#41.......ATVs, Scans and a world gone mad

 Are we there yet????? 

What a few months we've had.  Of course we all know 2020 is a dumpster fire, but sometimes when there's fire ya just have to roast marshmallows lol.  So we did....

After spending virtually every day in the pool during the summer, we decided to join our friends on the annual Utah ATV adventure in Richfield, Utah.  We've been doing this trip for over 15 years.  This year felt a little different after the lockdown of early 2020.  It felt good to actually go somewhere.  And on top of that, during our time there Utah was a mask free state.  

So, we spent a couple of weeks in September getting the toy hauler ready to go.  That meant cleaning it.  Now I don't care how clean I left it after the last trip, or how closed up it was, we live in Arizona.  And that means dust finds it's way into the rolling home.  It did smell good, though, since I had placed cut up pieces of Irish Spring throughout.  I read somewhere that repels mice.  Not that I've seen any mice, but what the heck.  Couldn't hurt.  It is also convenient that our trailer is parked next to the house.

We have a 50 amp hookup so we were able to run the AC all summer to keep the temp reasonable inside.  Excessive heat can cause damage so we'd rather pay a bit more in utility bills.  I had also, in my infinite wisdom, filled the sinks in the two bathrooms and the kitchen with water to keep the humidity up.  I really need to stop reading helpful hints.  What I didn't do was check it any time after doing that...in March...

Apparently water evaporates over time.  Who knew?  (insert eye roll here).  Soooooo my cleaning took extra time to get the water lines and buildup off the sinks.  But I prevailed.  I gave the RV a good deep cleaning.  Floors, fans, walls, cabinets.  Notice I said I.  Not we...I.  It's ok.  He would have done it wrong anyway.  

We ordered new furniture for the RV, tossing out the original stuff (5 seat couch) and replacing it with a 3 place motion, massage unit.  I found two great little end tables with power, USB ports built in and a cabinet to store stuff.  I personally like it a lot better.  Makes the living area seem bigger.  It's not like anyone comes and sits in our trailer anyway.  We always sit outside or I go bug Kandi in her motorhome.

Two days to stock it with food (why I don't know..I'll explain later) and clothes.  It's time to have trailer clothes and home clothes.  I mean if I really need that shirt, I can always go get it out of the RV.  Would save a lot of time.

As far as the food, because of LJ's eating issues after his cancer treatment,  made sure there was plenty of stuff to make dinner.  He gets pretty darn hungry after riding all day.  What I did NOT factor in was going out to eat almost every day.  I also did NOT factor in that Wally World is a couple miles away if I need to buy something.  Of course the end result is.. I shop for a day.. stock the trailer another day.. take the food to Utah..Bring the food home from Utah.. and then unstock the trailer.  You would think after years of Rving I would realize this.  Apparently I am a very slow learner.

We decided to go a day early to Utah, so we got packed and got up at 4am on the 26th of September.  Everything went smoothly and we were on the road at 5.  We had already made the decision to drive all the way to Richfield in one day.  

8 hr 5 min (507.6 mi) via US-89 N and US-89

Only 8 hours.  Not a big deal, per LJ.  So we left on time and we were off on a much needed adventure.  

Now, we hadn't taken the RV out since February, so after a bit of driving, it's important to check the tire pressure.  Of course LJ has "tire minders" on the RV tires to warn him if they are too inflated or deflated and after a bit they were beeping like mad.  But then, they always do.  Personally I would toss them out the window, but that's me.  But, safety is important, so time to check them.  Lets get off the freeway (after about 40 minutes of driving) and check those puppies.  This exit looks good, let’s take it.  And we drive and drive.. no kidding, about 10 miles thanks to construction we didn't know was there.  Finally found a Target parking lot and LJ went to check the tires.  Of course, first he had to go into the RV and get the box with the special tool.   Where's the box.  Finally finds it.  You see, the tire thingies need to be removed to add or remove air from the tire.  Then, because it's LJ, he drops the tool.  Of course it rolls under the trailer.  He has to get it.  I'm trying not to laugh, but I do because that’s how relationships work.  I know he is totally pissed off by now.  Long story short he decides the tires are fine and we are off again.  Now to figure out how to go back the way we came, because remember there is construction.  We finally got back on the road with the whole detour taking about 45 minutes rather than the five he thought it would.  

The tire things are fine for about an hour then they start beeping again.  Time for a pee stop and he took a quick look.  Tires were fine.  Tire thingy monitor went into the console because we didn't want to listen to it any more 😂. 

The rest of the trip was relatively uneventful.  Stopped for lunch at McD.. of course the lobby was closed and they only did drive-up.  Kind of difficult to pull a 43 foot fifth wheel through there.  We were still in AZ and the restrictions, although for the most part lifted, were still being used in some places.  At least Taco Bell across the parking lot didn't care.  Back on the road and we arrived in Richfield about 3:30pm, Utah time.  So all in all it was about a ten hour day.  It was still daylight so no issue setting up.  But it had been a long day, so early dinner then off to bed.  After all.  Our friends would be there the next day.  Had to be rested!

My hat.. and yes they do

Rich and Kandi, Martha and Frank Showers got there on Sunday.  We were waiting on the RV patio that we seldom get to use.  Wanted to appear nonchalant, but we were really happy to see them.  Scooter went nuts when he saw the Kroppmobile.  He knew his buddy Niko was there.   The Wilhoit's, Hersch, Karin and Bafu, came on Monday. 

Me,Frank,Martha,Hersch,Karin,Rich,Kandi and LJ

We stayed in Utah for just under a month.  It was a fabulous trip. Lots of ATV riding, drinking, dinners out, fireside chats.  The last week, the Shower's and Wilhoit's had left, but the Guzman's and two other couples came to ride all the way from Texas!  It was a little mini reunion.  

Was it an exciting trip?  Why do you ask?  It was atv riding.  Of course it was exciting.  I don't do a lot of riding any more.  My back just can't take the jarring.  But it had been so long since I had done any Utah trails.  And with LJ, there's always excitement!

One of our first rides was over toward Koosharum, a tiny little town.  It was a nice ride. The Wilhoites, Kropp's and us in the Can Ams;  Frank on his dirt bike.  He's over 75 and still rides a dirt bike.  But he's a retired fireman, so as with all firemen, very fit and shows the cops what real men ride in their 70s, lol.  I love Frank.  Great guy and rides very well for any age.  

It was very pretty country with all the leaves changing.  In Koosharum is a great little hamburger place.  We stopped and had lunch.  Scooter was ever so polite, sitting next to me waiting patiently for a bit of my hamburger.  Ok.. roughly half of my hamburger, but he's a growing boy.  On the way back we saw lots of parasails.  The sky was lit up with folks jumping off the cliffs.  Quite a site. We were back by early afternoon.  It was a successful first ride. Of  course the next day the boys HAD to go to Jorgensen's (the local all things with a motor dealer) and buy stuff.  It's a rule.  One must not vary from the rule.  While there, they arranged for a trailer so we could all go to the San Rafael Swells.  The swells are about 80 miles away and require trailering the atvs.  No problem.  I was looking forward to the swells.  I absolutely love the landscape there.  So the plan was leave early the next day.

We were on the road by 8:30..gonna be a great day.  Perfect weather.  Clear skies, not too cool or hot.  Frank rode with the Kropp's who had their CanAm in the back of their truck.  We took the Wilhoit's, Bafu and the two CanAms on the trailer, along with Frank's bike in the truck.  We get to the swells, easily unloaded and off we go! It's a fairly nice ride, not too bad to start.  Rich has a plan.  He and LJ talked about it while perusing the maps the night before.  Oh look.  Lets go there!  That's on the map!  It's called Devil's Racetrack.  How bad can it be.  OMFG...if I never do that again it will be too soon.  What part of I don't do rough riding or rock climbing did you forget, Mr Kropp and Mr James?

Bouncy bouncy.  Roll to the left.  Roll to the right.  Close your eyes and pray.  My first words about five minutes into it was WTF LJ!  His response: “I don't remember it being this bad.  Should ease up in a bit.”  Lie number one.

As we are watching the Kropp's and The Wilhoits in front of us, I'm thinking just a matter of time before.. oh too late.  Hersch and Karin are on their side.  It was slow, so no injuries.  Kinda like Artie Johnson on Laugh in on the trike.  

Lj runs over and saves Bafu.  Winches are on all of our bikes for a reason, lol.  A little tug here and Hersch is upright with a door ding, but everyone is fine.  We make sure all is good and laugh a little, but continue on.  For about three feet.  At which point I tell LJ... nope.  I'm walking.  I get out.  Scooter stays in the back of the atv.  He is harnessed, in a cushioned crate and surrounded by a roll bar.  He's fine.  I got out so LJ could drive through the rocks without me wincing, whining, cringing, crying, gasping and saying oh F, I'm gonna die, a lot.  He needed to concentrate.  It was about ten feet later when LJ managed to put his CanAm on it's side (My side I might add).   Again, slow moving so no injury.  Scooter is safe in the back but has this "WTF mom.  I thought these things were supposed to be upright" look on his face.  "Get me out so I can go pee on stuff."  I take him out and we watch while Rich winches LJ upright.  Now Rich had managed to keep his on all four wheels through this challenging portion of the route.  Scooter was fine.  I was trying to figure out how far it was back to the truck and how long it would take me to walk it.  Yes.  I admit it.  I'm old and after the roll over in Yuma, not a fan of rocks.  Kandi was a true friend and, since Rich hadn't gone over, switched rides with me.  Not that I don’t trust LJ..I do...but he didn’t need me reminding him of the hazards of rock crawling, lol.   She chanced it with LJ while I rode with Rich.  Of course he told me if he rolled it, then it would be obvious I was the issue.😂😂

Rich said I sang to him while maneuvering the rocks.  I don't remember that but I believe I blocked out most of that ride.  Even with the drama it was still fun.  A story to tell.  How about Frank? you ask.  The dirt bike king had no issues.  Was a bit tiring for him, but he did fantastic.  All LJ and Rich would say is "it wasn't that bad years ago".😈  I'm thinking more along the line of "DEVIL's racetrack" wasn't a clue??????  Whatever...I need a drink.

I'm determined to ride and enjoy time with LJ.  So a day of rest and another ride.  The ride to Mantei.  We’ll trailer the bikes there.  "It'll be nothing like the last ride.  Nothing.  You'll love it."  

The first sign should have been when we were 1/3 of the way there and LJ remembers he left his maps at the RV.  So back we go to get them.  On the road once again, almost there, but LJ misses the turnoff to this ride's starting point.  We go all the way through town before we figure it out.  U-turn and we finally find the gigantic wood sign that says the trailhead and recreation area is that way. Not sure how he missed that on the way in, but I digress.  So we drive on a gravel road for awhile.  Is that it?  How about there?  There?  F it.  We are parking here.  And we do.  Now you might be thinking we say the F word a lot.  Atv ride with us and you will too 😀

The trails in Utah are numbered so we need #3.  We find it and off we go.  I won't drag out this ride story.  Just know that it was rough, confusing and there were places/hills we barely made it up and our dirt bike king couldn't get up.  (In Frank's defense, he was on a gutless rental bike since his new one he ordered hadn't been delivered to the dealer yet.)  

After Devils Racetrack, nobody was in the mood to have a similar adventure. So the decision was made to find our way back to the truck and call it a day.  Still saw some pretty country.  And we did ride for a few hours...mainly because we kept missing the turns, but still.  Back to camp...drinks and fire chatting.

I had put my poor old fat body through enough torture so I decided to sit out the next couple of  rides.  I chilled on the RV patio, watching old tv shows on the garage tv and working on my 1000 piece puzzle.

I offered Frank my seat in the CanAm if he wanted to take a break from the dirt bike.  He decided, why not.  It wasn't but a few hours into the ride when my phone starts beeping.  It's a picture sent to me from Kandi.  Awww.  She wants me to see what I'm missing.  Nope.  It's a picture of all the boys and a local cop standing in the middle of a road.  I know our bike is street legal so I'm wondering who got stopped.  Probably Hersch.  No reason.  Just figured it was Hersch.  

Everyone is smiling in the picture, so I'm thinking it's just a random thing.  Then she texts "everyone is ok".  OMG.  Are you serious?  The next picture was of OUR CanAm laying on the driver's side...on the side of the major roadway.  You guessed it.  In a freak accident, LJ was backing up so Frank could take pictures of everyone as they came out of the forest onto the roadway.  While backing ... at high speed (he's had cop driver's training, you know) he runs the tire up a sign post he didn't see.  Couldn't do it again if he tried.  It is now a running joke with LJ that owning a side by side doesn't mean you need to put it on this side...then that side and occasionally on the roof (Yuma).  Again, no injury but the atv had to go to the shop since it wasn't running right.  They had it fixed the next day.  Minor adjustments.  More campfire stories.  Our son thought it was hilarious when I sent him the pictures, so he sent his dad this 😂 😂

  

He managed to do several more rides without incident.  Amazing.  I did go on one more ride when the Guzman's were there.  This particular ride was so freakin' cold.  The only really cold day and I pick that one to go, lol.  We actually were driving in hard wind and literally through the clouds.  I had done this one before so I knew what the view was with out the big ol cloud.  It was  still fun but I probably should have taken a heavier coat.  Thank goodness for engine heat and doors.  Scooter was properly attired.  He has better sense than his mama.  

We spent one day shooting our ARs and hand guns at a local range.  That was fun.  Gotta get familiar with it .. for defense purposes, ya know.  Need to be proficient.

 

All in all It was a fabulous trip.  I finished the 1000 pc puzzle while enjoying my alone time.  LJ had a great time riding.  And we all enjoyed the company of friends.  Every night by the fire, solving the problems of the world, was relaxing.  Scooter decided Frank was his best buddy since he always brought treats.  Of course we have already booked next year!  I wonder what devil ride Rich will plan for that trip. 😛

Next planned get out the house trip, barring some new virus etc... Yuma/Quartzsite atv ride in February.  Think I’ll shop with Jean Ezell and rock paint with Martha, lol.  Probably a lot safer.  

On to other things...

SCAN:  An update on LJ's health.  He has had another full body scan.  This one, too, is negative!  He is looking good, eating well (what he can eat), and is my old LJ.  Docs insist he does frequent scans since he had three cancers, but they are loving what they see.  He could put on a few pounds but he's feeling great.  He would like to start traveling more, but with covid, we do take precautions and limit his contact with people.  I limit my contact with people, too.  Because.... people.

2020 :  I'm writing this the day after the election.  I admit I'm concerned where our country is headed, especially with healthcare, gun rights and freedom.  But, we voted, most likely lost (whole different story on that, but not going there) and now it is out of our hands.  No need to fret, lose sleep or worry.  Just need to pay attention, adjust accordingly and live the best life we can.  We moved to a red state when we moved to Nevada.  It turned blue.  We moved to a red state when we moved to AZ.  It appears to have turned blue.  Lj says he sees a pattern... says we probably shouldn't try to find somewhere to go or pretty soon we'll run out of red states!  Funny guy.

But again, life goes on.  I love our home, where we live and plan to stay.  But if things go to hell in a hand basket, all bets are off.  

Thanks for following our journey through retirement.  Til we leave the house again...

and remember....Our door is always open!

#40 dear 2020...Just be done already

Kind of hard to write a totally happy blog when all you do is sit in your house, but you know me... I don’t give up lol.
















Fortunately I control this page... unlike Facebook, lol.  Been spending time in FB jail for posting funny non political pictures.  I guess making people laugh is a no no.  Oh Facebook..where art thou sense of humor..

So If I disappear, I've been incarcerated...again...

Today (7/17) would be our 3rd RVaversary had we continued on our journey.  Kinda bittersweet.

We still talk about what our plans were and how they got sidetracked by the cancer demon.  On the one hand it's sad we didn't get to do exactly what we had planned.  Should have done it years ago.  So live, learn and don’t procrastinate, people!  You only get one shot at this life.  On the other hand,  I am still a firm believer that things happen for a reason.  We don't always know immediately what that reason is, but we will eventually.


2020 was going to be our "Happy to be alive!  Enjoy life!" year.  We thought by now we'd be doing that.  But... Covid, riots and elections.  The dumpster fire that never ends.  So ready for 2021.

I think I mentioned before our kids were supposed to come visit from England, but not this year thanks to the virus.  Sucks, but it is what it is.  Granddaughter Alaina keeps me well stocked in pictures and videos of little Noah.  I talked to him on FaceTime the other day.  He smiled, but looked at me like who the hell is that old person.  I think Andy and Rachelle are enjoying being grandparents.  The happiness in seeing the wonder in a little one's eyes;  the joy of them learning something new, giving them sugar and then sending them home with mom.

Since the kids aren't visiting, we talked about traveling this summer when the virus settled down and things start opening back up.   In fact, like I said last time, we scheduled a trip to Reno in June but then the riots started.  Covid still has a lot shut down in California.  Even with things gradually opening up in Nevada, the restrictions that never end  in California make it next to impossible to visit family and friends while we are there.  So we decided to hold off and try again in September.  And now, because Arizona has had an uptick in cases (due to the increase in testing and protesting, but we'll just ignore that), we Arizonans are persona non grata everywhere.  So here we are.  Still home and still thankful not to be "stuck" in a 400 sf house on wheels with no where to go (see... here’s one of those aforementioned “reasons”)

Scooter wants a mask

Fortunately, all the stores in AZ are still open so I can go shopping if I want.  Unfortunately you must wear a mask and I'll be honest.  The heat in AZ does not bother me at all...except it's miserable covering your face with a hot mask.  So, I put it on just before I go into the store and take it off immediately upon exiting like 99% of the rest of the people.  There’s always that one person who wears it in the car.  Fine.  I was in the car but wanted a picture of Scooter looking at me like...well like that →
He’s mastered LJ’s WTF look 🤣







Masks...no longer voluntary.  It's a requirement in our county, now.  Everyone has one.  You know, for protection.  And yet, I see folks wearing it under their nose.  I see people lifting it to sneeze or cough.  I actually saw a lady lift it to talk.  🙅 One guy's mask looked like he had stomped on it, run over it and dropped it in the toilet, but by golly he was wearing one! ...insert eye roll here...  And don't get me started on kids wearing masks.  Such sad little eyes.  Putting it on their heads.  Crying because they don't want to wear it.  Snotty masks.  Taking it on and off.  Well, you have probably seen it too.  Be glad when this passes.

I won't get into an argument on wearing them because there are many good points on both sides.  Just suffice it to say I'm on the side of fine I'll wear it, but I'm not convinced.  LJ wears his religiously but he has gone through enough, so he figures err on the side of caution.  Plus he never goes anywhere except the doctor, so there's that.  He's required to wear them there and I get that.  Smart to wear one.  Like I said, he stays home.  Well, there was that one day he went gun shopping.

Speaking of gun shopping, he came back empty handed.  No one... really, no one has anything in stock.  They said the run on guns is unbelievable.  He did order one on line.  He was supposed to pick it up yesterday but he got an email that they are still looking for one.  This was at Sportsman's.  Said it could be up to six weeks before they can get their hands on the AR he is looking for.  And nobody has shotguns, either.  They have no idea when they will see those again.  Manufacturers can't keep up with the demand.  Hmmmmmmmm Wonder why.  But back to the mask thing.

We manage to go out to eat once a week...Taco Tuesday.  Who doesn't like $2 tacos.  Plus, it's one of the few places LJ can eat.  Lets be honest.  We go mainly because I refuse to cook and LJ will starve.  We find the current restaurant rules hilarious.  We understand the reasoning but it's still amusing.  Masks are required to enter any restaurant.  So we wear it into the restaurant and all the way to the table like the rules say.  Once at the table we are allowed to remove it.  So we talk for a bit.  Use the provided throw away menu or QR code menu on the phone.  Well actually we always know what we want so really we do neither.   I showed LJ how to do the QR scan for the menu.  I'm pretty sure he said ok, that's cool and moved on.  Paper menu for him, please.  We laugh.  We eat.  We drink.  We breathe the restaurant air as do all the other customers properly seated at every other table (social distancing).  But by golly, go to the bathroom you better have that puppy on.  So we comply.  Don't feel like fighting the battle of absurdity on a full stomach.  Need salt and pepper?  Here it is in a bowl because we don't want to clean the shakers.  Some places will only give you plastic utensils, but glasses are ok.  I finally started taking my own salt just so I don't have to ask for it.  I really hope this isn't the "new normal", but I fear it is.

Back to shopping.  I really don't go.  I'll get up and think "I'm going to such and such today".  Then I put on my grubbies.  I just don't feel like going.  Maybe it's because the one day I did go, all the shelves were empty.  Are you going out of business TJMaxx, Burlington and Ross?  “No... we just didn't stock our shelves because business was slow.  But we are working on it!  See!  There's signs at every aisle saying so.”  Ok.  You do that.  I'll wait until August.  Let's give them a chance to fill up the shelves with crap I really don't need but absolutely have to have.  I'm running low on garage sale stuff.  (If we ever get to do those again).  Maybe by then I'll be in the mood.  So I spend my days swimming with the dog, watching tv and occasionally talking to LJ (he can only take so much of me talking 😂).

I did buy a big ol Wine Barrel.  A neighbor had one and I've always wanted
one.  No reason.  I just think they are cool.  Plus it will go well in the "no longer a formal dining room" once I get it styled the way I want.  Anyway, I was driving home from the groomer and I saw a side of the road seller.  He had tons of them from Napa.  Nice ones, too!  So I got one for $80 and brought it home.  I asked LJ to help me get it from the car.  I was happy then greeted with "What are you going to do with that?"  and the LJ look.  “It's decor, LJ....decor.  I've always wanted one.  Now if I can, one day, find a real carousel horse my dreams are complete”.  Insert a broader, more WTF LJ look here.

In case you haven't seen "the look"

I admit, I have actually have done real shopping a teeeeeeny bit, though.  Shopping from home is fun!  I can do it in my pajamas with no makeup on.  I didn't join the retailers boycott.  LJ and I decided almost every major business was making us mad by their support of BLM.  But, if we boycotted everything and everyone that pissed us off by the politics of their owners and parent companies, we'd be naked and starving.  No one wants to see that...the naked part.  I could afford to starve...a little.  And, let's be honest.   I'm all about convenience for me.  Yes, it's true.  It's all about me.  I have a sign in my craft room that says so.

Plus Michaels, JoAnns, Walmart: everybody delivers😂.  I'm a keyboard spender lol.  One thing about deliveries tho.  Check the boxes for scorpions 😱🦂.  They aren’t prevalent in our particular neighborhood so when you see one it’s outward screams lol.  Found one dead one after a delivery.  It was squished on the floor where the heavy box sat.  And found one live one just sitting there staring at me after a delivery.  Again, where the box had been.  Other than that, no signs of them anywhere.  And we regularly treat for them, so they came in from the warehouse.  New delivery protocol: now we open boxes outside, lol.  Well, LJ does 😂

Oh!  We got new shades for the necessary windows!  Finally!  We've only lived here a year, lol.  Our kitchen and nook windows don't need anything, so I have left them uncovered.  As for the shades, I love them.  We got fancy roller shades instead of blinds this time.  Easy to clean.  Push of a button on the main ones.  Manual on the unused ones.  We had a very nice lady (Nancy), recommended to us by the Roloff's, design them for us.   She was so helpful and didn't try to upsell us stuff.  We got exactly what we wanted and for an excellent price.  Half of what Home Depot and the other window coverings stores wanted.  And they are Hunter Douglas brand.  This place is becoming more and more like our home and not just the model we live in lol.


Since so many ask (thank you) Larry is doing well.  He has another minor medical issue we have to address.  He had an ultrasound and goes to see a gastro doc next week.  Looks like he decided cancer wasn't enough drama so lets get a little hernia in the lower abdomen to keep things interesting.  We will know more next week about the treatment.  It does bother him, though, so I don't think it's going to be a lets wait and see thing.  But you never know with this Covid stuff what the plan will be.  At least alllllll of his cancer tests are now done and the results are fantastic.  He kicked it's ass.  He’s now on the six month test plan.  He still continues to struggle swallowing some foods.  It really isn't improving, but the docs have told him where they radiated caused significant damage and he is probably where he is going to be for life.  His taste buds are weird.  Some things taste normal.  Some things taste off or bad.  And there is no rhyme or reason to it.  It is the one thing that makes him sad.  He loves different foods and loves to eat.  And that has been taken away from him.  He really misses sandwiches, of all things.  He can't get the bread down, even with copious amounts of liquid.  But he's here and healthy and back to being Larry so we'll take it.  It’s hard though hearing him gag a little when eating.  I don’t know if it’s the food getting stuck or the taste of my cooking. I’m going with it's stuck.

As for me, I am fantastic.  Could afford to be thinner, but that's been going on for 20 years hahahah.  It's hard to diet when LJ needs high calorie meals.  Why are you laughing?  I also found a great chiropractor.  I see him once a week (thank you lifetime work comp benefit).  My knees and neck are much better now.  I turn 65 in August and finally get Medicare.  My insurance is going from $900 a month ($1200 when we were in Nevada)  for crappy, only in my state, coverage down to $200 a month (medicare cost) for nationwide coverage.  My nationwide Medicare supplemental is $0.  Nada..nothing.  Nice $700 a month raise!  Plus now I have the same great coverage LJ has.  Not that I want to get sick or anything, but at least if I do I will get taken care of!

I've been crafting a little.  I started a crochet blanket for LJ back in April....2019.  I'll finish it eventually.  Currently working on a heart with a combo Union Jack flag and US flag for Andy and Rachelle.  They'll probably get it at Christmas since the UK is hesitant to take anything from the US right now.  The grandgirls have asked for a box of American goodies, but I have to wait.  Things shipped from here sit in customs forever... virus you know.

I am still doing my Deadbolt Mystery Society boxes.  I love them.  If you are bored, go to their website and order one.  They are challenging and fun.  Puzzles and solving mysteries, all in one.  I also have a few 1000 piece jigsaw puzzles.  I read, play iPad games.  Oh, and I spend a lot of time in the pool.  I am so happy to have a pool.  Did I mention we have a pool?   It came with the house.  But then, so did the kitchen.  At least one of those is getting used..a lot..🤣.

Little Scooter is enjoying life.  He got to go with me to Walmart grocery pickup.  He was so excited to go somewhere, lol.  He has decided he now has a summer routine.  He definitely lets me know if I am not following the rules.  Precisely at 5 am (the sun is up),  I am to let him out to pee, provide him with a good boy cookie and then follow him to his room.  Once there, he gets tucked in and wants me to lay on the bed for awhile.  So, of course I do... for a bit.  Then I go read or futz around because he and dad are sleeping.  Then precisely at 9:30 he finds me and stares at me with a tiny little whine.  It's time for our morning swim session.  I swim.  He gets wet then searches for lizards.  Then it's breakfast.  And don't forget to put chicken in it, mom.

The rest of the day he lounges around until our 1pm swim.  He floats in the pool with me for a minute, gets wet then chases birds and lizard hunts.  Then, of course, it's nap until our "right after dinner" swim/play with the ball time.  By that time the backyard is completely in the shade.  He's not happy if that schedule is deviated from and he pouts.  It’s amazing how to the minute he is.  It’s like he can tell time.  If I miss the time and ignore him,  he'll walk by me three or four times.  If that doesn't work, he sits in front of me.  If that fails, he puts his paw on my leg, whines, stomps his feet, barks...whatever it takes to get me off my ass.  It's hysterical.  Half the time I do it just to see what he does.  And yes... I am well trained.  I love that little dog so much.  He's really into giving a lot of doggie kisses lately.  I think he loves me, too.  A friend asked if he sleeps with us.  He used to.  All the time.  Now he does until we fall asleep.  Then he goes to his room for the night, until 5.  He loves his room. That or we just snore too loud lol.




With all the social rules the world is living under, it can sometimes be a little depressing.  I was looking forward to having people over for red solo cups in the pool and BBQ.  Maybe by fall we can at least hang out at the backyard bar.  But, hopefully all of 2020 is not lost.  We are planning our annual ATV trip for October to Utah.  I don't think anything (except hernia surgery) is going to stop LJ from making that one.  Our group is great and it's such a fun time.  Three weeks of good company, shenanigans and beautiful scenery.  That trip will hold us until our February Yuma, Quartzite ATV trip.  On a side note, I did meet a nice neighbor who's significant other is a Phoenix PD officer.  Plus she's a crafter, too!  I bought a No Soliciting sign from her.  They love to ATV, so this fall we hope to get together and ride the local area.  Looking forward to that!   New friends, new adventures!







Voted for the first time in AZ.  You can do it in person ..WITH ID or by mail.  We did it by mail.  Thought we would see how that goes.  It's been common here for awhile, I guess.  There's still checks and balances so a little more up and up than some states.  lol, They even send you a sticker with your ballot.




Lastly, yes, people, it's hot in Arizona in the summer.  If I was just visiting,  I'm pretty sure I'd die.  But it's so strange how quickly you adapt to your environment when you live here.  The heat does not stop us from doing anything.  When we say it is a dry heat, it is.  You just plan your day a little differently.  Go early.  Go after dusk.  Most of the time there is a breeze.  I actually sat out in the Cabana/Ramada whatever you call it, when it was 110.  It was in the shade, the ceiling fans were on and it was actually comfortable. But even in the heat of the day, it's 78 in the house.  The car has A/C and so do the stores.  I'll take the inconvenience of the hot summer for the other nine months of beautiful weather.  While everyone else is cold, I'm in flip flops lol.  We love it here.

Can't help it.. I love him

So, soon, once the world reopens we will be able to share our adventures.  Actual adventures, lol.  If it hadn't been for that little cancer fight and the fact that LJ is considered elderly (hahahahahahahhaa) we'd probably buck the system and move about the country now.  But we won't.  We'll be good and follow the rules.  We may not be full time RV'ing any more, but dang it.. we can still travel!  And we will.

KOA Richfield Utah

So that's it.  Nothing really new.  I probably won't update again for awhile till we start living again.  You can only read stayed home, swam, blah blah blah so many times lol.  Stay safe, healthy and if you are in town once the virus goes away, please stop by say hi.  We have two guests rooms so you are always welcome!  We aren't that far from baseball fields for spring training.  The area truly is a great place to visit.  So, 'Til next Time!