphy has a friend he meets most mornings. A chocolate lab-yeah, someone his size to play with. Tia's dad drives a 2 seater older model Mercedes convertible. They're from Canada.
Just a quiet day of catching up on all my debit slips from the trip out. Sent some cards, signed up for the Friday Fish Fry and a steak fry next week. Called Christy from Sew n Save. Her park isn't far from me at all. Glee (used to teach for me) is just down the street from her. We'll set up a lunch date for next week. Added borders to the wallhanging I'm working on. Ready for quilting.

Rainy Days & Sundays...

Sounds like a good day for sewing! Working on some applique. Haven't done that in quite some time. Forget how putsy it is tracing, cutting, cutting-and finally pressing and machine applique. Ready to move on to the next step-borders and some quilting. Had lunch out today at a new favorite place. Marla and I enjoyed it while we were here in November. Paradise Bakery & Cafe. It's a chain similar-but better than Panera-if that's possible. You get a cookie with sandwiches. I had 1/2 sandwich of walnut chicken salad on rye and roasted tomato soup. ooooohhhhh, so good.

Rained heavy in late morning. Poured profusely a couple times in the evening. 10:00 news said Mesa had 1.3" Flagstaff got 7" snow and probably another 4 overnite. Got the truck rinsed off in the rain. A good underbody flush, too, since there aren't many street drains. The street out front of the resort had about 4-6" water sitting in the street.

Here's the pet area/retention pond. Have to take the high trail now for a few days!

Dog Days

Yeah! Mom finally took me to the local dog park. Well, it's really about 20 min. away via the freeway. Oh, goody, lots of dogs to play with and chase. Bark, Bark, Bark, yeah, I love it. They even have a drinking fountain for us! Mom walked around the park for 30 min. while I just sniffed and peed, sniffed and peed. It was sunny and about 70. Lots of dogs of all sizes. I played chase with a couple of them. I even found a couple of birds to chase. I can be off leash here-not like at our new home. But, mom did hear from another dog owner that they'll be fencing in a portion this next week. It won't be a very big area. I hope mom keeps bringing me to this one. I just get so excited when I'm in the car. I like to bark and let everyone know I own the car, the road and everything around me. Mom keeps pulling my leash close to her so I'll settle-just a bit.
Mom checked her map and we were off to find A Quilters Oasis. She didn't buy much there. The bag was pretty small. Then we stopped at Fry's grocery store. It was a big store, but she didn't think it was as nice as the one in Scottsdale that she's been to before.
We both just rested after our day in the sun. I took a nap and I think mom did, too. I really don't like it when mom leaves me here alone. She went to the mailbox later this afternoon and finally came back with some. I was still barking when she came back. When I saw her, I stopped. She was talking to some guy outside our house. He was raised in the Eau Claire area but moved to Washington state 30 years ago. She met our neighbors next door,too. They're from Janesville.

Home away from Home

Here's a pic of our new home. Just the right size. It's a park model with an extra room and also has a laundry area/workroom. Murphy is settling in and being himself again. Also have the sewing sweatshop set up. Was a frustrating day. The internet service was slower than dial up! Spent a lot of time online and the phone book to find out info on the fenced in dog park not too far from here. Guess we'll just have to go there to find out! I was too late to attend the Mexican Buffet on Thursday night. Stopped in activity office to buy dinner/dance ticket for their Mardi Gras celebration. I was told to buy my ticket at the door. (the promo materials said to buy them in the office). Went earlier for the dinner dance. "No, we have no tickets for sale here. You were to buy them in the activity office". GRRRRRRRR, I was looking forward to a nice LA. dinner. Didn't happen! A lot of events are covered by volunteeers, but they don't all know what's going on!
So, I'm now just going to do my own thing and not worry about taking part in resort activities. I did stop by the sewing room, so will go on Wed. to "volunteer" my time to work on comfort quilts. Maybe I can meet some people there. I did find a nail salon close by. He asked where I was from. He opened the nail salon in OC where I go! Small world...

Thursday, Mar. 4

Adding the date each day is good for me! Not that it really matters...Pet walk; coffee; coffee; coffee. Just coming down from the drive. Just checking out the brochures. Looked at a new kit I bought. Finally unpacked and got organized. Took a walk over to the main buildings to check out all the different areas, activities, etc. The resort is celebrating 25 years and Mardi Gras this week. Sounds like a good dinner for Friday night. There's a cafe that is open for breakfast and lunch. Also have a steak fry monthly, fish fries twice a month and som e other planned evening meals. No mail forwarded yet-just the local junk mail in the mailbox. Chatted with a few friends who were checking up on us.

Here's the link for the resort:

http://www.carriagemanorrv.com/

Wed. March 3

Coffee and converstion this morning. A quick side trip to Williams, AZ, 20-25 mi. west on I-40. Had to visit the local Quilt Mercantile. I had to buy Rte 66 fabric on Rte 66! Very cute. Left Flag about noon for the last leg of the trip. This part is now familiar, since I've been on this route before.

Coming down the mountains was gorgeous, as they're starting to green up. More green the lower the elevation. Checked into our new home away from home at 3 pm. 74 degrees. OK, now we can relax-we did it! Unloaded the truck-just dropped it all in the living room area. Now to verify the pet procedure. There is a narrow fenced area right out the back door for emergencies. I can also walk him 3 units down the street to a narrow entrance to the pet area. We just rested for a while. Later went out to find a quick grocery store. Murphy can settle in now. He's been a real trooper with all the traveling and spending each night at a different place. He started eating again today. I wasn't too worried-he'd been getting lots of treats in the meantime.

Tuesday, March 2

Mr Penske driver was gone when Murph went out for his walk. Only met a few more NASCAR semis today. On toward Albekwerkie. GREAT views on the way. Will stop back here on my way home. Treats for good behavior is working well. Murph found some room in the back to lay down-guess he was tired of the front seat! Also need to stop back in Winslow AZ. We can get our picture taken on the corner with the flat bed Ford (Take it Easy-Eagles). Got to Mary & Doug's in Flagstaff about 4 p.m. We took Murphy for a walk. We started up hill first (7000+ft). Good thing I've been back at rehab-certainly got the heart rate up! Settled in, enjoyed some wine, enjoyed some wine, enjoyed some wine, very nice dinner and converstion followed with chocolate cake & ice cream.

Monday, Mar 1

Steve went off to swim; Deb to run. I took a shower! Coffee and conversation with Deb. I left between 8:15-8:30 a.m. A stop for gas, and we're on our way again. Threat of showers in the forecast, but didn't find any! Lots of state troopers west of OK City. No, I kept at speed limits...Seemed like forever across OK. Made a pit stop for Murphy and me. WOW, was it cold! 37 degrees but the wind was something else! I should've put my winter coat back on. Crossed into Texas about 1:15. Took Hysterical Rte 66 through Amarillo. It wasn't on the AAA approved sidetrips. Very colorful area. Was glad to make it back to the freeway. Had a late lunch there. Been meeting a lot of NASCAR semis moving east on I-40. They were in Vegas and now heading for Atlanta. Actually, there's a Penske semi in the hotel parking lot tonight.

Crossed into New Mexico at 4:09 p.m. Checked into hotel in Santa Rosa about 5:30.

Murphy likes the accommodations again! Had green chile stew tonight. Another 497 miles; 1357 towards the 1944 per AAA Trip Tick Travels. Making progress!

Sunday, Feb. 28

Put on 449 miles on Saturday. Murphy enjoyed his first evening at a hotel. He sprawled out on the bed next to me for a while. "Yes, ma'am". I didn't think MO was the south-but I guess it is! Left today just before 8. Made my way across MO. Fun hills and curves to drive vs. flatland IL. Had to use my "hands free calling" that came with the car. Not to mention the minutes run out on 4/13, so made a call to Marilyn to check in with her. Dog training came back to mind as I rewarded Murphy with bits of treats for staying quiet. It's working!
Made my way through Tulsa, OK with some major construction areas. Found my way to Stillwater, OK to check in at the Miller B & B at 3:30. Murphy needed a walk, so we checked out the neighborhood in 54 degree weather-overcast. Deb & Steve had been to an Eagle Scout presentation. Was nice to spend the evening with them. Another 411 miles today.

Along the Way

Packed up on Friday. Hit the trail on Saturday 2/27 about 8:30 a.m. The two most important items are Murphy and my sewing machine. I have way more projects along than I'll ever get to-but then I have choices! Not to mention there are lots of quilt stores in the PHX area.

Made my way around Chicago and on to St Louis. Was good to see the arch again. Toured that area years ago while I attended my first ACTE conference. The first night was spent in Sullivan, MO. Arrived about 6 p.m.