BOO

Apache Junction, AZ   High 89  Low 62

Happy Halloween everyone.

I figured it was about time for a round up of our last week. Not much going on but we did do a couple of really fun things.

We attended the United Air Force Concert Band and Singing Sergeants performance at AZ State University's Gammage Auditorium.

 

This building is Frank Lloyd Wright's final design. He was a close friend of ASU President Grady Gammage and even thought the design of this building was originally to be used in Baghdad, Iraq, after seeing this site he knew this was the place to build. The first event, The Philadelphia Orchestra under the baton of Eugene Ormandy, was held September 18, 1964.

Shannon, Dianna, Bobbie and if you look closely you can see a little bit of Steve (but not Jin).

It’s a beautiful building which is on the National Historic Record. That does create a couple of problems. They cannot make any changes to the building without jumping through about a million hoops. And a couple of things need to be changed.

They need more restrooms. Believe me, they really need more women’s restrooms. They also need to add another elevator, larger than the one they have. That is right, they have one very small elevator and it for the use of disabled people.

The reason I know that is because Jim was in his wheelchair and we had to use that elevator. Two wheelchairs barely fit if you maneuvered them just right. Took awhile to get all us old folks down and then up again at the end.

The concert was more than worth it though. Absolutely incredible. Such talented band members under the direction of Colonel Larry H. Lang.

This was the first time I’ve ever heard a Euphonium as a solo instrument. The guy could really play but a strange pick, at least for me, as a solo. (I played an oboe in high school and college.)

However, the Singing Sergeants stole the show. Especially this man. Please excuse the horrible picture. He brought down the house when he sang Ole Man River. WOW!

We had a wonderful time and it was FREE. If you are ever in the area of one of the United States military band concerts, do not miss it.

I’m going to save our other fun time for the next blog. Have a wonderful evening and don’t eat too much candy.

OUR TALENTED DAUGHTER-IN-LAW

Our DIL, Michaela, is not only beautiful but extremely talented as an artist. Her world is filled with beauty that she has created. As most of you know, I don’t have that artist’s eye, however, I can and do appreciate the work of others.

Michaela has set up a blog showing her art work at http://greenscreations.wordpress.com/. If you get a chance, please take a look.

This is the Halloween costume she put together. (My costumes were always something like a farmer – overalls and a bandanna.)

We are sure glad you decided to join our family.

A Phone Call You Don’t Want

Apache Junction, AZ  High 85  Low 51

Jim received a call this morning that broke our hearts. His very best fishing buddy died this morning.

Jim and Bill have so many of the same loves – fishing, Chevy trucks, fifth wheels, more fishing, the automotive business, and they both married women from Sidney, MT.

They met at the Chevy dealership in Billings, MT when Jim was his boss. His wife, Carol, knew my parents however, we had not met before the guys got together.

Our love and prayers are with Carol and family at this very sad time. We love you guys.

Surgery, RV’s, and Make Up

Apache Junction, AZ  High 84  Low 56

How can I ever thank all of you for the wonderful thoughts and prayers for Jim and I. We’ve certainly needed them this year.

Jim’s leg surgery is scheduled for November 6. Was really hoping it would be sooner but we’ll just be thankful to have it over with. He has an appointment on the 1st for the pre-op stuff.

He feels great because he doesn’t have to walk anymore. That $35 wheelchair is getting a good workout.

Last Thursday we went with Dianna to an RV show over in Glendale. She is now the proud owner of a 2013 North Trail Travel Trailer. We’ll be with her to pick it up this week and Jim will drive it over to her storage area for her. There’s a huge empty parking lot not too far from where she lives so Jim will be giving her some driving lessons.

This morning we went to visit Aunt Happy. She just makes my day. She had bought a new eyebrow pencil but she couldn’t get the plastic off of it so she was really grateful that we were there so Jim could fix it for her. She felt naked without her eyebrows. She was also concerned about whether her powder was on properly and not too thick. I think it’s amazing that at the age of 99 she still wants to look her very best.

She also needed a “man” to explain her answering machine to her. She wasn’t sure how to delete her old messages and she was happy that Jim was there to show her how. She still talks to Jim rather than to me most of the time. I bet she was quite a flirt back in her day.

We had a great discussion with her about politics. She has already voted and was upset with other people in her apartment complex because so many of them just didn’t care enough to vote.

And that wraps up our last few days. Other than going to Church Sunday, we’ve stayed pretty close to home. (Jim hates having to ride in the wheelchair.)

 

Jim Update

Apache Junction, AZ  High 92  Low 59

I haven’t posted in awhile because I’ve been waiting until we had some news from all the tests on Jim’s leg. I also haven’t been reading too many blogs because we’ve been running all over the Phoenix area for those tests and seeing the doctors. But hopefully soon I’ll get caught up.

Jim needs to have surgery one more time. They do say three times is the charm, right? That makes three for this year. This one isn’t as serious as the others which is nice. However, if he doesn’t get it fixed he could lose his leg.

The artery in Jim’s left leg is 50% blocked. So not much blood is getting through and that is why he has been having the terrible cramping and pains in that leg. We saw the surgeon yesterday and he is going to do an angiogram and use the balloon to open up the artery. Then he’ll put in as many stents as needed.

There is a chance this won’t work. Jim had stents put in his heart an they didn’t work there but we have hopes that it will be okay this time. If the stents don’t work, they will do a by-pass in his leg. I didn’t even know they did such things. I knew about the heart by-passes because Jim has had two of them. The main reason for all these problems is the fact that Jim was a smoker for many, many years until he met me. He hasn’t smoke in almost 20 years but the damage had already been done.

Our surgeon is the same doctor who did his lung cancer surgery and we are really happy about that. He is excellent and we have complete confidence in him.

The surgery will be sometime in the next two weeks and we will be so glad to get it over with. In the meantime, Jim is not supposed to do much walking. So we went to Goodwill and found him a wheelchair and I get to push him around even more than I already do. (Doesn’t he just look soooo happy in that picture.)

The really bad news is – no fishing. But since the boat is still in the hospital, that helps a little bit.

We Have Been Busy, Honest

Apache Junction, AZ  High 79  Low 57

Just not really blog worthy.

Spike has donned his Halloween duds for the big night.

We spent all day Friday with Dianna looking at travel trailers and a truck to pull it with. We found a travel trailer she really likes but she had to give up her ideas of what would pull it. The salesman just kind of chuckled when she told him she wanted a Honda Pilot. 

So we then headed out to look at trucks. Many hours later she drove home in a brand new 2013 Chevy Avalanche. What a beautiful truck that is. Jim and I are both drooling all over it.

Now she has to wait awhile to buy the trailer but maybe by January so she can join us in Q for her maiden voyage. Might as well start her out boondocking before she knows any better.

We also got to meet up with a fellow Escapee. He posts on the forum as Ranger and Jin. His name is Steve and Jin is his service dog. A beautiful border collie with one brown eye and one blue eye.

Steve suggested we meet at an Irish Pub in Tempe. Had some of the best corned beef and cabbage ever. Dianna joined us and we all sat and talked for a couple of hours. Steve will be in the area for a couple of months so we will be getting together with him again.

Jim had more tests on his leg on Thursday and we see the doctor on Monday afternoon to find out what the results are.

Took a couple of pretty sunset pictures.

 

We had a cold front move through. Got down to 57 last night and will again tonight. The days are in the 70’s. A little too cool for me but I know most of you will laugh about that. Going to start warming up tomorrow and we’ll be back in the 90’s next week. I’m still looking for those elusive 80’s.

That’s about it from here.

Rock Springs Cafe

After leaving Sedona on our way back south to Phoenix, we made a slight detour into Rock Springs.

Jan told us about this place and I’m not sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing.

Take a look at these goodies.

And these

Dianna and I split a blueberry pie (our favorite) and we bought an apple pie for Ginny and Mickey for taking such good care of our girls while we were gone.

Jim’s blood sugar has been running a little high so he doesn’t get to share in any of these goodies.

Another must stop on your way down I-17 to Phoenix.

 

 

Oak Creek Canyon

Near Flagstaff, AZ  High 84  Low 64

Our friend, Dianna, had suggested last week that we drive up to Oak Creek Canyon to see the Fall colors. Figured Tuesday would be a great day since the long week-end was over and the weather was to be perfect.

Except that there isn’t much color yet. It was still worth the drive through the canyon. We took Dianna’s car and drove up almost to Flagstaff and then came back down the canyon to Sedona.

There were still a whole lot more people and cars than I expected. Made it difficult to stop anywhere and take pictures. Most of the turnouts were full of cars and if you tried to slow down the cars behind you got really impatient.

Dianna hates to have her picture taken but I did sneak this one in. One of these days she’s going to realize or at least accept the fact that I take pictures.

 

 

The Native Americans have set up stalls to sell beautiful hand crafted items.

 

Found these pretty flower on the path we took back to the parking lot from the vista point. I bet it is beautiful in the spring. 

 

Anybody have any idea what these are or what they’re used for? They were on the path through the trees and were all along the path. They appear to be part of the path structure.

 

We were going to stop at Sliding Rock State Park but with Jim’s leg he couldn’t walk that far so we pressed on towards Sedona. And, of course, the rock gets so much redder the closer we got.

Took way too many beautiful pictures. If you’re in the area, this is definitely a drive you need to take. Have to include a cloud picture.

One thing did mar the day. As we neared the Vista Point, there were several police cars on the side of the road and we could see a sheet covering a body. Found out later that a mother and son had each committed suicide there together. My heart breaks for them. I know life is hard but there just has to be another answer.

Jim Update: Still don’t know much. He has to have more tests on his leg tomorrow. No blood clots, so that is good news.

Boys Just Wanta Have Fun

Apache Junction, AZ  High 91  Low 63

Or how many guys does it take to change a light bulb?

Another issue Jan and Bill have with their new rig was the lack of LED lights. The bulbs and light covers that were in the rig weren’t working and when Jim got one of them down we could see that the heat from the bulbs had started to turn the plastic brown. Not a good thing.

Over to the RV store here in AJ and lots of money later, they have new LED lights and covers. So now Jan doesn’t have to take her shower in the dark.

Also got their generator running. It’s amazing how a loose screw and a clogged needle valve (whatever that is) can mess things up. They are making their plans for Quartsite.

Had hamburgers on the grill last night with carrot cake for dessert. This morning we headed to Dollar Tree for a few odds and ends and then to the Mesa Swap Meet. Jim found some socks and that was the extent of all our purchases. I just get so tired of looking at all the STUFF they have. Talk about overload. And it was hot so we didn’t stay very long.

Took it easy this afternoon and then had chicken with baked potatoes and green beans with carrot cake for dessert.

Monday morning – Jan and Bill have to leave today to head down to Casa Grande. Jan’s Dad is excited that they are going to be back to keep him company for awhile. We sure are going to miss them. I’m sure we’ll see them again in the not too far distant future.

Jim made sausage and egg McDixon’s for them for breakfast to help them on their way. Bill had cheese on his.

Thanks for a wonderful time you guys. Travel safe.

Jan and Bill Save Us From Boredom

Apache Junction, AZ  High 93  Low 65

The boat is still in the hospital. Oh woe is Jim. Haven’t heard anything from the doctor yet on his leg tests so no news there. And here we sit.

BUT – Jan and Bill pulled into our park on Thursday and saved the day.

They bought a new Montana Mountaineer Fifth Wheel and it is gorgeous. They have a four door fridge – I am so jealous.

Just look at that fridge:

Had them over for dinner Thursday night. Fixed some pork chops with fried apples and stuffing and peach cobbler for dessert. Turned out pretty good if I do say so myself.

Bill wanted a macerator. He had one on their old fifth wheel and he missed it. So they ordered one and had it shipped to us. Guess what Jim has been installing for the last two days.

The beginning:

The clean dump:

The almost finished result:

Last night Jan and Bill took us out to dinner to say thanks. Not sure what they’re thanking me for. I certainly haven’t done anything but I’m sure glad they included me in the party. We went to the #1 Eastern Super Chinese Buffet – one of our favorite restaurants in this area. First time we’ve been there this season and it was just as fabulous as it’s always been.

Jan had a couple of other small jobs that needed Jim’s tools. Needed to drill a couple of holes to run the cord.

One of the screws on the table wasn’t screwed into the floor and the table kept trying to tip over.

But all is done. Now I just need to convince Jan and Bill they need to stay a couple of more days for fun.

Not Sure I Can Handle All This Excitement

Apache Junction, AZ  High 103  Low 72

Excitement #1. They sealed the roads in our RV park which left us stranded on our own little island. We weren’t supposed to walk or drive on the sealant for 24 hours and there is no way to get off our block without crossing a road. And you know what, that was just fine because we didn’t have any plans to go anywhere.

 

Excitement #2. The Cardinals and Redskins both on their football games on Sunday.

Excitement #3. We went to visit Aunt Happy. She is eager to hear the candidates debate tomorrow. She continues to amaze me with how sharp her mind is.

Excitement #4. We went to Mesa to check out my sister’s park model for her and found that she has termites. They have been a problem for her in the past so she is really grateful that we get it taken care of before she flies down in November.

Only one very slight problem. Her air conditioning isn’t working and it must have been 130 degrees in her place. We were really happy when the terminator was done drilling his holes and applying his chemicals so we could get out of there.

Excitement #5. This one was truly fun. We met up with Dianna at Allison’s Texas BBQ for dinner. Had a wonderful visit and great food.

Hey Jeri – Winco is now open in Mesa!!

I just want you to know that I am still reading blogs just not commenting quite as often. I’m having some problems with my hand and typing is a little bit of a struggle.