Saturday:

Up at our usual time for our walk around the park.  After breakfast we decided it was time to do a little cleaning in the camper and get some rugs washed.  So up to the laundry room we went.  With the rugs washed and out on tables to dry, we headed to the grocery store to buy some things for White Chicken Chili 

After lunch, Harris defrosted the freezer.  While it was defrosting, we walked to David and Janice's park model, to take Janice the rug I made for her for her birthday.  We enjoyed time with them prior to coming back home, for me to make the chili.

We had a quiet evening at home. 

Sunday: 

The choir had the week off, so we got to stay in bed a little longer than usual.  It felt really strange sitting in the congregation, but nice to be out there visiting with people in the congregation. 

Sunday afternoon, it was Cloudy and cold so we stayed inside.  It began to rain around 4:00 as we waited for Ann and Gary to arrive at Paradise to check into their site.  Just as they were arriving the rain stopped, long enough for them to set up.  Then it began again.  We had invited them to dinner at our house so Ann didn't have to cook.  They arrived around 6:00 for White Chicken Chili.  We had a wonderful time catching up.  Of course there were no silent moments. 

We are glad they are here and will be here for the next 3 months. 

Until tomorrow

Waiting for more RV's to come in

Friday, December 28

We woke up to frost on the truck and our lawn furniture.  WOW!  we are in Arizona.  The one diffence is we went up to the 60's in the afternoon, and the sun is always warm. 

I had to spend the morning doing computer work again this morning.  Since Consortium is meeting in February, there is lots to be done, so I will spend part of most days working on my computer. 

This afternoon we headed to the grocery store to get milk and orange juice.  Then back home. 

Tonight we were invited to a get together at one of our neighbors and bike riding couples homes.  They were having several people over at 4:30 for happy hour, that lasted until 8:30.  We had a wonderful time.  There were a few couples we know from bike riding and a couple of new couples. I was a little hesitant to go since, I was not sure who all would be there, but Harris encouraged me to go.  So we took some food and walked over there.    I am very glad we went, as I had a really good time. 

I hope you all have a wonderful day.

December 26

Wednesday:

We spent  part of the day working around the camper and trying to find places for some of the things we got for Christmas.   We had some returns to make, so off we went to the store to make the couple of returns needed to be made.  We were really surprised it was not as crowded as it thought it would be. 

December 27

Thursday: 

I had to work some of the day.  So we spent the morning doing computer work, prior to leaving to run more errands.  One of the things I am finding about living in the camper is we go to the grocery store a lot, because there isn't enough room to storage room. 

Thursday evening we Janice and David had invited us to go with them on a moonlight hike at the White Tank Mountains.  Janice and David picked us up at 5:45 for the drive to the mountain where we met the guide for our hike.  There were approximately 25 people on the hike.  Since the moon was full we didn't even need our flashlights until we got up to the waterfall.  What a wonderful night.  We were so glad Janice and David invited us to come with them. 

We are really enjoying spending our time with them. 



Harris getting for our hike

Janice and David getting their trekking poles ready

December 25, 2012

Merry Christmas!! 

We slept in on Christmas morning, since we got home so late from the Candle light service.  It was really nice to have a leisurely morning. 

After breakfast we opened our gifts from each other and our friends.   In between I made an apple pie to take to Rick and Sharon's later that afternoon. 

Harris looks at the Calendar of the SPS Vacation
from Dave and Elaine

At 1:00 p.m. we headed to Rick and Sharon's house for our Christmas celebration with the family.  What a very special day we had.  Sharon made Lasagna, Michigan salad, and rolls.  I brought apple pie that Jacob wanted and chocolate cake that Chelle wanted.  Dinner was wonderful.  After dinner we went to the tree and opened gifts.  Jacob had to be at work at 5:30, but got called in earlier. 

During the day we had phone calls or talked to the other kids and their families. 

All in all it was an absolutely wonderful Christmas. 



Jacob and his rug



One of many trees at Rick and Sharon's house

Chelle opens a gift

Rick gets a gift

Sharon's rug



 

Sunday, December 23

Church, and choir, then out to lunch afterwards.  The rest of the day we spent at the camper. 

Faith Presbyterian Church

Monday, December 24.

We woke to a pretty chilly morning.  But the cold did not detour us from our Monday morning bike ride.  there were only 11 of us on the ride, due to a lot of people being away for the holiday.  Those of us did go had a really good time. 


Monday afternoon, we had a 4:00 p.m. call to be at church to rehearse the number the choir was to present at the 5:00 p.m. Christmas eve service.  After services, we headed home for dinner. On the way home Chelle called to ask if she could go to church with us.  She and Jacob were planning to go to services together, but Jacob was not feeling to well.  I told her we had already gone to church, but we were going to go to the 11:00 p.m. service at a Methodist church over this way.  She decided to come over here and go with us.  Prior to her coming over, I got a text telling me she and Jacob would be coming over about 8:30.  What a special surprise to have both the kids with us at the candle light service at Lakeview United Methodist Church.  That was the beginning of our very special Christmas. 

Jacob

Chelle

After church we came home and fell into bed. 

Friday: 

What a busy day!!   We began our day with our daily walk around the park (about 1 1/2 miles).  Each morning we plan to get up and walk.  It seems we meet the same people everyday.

After breakfast, we cleaned the house. 

 At 11:30 Jan Powell, picked me up to go to lunch at Mimi's restaurant.   After lunch we headed to the mall to pick up a couple of gifts, (one I needed to get and one Jan needed to get).   I enjoyed my time with Jan and we hope to get together again some time after the first of the year. 

When I got home from my lunch with Jan, we began to get things ready for Janice and David to come over for happy hour and dinner.  We fixed some cheese, smoked sausage, cracker and dip.  For dinner we had home made pizza and the salad Janice brought.  Dessert was chocolate and white coated pretzels.  The evening was really great.


Saturday:

This morning was wash day!!!  So after breakfast we headed to the Laundry to begin our washing.  While the wash was washing we began our walk.  With time up on the washing, we headed back to put the washing in the drying, then back out to finish our walk.   We hung the sheets outside.  (I can't wait to put them on the bed, they will smell sooooo good).  

With the washing done, we headed home to fix chicken salad for Jacob who was coming out to bring us some shredded cabbage for grandpa to make him Cole slaw.  It was really great to have Jacob have lunch with us here at the camper. 

After Jake left, we decided we needed to run out and pick up a few things from the grocery store, and to finish getting a few things for Christmas.  We are finally finished with Christmas. 

Tonight after dinner, we wrapped all the gifts.  We plan to take them to Rick and Sharon's house tomorrow to put them under their tree.   Since we do not have room here at the house. 

Have a wonderful day!

Packages we mailed 2 weeks ago

Packages

Tuesday- Thursday

Gosh were did this week go???  It seems like it just began, and here it is almost over. 

Tuesday

We attended the pancake breakfast at the ballroom here at the park.  After lunch, Rick came over to help Harris change the rims on the camper.  The new ones arrived last week, so they needed to be changed.  I am so thankful that Rick was here to help Harris out.  While the guys worked on the tires, I went shopping with Janice.  

Tuesday night we were invited to Dave and Ellen's (our pastor and his wife) for dinner.  They had also invited another friend (Father Larry) to join us.  Dinner was very delicious, and comfortable.  We had a wonderful time. 

Wednesday:

I went to Weight Watchers for my monthly weigh in.  Then Harris and I finished our Christmas shopping.  Well almost finished.   There is a couple more things to buy, plus stocking stuffers. 

Thursday: 

This morning Harris got up and headed up to the Tennis courts to join the Hiking group for their weekly hike.  The Paradise bus took them to a place where they hiked about 4 1/2 miles and up to 4,000 ft.  Harris said the terrain was rough and rocky. 

I had a Presbyterian Women's meeting at church this morning  ending with lunch.  The special program today was the Faith Church bells.  I enjoyed being with the women at church.  The more I do the more people I meet. 

The same is true around here, the more we do the more people we meet. 

I have not baked anything yet.   I did make coated pretzels the other night and again today.   I found out today, that I am baking desserts for Christmas dinner at Rick and Sharon's house.   So I guess I will be baking. 

I hope you have a wonderful

Monday:

Monday is always Bike Hike day.  It dawned cool this morning, but the sun kept it warm enough for our ride.  There were 19 of us riding today.  We rode 14 miles.  The funniest thing has happened the last couple of weeks.  Each Sunday we go out to eat after church.   Twice our bike group has gone to the same place on Monday that we had lunch on Sunday.  (dodo dodo). 

This afternoon, I decided to make some chocolate covered pretzels, and peanut clusters.  I was in the baking (making) mood.  I need some things from the gro store tomorrow, and I think I will do some more things.  With limited space, I have to be careful what I decide to make, as I don't have a lot of room for to many ingredients. 

I hope you have a wonderful day. 

Thursday

Thursday morning I headed out to attend my PEO group here in Sun City.  I was delighted that so many people remembered me from last season.  This was the Christmas brunch, which was really nice. 

Thursday night be went to "Thursdays at Faith" dinner and program at church.  The meal is always catered and the program is usually great.  The program on Thursday was the "Sun City Ringers" bell choir.  Our Bell director is a part of the group.  Twelve of the 24-26 ringers were part of the program.  What a great program.  They played several Christmas carols which we sang to.  It was a lot of fun.  I was going to take some pictures, but I left the camera in the truck.  So no pics. 

Friday: 

The big event of our day was having lunch with Jacob.  This was the first time we say him since we got here.  After lunch we did some Christmas shopping for Chelle and Jacob.  So that much is done. We are almost done with all the shopping.  We only have Rick, Sharon, and each other to buy for.  It was fun walking around the mall with all the Christmas decorations, and even the people. 

Friday afternoon it began clouding up and by dinner time it rained, first light and then harder.  The forecast was for more rain during the night.  This time the weather forecasters were not wrong.  It did rain during the night.

Saturday: 

We woke up to more rain.  We were suppose to have Patio sales on Saturday, but the rain kept us from going out.  I understand there were a handful of people who did put stuff out.  We decided not to go out in the rain.  It continued to rain all day.  People around here get excited to get rain, since they don't get it very often.  The rain kept up off and on until Sunday morning. 

With it raining, we decided to get something done around the camper that we had been putting off since we got here.  I finally framed some pictures to hang on the wall with the other two we already had hung.  I also began a Christmas letter.  I have not done a Christmas letter in years. 

Sunday:

Sunday, we headed to church for choir practice at 8:00 a.m.  Then after church we went out for lunch before coming home to finish some things we started on Saturday.  The day turned out sunny and nice.  It was a lazy afternoon. 

Wednesday: 

Laundry Day!! 

It has to be done.  So up to the laundry room I went to get the clothes washed and dried.  Harris went to get some boxes to finish getting our Christmas gifts ready to mail to friends and family.  When he got back, he picked me up at the laundry room with clean clothes and those that needed to be hung on the line behind the camper. 

With the laundry done it was lunch time.  One of the joys of being here is to sit outside in the sun to have our lunch.   Then off to the post office to mail the packages.  With that done it was back home to enjoy some down time before dinner.   Harris fixed some brats on the grill, while I fixed french fries, salad and veggies. 

Once dinner was over, we headed up to the Ballroom for a Christmas program with the Singing Cowboy.  It was actually two cowboys called "2nd chance"  They were very good.  In fact I think they could have made it big in Nashville.  The program was GREAT. 

Another perk of living here at Paradise. 

We are suppose to  begin  raining  tomorrow afternoon and Friday.  Folks around here get really excited when it rains, because they don't get much rain.  In fact I understand this year they didn't even get much during monsoon season.  So If it rains a lot, they will be really happy. 

Have a wonderful day!

Tuesday:

I believe I am finally getting into the Christmas Spirit. 

Christmas shopping done???  Well for the most part.  We have all the things we need to mail ready to mail.  We did some shopping on line this year.  This is the first time we have shopped on line for Christmas.  I usually like to go shopping where I can pick out what I am getting.    I still have to buy for the Arizona family and Harris.  But there is still time to do that. 

With all the gifts ready to mail, we were ready to go to see the lights of Glendale with David and Janice.  They picked us up around 4:00 p.m. so we could head to Glendale, AZ.  We found a parking place quickly and walked around the square and visited a couple of shops before having dinner.  Dinner at the Mexican restaurant was delicious.  Then it was out to see the lights.  The Town square has  tons and tons of lights.  This is one spectacular light display.  We were all in awe!  All in all it was a wonderful night


Have a wonder day!

Monday

Burr!!  We woke up to temps in the 40's this morning.  The temps would not have been so bad, but the wind, was awful.  Monday is our bike riding group.  So we got up and got ready to head out.  Our group was pretty small this morning.  Last week we had 18 today we only had 9.  Many people decided it was to cold.    Since the wind was blowing pretty hard, our leader decided we should do a short trip.  So instead of 14 or 15 miles, we only went about 7 or 8.  It was really COLD.  When we were heading into the wind, it was like going two steps forward and one step back.  By the time we got back to the park, it was getting warmer.  

The weather man says this is normal temps.  So I guess it will be cold next week too.   I just hope the wind won't be blowing. 

Well if I wanted it to be cold to get into the Christmas spirit, I got it today. 

This afternoon, we headed out to get the shingles shot.  Now that is done. 

Tonight we wrapped presents.  We have a couple more to get before we get them in the mail.  We need to get them mailed this week.

Have a wonderful day

Friday:

First order of business was to get my eamil changed from Comcast to gmail.  Within minutes it had been done. 

Christmas Shopping!!  We don't have many gifts to buy this year, since we did some shopping on line.  That is very unusual for someone who loves to go shopping.  But with living in the camper there is not room to store gifts, etc.  so we need to either get the gift and send it right away, or order it and have it mailed.  We could not find all the things we wanted on line, so we will have to mail some things. 

We headed to Toys R Us and then to target.  About half way through our shopping, I told Harris I was trying to get into the Christmas spirit.  He agreed with me.  It is hard to get into the Christmas spirit when it is in the 80's.  So to help me get in the Christmas spirit, I came home and put the Christmas music on the Cd player.    I also decorated the camper as much as I have to decorate. 

Our Christmas Tree

Saturday: 

Shoppers Paradise at the Ballroom!!  Shoppers Paradise has lots of booths for shopping, with crafts, and other really neat things.  We didn't buy much, but enjoyed talking with a lot of folks.   We went up at 9:15 and came back home at 11:00. 

Saturday afternoon, we spent doing things around the camper. 

Sunday: 

No church for Harris, as he pulled a muscle in his leg and was having trouble walking.  So I headed off for choir practice.  It was a great day at church.  Dave had a really good sermon.  It felt great being back in the choir. 

After church I came home to get Harris, who was walking much better, to head to lunch with Rick and Sharon at Arriba's restaurant.   We had a great lunch with them. 

The rest of the afternoon, I worked on APIMS stuff.  I am trying to catch up. 

Nativity

Tuesday: 

Today we went up to the new Pickle Ball court to check it out.  The park put in two Pickle Ball courts this past summer.  It seems there were several requests for pickle ball courts.  After listening to an explanation of how to play the game, several of us tried it out.  It seems like it might be a lot of fun.  However, I am not sure if my knees will let me play or not.  But we would like to check a little more.



Sun Set

The sun set was wonderful.  I ran out to take a few pictures and enjoy the beautiful red streaks in the sky.  I wish the camera could capture the beauty.  












Wednesday: 

We are back to walking and biking every day.  It really feels good to be back to exercising.  I am thinking about checking out water aerobics.  It looks like a lot of fun. 

Later in the afternoon, we had visitors who live in Sun City.  Art and Lilly Bell, who, we have known through interim ministry, made arrangements to stop by the camper to see us.  We enjoyed catching up with them.  


Thursday: 

Sun Rise

This morning Chelle came over after she got off work at 5:00 a.m. for us to fix her breakfast.  She loves waffles, so of course that it what we fixed her.  It was wonderful to catch up and spend some time with her.  She arrived around 6:30 and left us at around 9:00.   Right after Chelle left we headed out for our morning walk. 

We had planned to go Christmas shopping, but when I looked at my email, I found I had a conference call at noon.  We also planned to do some errands.  After my call, we headed out for errand, as it was to late to do errands and Christmas shopping.  On our way to our first stop Dave Van Arsdale (our pastor) called to see if he could come by to see us this afternoon.  So we did one errand and came home.  We had a good visit with Dave.  

We will go Christmas shopping and finish our errands tomorrow. 

Our camper at sunset

Sunday:

We enjoyed our worship with our church family at Faith Presbyterian Church.  We decided not to sing in the choir, as we wanted to enjoy time in the congregation before going to choir next week.  It was fun to be in the congregation. 

We were shocked, when our pastor, Dave VanArsdal announced that he would be retiring the 1st of April.   The congregation we visibly shocked, even though they should have known that Dave is retirement age.  We are looking forward to seeing Dave and Ellen more while we are here in Sun City.  In fact we will go to their house for dinner next week. 

After lunch we came home to get the camper cleaned.  Since we were so busy prior to leaving Nashville, the camper really needed to be cleaned.  Harris vacuumed and scrubbed the floors, while I dusted and clean the rest of the surfaces,  When we finished the house, Rick came over to spend some time with us.  Sharon was at home sleeping since she worked the night before and had to work Sunday night too.  It was so good to see him. 

We have not see Chelle or Jacob yet, since they both are working lots of hours.  I am excited to see them when they have a chance.

Monday;

This morning we got up and got ready to join the bike hike group from here in the park at 9:00 a,m.  Wow it was a larger group than I thought it might be.  In fact our leader said it was bigger than he expected.  There were 18 of us.  We rode out 7 miles for brunch and then came back.  Since we have not ridden for awhile,  We were surprised that we didn't hurt all over.  My butt was a little sore when we got back, but other than that, it was not that bad. 

Our afternoon was spent working.  I had a Consortium conference call at noon, and that lead to more computer work.   In fact I was still working tonight. 

All in all it was a great day.

Have a wonderful day

Saturday:

Today was a beautiful day here at Paradise RV Park in Sun City, AZ.  The weather was very warm for the time of year (so they say).  We got up this morning and dressed in jeans and a long sleeve shirt.  It was not long before we changed to short sleeve shirts and Capris for me.  As part of our tasks for today, was doing the laundry.  Paradise has a wonderful Laundry mat.  During the wash cycle we headed back to the camper for breakfast and during the drying, we took a walk around the park. 
During our walk we stopped to see a couple we met last year who are from Memphis, TN.  We are the only 2 from Tennessee.  It was really good to catch up with them.  They have a really lovely park model. 

By the time we got back to the camper it was almost time for lunch.  Our afternoon plans were to go to the grocery store.  But before we could leave, David and Janice came by on their was to the mailbox.  They stayed and talked for over an hour. 

Grocery store was our next stop.  After shopping, we headed back home to eat the roast in the crock pot. 

It was a great day all around.  It is really good to be back here. 

Until tomorrow