Ghost Park - Almost

AJ -  High 98. Low 63

We're rapidly becoming a ghost park. People are leaving in droves to escape the heat. But some of them arrived back north to really chilly weather. Utopian weather is getting harder and harder to find. 

I still don't have a new hot water tank. The old one works and even if it didn't, the water heats up nicely in the sun. They've had a very difficult time finding a tank that will fit. The company who made the original tank is out of business. But they think they have found one that will work. They have to order it and then install it which could be tricky. I'll let you know how it goes. 

For the first time in I don't remember how many years, I went to a movie theater. I really wanted to see the movie, Escape From Germany. It's about Latter-day Saint Missionaries (Mormon) who had to get out of Germany before Hitler shut down the border and invaded Poland. This movie was based on true events that were recorded in the missionaries' journals and captured on film by one very brave missionary.  The movie did not show the brutality of the times, but did an excellent job of making you feel the fear. The credits at the end of the movie were almost more interesting than the movie. They had pictures of each one of the missionaries that were saved and a brief bio about them. I was also interested to see that many of the extras in the movie were actual descendants of those missionaries. 

This movie was about Mormons but I'm sure it was the same situation for missionaries of other religions and beliefs as they also tried to escape from tyranny. Made me very grateful for the life I've lived here in our country. 

 

The price of fuel here in AZ is ridiculous. Regular gas is between $3.59 and $3.99. That's better than the $4.39 we had a couple of weeks ago.  I am glad I am retired and no longer have to commute to work. And Daisy does get good gas mileage.

That's about it from my house. I sure hope everyone is safe from these terrible storms going across the USA. 

And, of course, a couple of pictures to close out this post.

He loves sticks and pine cones. 

He banged his forehead into a kitchen cabinet. Doesn't seem to be bothering him too much. He just gets up and keeps on going. 

 

 

Where Did It Go?

 AJ, AZ   High's upper 90s and lows in the upper 60s

It is the middle of April already and I have no idea where it all went. Our park is really getting empty. I still have neighbors until May 10th and depending on health issues, another neighbor here until June. Ginny and Mickey are leaving the 25th. But Carol and Melva will still be here to keep me from doing stupid things.

My neighbors cactus. The blooms only last one day so this picture shows the one bloom and the new one that will open the next day as the other one dies.

 

One Saturday Wendy and I did a service project with the Psychology Dept of Mesa Community College. The Children's Home in Mesa is called Sunshine Acres and the college kids put on a hamburger and hot dog cookout for them. Along with food there was face painting, puzzles, egg decorating, corn hole, and beading. We pitched in wherever we were needed. 

Those of you who have followed my blog forever, will remember my Aunt Happy (who had lots of money). Sunshine Acres was one of her very favorite charities. She was a retired school teacher but never had children of her home so she donated to Sunshine Acres. A very worthy cause.

I am responsible for collecting money and food for our local food bank from our park. We have the most incredible people here in the park. They just give and give and keep on giving.  For the month of March, the food bank was asking for pasta. So I put out a plea for any kind of pasta that anyone wanted to donate. I ended up taking three car loads of pasta to the food bank. I had pasta in the passenger seat, the back seat and a full trunk. It was so amazing. We also collect plastic bags and egg cartons for the food bank. Things they use in order to distribute the food to those who need it. 

 Ginny's rainbow picture

We have had some gorgeous weather but this week we will be heading towards that 100 degree mark. I think I'm ready but probably not. I'm posting some awesome pictures which I did not take. Wendy took most of these pictures (she is so good) and Ginny caught the rainbow picture.

 Wendy took this one from a friend's house. Isn't it gorgeous?

These pictures were taken after a rainstorm.

Almost all of the activities in the park have ended for the season. I still can't believe the months have gone by so fast. 

Paul came up today to replace the anode rod in my hot water heater. (He will be heading north sometime the first part of May.) As per usual, things did not go smoothly. It has been determined that I need a new tank. So I will get a couple of estimates to get the work done and cry while I'm having it done. But it's really my own fault. After Jim died I just let things like that just fade away into the background and didn't think about them. My trailer is 7 years old and it needs maintenance. 

I took this picture one morning as the sun was coming up.

This is a sunset picture that I took.

Paul went to the Cayman Islands for a week with his family for a relaxing time on the beach. He also went swimming with the sting rays. Jim and I swam with the dolphins but I'm not sure I'd want to spend much time with a sting ray.

 Now for the fun stuff - I am starting to plan my trip north to Montana. I still have good old Daisy (my 2008 Kia Rio) and I'll take her to John's Auto to have her completely checked out to make sure she is ready to make that trip. I'm trying to find some new places to check out that won't strain her too much. I'll let you know more when I figure it out. I don't have any idea when I'm heading out yet either.

Of course, I must end with pictures of my favorite grandson. A day at the park.

Kisses for Mom