Socks Approved

Mom was feeling better on Monday. She picked up around the house-company is coming this afternoon. I hear Sherron is a cat person. Someone new to check out, rub up against and get some pets from. I've been testing the quilt mom has been working on. Monday she finally put the binding on, but doesn't have it all sewn down yet. I can't understand why she can't get this project finished! Lois put together a batik coffee print table runner together today. Mary & Sherron came to visit. Show and tell and a bottle of wine-fruit of the vine. Went to Organ Stop Pizza after 7. Still a crowd, but there was seating. Mom said it was a different organist than she heard last year. The requests make up the play list, so she heard many new songs from last year's visit. We closed the place at 9!

Tuesday, Mom & Lois picked up Mary & Sherron and they went to the Musical Instrument Museum on the north side of town. They were overwhelmed! So many countries, so many instruments, samples of the regional music. http://www.theMIM.org is the website. You get a headset with admission. As you visit each exhibit, it magically plays music samples.

They were tired and didn't even see/do it all. It does deserve a second visit to take it all in.

Late lunch/early dinner at The Elephant Bar. Rush hour traffic was avoided by heading east toward Fountain City and then back down into town. Mom & Lois finally got home about 6:30. We needed some pets again!

Botanical Jazz

This scrapbooking design created with Smilebox

Botanical Jazz

Saturday I felt somewhat human/humane again. yeah for drugs! Time to get out of the house today. Went out on a quilt shop hop on this side of town. Started with the Three Dudes. They've been open 3 years and have already expanded. A few pieces and a bali pop and a free pattern were placed into a purple shopping bag-my kind of store. Free water, iced tea and fresh cookies to share, too. Off to Zoe's Trunk, 35th Ave Sew & Vac and Quilter's Ranch finished the tour. A few more pieces of fabric and patterns were added to the purple bag. Lunch at Aloha Kitchen. Home for a nebulizer treatment and off to get new fingernails. I treated Lois to a manicure complete with the new "gelish" polish. It's spozed to last for 3-4 weeks as opposed to a regular manicure that starts coming off in days. So far, so goood! Mary (Flagstaff friend) connected with us. She's bringing along her friend, Sherron (Prescott) are coming down on Monday and will meet up with us Monday afternoon at our park. Sounds like we'll be going to the Organ Pizza place on Monday night. Also planning to head to the Olive Mill one day and the Musical Insturment Museum. Last weekend, Pat & Nancy recommended going there. They went 2 days!
Went to the Desert Botanical Garden today for a jazz concert. The Bad Cactus Brass Band-I call it the Bad Ass Cactus Band! Very enjoyable afternoon! Plan to enjoy the red carpet and the Oscars the rest of the night.

Drug Testing Required?

If I test positive for steroids, do I need to leave a retirement park? What I thought was a cold, turns out to be my usual allergy/asthma crud. Coughed all day yesterday and while out and about, my old inhaler in my pruss didn't do much. Called this morning for prednisone and another one to add to the nebulizer. Can tell its working already.
Yesterday we did our pool thing and consulted the maps once again and headed off to the NW side of Phoenix. Lois was the pilot to meet up with their friends, Jerry & Judy. They were late, so Lois called-they'd forgot but would be there within the hour. Worked for us. Sat in the sun to warm up the sinuses while waiting. Nice lunch at a Mexican restaurant they like. Sent our leftovers home with them. Headed off to Quiltz, Patrick Lose's workshop, Quilting Bee and 35 th St Sew & Vac. Luckily for us they had only moved around the corner into a much roomier location. Lois found a couple pieces of Batik there and I found a panel print I was looking for, but didn't have the amounts of the other coordinates along with me. I had found a place online earlier this year for the coordinates. Guess I can order them now.
No pool time this morning. Just been lazy around the unit today. Laundry day. Lois is working on a letter and resume for a part time job for an organization that she could do from home. Has the draft together and letting it perkolate before she sends it off next week. I picked up Cars 2 from the Redbox while at Walgreens this noon. That's our entertainment for today. Was 77-80 the last 2 days! Felt good on my walk to the mailbox this afternoon.

Happy Campers

Jeffrey came Wednesday afternoon and got us tuned into the internet with no problem! I think he signed in and made some adjustments to the radio booster-which the guy on Friday night didn't do. Nothing wrong with my ethernet connection, either. Go figure! Next year when I sign up, I'm asking directly for Jeffrey. I was kind and sent an email reply how happy I was with Jeffrey's service.
Pool time yesterday. Lois went out on a mission for water, bread, thread and whatever else she wanted. Sent her out with the map and some addresses to find her way around. I did some paperwork, made the binding for the baby quilt and ripped out a little border quilting. After Lois' return, I finished quilting the borders. Then it was time for Days. Who knew that exercising in the pool and eating fresh oranges everyday would give you a good old fashioned head cold! Lois was sharing her drugs with me. Think I feel better today.
We went to a $2 movie house for a late afternoon viewing of Tower Heist. Pretty good. Close by, too. Ruby Tuesday for dinner. Filled up the gas tank so we're ready for our adventure today. Heading to NE Phoenix area to meet up with Jerry & Judy for lunch. Have the quilt stores in the that part of town mapped out, too. They're still in the Garmin from last year.

Settling In

While in the computer lab yesterday, I ordered some new tennis shoes online from New Balance. Had gone to a NB store on Sunday and he said he couldn't get any until 4/20! Guess what, my new ones will be here in 2-7 business days. Not sure where that store gets their shoes. Met up with Karen for the afternoon. Got the tour of their new house. Nice job! Very nice and she's embracing the AZ lifestyle in her decorating-Even Palmer is getting into the act. Had lunch out and then headed back home. Lois did some quilting on a baby quilt for a friend's daughter. I added the borders onto my baby quilt and pieced the back. Her leftover batting is too short. Bought some today and stoppped by the sewing room to lay it out. We were treated a bid rudely there since we aren't sewing club members. Not sure I would ever want to join if that's how they treat their members, too! Well, we found an empty room that had card tables, so we set them up, did our thing, put them back. No one will ever know!

Quilted the main parts of my quilt this afternoon. Ran out of thread while working on the border. Another trip tomorrow! We made a great supper tonight. Steak and fresh asparagus from the market here at the resort today. Not sure what's on tap for tomorrow. Hopefully the Internet guys come again-I got a phone call from them after I'd sent them an email yesterday telling them how unhappy I was with their service. Hopefully, it gets figured out tomorrow!

Thursday we're meeting up with Jim & Lois' friends, Jerry & Judy on the west side of Phoenix.

Good night, all!

Back at the Computer Lab!

By now, you've probably guessed, I'm having internet/ethernet connection problems again. The customer service-or lack there of is incredible with Jabba Communications. Enough of that.

Friday we set up the sewing workshop at the kitchen table. Lois squared up her two quilts that we picked up from the quilty ladies last Friday night before we left. By now, she has put the binding on both of them and ready to pack them up to ship them home. In the meantime, I've cut and pieced a baby quilt for Jon & Karen who are due in June. Maybe get the borders on later today.

Saturday we spent the afternoon with Pat Holt and Nancy Domoracki, former Gateway employees. They're staying at a time share resort just north of us. Gave them a tour around the resort here. Then headed out the Apache Trail. Had a quick bite to eat and then took the Dolly Steamboat tour on Canyon Lake. A good time was had by all. Then up the road a piece to Tortilla Flats. The band was playing their last tune of the day. Had some more grub and then Pat bellied up to the bar on the saddle. Was a pleasant day.

The temp has been on the cool side. Spozed to warm up later this week. That's what I came for.

Sunday we went to the Mesa Market-Swap Meet. Found a couple bargains. Some cheap hangers for the closet and a cheap tongs and spatula for the grill. And a new fleece-blue this time. Then we headed off to Chandler to the New Balance store to find a full pair of shoes-since 1 white one didn't make it here. Thanks to Barb, who went and checked around the house and garage-it's not there either. Who knows? Well, they claim that model isn't available until April 20. I'll be back home by then. Will check online or call the Milwaukee store where I normally shop and have them send me a full pair!

We made it to the pool this morning. My pool ladies are back, as well. Called Karen and meeting her later this morning.

We Made It!

Up and at 'em on Wednesday morning. Checked weather reports-all bad weather gone in our direction. Saw a couple web cams and was looking ok. Headed out by 9. Roads were fine - for a while. Then it turned to frozen snow/icy/somewhat rutty. Lois slowed way down again. That lasted for about 1/2 hour. Crossed the Continental Divide and then the rodes were fine again. There was definitley more snow near Gallup, but roads were clear and dry. Stopped at the AZ welcome center just across the state line. All road reports were good from Holbrook to Mesa! Yeah! Topped off the tank again in Holbrook. Made a quick sandwich stop in Heber. Made a quick quilt shop stop in Payson. Rolled into the resort shortly after 3:30. Got checked in, paid up and found our new home. Took a quick tour around. The unit seems a little wider. Nice sized kitchen table for sewing/cutting. Walk through the bedroom and out the back door, down 3 steps into the AZ room. Nice space. Couple couches and recliner. Also storage room-now the litter room and washer/dryer. This will do just fine! Also have tangelos and grapefruit trees on the lot. Sweet!
Unloaded the truck. I've lost a tennis shoe somewhere/somehow? I was sure it was in my laundry basket, but only 1 there when I unpacked it. Barb/Catherine-if you find it at home on a walk thru, just let me know! We unpacked and were too tired to go grocery shopping. Good to be here!

Thursday morning we went to the Patio Grill for the breakfast special of waffle/strawberries/bacon. Yum! Then off to Christy's resort for a program in their sewing room. That's a large resort and many quilters there. They have some great programs that I've attended in the past. Some members showed their "repurposed" projects they completed this past year. It started with a family of 4-5 quilters who then opened up the contest to others at the resort. They had pictures of what it was or where the fabric came from and what they made of it. Tootie, you could've showed off your many repurposed projects. 2 ladies made the same quilt pattern-1 from scraps and 1 from old shirts she found at Goodwill. Both were very nice. The speaker is from Oregon, WI, originally from Eau Claire. Julie Jenkins. She's a long arm quilter, but also is a vendor/lecturer/teacher for Square in a Square ruler system. Great teaching style. Also had a trunk show of various projects using the ruler to make blocks. She was also having day long workshops on Friday and Saturday at the resort.
Made a tour around the Country Market that is there every Thursday. OK, time to get some groceries. Unpacked and time for a wrap to watch Days. Called the Inet provider again. Got signed in, but when I connect the signal booster, there's no connection. The tech finally showed up after 7-I didn't expect to see him. He says all is well with the signal-something's wrong with my port. I'm in a different location in the resort again, but the wireless signal is much improved over the past. I'll just try this for a while. If it doesn't work, I'll go get a connection port that plugs into the USB port. All you techies out there, let me know what you think!

Change of Plans

Made our way to Albikwerkie and stopped at a couple quilt shops we found last year. Gas and food. Fun spot called Wecks. They're open for breakfast and lunch. 50's/60's decor and lots of movie posters. Good food. Great customer service skills. The manager greeted us as we were led to our table. He also checked on our lunch as he walked by to meet with a newer employee. We commented on his skills to our waitress. She said they all just love him. Was nice to see!

Left there between 2/2:30 to head to Holbrook. Just going out of town the overhead electronic sign said all lanes closed at Gallup. It was 49 degrees....what? We knew there was snow coming, but had no idea why the road would be closed. Lois kept driving; I kept searching the weather channel. Yep, severe weather at the Continental divide. Just east of Grants, NM, you could see a wall of white. Another electronic sign saying all lanes closed just west of Gallup. Decided to get off in Grants and went to the visitor center. He showed us where we were and the reports he was getting. Didn't sound good at all. I-40 was closed due to so many accidents. Travel at your own risk. Snow packed and slippery. Let's just call it a day-a short one-and get a room now. We might not get to Gallup, which was the next area with hotels. We checked in and moved in for the night. Ordered pizza and just watching tv tonight. The Boys are relaxing with Lois' valentine.

Happy Valentine's Day!

I got a new kitty pillowcase from The Boys this morning-complete with a mushy card. They did good!
Yesterday morning (OK City) we had some icy/sleety/snow stuff on the truck. Looked like about an inch or so. Took our time and didn't leave until 10. By then it was warming up and traffic was moving. Stayed under the speed limit even though most of the roads were already dry. Just wanted to be ready for any changes. By Elk City there definitely was more snow. About 10 miles from Texas border, we had sun and blue skies. Stopped for late lunch in Amarillo-Jason's Deli-found that on the way home last year. Also a stop at a quilt store close by. Nothing jumped into the truck,tho. Headed off to Santa Rosa, NM for the night. Later took a tour of Rte 66 through town and ended up at Joseph's Bar & Grill for a good burger and Corona.
Plans are to stop at a couple quilt stores in Albekwerkie and then to Holbrook, AZ for the night. Then down the mountain on Wednesday to check in!!
The Boys are good travelers. Socks gets a little noisy in the night or early morning with some yowling. where's the water bottle when you need it?

Monday Morning

We made good progress on Saturday. Left Racine about 10. The Boys were all snug in their crate. We left them roam on the way to Racine and left them out while we had breakfast. They now ride in the crate until we stop for lunch and then we let them out to roam. They've been really good travelers. Socks was scared the first night and managed to crawl under the bed. By the time we left Sunday, we had picked up the queen sized bed 3 times to find him. Last night's bed was closed in all around, so no heavy lifting this morning.

The State Troopers were out in force on Saturday thru the plains of Illinois. We passed by the Arch in St Loius about 4:30. Headed down the road for another hour and checked into the same hotel Murphy and I stayed at 2 years ago on that adventure. Settled in with "Gimlets to Go" made by Lois. She added Rose's Lime Juice into the vodka bottle. We just pour over ice. Just missing some olives. Put on 445 miles on Saturday.

Sunday morning we were off by 9. Turned south before we got to Joplin, so didn't see any damage from last springs tornadoes there. Met up with Neil about 2. So nice to see that big smile! Such a good looking young man and so excited about his studies. Chocolate chip and peanut butter cookies. I think his eyes went even bigger with a 12 pack of Leinies winter sampler pack! I'd heard he was a beer snob now, so I'm contributing-altho he's no longer a minor. Spent a couple hours with him and off again toward OK City. Heard there was snow coming, so wanted to get a little farther than Tulsa. Checked in about 7, just in time to watch the Grammy's. Gimlets and snacks for dinner. 3"-5" snow west of here. Just a light layer here this morning. Will wait until it warms up and road reports are better.

AZ Bound

If you're leaving, I'm going along this time. Pack me, Pack me, Pack me!

Lois came through the snowstorm this afternoon to be my co-pilot back to AZ again. We managed to get the truck packed up with room for overnite bags yet and room for The Boys-Socks & Sully. They get to go along this trip.

When some of you asked if I was blogging again, I said, "aren't you tired of 'went to the pool, had coffee with the Canadians', etc, etc, etc." I'm not promising I'll blog every day, but will give you some highlights

Will head off to breakfast Saturday morning with the ol' timer-my 87 year old pal from rehab. He has to have one more plate of french toast before I leave. Then we'll be off toward St Louis. Not sure where we'll stop for the night. Will make a slight detour into AR again to see Neil, my godson who's going to college there. Cookies are made waiting to be delivered.