Praise the Lord!!

With just one day of being on the increased meds, Don was headache free today! I could definitely tell he feels better and was more like his fun-lovin' self today. While he was preparing dinner, I was on the computer and we were listening to 60's music. "Shout" came on and that's all Don needed. I had as much fun watching him dance and sing as he did "performing." I suddenly realized how long it has been since Don felt good enough to cut-up like this. He prepared one of my favs: boneless pork chops w/ grilled pineapple rings, grilled fresh yellow squash, baked potato & salad. We found a fresh veggie stand Thursday on our way home from the Az Opry and bought fresh tomatoes & the squash.

Arizona City Western Daze

Evidently, this is an annual event. Big carnival type atmosphere with rides for the kids, lots of booths for selling wares, etc., and of course, food. I wasn't too excited about going, but Don insisted... "it's a pretty day, let's go see what it's all about." And I'm glad I went. This gentleman is a local wood craftsman. This bowl is made of Ironwood and it is truly very heavy. I have heard of Ironwood, but had never seen it or anything made from it. It was beautiful. I'm sure it says something about my personality that I love things made of wood and the beauty of the grain. I was fascinated with all the things this gentleman had made. All of these birds were from a wildlife shelter. They are wounded and have been rescued. This is a Harris's Hawk.

This falcon doesn't care for crowds of people and was rather agitated but he controlled himself nicely.

A screech owl like the one we have here in the park.

A barn owl. He didn't seem to feel very good. Now here's a really beauty. I've certainly never been this close to a Turkey Buzzard. He stretches his good wing. I enjoyed delicious nacho supreme which consisted of taco meat, beans, cheese, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, green olives & jalepeno peppers. Had never had the olives on nachos before, but it was quite tasty. Don was at another vendor getting his bratz.

The Church being relevant

From my niece's blog I read: "This week's surprise: seeing college mates on the front page of msn.com. And not for infamous deeds, but rather for their church influence. They are getting national attention and I couldn't be happier for them." So, I checked it out. They're running a Sex Challenge for both singles & marrieds. Careful... if you just rolled your eyes, you probably would benefit the most from taking the 'Challenge.'

Yessiree, I know my white meat!

On the way to C.G. & Don's doctor appointment this morning, we discovered why traffic was backed up at Sunland Gin Road and Battaglia Road yesterday. A traffic light was being installed to replace the 4-way stop sign that is always a booger bear to get through, especially in the afternoon.

Yes, Don finally got into the V.A. clinic here in C.G. and we were both pleasantly surprised how much we liked the doctor. To help with Don's almost continual headache, the doctor prescribed a little stronger dosage of high blood pressure medicine. He also flagged the dermatologist in Tucson, so we will be getting a call from them soon. There's a small sore place on Don's left temple that needs a little attention. Pray that they call soon and Don can get this taken care of before we leave here.

Imagine my embarrassment when, while reading Hoover's Happening's tonight, I discover that we had pulled pork bbq sandwiches at the style show luncheon last Tuesday.... NOT chicken, as I posted. Sometimes, I scare me.

Speaking of Hoover's Happenings, DeAnn's hubby will be back to whisk her away from here in just a few days. He's already working in KC and she will be joining him. We have missed Bruce for almost a month now and will soon be missing DeAnn. They have been the best Activities Directors in the world.

The Doug Gabriel Show

Several from Quail Run traveled over to the Arizona Opry in Apache Junction to enjoy the Doug Gabriel Show.

It was great seeing Doug, Cheryl and kids again today. We met them while in Branson last summer. Doug led the Branson Christian Men's Prayer Lunch every Thursday and Don hardly ever missed it. He and Doug got to be really good friends. Doug told Don last summer that he would be in Arizona this winter, so we've been looking forward to his show at the Arizona Opry at Apache Junction. The numbers Doug and Cheryl did together were very sweet. This one was very romantic. Jasmine Gabriel's dog, Tara, travels with them and even got a little stage time during the show. Jasmine sang "Amazing Grace" and also did some dancing during the show. Here's Jasmine & Tara after the show. The Gabriel boys, Josh & Jordin are quite the drummers. Here they are beating out "Wipe Out." Doug & Cheryl pose for me before we leave.

While traveling to the show, we noticed that desert flora is really getting green. Sorry for the poor quality of this pic... had to take it into the sun.And we had a really pleasant experience while driving past a beautifully landscaped part of the city... the smell of freshly cut grass!! We will never take the sweet smell for granted again.

Sunday's Coming

Would you do this for 35 cents? Don's Sunday's Coming is now posted.

I got up "early" this morning and went walking with Violet and then we went to water aerobics. Whew. Wore me out.

I should be doing laundry right now, but seem to be out of steam. Pray that Don or I don't get sick. There's quite a bit of that going around the park right now. Rick Fury has been sick for a week now. Wendy said she's taking him to Urgent Care this afternoon. Hurry and get well, Rick. We sure miss seeing you around and the worship team just isn't complete without you.

what was that?

Hey, there was a muffled explosion sound tonight and our RV shook. Don looked at me and said, "What was that?" I opened the door and went outside, just like everyone else was doing. I heard all sorts of speculations: sonic boom, industrial explosion, refinery explosion (none close that I know of), earth quake, bomb. I didn't hear anyone suggest UFO, though. Nothing on the news yet. Oh well... life in the desert.

Quail Run Luncheon & Style Show

Today, resort residents enjoyed the second and final style show & luncheon prepared by our wonderful Activities staff. Outfits from the Liz Claiborne outlet store were modeled following a delicious lunch of petite barbeque chicken sandwiches, oriental slaw, chips & a cookie of choice. Conversation flowed at our table with Elaine, Sharon, Arlene, Karen & Carol. Here's Sharon & Arlene, best friends from Wisconsin. Elaine is Arlene's brother's wife. What a sweetheart. Arlene told us that she was the flower girl at their wedding. Jane Speedy performed a humorous skit about how a woman's purse matches her "purs-enality." Love Jane; she has lots of sparkle herself. (I didn't want to stand in front of everyone to take Jane's picture, but I always wish afterwards that I had.)

The models were allowed to go through the luncheon line first so they would have time to eat before they went off to get dressed in their fashions to be modeled. Here's Kathy and Marlene. All the models were so pretty and did a fabulous job. DeAnn did a great job as MC. Kathy was the first model out. The spring fashions were really nice and made us all glad that the warmer weather is here. Lucille looks ready for an evening out. Look out Oscar! This golfing outfit is perfect for Robin. She's sure to get a hole-in-one in this. Marlene is ready and pretty in pink. Cathy is comfy in this lightweight cotton knit outfit. Hide the credit cards, Jack, she could shop all day in this. A favorite, classic denim outfit with a pretty pink T is worn perfectly by Sylvia. Love that denim. Kathy starts the second round with this crisp, cool capri outfit, perfect for a patio party. Lucille is so comfy in this cotton knit outfit; ready for a bicycle ride with Oscar or lounging with a good read. Love your cute new do, Lucille! Doesn't Marlene look absolutely dreamy, gorgeous in this outfit. That's a hot pink rain coat she's holding over her shoulder. Neil would be so proud to have Robin on his arm in this classic outfit. I'm thinking.... cruise-worthy. Cathy's singing, "Take Me Out to the Ballgame!" on a cool spring evening. Sylvia's ready for entertaining. Nothing says sporty summer fun like white and Sylvia wears it beautifully. Here the Quail Run Super Models line up for a group photo op. Kicky Kathy, Marvelous Marlene, Sassy Sylvia, Lovely Lucille, Cool Cathy and Radiant Robin. Many thanks to everyone who helped make this a delightful event.

President's Day

I find this so strange: President's Day. Do kids these days know what that stands for? When I was in school we celebrated George Washington's birthday ON his birthday and Abraham Lincoln's birthday ON his birthday. Some one let me know if the students still decorate the rooms with George & Abe things.

Don & I walked over to the Oasis this morning so I could sign up for the "Senior Olympics." I'm entered in the basketball throw, ping pong, darts, ladder golf, & bean bag toss. Are you scared? Me, too. Ping pong is the 28th. The other events start Sat. morning, March 1st. So, Snookie and I felt like we should at least practice ping pong once. This was only Snookie's second time to play. She's good! Great form, concentration and agility. I'm sure she will be known as "Killer" Quinn by the end of the tournament. This afternoon, Snook came over and played Farkel while Bob was working on her kitchen. I think she called it "getting out of his way." She said she used to play Farkel 20 years ago. We split 4 games.

Tonight, Dave & Darlene invited us over to play spades. We laughed so much. It's great to have them back in the park.

It's Sunday

Worship service and fellowship was great again today. Thank you for praying for the requests this morning and for joining us regarding the praise reports. Sermon was entitled "What to Do When Storms Come." Matthew 4:35-41. I hesitate to "brag" on the service because Don reads the blog, but he knows that I'm actually praising the Lord for showing up and speaking to hearts. The sermon was so good and the best thing was the response from people. (Baker's blessings.) We have some really great folks helping us with the music. I never get tired of posting how blessed we are when people pitch in to participate. (Baker's blessings.) Linda Poyer made yummy homemade muffins for the fellowship after church. Thanks, Linda! They were delicious.

I'm a little slow, but I just found iTunes. There is almost every song you can imagine there, even hymns. Was able to download, for .99 each, the music for our songs today and burn them on a cd. It worked out great.

60 things...

My friend and neighbor, Snookie, posted this on her blog on the last rainy day. She invited all bloggers to use the questions so today was a lazy Sunday afternoon and I decided to bore you with 60 Things You Maybe Didn't Know About Me:
(these questions make me really try to think... it's actually a very good excise for my memory)

1. What is in the back seat of your truck right now? A clothes rod for when I do laundry at the laundry room.

2. When was the last time you threw up? Well, I really can't remember the last time I threw up. Such a pleasant topic. I just remember it was because I was sick. There was another time long time before that, when I wasn't sick and I'm not proud of why I threw up, at all. Being honest here.

3. What's your favorite curse word? Are you kidding me? If I said, "I've never cursed," I be lying, but to say I have a 'favorite' curse word would insinuate that I LIKE to curse and I DON'T like cursing. I have not been tempted to curse in quite a while and I pray when something happens that cursing would be a natural response... well, I hope I don't. I've replaced that reaction with "Count it all joy" I hope.

4. Name 3 people who made you smile today? Don, Sharon Layton & Snookie. Everyone makes me smile. I'm a people person, I can't help smiling and people amuse me. You guessed it... I easily amused.

5. What were you doing at 8 am this morning? Getting ready for church.

6. What were you doing 30 minutes ago? Typing on this post.

7. What will you be doing 3 hours from now? Hopefully, sleeping. It will be midnight.

8. Have you ever been to a strip club? No.

9. What is the last thing you said aloud? "I excuse you."

10. What is the best ice cream flavor? I wouldn't know which is the BEST ice cream flavor, but I like chocolate with Heath bar crumbled in it. And then there's strawberry... always a favorite. And pecan praline. And peanut butter cup. And fresh peach. And..

11. What was the last thing you had to drink? Soda water.

12. What are you wearing right now? Black pants, green top.

13. What was the last thing you ate? Nachos Supreme at Macayo's in Casa Grande for lunch.

14. Have you bought any new clothing items this week? No.

15. When was the last time you ran? One day last week I was somewhere in a parking lot and a car was waiting for me and I kind of "ran" to get out of their way. Does that count? Really ran? In the '80's playing softball.

16. What's the last sporting event you watched? Part of the Daytona 500 on TV today. Not something I am a big fan of, but Don was watching because our neighbor, Dave Sutton, is a BIG Jimmy Johnson fan. Jim didn't have a good day today. Before that we watched both the OU men's and women's basketball game that Don had recorded. I am a big basketball fan.

17. Who is the last person you emailed? Margie Cartwright

18. Ever go camping? When I was a child a couple of times. As an adult, never in the open or in a tent. I sat out in a lawn chair on the pool deck wrapped in coats and blankets watching a meteor shower almost all night. That's kind of like sleeping under the stars, isn't it? And I've roasted marshmallows and hot dogs over an open fire. And I've sang campfire songs. And I've cooked fried potatoes in an iron skillet on an open fire, too. Now, that's some good eatin'.

19. Do you have a tan? and the second verse to that song is "I probably never will."

20. Do you drink your soda from a straw? If it's from the Sonic, yes. But I don't drink much soda. When I drink lemon water at the restaurant, I use a straw.

21. What did your last IM say? "almost. what's wrong with Aaron Bruce? is he sick?" (to Leslie re: the Baylor - Texas men's basketball game last night)

22. Are you someone's best friend? Yes.

23. What are you doing tomorrow? Something.

24. Where is your mom right now? Probably in bed. Oklahoma.

25. Look to your left, what do you see? George Peppard

26. What color is your watch? Don't wear one.

27. What do you think of when you think of Australia? The time LaNae went there with a basketball team for two weeks. She was a senior in high school. Koala bears. Finding Nemo.

28. Would you consider plastic surgery? Not by choice.

29. What is your birthstone? Emerald

30. Do you go in at a fast food place or just hit the drive thru? Go in, unless we go to the Sonic for an ice cream or burger.

31. How many kids do you want? Have you met me? Excuse me, I just LOOK pregnant.

32. Do you have a dog? No. My last dog was a Corgi, Murphy, 9 years old when he died back in April '07. Wonderful pet.

33. Last person you talked to on the phone? Nancy Reid. She called from Rocky Point, Mexico way. Having a wonderful time.

34. Have you met anyone famous? Russ Ortiz, major league pitcher, is a friend of mine. Doug Gabriel, Branson, Mo. Chip Ingram, Atlanta, Ga. Rick Vaughan, ex-Toronto Blue Jay. The News Boys. Stacy Dales. Just because you don't know any of these people, doesn't mean they're not famous. My daughter and son-in-law met President George & Laura Bush at an appreciation BBQ in Crawford, Texas.

35. Any plans today? Day is about over.

36. How many states have you lived in? Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, New Mexico, Arizona.. 5.

37. Ever go to college? I have 66 college hours. No diploma.

38. Where are you right now? In this desk chair in front of my computer, in our 5th wheel, in Quail Run RV Resort, in Arizona City, AZ, USA, planet earth until we move or the Lord returns.

39. Biggest annoyance in your life right now? My one and only annoyance in my life right now... my reflection.

40. Last song listened to? We've had music on in the background, but the last song I really listened to was the last hymn we sang this morning, "Day by Day."

41. Are you allergic to anything? Something made the inside of my right eye swell up yesterday morning, but I don't know what it was.

42. Favorite pair of shoes you wear all the time? Just an old pair of walking shoes. (I'm not going to give free advertisement for anything made in China. It's sad enough that we can't find anything to buy).

43. Are you jealous of anyone? Honest? Everyone slender woman I see. God forgive me.

44. Is anyone jealous of you? Not that I know of.

45. What time is it? 10:00 pm exactly

46. Do any of your friends have children? Yes.

47. Do you eat healthy? Here goes. I don't think hardly anyone these days really eats healthy. Truly healthy would be all fresh, organically grown foods. But we deceive ourselves into thinking we are eating healthy just because something doesn't contain trans fat, or sugar, or additives, etc. To eat truly healthy would be for me not to eat anything that contained anything I couldn't pronounce or knew what it was. Who does that all the time?

48. What do you usually do during the day? Depends on who knocks on the door, who calls or who we see.

49. Do you hate anyone right now? No. It's not healthy.

50. Do you use the word 'hello' daily? A lot. Or some form of 'hello.'

51. How old will you be turning on your next birthday? 59

52. Have you ever been to Six Flags? Many times. When I was a kid, we went once every summer to Arlington, Texas. Lots of fun memories.

53. How did you get one of your scars? I have so many. Was always getting cut when I was a kid. In the summer, I was always barefoot. Ran around the corner of the house one day and ran into my brothers freshly sharpened axe leaning against the house. Sliced my toenail right into and half of my toe. Want to hear more?

54. Do you like to travel? It's always been my middle name: "GO"

55. What would your last meal be if given a choice? The first thing that popped into my head was: the Lord's Supper. But I had never really thought of that as a last meal choice before. Hmm. I guess, it is normally thought to be something you really like, but if I knew it was going to be my last meal, I probably wouldn't really be hungry.

56. What do you plan to do when you retire? Have you met me?

57. Bath or shower? We have a small shower in the RV, but I love a whirlpool bath.

58. How many siblings do you have? One wonderful brother, six years my senior.

59. If possible, would you go back to your teenage years and start it all over again? Only if I could know what I know now. I have regrets and would love to have a chance to make better choices along the way. But wait... that's what grace and forgiveness is all about, isn't it? I don't have to go back and do it all over again. Today is the first day of the rest of my life.

60. If you could change the state where you live, where would you go? Whatever state Don is in.

Remember "pretend?" ... "make believe?"

Both of us woke up with a headache this morning. Not unusual for Don; unuaual for me, so I'm a big baby and stay in bed until later than usual. Finally got up and got dressed just in case Snookie and Bob decide they want to go to Chandler like we planned yesterday.

With my headache relieved somewhat, we take off to Beaudry's Phoenix RV for free BBQ chicken lunch and a day of "let's pretend this one is ours." Remember when you played "make believe" when you were a child? White knights, castles and happy ever after? Cowboys and Indians? Mud pies and baby dolls? We really used our imaginations back then. And we did a pretty good job of pretending today. :-)

Just as we started in the big barn to eat, I saw a couple that I recognized as Linda and Charles Shockley who is CRM chaplain at a RV resort over in Apache Junction. Don and I met Linda and Charles last October at an RV park in Waco, Texas. Charles is serving as president of Campers for Christ, also. They're permanent home is in Branson, MO. We hope to visit Charles & Linda again before we leave Arizona, if not, we will see them in Branson this summer, I'm sure. After we looked at EVERY 5th wheel there... ...we got ridiculous and started looking at the $200,000 to $700,000+ class A coaches. Snookie liked this one. It had seats that were "alive." Snookie & Bob got real "attached" to this one. It was so nice. "Hey, Baby, how do I look?" Here's Bob "pretending" to talk on the radio. Check out that TV. Just a sample of the inside of one very expensive coach. Snookie and I didn't much care for these shower doors. Nice shower though. Snookie found the refrig/freezer combo of her dreams. The freezer had a HUGE drawer on the bottom. "Be still my heart!"
And we found a dishwasher! No, no... a real one, electric type. SEE! This drawer was at least 30 inches long. Don taking a relaxing break while Bob checks out the stero system and other control panels. I just have to show the twelve (that's 12!) pillows on the kingsize bed. A person would have to be retired to have enough time just to take off and put the pillows back on the bed.I had to rotate this picture of Snookie because I was laying on the bed taking a picture of her reflection in the mirror on the ceiling in the bedroom. See, the date is upside down. Is this real green grass? It is!!! So lush and beautiful. We miss grass.

We all decided that we still like our 5th wheels better than a big coach. The guys like their trucks to pull them with, too. We had a great, fun time with Bob & Snookie.

On the drive "home," who passed us on I-10 but Dave & Darlene on their way back from San Diego. We all got back to Quail Run at the same time. It was so good to see them back safe and sound. I got so excited about seeing them that I forgot to take their picture.