January 31st, day 12...one more sleep!

We have had a wonderful two days in Yuma. We spent today at the Arizona market. What fun! So much to see! ... And yes, I did a little bit of shopping! It was so chilly Gaye and I just had to buy a coat! Gotta keep cozy warm ya know.

Graeme BBQ'd the most delicious ribs and porkchops, and Gaye made veggies and salad. A sumptuous meal at the end of a very good day, with good friends. Thanks you two for making our visit to YUMA so memorable.

One more sleep and we leave for our final destination in Lake Havasu. Been reading up on it and can't believe how much there is to do and see there and in the area. We are so looking forward to seeing Steph and Harold, who will be arriving tomorrow as well. Can't wait to see them. We are going to have such a great time catching up. Better get my beauty sleep...nite nite.

Xoxoxo

January 30th, day 11, Yuma, Arizona

Had a great morning with Al and Linda and was hard to say good bye. We had such a wonderful visit with them. After a three hour stretch through the beautiful desert (I love the saguaro cactus), we arrived in Yuma about three. I didn't know what to expect with the hotel/motel because the Hotel I wanted to stay in was booked! I couldn't believe that one but oh well. Anyway booked online with the same company, different site. When we pulled up my heart sank as we were looking a a motel, built I'm sure in the 40’s or 50’s. darn it, now what do we do???....not only was our room not adjoining the rest, it was across the street in another section ....now we are definitely in another era ! We are in the 'West wing'. Funny that. I went in, guns blazing expecting to find it lacking, but we were pleasantly surprised. Clean as a whistle, some updating and cute as a button. Absolutely pillow soft bed and speaking of pillows...we have 7 on the bed! Bill is already sleeping. Nice touches with cruise animal shaped pillows on the bed, and the toilet roll end, cut in strips and made to look like a bird. Unreal!

Finally met up with Gaye and Graeme, both feeling a tad better. Such nasty colds! Had happy hour with the Campell River contingent, and then went for din din and home to sleep...well, you know, Bill is out for the count, and I am computering.

Tomorrow I think we are off to the Arizona market...... To be continued......
Pictures are of Linda and Al's beautiful Tucson home, the desert and our Yuma accommodations for two days.

Xoxo
P.s. for those trying to get through on our Havasu phone number....we're not there yet. Will be on the first of February.

January 29th....day 10, last day in Tucson

My goodness, when they say, walk your socks off, they literally mean it! Shopped ALL day again today. I had taken all my summer stuff out and exchanged all my winter things, expecting warm weather! Well, thank good ness for all the shopping and sweaters I bought! Could never find my suitcase in the car if I tried! Now is that not a good excuse to shop, or what!? Feet need a little TLC, but a satisfying experience at best. Thank you Linda, for all your dilligence in helping me so selflessly spend some bucks! You would make an incredible personal shopper!

Went to Megan and Dan's new digs tonight before dinner. What a beautiful place. What a special place to call your first home. Pics to follow!

The kids came with Al and Linda and Bill and I to the most wonderous Mexican dinner at Carlotta's. OMG never had such good Mexican food! Between that and Schlomo's carrot cake, I will need to eat nuts and berries, and walk 20 miles a day from now to eternity!!!

Sitting now, in front of the fire, admiring the lights of Tucson. What a great day.....

Squishy hugs to all the kids.

Xoxo

January 28th, day 9......more Tucson

Finally....SHOPPING, SHOPPING, SHOPPING,

Walked my feet off today! I forgot what it's like to actually have choices! And the best part!...more tomorrow! I know there are little 'shop til you drop' angels on my shoulder crying diligently, 'buy me buy me'!!!

We went to my absolutely, all time favorite restaurant for dinner tonight. Schlomo's , a New Your deli. Best pasta ( my fave), and the best corn beef sandwiches, and fries. and you have never had a six inch high ( on the low side!) carrot cake, as good....ever! ..yum, yum , yum! Darn, I should have taken a picture!

Now Off to bed to digest this feast....oh an interlude watching the new Smash series teaser comes first! Ok now bed time....whew! Much needed.

Nite all, see you tomorrow.

Xoxo

January 27, day 8....Tucson, Arizona

Had a great drive from Needles. Rain again, but getting used to that. It did stop towards Phoenix. I like the desert, but sure a long day with lots of nothing. Got some good shots of the clouds and the vastness.

Made it to Tucson mid afternoon. Was so good to get here. Been chatting since then, of course.
Megan and Dan came for dinner. So good to see them. We're all suffering from 'eating too much', but what a beautiful BBQ steak dinner! Thanks Linda! Yum!

Looking forward to a good nights sleep on the cloud of a bed here, and then maybe some shopping tomorrow. ......

January 26, day 7

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRAEME...hope you had a good one and did something fun and exciting!

We had another long day today, and started out once again in the rain and fog. Bakersfield, was the worst! Bill did an awesome job driving in the crappy stuff. The Mojave desert is VERY expansive! We are in Needles, Ca. And I have to say, after the so so hotels so far in the bigger centres, we were pleasantly surprised by the Best Western in Needles. The best service we have ever had and a lovely room. We were able to park right outside the room and I re-vamped the car. Unpacked everything and re-packed! What a chore, but soooo much better. Boy, sure hope these chairs work at home!

Had a lovely dinner at 'Juicy's' restaurant next door. We need something like this in Campbell River! Excellent service and a real nice menu. Casual dining at its finest!

At least the weather is supposed to be better tomorrow! I certainly hope so because I have taken out my sandles and put away my coat!

Our thoughts were with Karin Plamondon and family today as they said their goodbye's to Chris. Such a presence that will be so sorely missed...

More tomorrow. Over and out...have a good night.

Xoxoxo

January 25th, day 6...Modesto, California

We are so glad we are here holed up in the hotel in Modesto! What an excruciating trip from Springfield. It rained, it poured, it was so foggy you couldnt see anything, and it went from four degrees to 18* today. Traffic was not bad, but it was so busy through Sacramento, and of course the navigator (me!) told the driver ( guess who) to take the first exit, not realizing there were two exits side by side, and we ended up downtown Sacramento and thank goodness for the 'B' in the box ( our affectionate name for our lady in the GPS.), she turned us around and got us back on track, but it was high temps in the car for a few minutes! I was not popular. Oh well, after a few deep breaths by all concerned, we were once again heading in the right direction and even talking to each other. Whew! Another disaster averted! I must add though that even with the rain, the country is still beautiful and exciting, and I never tire of the whole trip.

The weather did eventually change as we mozied into California and were on the downside of the mountains. Like I said, it ended up at 18* and was downright balmy. It was a long day driving today...ten hours, but we made it in one piece, averting, trucks, mad drivers, the weather, and a near collision....our reward was dinner at one of our favorite restaurants...Olive Garden. Soooo decadent!

We are heading to Needles tomorrow, with much less driving time. Pretty much straight through so no navigational errors...one can only hope ;)

Have included a montage of photos i amalgamated into one, that I took with the iPad, while in transit...
Talk to you all tomorrow.

Xoxoxo

January 24th ...day 5, Springfield, Oregon

Well, I thought after we unloaded half a carload of stuff at the kids place we would have an empty car for me to fill up! Should have known better. Upon leaving Bill and Geri's in Anacortes, they gave us four really cool ship deck chairs. So much for an empty back seat. Darn! The shopping I do will just have to fit into tight spaces! But the chairs are soooo worth it!! Thank you Bill and Geri for a wonderful visit. Always a pleasure!

Had a great trip down through Washington and Oregon. We will be into California tomorrow, heading through Sacramento to Modesto. The countryside is so beautiful. The same as home, but different....figure that one out!

Came to Springfield to go to Cabelas. A huge disappointment. Nothing in ladies wear, but Bill of course found goodies....so snuck to Ross next door...aha!... Yuppers, brought the first of many bags to the car! Filled up the first spare space. Faith restored.

No pics today, nodded off too many times to hold the camera. Pray for sun soon....

Nite all.

Xoxo

January 23rd...I hate that my watch with the date is broken! So today really is day 4...

Boy just started and already I am ahead of the game! It is the 23rd today so a yesturday should have read the 22nd. Oh well.

Just because I was off a day and had the most relaxing day ever, hanging out with Geri, I brought 'Bob' out of his crate to join us on our adventure. Included is a picture of him enjoying this blistering day indoors, looking out at the view from Bill and Geri's deck!

January 23, day 4....Anacortes

We grudgingly had to leave the kids this morning. It was hard to see Mason's smiling kissy faces as we drove off. We'll miss them.

We hit the border in record time and after about a twenty minute wait got to the guard. Well, I was driving, and he surprised me with the question.....what did you bring with you?....you've got to be kidding me! We're gone for three months, of course I took everything but the kitchen sink. I didn't say that, but he stumped me and I was momentarily speechless. Now that is a phenomenon that doesn't happen to me often! I did tell him though that he could look in the back as it was all right there....it was at this point that Bill chimed in and got us out of the predicament. Good start to our U.S. experience...good one to chuckle about anyway.

Arrived at Bill and Geri's and talked forever getting caught up on everything. Bill K was out fishing yesterday and caught our dinner tonight. Awesome fresh marinated baked salmon...yum!
Will be a quiet relaxing evening and then off on our first shopping spree tomorrow....

January 20th, Merry Christmas!

Well, we made it in one piece, fighting fog, crossing oceans, and curtailing anticipation!
We arrived early afternoon, and Jen had a wonderful lunch prepared, then Julie, Jen, Ryan, Mason, Bill and I had a wonderful day visiting, and celebrating our Christmas. What a fun time we had and Mason was so cute! He loved the table and chair set he got from Cristi and Remington. He has been sitting in the chair ever since and knows it's his.

Today, January 21st we got up and eventually all got dressed and organized, and went for a long walk into town along the river and park. Such a beautiful place here. Mason got to use the new trail buggy, we brought from home, given to the kids from Mark and Christine Swain. Our sincere thanks to Mark and Christine for their generosity. It was perfect and Mason loves the bottle/cup holder!.....boy was it cold though, but we persevered! (Note to the walkies that we got an hour and a half walk in!)

We leave tomorrow morn for Anacortes and the adventure continues......

Two More Sleeps!

It's January 18th, and already 2013 is working towards being a busy year! I can't believe how much there is to do to prepare for a lengthy holiday! Ah well, that is all shadowed by the anticipation of seeing the family finally for our Christmas. Because everyone was sick, the kids and Julie couldn't make it over soooooo, we are heading over to see them in two days. We will be closing up shop here and heading to warmer climes, with a visit with the kids on the way. Can't wait to see them and that beautiful babe! We will then be off on our next adventure, with visits to Bill and Geri's in Anacortes and then on to Tucson to see Linda and Al, and then a stop in YUMA to see Gaye and Graeme and the Rock Bay gang. We are hoping for a night in Palm Springs if we can swing it along the way to catch up with friends there....one never knows what the road trip brings!

There has been so many things, good and sad happen so far this year, starting with the loss of our good friend Chris Plamondon. He finally lost his battle with cancer January 15th and I can't begin to explain how hard it will be not to have him around. His larger than life personality will be so sorely missed. We wish Karin and their family solace in the wonderful memories that Chris leaves behind.

The 'walkies' have started creating wonderous pieces of pottery, thanks to Anna and her new workshop. What fun, and so inspirational. It is incredible to see all these wonderful friends jumping in and creating such grand works of art! Thanks Anna!

Our adventure begins in a couple of days and I will continue regaling you with happenings along the way. Love you all....and to take my favorite saying from cousin Marina...HUGE HUGGAGE!!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2013

Well, the start of a new year! I don't know what's going to happen this year, but I do know that we are going to give it our best!  Had a wonderful New Years party last night.  I am truly blessed that I have such good friends!  Unfortunate tho that some of our friends couldn't make it because of sickness!  My sincere wishes are for those stricken with all these icky bugs manage to get rid of them and feel better soon!

Warm and cushy hugs to Ryan, Jen, Mason and Julie and hope your New Years was healthier and happier than your Christmas!  Thinking of you all and can't wait to see you.,

May all my family and friends enjoy a healthy and happy and prosperous 2013.