An Evil lurks within all of us....

Well the devil made me do this. OMG!! The guilt I felt, NOT!! It was so yummy, after the first mouthful it really didn't matter how many calories there were; each one, was absolutely delectable.  The way I see it every now and again, we have to pamper our taste buds.  That should do me for another several months. 

Gosh, I don't know where to begin. (This is pretty much said in every post, for the most part it is the absolute truth.) It has been such a long time since last posting.  Did think about posting many times but it seemed as though I just never got around to it, obviously, so it was decided today will be the day of reckoning and get my rear in gear.  Being creative can be a lot of work!!

It has been a busy Spring and summer. It seems as though every time we get back from Yuma we are just busy until we leave again the following October. Which by the way is just around the corner. Where does the time go!!  All in all it was a beautiful summer this year, it has been a long time over due. The mosquitoes were for the most part non-existent which was fantastic. 

Dakota & Paka

Paul's oldest granddaughter, Dakota graduated from high school this year.  He is so proud of her. Of course he see her as a little girl with pigtails.  Not so much anymore.  All of Paul's grandchildren call him Paka, which is ,I think, grandfather in Indonesian.   Not too sure about the translation.  

Earlier this spring/summer, I did something that I thought I would never do. I sold my wonderful,  Nikon D700 camera and all the lenses.  It had served me extremely well over the past four years, unfortunately as time marches on so has time taken it's toll on my hands. I found that it with the weight of the camera, along with the lenses was just getting too much.  Fortunately, I have many beautiful pictures in our home that I have taken over the years with this camera.  Am I done taking pictures? Certainly not! I just switched to a smaller camera (mirrorless) which is much lighter in weight, and the lenses are smaller and lighter.  It takes great pictures - is there a noticeable difference? I don't think so, the only person that might notice difference of quality if there were any all could be a professional photographer but maybe not.   


My granddaughter came for her 
annual visit in late July.  She has grown into such a lovely young lady.  Over the past years, we have tried to get in a picture taking session. She loves it and it gives me practice. So I have pictures of her for about the past 6 years - my goodness how much she has changed.   There is one frame that I use and update it with the most recent picture and the older pictures are at the back.  So one gets to see first hand how much she has changed over the years.  As always there is one that speaks out to me and I do a portrait painting in photoshop, the technique is called smudging.  It always takes me a week or so to do.  I work on it for an hour or so and then go back a day or so later and do some more.  

Little wildlife adds to ambience...

The first part of August we went to Sundre and spent a couple of days at Coyote Creek RV & Golf course.  It is a beautiful spot and very nice 18 hole course.  We met Paul's brother and wife there and had a couple days of golf.  The weather was really nice the second day.  On the second day in the evening, there was a huge anvil shaped thunderhead that was just north of us, it was amazing.  Before noticing the nasty looking cloud, Paul and I were just chatting, enjoying a glass of wine and in the distance I thought I heard a rumbling of train, one could actually feel a vibration coming from the ground, this continued on, then finally we turn and looked to north east and this is what we saw. It looked like a lightening bowl and just a little bit on the scary side, what a relief to see that it was heading away rather than coming towards us.  

The video is only intended to show what was going on, my editing skills, well I have none.  It has been trimmed down considerably. Sort of beefed up the thunder too!! It prevents a severe case of bordom!!

Chateaux de BeaumontPaint Crew

Paul is very busy with the building maintenance committee that is in our condo association.  The condo association has been doing changes to the fence, painting, and any other projects that need to be attended to. A week or so ago there was a painting marathon and quite a few turned out.  I have been involved being the secretary for three years and treasurer got included over this past year. Definitely more than I wanted to take on, unfortunately it is difficult getting people to serve on the board.  

Computer Guided Design

Grinchmas now quilted

Since getting back in the Spring I have dedicated all a lot of my free time to my long arm quilter for this the only time that I can quilt, it is way too big to be hauled back and forth and we don't have a space big enough to set it up. so the winter months I try to get at least two if not three quilt tops made.  Don't ask me what I'm going to do with all the quilts, I've already given several away for gifts etc.  I guess I may have to start all over again.  I'm starting on Paul's grandchildren, that should keep me busy for a day or two. 

Win House (front)

the back is like another quilt

The Grinchmas quilt top was in an earlier blog, but now it is quilted. It's been in Central Sewing for the past month, they has some Christmas type projects that will be up coming in the store and thought that the quilt would be a nice addition to the display. 

Got myself a Prostitcher program for the longarm quilter needless to say has presented a pretty steep learning curve.  The Prostitcher is a computerized program that run the longarm quilt which in turn stitches out beautiful quilt  design patterns.  It has been challenging yet fun to learn how the program works, selecting different designs and putting them to cloth.  It has opened the door to endless possibilities, with hand-guided combined with computer guided quilting.   I am even considering the possibility of quilting for others.  So to get more practice I have been doing a few quilts for Win House which is a support group for women in distress.  There is a group of volunteers through Central Sewing Machines in Edmonton, who sew all types of clothing for women and children, household dec stuff and quilts etc which is donated to Win House.  It is a tremendous amount of work that these people do for a very good cause.  I believe all the fabrics and materials are donated.  

Win House Quilt

 A lot of people have huge fabric stashes and as with most these stashes over the years need to be trimmed down so there is reason to purchase new fabric. Its pretty much a standing joke amongst quilters and seamstresses, to buy notions, any gadget or nifty tool related to sewing sometimes not, but it looks so cool.  The probability of ever using it is slight.  But you just got to have it for you never know when your going to need that nifty gadget.  Well, fabric is simply another story.  It is like an addiction, honestly.  I have some beautiful wool pieces in my collection.  That I look at maybe once or twice a year and sort of pet it, but it has such a beautiful touch or as seamstresses say "hand".  I got it a few years ago, thinking that these pieces would become suits.  Well guess who never wears suits anymore. It could make beautiful riding suits, but now a days the girls want two pairs of riding pants (jods) and there is only enough for one pair. It should be sold.  It is a 120 Superfine Australian wool that you would never find in a normal shop especially not places like Fabricland.  Finding fabric stores that carry quality suiting are very sparse.  Particularly when most people, me included, shop at Costco.   Whew that was a significant rambling.  

Board meeting will be starting in another hour, so guess it time to end the post, so until another time...

Hey...I thought it was Spring

Fillmore, Utah

This is not fair, one day your wearing shorts the next day...a snowsuit!! As the old saying goes, "life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get"; the weather is the same when you are traveling in the Spring. We took the girls out to do their business - all they wanted to do was play. They look like huge snowballs, they did nothing significant, and now we have two very wet little girls. Getting the snow off of them was quite another matter. I should have taken a picture but we were too busy trying to get the snowballs off.

The sun is out now, so hopefully it will melt the snow. Even with the improvement in the weather, it's too late for us to leave, our next stop would be Pocatello, Idaho and it is a fair distance from Fillmore,Utah. We will keep our fingers crossed that it does not snow anymore and that the roads will be dry in the morning.

Just before St George, Utah

Up until now the trip was very uneventful (mind you, we only left on Wednesday), very pleasant drive. Our first night was spent at Needles, California, which was hot. Las Vegas was actually quite quiet when we came through the traffic on the freeway was light in comparison to other times.

I'm always amazed when we drive through the canyon just before St. George when heading north.  Not really sure if it is the scenery so much as the road that goes through the canyon. I always have these visions of the people who built the highway, blasting their way through the corridor which in my opinion seems much more exciting and challenging.

Regardless is a very scenic drive. Spotted a Mormon Temple while going through the City of St. George.  It's the first time I've ever noticed it.  It looks huge from a distance.  Not sure why I've never noticed it before.

Mormon Temple

We were hoping the Salt Lake City Corridor would be the same today, being that it is Good Friday and a holiday for most, unfortunately that did not happen.

Oh well, we'll see what tomorrow brings.

Time to leave...

Wilf, Sonya, Paul

Paul's sister, Sonya and husband Wilf, were here for a couple of days.  It was great seeing them and totally enjoyed their company.  Unfortunately their schedule was tight so we didn't do a great deal.

We took them out to the Imperial Date Farm, one of several around here and treated them to a date shake.  Wilf graciously declined but was coaxed into taking a sip.  It is a big attraction here, there are always hordes of people there no matter what time of the day you go.   Also had the opportunity to watch some of the workers trim shoots from date trees.

Wilf and the not so wild burros

Then we started our trek out to the desert, while enroute we had a bonus of finally seeing wild burros.  Paul and I have been coming down for 4 years and this was the first time ever that came upon the little beasts of burden.

They were quite docile, in fact Wilf was petting one, it was obvious they had a pretty good life and had been around humans a lot.

Admiring the scenery

We continue on to Castle Dome Mountain, and bumped down the rocky, dusty path, actually it is a road only wide enough for one vehicle, preferably one of the 4x4 variety, cars would not have the clearance.  The objective was to get far enough off the road so they could enjoy the desert flora and snap a few pictures.

The ladies from Cocopah took our clogging instructor, Janice out for lunch in appreciation of all her hard work and efforts in teaching us those neat steps.  Which isn't all that easy at times!!

We went to the Garden Cafe.  It is very unique and shall call quaint. It is a outdoor restaurant with a huge canopy of trees overhead with the sounds of birds flying and chirping.  It was beautiful day and the wind was a gentle breeze.  About 15 or so ladies were able to come; loved the camaraderie, the food was excellent so all in all it was a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.  Must admit we all cleaned up pretty good.  

Everyone is leaving...

Paul brought the motorhome up to our site; then the cargo trailer.  For the past few days, all the sewing paraphernalia, clothing was sorted as to what will stay and goes home.  No matter how much planning goes into this, always something will be forgotten.  This past week lots have left Cocopah, for the most part the park is resembling a ghost town.

What seems to be increasing in numbers is the doves that are abundant all over Yuma.  We will be heading home the middle of this week hopefully Wednesday.  It is a bit later than what we originally planned but not by much. A waterline valve had cracked and would like to get it repaired before we leave.  The RV parts person wasn't all that optimistic about getting the part.   If we don't, it means no access to water other than the water we have packed with us. It could prove to be an interesting jaunt home.

Yellow Prickly Pear

Good Morning....

I really don't mind leaving a bit late...as it has given me an opportunity to take some pictures of the cacti in the park.  So in my quest of looking for things to take pictures of I found another variety of Prickly Pear Cactus that produces beautiful yellow blooms.

In bud

My most coveted cacti picture is of a small Saguaro Cactus that had three huge buds.  Should say, I think it is a Saguaro.  I found it in full bud,  about three days ago, so on a daily run I would check it to see how close it was to actually blooming.

In bloom

Then yesterday in the late afternoon it was in full bloom and had already started to wilt.  I couldn't believe it, for the just the day before it was still in bud.  Somewhere I had heard or read that the blooms last only a day. There was quite a strong breeze blowing which didn't help when trying to keep everything in focus.  They were so pretty, I will have to find out if it was really a Saguaro.

That pretty much sums up things at the moment, and in a few days we'll be leaving.  Which means I had better get busy and finish off the last minute cleaning of the 5th wheel and putting things away.

I saw this and thought to myself how true, so I will share it with you..."Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance".  

So there you go, until next time...

Adventure to Algodones Mexico...

Wishing everyone a lovely Valentines Day, my sweetie gave me a lovely card and some yummy chocolates.  I was truly surprised.  Our place really isn't that large and where he was hiding them I have no idea, and to top it off we were together when he purchased them and I guess I was busy talking to a sales person.

Rob enjoying one of the nicer days

Paul and I had a wonderful surprise, my son, Rob drove down from Alberta for a visit.   I guess he decided to get away for a different bit of scenery.  He was here for about 3 days, and then had to scoot back to Alberta for he had a call to go back to work.  So we took him to a few different places that we thought he might be interested in seeing.  After all the desert doesn't offer a lot  different things to see, and knowing that time was limited we stuck closer to home.

Rob & Paul as we begin the tour.

So our first adventure took us to Algodones, the little Mexican border town with over 300 dental offices;  plus numerous optical and pharmaceutical outlets along with an endless array of street vendors selling their goods.  It doesn't take long to realize that the vendors are actually selling more or less the same stuff.  You can buy pretty much anything, ranging from clothing; pottery; leather goods many of which are definitely knock offs; cheap jewelry.  The vendors are very aggressive/persistent which hinges on your mental state at the time.   Without a doubt many sales are made just to get away from their constant nattering...my escape is just to pretend I don't hear them or perhaps I don't speak English. 

Si Senor, 24Kt Gold, all for $30

hummm...nice belt

But if you do pause and make the mistake of touching something, the sales routine is always the same the vendor will say, "you like, I will give it to you for..."; it starts out at some ridiculously high price and within a flash it has been halved, then they'll ask you what you are willing to pay, of course they always object, which they will counter offer, then you counter offer, at that point the vendor will do a very heavy sigh as tho you are 

One of the main streets

robbing them blind and being the cheapest of cheap that walk the face of the earth and should feel great shame (NOT) and the vendor says OK!!! 

We toured several of the streets ensuring that Rob didn't miss any of the "good stuff"!!!  It wasn't long before Rob picked up on the fact that the streets were just a copy/paste of what he had seen previously.

pharmaceutical outlet

My mission was to purchase some creams that are great and very inexpensive.  I decided to try a generic celebrex.  Very apprehensive, but I took one and I didn't keel over and seems to control the pain, so I'm assuming it is ok.  That is actually kind of dumb, but I do trust them for this is a big part of their lively-hood.  If anything it just wouldn't relieve any of the inflammation.  I have taken antibiotics on a few occasions and they do the job.  As mentioned earlier there are over 300 dental offices and pharmaceutical outlets and the main business is dental, drugs and liquor.  It is just so cheap.  Many people who take lots of medications specifically go there to purchase their yearly supply.

We even had the pleasure of some live entertainment.  A fellow playing the flute - did an excellent effort.  There are some cafes located in the nooks and crannies that have live entertainment as well.

Sports score maybe?

In this area last year there was a vendor who painted rocks, lanterns, mailboxes etc and did a wonderful job.  Very impressive, unfortunately he was not there this year.  It was disappointing for I had brought an old 3 gallon shipping cream can to be painted by him.  I did find a lady at one of the flea markets in Yuma who paints as well, but my preference was to find this guy.

Mexican family doing some j-walking.

 This concludes our little trek over to Algodones.  Definitely had to good fortune of it not being that busy, hence no extreme line up at the  border immigration office.  Everyone must pass through with a valid passport, claim as well as reveal what they have purchased.  On a busy day it can take up to an hour or more with the line up being  several blocks long or more.   Paul was over earlier this year with some folks, and he said then it was super quiet too, not too sure why.  But a lot of people do find it very difficult to stand in line for excessive amounts of time.

Immigration entrance

Peddlers

 When standing in line there are lots of Peddlers, I don't believe they are Mexican, I think they are members of the Quechan tribe.  Not entirely sure if that spelling/or comment is correct.  The people are of a very small stature.  Many of the older women hold out little baskets for pocket change and in return you can get a 1 cent candy should you feel inclined to take.  It is not uncommon to see the police or military remove them when they get too close or too many in the immigration area.

While Rob was here we had to take him to two of our most favorite places to eat, 1) Five Guys; and 2) Kneaders.  Five Guys is strictly a hamburger place and they make fresh hamburgers and french fries to die for; never make the mistake and ordering french fries for each person.  One large order of french fries can feed 3 or 4 people with normal appetites.  Maybe not so for teenagers, but their appetites aren't normal.  Kneaders is the best gourmet sandwich place, and I totally love the 12 grain hazel nut bread that they make.  I wished the franchise was in Alberta specially Edmonton area.

Saguaro Catus

Prickly Pear

Also while he was here we went to the Sand Dunes, so he could see the massive area that it encompasses and Kofa National Park area.

The road was pretty rough so travel was slow, especially when we got off the maintained gravel road, then it was about 10 mph max.  About 30 minutes of that was enough, but we did find a Prickly Pear Cactus in bloom, a brilliant magenta. Of course had to take a picture of Rob next to a fairly small Saguaro Cactus.  Would love to find one of these in bloom.

Until next time...dance like nobody is watching!!!

January is a Busy Month...

Santa Anna Humming Bird

Well, the festive season is behind us now and it is time to start planning out the New Year.  My way of thinking about it - is like starting a new page, new chapter or for that matter a book, changing what you don't like, doing the things that you've always wanted to try and doing more of what brings you joy!  We never want to leave things too long on the back burner, for one never knows what is in the "big guy's" book, especially when you are in the senior's demographic.  Even though I never think of myself being a "senior"; but I guess I am - OMG!!! Pinch, Pinch can this be true!! Is that why I can't spring out of bed like a bunny anymore...hummm.

Joe Henry Park

It remains pretty cool in the Yuma area, particularly at night and in the morning; accompanied by lots of wind.  Have heard many comments that this is one of the cooler winters for sure around Yuma as well as the entire southwest. I think I said something about this in last month's blog.  If the cool weather persist, no doubt it will be in next month's ramblings.

The winter vegetable crops are growing and really don't seem to be affected a great deal by the cold weather, in fact now some areas, just north of Cocopah RV, are being planted to grains, which means it is the last crop planted before we leave.  Gosh time is zipping right along.

Paul and I went to Joe Henry Park a couple of weeks ago, for yours truly wanted to 'try' and get a picture(s) of humming birds, they are such elusive little characters.  Not sure if we were too early but their presence wasn't very noticeable, and as luck would have it just before we decided to leave FINALLY a couple were feeding.  Managed to get in close enough to one to take a few pictures.  I've never been able to be fast/close enough to get one in focus.  We desperately need to get some feeders that attach to the window, that way I can hide behind the privacy glass in the 5th wheel and snap pictures till my heart's content.  Does that mean the window will have to be cleaned?  We took the girls with us to the park, they quite liked running about and smelling the new smells.

Chip Summey - Guest Instructor

This past weekend was the Clogging Workshop in Tucson.  Chip Summey was the guest Instructor, he is such an entertaining individual, not mention talented.

So first thing on Friday morning I headed out to Tucson and picking up another fellow (lady) clogger enroute. It was nice having the company, definitely shorten the trip.  Tucson is about a 3 1/2 hour drive from Yuma. I was very excited about going and had been looking forward to it for quite some time.

 It was an extremely enjoyable time, despite the nasty cold that I had been dealing with for several days, prior to going.  I hope I didn't infect too many people while there. Shame on me!! On Saturday evening there were guest exhibition groups, showcasing their talents not to mention lovely costumes.  Definitely one thing for certain, it doesn't take imagination to see the fun these people have and their love of clogging.  There must of been 80-90 maybe more participants in attendance.  Unfortunately it was a bit dark and my flash just didn't reach that far, so some of the pictures tend to be darker than I like.   Definitely wished I had written down the name of the dances that the exhibitions dancers had performed.

Being put through paces.

Studying the Que Sheet

Duelling Banjos

Frilly Frocks

Colorful Costumes

Dazzling Red

Cool Tuxedos

Very talented young lady!!

Having never been to Tucson, was a nice treat.  It is a lovely city, not overly huge.  We were in just a very small vicinity of city, but from what I could see - I liked it.  Shopping would be great, lots of things to do.


 We returned Sunday afternoon.  When arriving home, I was ready to tell my DH about my experiences and  he was flat out with a cold, OOPHS!  He wasn't then and isn't now impressed.  The good news is, he is on the mend.  It just takes time.

On the way to Grandma's

New Shed

Have been busy building a quilt in the evenings and just finished the top last night, the pattern is called, On the Way to Grandma's.  I loved the fabrics, they have such a vintage look.   Will take it home and quilt it.  Now I will have to think about how to quilt it and next on the list of things to do will be making labels for the quilts that have been made or quilted over the past year.  Oh yes, have a couple of table runners on my list of things to do as well.

Sewing Cave

We built a larger shed and I now have a sewing/craft "cave" to do my stuff.  It is so good to be able to sit down and do stuff and not have to put everything away each night.  I can get so much more accomplished. I generally spend a few hours in the evening.  I have a TV, a satellite receiver, my apple TV and computer, so what more could I want!!! :-)) Paul put in the wiring and set up the shelves with the left over lumber, ran the cable from the dish, and with wireless one doesn't worry about computer cables etc.

Tools of the Trade

When we leave in the spring, the tables can be collapsed and our cart and other outside stuff can easily be put in side.

Well, I guess that sums up my rambles for the first half of January.  Not too sure what the last half will bring but we'll see.  So take care and until next time.... "dance like nobody is watching"!!!