At home in Arizona - The Catalina!

Our new living room

The Kitchen!

The Bedroom

Here is our new home - quite the change from the home in Vero - just about 1/4 the size - Dad and Keith have worked hard on putting up the shade cloth and making gates to keep little doggy in.  It's almost done - one gate still needs to be finished - great progress has been made!

Dad and I went to breakfast and 'shoplifting' yesterday while Keith worked - It was ~ of course ~ a great breakfast. ;-)

Dad has an appointment in Prescott on the 7th - so I know we will be here until then before we load up the Bounder - attach Dad's car to be back end - and head North.  Mom says the passes are still snow covered - so the appointment is as good as any other excuse to stay for a bit longer!  March's winds are blowing steadily (which helps to keep the heat down) - the sun is shining -  and all is good!

Westward Ho!

We saw Vero Beach in our rear view mirror about 2 pm on Friday the 18^th.  The airbags in the Bounder still don’t work properly – they lose their pressure on a daily basis – but Bobby’s would have to order replacements (again) and that would be until Monday – then the install – so – off we went.  Keith made sure to bring the little compressor so he will make sure they are maintained on our trip across.

We spent our 1^st night at the Flying J just outside of Tallahassee so we made pretty good time.  Of course, when we don’t pull in to a park – we don’t have the setup or the power or the tv to spend our time on – so might as well keep going.  This isn’t a sightseeing trip anyhow.  We are loaded to heavy and are not set up to be comfortable on this hopefully one-of-our-quicker-trips...

Just outside of New Orleans (but still in Louisiana)  we stopped for a dog-walk and to stretch our legs - and - low and behold - the Bounder didn't want to go again - we got clear out on one of the several mile long causeways before the old girl decided to vapor lock on us. Whew!  After totally annoying the folks behind us - (on the narrow 2 lane bridge) - she coasted to a stop - I put her into park - and wah-la she started right up and did fine!  She caught up with the spirit of the run and we joined in the normal flow of traffic. The trip across Lake Pontchartrain was a beautiful as it was the 1^st time we went across it a little over 7 years ago.  The new bridge for I10 is in use – and it looks like the one damaged by Katrina is in the process of being dismantled. 

On Sunday we pull in to Austin – a whole day earlier than we’d planned but oh- so ready for a long hot shower and some chill – axation in front of the tv.  Contacting the Bettin family in Austin was taken care of and it was set up to spend Monday together.  Brett, Maya, and Cetta arrived, took us for one of Keith's favorite breakfast's (Mexican of course) at a dog-friendly place - Chato loved being able to come alone with us! - and I got to play with Cetta for a long while!  We were there so long that they came and cleared our table for us (I think it was a hint as it was getting toward lunchtime and they were really, really busy!).  They took us to the Riverwalk (I think that was it) where there is a dog park - Chato ran and visited with other dogs and I got to hold Cetta some more!! ;-) We dropped Brett off for a meeting and retired to their apartment for Cetta to nap and to get to relax some more - it was a wonderful chat and visit!  Brett got back, Cetta woke, we got some photos, and all to soon it was time for Maya to go to work and Brett to take us back to the Bounder.  We put Cetta on the floor (on a blanket of course! - and Chato brought his ball - She loved watching him chase that little yellow ball up and down that small space!  I have a long video that I love just listening to!  And of course, I can't seem to get it loaded.... She has such a charming little giggle!

 After leaving Austin we had a bit of Bounder trouble - it all started when I hit a pothole the size of Texas - right where I couldn't miss it - I did get slowed down - but, it seams, not nearly enough as the next time we stopped for gas - the old girl wouldn't start.  We were again at a Flying J, the wonderful girls there gave us the number for a mobile mechanic - who came and looked but couldn't do anything until morning, and also allowed us to SHOWER!!  A shower never, ever, never felt so good!  We spent the night in the parking lot there and the next Wednesday morning - Keith tried to start her - and she started right up!  No tellin'!  So we got clear to Lake Havasu where I, stupidly, shut it down to gas us and - you guessed it! - right in the bay - no startie!  again with the mobile mechanic - this time it was James of Desert Jet Mobile Mechanic who came to our rescue.  After several diagnostic tests it was determined that we needed a fuel pump... but then... after thought ... one more test showed that it was the fuel sensor.. probably damaged during the bounce thru the pothole... at least that's what I'm a thinking...

Once the part was found, it was quickly installed - while getting dark- a pocketful of money exchanged hands, and we were on our way... Spending a day at Lake Havasu would be great (we will definitely come back another time)- if you have transportation and can get around.  Spending the day in the parking lot of a gas station isn't optimal.. LOL

So we are now here - and spending our night in the Catalina across the street from Dad.  Our welcome to Arizona wasn't quite as uneventful as we would have liked - but we are here!

Whirlwin!

We are back in Vero ~ and all ready to go again - so I thought I'd catch up to date with a real quick summery of the last 2 1/2 months.

Keith decided on the way to San Diego that it was time to just sell out here in Vero and head back towards the west.  We know we'll take a hit but hopefully (I'm thinking) it won't be as bad as Keith is forecasting.  So right after the 1st of the year we connected with the Realtor that Kenny (Keith's brother in law) recommended, she (Lesa) came out and signed us all up on a Friday.  She made arrangements to come back to take photos for the MLS listings and we parted ways.  I was very stubborn about my price - her comps showed that we needed to list way below what I thought we could get.  I figured that we'd put the sing out and then in a couple of years - it would sell.  Rumors about selling were that bad! She caved and we agreed on a higher price - then promptly caught the crud that was making it's way around town - so didn't get back to take photos when planned - Actually, her son came by and put the sign out - she was that sick.  So - around mid-month - I went to Lowes to get my annual 'bunch' of yard stuff and when I got back - Keith had sold the house!  The buyers came back a little later that day to give us earnest money, I called Lesa, she came out, and we had papers signed that night - with an allowance for us to take until the end of March to vacate!  We did take a loss - with the economy and real estate prices going down like they did - we didn't make anything - BUT - it wasn't nearly as bad as Keith's prediction (as I pat myself on the back for being so stubborn!)!! LOL

So.... we attended the Valentines Spaghetti Feed - it was a blast for the hour we were there.  The spaghetti was great but didn't sit really well for me (it seems most things don't anymore) - so we danced a couple of times and then headed for home and the recliners!!!

There was a lovely rose for each lady and little flowers made from hershey's kisses at each place.  We have some really crafty ladies here at the Village!

 Our table companions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And a dance rounded out our evening!

Barb's Valentine Roses! ~ she still receives them - I'm jealous! :-)

 The Ladies Tea was a really fun event.  We all had fun gathering our hats and gloves to match our outfits.  The hostesses for each table went all out with linen tablecloths, napkins, real china, teapots, crust-less sandwiches, desserts, and all the rest of the trimmings needed for a regular Tea!  I'd not been to one before and it was quite fun!

 Barb - the Hostess at the table I was at.

 Peggy

 Vincie

 Rita took time out from her Biloxi trips to come see us too ;-)

 And our own grand-dame ~ Eleanor.  She was one of the forces behind Lakewood becoming an RO, served on the BOD for several different terms, and is still a nice friendly lady!  She was the belle of our table!

And - this is the hat I wore - it got the most votes for the tea.

Keith and I went to the aqua-cises led by Peggy several times once the weather got a little warmer.  We also attended the usual coffee hours and took our turns around the Village to keep up with what is going on around us.

Then it came time to pack.  As I seem to always do- I am not feeling my best - finally, finally went to the Dr. and he announced he thinks it is diverticul one-or-the-other... put me on antibiotics . . . and hopefully I will feel better soon.  I am now on Day 9 of 10 and not seeing a big change - I am hoping to make it out to the west coast before the meltdown ;-(


The Bounder ended up in the shop 3 different times and as I type - I am waiting for word that it will be ready to pick up today.  I am ready to finish up this chaos and get moving.  Dragging this out is really getting on my nerves! LOL

I've had several visits from people that I've met and enjoyed throughout the 11 years (4 just coming out for vacations) and 7 since we moved from San Diego.  I will miss those that have been so nice, sweet, helpful, such a joy to be around.

I am so ready to get this wagon train loaded and headed out!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rest in Peace Uncle JIm

In Myrtle Point, 1977

To my sweet Uncle Jim,
Here are a few of my memories:

Grandkids, Nephew and Neice

A good Boss... 

I remember the following the Sunday Morning Bartender very well!

S

Fun times!

That huge smile and ready laugh will always be remembered.

 So many family members:

Some have welcomed you into their midst and the rest of us have wonderful memories of the way you touched our lives.

Thank you Uncle Jim ~ just for being you.

Love from your Neice,
Diane

2010 - A year of Contrasts - Extreme great and Extreme lows...

I've been watching and happily reading the happy recaps from all that have "friend-ed" me on Facebook.  I have been trying recap our 2011 in my own mind and make it feel better than it has at times.

We traveled A LOT in 2011. We saw some absolutely beautiful country, actually, a LOT of really great country.  This USA is absolutely breathtaking and has more beautiful scenic landscapes than any of the other countries I've visited.  As it has turned out, it is a good thing that I can take solace in beautiful sights, both personally visited or as photographed by others.  As I've posted, we visited many friends and family and made many great memories.  Some funny, some tender, some just plain nice.  But most of the really great memories were overshadowed by some real losses.  From end to beginning was my favorite Uncle, my Uncle Jim.  I would have visited more but my lack of couch training for my little chihuahua became a sore point for my Cousin.  I didn't get back to visit after being lectured about the proper place for a DOG.  Upset me and hurt my feelings that my visits weren't welcome enough to overlook the little dog sitting on my lap.  My younger brother passing was also a huge loss for me.  I thought I was ready for it to happen.  I knew he was in a lot of pain and HE was ready to go on to a better place - but I absolutely wasn't ready to let him go!  The 3 am call absolutely shook me to my core; and subsequent lack of anyone else that seemed to care that he'd left paired with those who seemed to welcome his passing was kind of a deal-breaker.  At the same time learning of the rancor, the horrid real feelings towards me from another family member was enough to send my world spinning.  It seems I need to become a completely different person to comply with what those whom I thought were important to me thinks I should be.  I found that there is no room for me to feel anything.  Only others are allowed to feel and act on those feelings.  I also learned that I was written off of the family tree by yet another relative.  I wouldn't have even known about it but it was pointed out to me several times in different ways.  With many excuses, but nonetheless written off.  I was the first one called during a medical emergency - but as soon as the emergency status was over - I was no longer needed - or, it seems, wanted around.  I realized that physical distance doesn't separate families as much as indifference does. I was asked to document memories of our childhood ~ and then berated because my memories  concerned me - making me selfish and self-centered.  And as I delved into my memories and photo albums to 'remember', even more memories surfaced.  Some not so good, some sweet, some fun, and many happy ones.  And THOSE sweet and happy ones are the ones I choose to keep close.  I cannot FORGET but I hold them all as history - without rancor or bitterness.  These same memories are the very things that have made me who I am, lumps, bumps, goose eggs and all.  Nature has a part, Nurture has a part, but Environment had a huge impact.  It still does. 

I am glad that those who are important to me are doing well and are so very happy.  Bittersweetly - I am sad that I am not as important to any of those same people.  I will, however, continue to do what I can to become a better person in this coming year and one that maybe some day, some one can be proud to have known me.  What I want most from 2011 is for the thought of me to bring a good memory up and a smile to that face.

HAPPY 2011 TO ALL

MAY YOU HAVE A HAPPY, HEALTHY,

AND PROSPEROUS

NEW YEAR

2010 Christmas in Kentucky

As we traveled beyond the Arch and Busch Stadium and

on across the Mississippi

I remembered the song we used to sing before Thanksgiving - Over the river and thru the woods - to Dolores's house we go!  

It wasn't as nice out as we'd been having - but again - the weatherman says there is a storm coming - seems we've been staying just long enough to be sandwiched between them all along!

Loiusville was waiting for us - along with some blue (ish) skies!  The trip didn't seem as long as it has before - maybe I'm just enjoying this trip way to much! ;-)

And Chaito had another friend waiting for playtime!  Dolores and Kenny were dogsitting Jackson - and they (both dogs) absolutely had a blast.  They would play and roll until we thought they should be exhausted - and rest a bit - and play some more... oh... for the energy!!

Chaito even got his own lamb Chop!!

Keith and I got books and smellies, and food (Kentucky style)

I even got gifts!  

We had a wonderful Christmas Eve!  It has been several years since Keith spent Christmas with his family - Dolores's girls brought their families and friends over for dinner and gift exchange.  I met Keith's nieces and nephews,  everyone ate - and then of course (like Chaito) many were ready for naps.  On Sunday, Faith and a friend joined us for Church and a really rushed dinner before heading back to their home - Dolores had to take Mom, Melody, and Heather back also.  The van that Dolores borrowed for the trip was so full that the 'loot' from the exchange had to be left for Monday's trip over.  I brought sample boxes for the exchange.  Samples of good Oregon product - straight from my kitchen LOL - and I do think that everyone liked what was in them.  I didn't see anyone 'sharing' or doing any trading - I didn't know that there were going to be so many there (I wasn't really thinking - of course) so I didn't have them boxed to distribute better - and I'll know better next time!  I learn something each and every day ;-)

Christmas dawned with another play date - Jackson was waiting at the door for Chaito to be able to play!

And the snow arrived!

And it was a great day to hide our noses and nap! or otherwise relax! ;-)

I miss having the family occasions like we used to have.  It seemed so much more like Christmas this year than in years past.

Tomorrow morning we say another good-by and head towards Florida!  Kenny gave us the updates and tips on getting the best for our house when we return - so - it's time to go put it on the market and cross our fingers!!

Happy New Year!!