Time Flies When You're Having Fun

Another month has come and gone since my last post. We continue to stay busy enjoying all the fun activities our resort has to offer. Here's just a glimpse of what we've been up to.

On January 24th we participated in the 5K walk here at the resort. It was a bit chilly in the morning, but the sweatshirt came off pretty quickly.

I enjoy carving with the woodcarving group. We did a group project making fairy houses out of cottonwood bark. Each piece of bark is different, so each house is unique and whimsical. Here's a sample of some of them. Mine is the one on the left. The one on the right hasn't been sprayed with sealer. You can see how the sealer really brings out the color of the wood on the other two that have been sprayed.

Our instructor, Claudette, is a very talented carver. Here is her latest creation. Amazing!!!

We continue to golf a few times a week. Two weeks ago, the ladies group had a scramble tournament. Our group had a great time and played quite well. However, we were not winners. Oh, well.  At least we looked great in our matching outfits :)

The past two Thursdays, the ladies group had their club championship rounds. I had taken two lessons with an instructor that comes here. She really helped me with my fairway shots. Since those lessons, I've been playing quite well. My score for the 18 hole tournament was 96 which could be a winner. We will have a banquet on March 8th where the winners will be announced. I'll let you know what happens!

On January 29th, we played in the North American Challenge Golf Tournament here at the resort. This is a friendly rivalry between the Canadians and the Americans. Each team has a couple from each country. Carts and people are decorated in their country's colors.

Here we are with our decorated cart

Kevin and Everett

Kevin, Evelyn, and Joe enjoying complimentary pregame drinks

Love that smile, Kevin!

Clara, Evie, Evelyn and Cynthia

Lots of National pride on display

Volunteers serving dinner after the tournament

This friendly, competitive tournament has been going on for nine years. Last year we couldn't have it because most of the Canadians couldn't come down due to Covid. Prior to that, the Canadians had won three years in a row. Well, the Americans were on a mission this year, and won by a score of 12.5 to 5.5. 

On Monday mornings, we have a group of about 24 ladies who golf together. It's just for fun, no fees or prizes. We draw names at random, so we play with a different group each week. It's such a fun time. Here's most of the group.

Last Wednesday evening, we had a howling at the moon party with free chili, a band and bonfire. As the moon came over the foothills, the band played "Bad Moon Rising" by Creedence Clearwater Revival and everyone got their howl on. There were not two moons as the pictures suggest. There must have been a reflection from something.

On Saturday we went to downtown Yuma with John and Janie to attend the BBQ and Brews festival. It was a bit disappointing as there was only one beer tent, and the line was quite long. Also, the teams competing in the cookoff contest were out of samples by the time we arrived with 7 hours left in the event. So, instead we got a table at the Prison Hill Brewing Company, had some brews and appetizers, and listened to the music from the festival. 

There are several murals around downtown Yuma. Here we are in front of one of them. Poor Kevin has been having to pose for way too many pictures as far as he's concerned.

Last night we were invited to dinner at our friends Brad and Martha's home with a few other couples. It was a great time with great food and camaraderie. Here's Martha, Brad, John, Janie, Evelyn and Kevin. We've been friends for years, but don't get together too often. It was great to catch up.

Our aloe plant in the backyard has been flowering for the past few weeks. The hummingbirds really like these flowers.

The quilting group did a mystery quilt project in January. It was a rather challenging pattern this year, but I'm quite pleased with how its coming together. I'm not quite finished yet, so I'll wait to post a picture. We also did a little lesson on these cute bags using scraps from our stash. I had never put in a zipper before, so I learned something new. 

Don’t wish upon a star – Reach for one!

We Went On a Land Cruise

We went on a land cruise, and had a blast!!  A few weeks ago, our resort announced that they would be hosting a land cruise. This was a new activity for our park. Monday at happy hour was the bon voyage party. Everyone got a lei and a free drink ticket. 

On Tuesday we visited five ports of call: Germany, Italy, Canada, Mexico, and Hawaii. Kevin and I hosted Germany at our home. The park provided decorations and free brats and beer for our stop. The event was limited to 200 people. Passports had been given out previously to those who stood in line to get one.

We're in line waiting to get our passports

I was serving brat samples, Kevin was serving beer

Others in the park hosted the other four stops at their homes. Italy served pizza and Limoncello, Canada served shrimp cocktail and Caesars, Mexico served margaritas and taquitos, and Hawaii served Mai-tais and a fresh fruit skewer. Our friends manned our table for a little while so we could go and get the yummy food and drinks at the other countries.

On Wednesday we sailed to Antarctica.  There were six whale tales hidden throughout the park. Clues were given as to where they were. The first two groups to find them won a bottle of champagne.

On Thursday we had our welcome back to port concert. Upon arriving at the hall, we were treated to a slider hamburger and a free drink. The band was called Ship Happens. They played lots of great songs from the 70s, and encouraged the audience to dance. At one point about 3/4 of the audience were in a conga line. It was so much fun!!

We continue to stay busy golfing. Last Wednesday, we played in the couples league with James and Elaine. Kevin had a birdie on hole number seven, and we won third place. Elaine took some great pictures.

Ready to play on hole number 2

Celebrating Kevin's birdie with birdie juice

Third place winnings

The Omicron virus is currently peaking in Yuma County. We're not golfing this week and pretty much staying home. The Canadians versus Americans golf tournament is scheduled for this coming Saturday. We'll see what happens regarding that. I hope the virus peaks quickly and we can return to normal. Up until now, we felt very safe in our RV community. However, quite a few people in the resort have gotten Covid in the last two weeks, and we're being careful.

We're hoping everyone out there is also staying safe and healthy!!

Merry Christmas

 Kevin and I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

It was another challenging year for the world with Covid still presenting many challenges and heartache for far too many. We hope next year will bring relief to those still suffering. 

We also had an up and down year. Although, we feel very blessed, losing my mom this year was difficult for our family. I find comfort knowing she is with my dad in heaven and is no longer suffering.

On December 18th, our resort sponsored a Christmas dinner. They provided the ham, and we brought the rest of the food for our table in a potluck type meal. Each group was also encouraged to decorate their table, and there would be a contest for best decorated table. Here's our snowman themed table decorations.

Our table won, so we will be treated to a pizza party for our efforts. Yippee!!!

After dinner, we enjoyed music by a DJ. Outside, there was a full moon. What a perfect evening.

On December 13th, there was a night golf cart parade. Our friends Carolyn and Cynthia were adorable in their outfits. After the parade, we were treated to cookies and spiked  hot chocolate at the main hall. So much fun!

On December 11th, we went to the nighttime electric Christmas parade in downtown Yuma with Dave and Judy Stanley. This was our first time going to this parade, and we were amazed at the effort put into the different entrants. Yuma has five high schools, so the marching bands were particularly fun to watch, all decked out with lights on their instruments and uniforms.

The Grinch was atop a Yuma Department of Public Works truck.

Of course, every parade needs to have Santa at the end!

On December 12th, a group of us went to the Nutcracker Ballet. It was performed by the local Yuma ballet school. I was amazed by the level of skill from these dancers. Yuma has a population of about 100,000 which is not a small city, but also not huge. This school brought in some alumni, and put on a fantastic performance. I had never seen this show, and really enjoyed it.

Cynthia hosted an ornament making party at her place for a group of ladies. We had a great time. Here's one I made.

Last week we bought a new to us car. Two years ago, we had purchased a 2017 Hyundai Accent. We discovered that we would rather have an SUV style to more easily put the golf bags in the back. Also, the Accent was black which was not so great when temperatures reached 100 degrees. 

Our neighbors sold their park model, and were selling their 2017 Hyundai Tucson with only 42,000 miles on it. We struck a bargain, and here's our new ride parked in the driveway with our other important vehicle, the golf cart.

We sold the Accent to Carvana. With car prices skyrocketing this year, we actually sold it for over $4,000 more than we paid for it two years ago. Crazy!

So, that about wraps it up as to what we've been up to in the last month. We're still golfing quite a bit, and the weather has gotten cooler which is normal for this time of year. 

We hope you all enjoy the holidays and have a great year to come.

Don’t wish upon a star – Reach for one!

Happy Thanksgiving

 

Happy Thanksgiving to all of our family and friends. This has been a bit of a difficult year, but we are so thankful for all of our blessings. 

In addition to the passing of my mom this summer, a good friend of ours here in Yuma passed away very unexpectedly a few weeks ago. 

Rick was a wonderful person who was always smiling and a true gentleman. He played golf with the men's club on Tuesday morning, went home, sat down with a glass of water and passed away at the young age of 72. A neighbor found him a short time later. It was a great shock to many here at the resort. Rick was an avid golfer and card player, and was loved by many. Here are a few photos of us with Rick.

I was so heartbroken to hear about the senseless tragedy at the Waukesha, Wisconsin Christmas parade last weekend. I worked in that school district for seven years before I retired. I pray for all those impacted that they may heal both physically and psychologically. 

Times like this remind us of lucky we are to have good health and to be living our best life. You never know what tomorrow will bring.

A few weeks ago our resort hosted a complimentary welcome back party with a delicious dinner, drinks, a photo booth and an ice cream truck. We had a great time. It was held outdoors in the parking lot of the North Hall on a beautiful and warm evening. The band was set up on a trailer.

The girls had some fun at the photo booth.

On November 18th, the resort hosted a Howling at the Moon party in the parking lot next to the baseball field with a band and bonfire. We were so fortunate to see a beautiful sunset to the west and the full moon rising over the foothills to the east. 

Last Saturday we had a Thanksgiving dinner hosted by the resort. They provided the turkey and gravy, and each table of ten brought the rest of the meal. We enjoyed a great meal with some of our friends. 

Today Kevin is golfing with the guys in the morning. Then, we are staying home and enjoying a peaceful day on our own. Not to complain, but we stay quite busy around here. Sometimes a day at home is just what is needed. Plus, it's quite windy and only going to be in the low 70s. Brrr!!

Don't Wish Upon a Star-Reach for One!!

A New "Job" For Us

 It's amazing how fast time flies. We've been back in Yuma for a month already, and we've been very busy. But, not too busy to hang out with our friends and play lots of golf! Our friends Syd and Carolyn invited us over for dinner along with Cynthia. As usual, we had a great time with lots of laughs and delicious food. They are amazing cooks!!

I've also been quite busy taking care of the details of my mom's estate. We accepted an offer on her condo this week; so hopefully, that all goes well. I'm so grateful for the technology to be able to take care of all of this from a distance.

A few weeks after we got back, we were asked by the management here at the resort if we would be interested in taking over the administration of the golf leagues with another couple. Jim and Sally did it for about 30 years, and they are retiring. We said yes, and it turns out the other couple were Syd and Carolyn. Perfect!! 

Once we learn the program, it won't be that time consuming. But, for now; we're spending quite a bit of time learning. Then we'll split the duties between the four of us, and it will be no problem.

The resort sponsored a Halloween Party with dancing and free drinks. We had a great time. There was a photo booth, so we got silly with Syd and Carolyn. The photographer was using a halo light, and it reflected exactly in my glasses, making it look like I have monster eyes. Too funny!!

Something weird happened to this tree on the golf course over the summer. It reminds me of trees in Dr. Seuss books. The whole top is hanging down, but it's still alive. Strange!!

So, that's about all that's new with us. Hope everyone is doing well and enjoying life as much as we are!!

Don’t wish upon a star – Reach for one!