So long to "Party Central"--we will miss you!

We have had such a wonderful time at Dan & Jenny's--their lot has beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, Jenny has crafted & nurtured visually pleasing gardens of cactus & flowers, and we have found this has created a peaceful retreat for all who are fortunate to park within their sanctuary. But...and this is a big but, they have been dubbed "Party Central" and we think we know why. Seems each and everyday we've been at Dan & Jenny's there is something fun going on and Friday was no different. They hosted a "Boomer" potluck at their "peaceful retreat" and 19 of us gathered for socializing, eating (wouldn't be a Boomer happening without food), and playing games. Okay, it was definitely time to party.
Joey tried her hand a bowling, Jan thought perhaps Cow riding was her forte--gee seems those cows were a bit more than Jan could handle! But it seems Sharon got the hang of it real fast--go Sharon go!!

In addition to this day there were visits to the Sheppard's Alfa friends, as well a BBQ with the RV Drivers School group, who Dan works part-time for--what a great group, not to mentiion the BBQ hamburgers Jerry cooked--yum-yum.

We definitely found Dan and Jenny's "Casa" a perfect balance of comfort and fun. We so hated to leave, but unfortunately we need to travel back to the NW so that Frank can get that foot FIXED--seems surgery is the only option and he needs to take care of this ASAP. Thank you so much Jenny & Dan--our stay with you was the ideal finish to our last 7 months on the road.

Bea & Ken Marler's Lot at Country Roads & the Yuma Marketplace

One of our favorite things to do while in Yuma is to go to the Yuma Outdoor Marketplace—tons of vendors and fresh fruits & veggies to boot. We were on a mission to find unusual socks—weird I know, but we have an upcoming RV rally with a Sock Hop theme, and we are all requested to wear unique socks. Lucky for us, Dan & Jenny, as well as Boomer friends Ben & Ken Marler, wanted to accompany us on our hunt.
We met Bea & Ken Marler,who also full-time, at a R(o)ving Rod's crabfest in Winchester Bay, OR in September 2004,, and have been fast friends ever since. It was our 1st year on the road, and since they'd already been on the road for many years, we found much to converse about. Thank goodness they befriended us, and made us feel welcomed at an event we didn't know another soul. But because of their warm greeting and willingness to introduce us to several other Boomers we had a blast. We have since met up with them at several other places, including our stay in Florida in 2006. In fact it was Bea who drove us to the airport so we could fly home to Portland for Christmas and picked us up on our return. We feel thankful for good friends like Bea & Ken.

They now have a lot at Country Roads RV Resort here in Yuma, just around the corner from the market, and we were happy they wanted to enjoy the day with us. They've own their lot for awhile but have always rented it out for the winter season, until this year. They thought they'd stay awhile and enjoy all the park has to offer. Bea invited Jenny & I to tour her homebase via their golf cart, oh yeah we were game. Daisy, the Marler's cute little dog, came along for the ride. We buzzed all over that park, with Bea pointing out things of interest. This rv park is huge with a full agenda of activities for residents, I can see why so many snowbirds are attracted to this park.

But soon it was time to hit our destination for this day--the Marketplace. Good news our mission was accomplished (socks were found), veggies bought in addition to few miscellaneous items that were also purchased. And of course since we all felt this was a successful day, we decided we must end it it on a satisfying note—FOOD! So a filling early dinner rounded our day!

A home away from home at the Sheppard's

Again we move down the road, but only as far as Yuma—still in AZ, but thankfully to the open arms & smiling faces of Dan & Jenny Sheppard. (Clink on ther names to see their blog) We met this special couple in 2000 at Life on Wheels, in Moscow, ID—way back when we had our classic 1971 Winnebago and just beginning to think about actually full-timing in an RV. Interesting enough they were also from the Northwest, although Washington, still working, Escapees members like us, and were also in the process of becoming full-timer RV'ers. They befriended us and introduced us to the Boomers BOF (birds of a feather) of Escapees, one of many things they shared with us during that fateful encounter that we have always appreciated. We have traveled with them to Mexico a few times and they have given us a multitude of enjoyable memories.
Jenny prepared a scrumptious meal for us of roast beet and roasted veggies for us--Yum! Yum! Jenny, you are such a good cook.

They now have a lot in the foothills of Yuma, AZ. A few years ago they built a beautiful casita and incorporated an extra hook-up for friends (such as us) to park beside the casita. How great is that!!!! We were here last spring and are delighted to be here again this year before heading home. It gives us a chance to catch up on this year's adventures as well as play games--like pegs and jokers (the guys won-ugh!). And now they have been the ones to introduce us to Wii--and we played games for several hours one night. Frank thinks the bowling game is a real hit--no bowling alley shoes or balls--but nevertheless the feel of a real game was ours for the night at the Sheppards. Jenny was the winner, but Frank thinks a rematch is in the making for next year--watch out Jenny he will be practicing ;)

Time to relax in Casa Grande

We pulled in to our Western Horizon Park in Casa Grande just after 2:00 pm and settle in for a few days of catching up emails, blogs. websites, cleaning (oh my goodness—we were way behind), much needed shopping, hot-tubbing, enjoying life on the road (aka relaxing) and of course watching the sunset each night. A great bonus for us was Diane Fisher and Jim Baker (click on their names to see their blog) happened to be in Casa Grande also, seems they needed to spread way too much gravel on their lot, but good news it is completed. So we had them over for a dinner and some socialization---yeah, we accomplished both. Frank grilled steaks, Diane brought wine and dessert--what a great combination and the evening was termed a success by all. We've sure had a great time with them throughout this winter!

We move on to AZ

As all full-time RV’ers know, there is a time to stay and time to travel—today was our time to travel. And as luck would have it, it was Lin & Lynn’s time to move on also. So we were fortunate to travel with two of our very best friends to AZ. As time was short we traveled directly to AZ, with only 2 overnight stops. But each night’s stopover provided us with a chance to have dinner together and warm conversation with good companions—hey, we have to tell you as far as we are concerned, this is the a great way to travel. Usually, we have only each other, this is always good, but it was even better sharing the day’s end with special friends. All four of us have spent a great deal of time in AZ, in fact it is where we met, and we both share a love for the awesome rock formations and the amazing sunsets!!There was a time, before we actually spent any real time in AZ, that we surmised it was only a dusty wasteland of sand, cactus & unending desert--how wrong we learned we were. We have come to appreciate the desert in a way only those who have allowed the desert to teach them the true beauty of all it has to offer. We have definitely become converts--without a doubt we absolutely adore the lush green beauty of the Northwest, but without reservation we have also fallen in love with the brash colors, incredible landscape formations and the bold silent peacefulness of the desert. Totally different but both leave us in awe and each has seduced us in their own way.

But as we all know—all good things must come to an end—darn!!! And so just outside of Benson, AZ we bid farewell to the Fords, hugs all around and one last gaze at the magnificent of God’s creation.

San Antonio celebrates St. Paddy Day

Sunday found us up early so we all (the Fords & Gruelles) could drive into San Antonio and attend Oak Hills Church to hear the very talented storyteller and best-selling Christian author, pastor Max Lucado’s sermon. He has written more than 50 books and we can certainly understand why his words inspire many.

Next we ventured further into San Antonio to attend the annual St. Patrick’s River Dying Parade, at the Riverwalk, which is renamed "The River Shannon” for this day. The river hosts a floating parade with Irish dignitaries, pipers, drummers, dancers and the spirit of the old country abounds. The river is actually dyed green with an eco-friendly dye dissolved into the river and that doesn't interfere with the habitat or wild life.
The four of us decided to take a narrated 40 minute fun boat cruise that travels the entire 2 ½ mile length of the River Walk. Our guide entertained us with many interesting historical tidbits of the San Antonio river, provided us with several laughs and best of all we were able to rest our feet for awhile.

Of course once we finished our tour, we were hungry—gee when are we not ;) So it was decided that Mexican was our collected choice and the Café Ole was our pick as they were able to seat us promptly—we were hungry I said. Food and service met each of our approvals! Everything about this day proved to be enjoyable, including the weather--warm & sunny.

Medina Lake with good Friends

We are now in the Thousand Trails’ 260 acre preserve along the shores of Medina Lake which is located in the Hill Country of Texas. The park feels far from the “maddening crowd” but yet within a short 20 minute drive to San Antonio. There is an abundant wildlife population, with deer numbering in the 100’s. Each day we spend time watching these little “Bambi’s” assemble in our RV site or running through our campsite. Frank has found these deer will eat right out of his hand and they do seem to capture our attention whenever they present themselves.
When we arrived we were welcomed by good friends Lynn & Lin Ford who we had last spent time with in Florida. We met this couple in AZ on our 1st year on the road. They are also Full-timers and are from the NW. We bonded over a meal shared, Christmas lights and pumpkin pie and have been great friends ever since. They welcomed us “home from the road” today with a wonderful meal of a Mexican Chicken & Rice—Lin is such a good cook, her dinner was so yummy and so comforting!! We very much appreciate their caring friendship and generous hospitality, which on a long day of driving was more than appreciated!!

Our newest family member has arrived!!!

We are just outside Houston, TX staying at the Elks in Katy. It is very continent for us to visit Dianne's niece's family, Jackie, husband Russ & daughters Mackinzi (5) & Jozlyn (2). Their family is a joy for us and we were so happy to have a chance to spend time with each of them.

We choose to come now because Jackie was about to give birth to her 3rd daughter and Dianne wanted to be there, just as she was present at each of their other 2 daughters' births. Jackie's mom, Vickie (Dianne's younger sister), passed away in 2003 and therefore was not able to experience Jackie's children's births, so Dianne feels so blessed to be a part of this special day in her sister's place. We waited on pins & needles as Jackie progressed in her labor, and finally almost 24 hours after being admitted she gave birth to daughter number 3----Avairya Kalika-Jazmine Rodriguez. She born at 6:41 pm on 3/12/09 weighing 6 lbs 4 ozs, & is 18 ins. long. Congratulations to our newest family member!! Good job Jackie.

Farewell Louisiana you will be missed

Sunday was our last full day at Betty’s and we were sad to leave this charming French-flavored town of Abbeville which is said to be the most Cajun place on earth.
Happily, Betty planned a potluck for all of us and it was so nice to have a chance to say our farewells. Our time in Louisiana went much too fast. We had a remarkable time learning about the Acadian culture, experiencing true southern hospitality, eating way too many Cajun specialities, visiting interesting historical sites, and above all, meeting so many great new folks that we now consider friends and hope to meet down the road again. We ate, laughed, danced, ate (on did I already mention that), played and chatted to our hearts content, but now we must say goodbye—until we meet again. We will miss Louisiana, but we will miss Betty’s even more. The view just outside our motor home, we say goodnight to Betty's as we savor the memories.

It's another Louisiana Saturday and the Music starts in the Morning

It’s another Saturday morning in Louisiana and we woke early to get in line at Café des Amis in Breaux Bridge. This is the place to be if you want breakfast with a twist—an awesome live Zydeco band!! The place just rocks and you can’t help but get up and move, and we were no exception. Young & old come together to enjoy authentic Cajun music, eat breakfast and dance the morning away. The place was packed with customers eating, couples two-stepping on the dance floor, like Jim & Diane, and others standing in the aisles swaying to the music as they waited for tables. It really is the place to let the good times roll.

Driving home from Café des Amis, Diane & I decided we wanted to go to an Arts & Craft show in New Iberia. The backdrop for the show was the Shadows-on-the-Teche which is a historical southern plantation surrounded by beautiful gardens on Bayou Teche. The grounds are lovely and feature many flowering shrubs such as camellias, wisteria, magnolia trees, as well as huge live oaks festooned with Spanish moss.

This day only got longer & later, because after only a short nap it was off to Touchet’s (2 checks) Bar & Jam Session at 4:30 pm in Abbeville. More Cajun music, more dancing and best of all they feed you—for free. Now how good is that? This is such a fun bar, more a community meeting place than a bar, but either way we all had fun listening and dancing to the music. Not to mention dinner on the house scored a big hit with us as well. This was a great day, but we were all ready to get back home to our rigs to rest—gee old people can only party for so long…….