March 31, 2019 Eacapees North Ranch, Congress AZ

Our last say at Congress.  We got up and did our normal chores.  We started putting things away and prepping for departure.  I was trying to finish up the triangles. I ended up having to redo several of them from scratch.   I think I got them all done.  I will try to put them together if I can't then I will have to wait until we get to Creede in July.
Sandy invited us to dinner which was a God send.  I took hamburger out intending to make tacos.  I went over to visit Sandy but she and Jean were at Jean's.  I sat and chatted with them for awhile then went back to finish my beading chore.  It is really incredible but Sandy waits on Jean and and foot and Jean demands it.  I guess that's what long term friends do.  She seems to take it to the nth degree.she even has me doing gophers.
At 5 we met in Sandy's trailer and had some Mexican dish and a really good salad.
Then we walked over and had ice cream.  Came home and did some hand work on the baby quilt binding while watching TV.
We are just about ready to hit the road.  Heading to Texas. Yeah.

March 30. 2019 Escapees North Ranch, Congress AZ

This was a long and busy day.  It started way too early.  Sophie whined all night because of the wind . We got up about 6:30 and out the door to breakfast activities center.  We were on the road by 8. We had waffles and sausage for breakfast.   It was very good.  Then a two hour ride to Casa Grande to take the Teryx back.  We had a suprprise when we got there.  Alan Dahle allowed a trailer to be parked there.  We had to unhitch and move his trailer then pick up the Teryx and back it into the spot. We had a brief visit with Betty and Larry.  Then off to the office to pay for 1 Year's rent.  We ate lunch at Culver's.   Then in the road to Congress.   We stopped at Walmart to restock our drink supply.   We arrived back home about 3:30 just in time to see Sandy take the dogs back to the dog park.  So I got out and walked with her.  I worked on a bead project until it was time to go to dinner.
We drove over to w. Wickenburg ranch to have a last dinner with everyone at Jake's Spoon.  Sandy has been very good to us but it is hard to break into their circle of friends whom they have known for a very long time.  Jean and Sandy have a very special friendship.  Maybe one day I will be so lucky to have a friend like that.
After dinner we got gassed up for our departure on Monday . I am looking forward to that as I am getting tired of the social treadmill we seem to be on. 
Looking forward  to the quiet life again. 

March 29, 2019 Escapees North Ranch, Congress AZ

Last day of beading and only a few days left here and then we are back on the road.  I got up this morning and changed the bed sheets prior to leaving for beading at 8:30.  We had a class today.
At noon there was a pasta and salad luncheon.  Which was not all that great.  I skipped the dessert.
I left at one.  As soon as I got home I got the clothes ready and Steve took me over to the laundry at the clubhouse.  All four washers and dryers were working!  I was sitting outside while the clothes were washing and the cars rolled up with all the merchandise from the store so I helped unload the cars.  I almost finished my book while the clothes were drying and Steve called wanting to take a last ride in the Teryx.  I dropped him off at the house and went back to field all the clothes.   Came back and trimmed the baby quilt.  Then we loaded the Teryx on the trailer and hooked up to the truck.  Then we walked over to the Ely's to pick up my packages from Amazon.  Came and paid Sandy the money that I owed her.  Steve grilled the chicken and I worked on putting the binding on the quilt.
Then I finished making dinner. And did the dishes after dinner.  Then I finished putting the binding on.  Had a couple of hiccups.
The as I promised Steve I picked up my sewing machine and organized my sewing so that I could get to the things I will need to use when I do the hand work on the quilts .
Then I reorganized my beading things so that I can put away the things that I won't be needing.  I put all my current projects in another smaller box.
Finally I worked on my rock rack bracelet.
Then it was time for TV and games.
We accomplished a lot and definitely kept busy.
Allergies are killing me.

March 28, 2019 Escapees North Ranch, Congress AZ

This was a very productive day.   Up at 7ish when I reluctantly weighed.  The amount was 206.5  i am yoyoing back and forth within 5 lbs.  Then off to the activity center for Sandy's class on the Treasure Necklace.  We left at 11:39 for lunch.
Did a few chores at lunch and a ride with the dogs in the Teryx.
Back to the beading area.  The uiafternoon was free. I finished 12 of the triangles for the rock rack bracelet.  Closed out my tab at the store and walked home at 3:30. When I arrived home  I was dumbfounded to find Steve had mopped the floors and did the dishes.  I guess Dave Alan and Jerry are finally rubbing off on him.  Hope it lasts.
About 4:15 Sandy came by top help me spray the quilt together.  I put a card board box on the picnic table.  Unfortunately the wind picked up just as we set to work.  Both  Sandy and Steve had to help.  It was difficult since there were three people who really had very little idea what we were doing.  We ended up bringing the quilt into the bedroom to finish it up.  Another Teryx ride.  The dog park was busy so we rode around the park.
Then we had dinner.  We had fried egg sandwiches.   Steve bought whole wheat bead ugh.  Any way when I broke the eggs into the pan we has three double yoke eggs.  .Wow good luck for long time.
Once we finished dinner  I did the dishes.   Then I marked the quilt for quilting then quilted it
  I am very close to finishing it.  Games, shower, and TV.
Tomorrow is the last day of beading.  Hopefully both my packages are at the Post office despite the faulty tracking information.   We did get the South Dakota plates for the trailer. We won' t be driving with expired plates.

March 27, 2019 Escapees North Ranch, Congress AZ

Three days down and two to go for bead week.  We got up normally and we all met up at nine to go down to the activity  center.  Little cooler today.  Did not accomplish a lot.   Home for lunch.  Good news the plates came for the trailer!  We got Nikki's mail package. 

Back to the meeting spot.  More beading.

After beading we got ready to have dinner with out little group.  Jerry Bertha's husband cooked spaghetti for us. I made a blackberry cobbler which was ok buy nothing to write home about.  Jim and Sharon Yates dropped by to chat with us for awhile while we were sitting at Bertha's.  Then home to sew for a few minutes and then TV.

The post office has lost my package.  First it was in Congress and then it said it was leaving Kentucky.   Now it is in Phoenix.  The post office claims it is on Congress.  Guess we will find out on Friday.  

March 26, 2019 Escapees North Ranch, Congress AZ

This was a much better day than yesterday.  I made a lot of progress on both the quilting and beading fronts.  I took the Teryx to the retreat..  Steve went on a Motorcycle ride while he was waiting to pick up the mail at the post office.  I came home for lunch and walked the dogs, ate lunch, and did a few chores.  Then back to the retreat.  We left there at 3:30 .  Sandy and I hatched a plan to get the guys to take us for a bite to eat before they took us to the to Safeway to get a few necessary grocery items.  We were headed to Gila Monster but alas they were closed.  As were several other eating places.  We ended up at the Ornery Pig with over peppered sauces pigs wings.  They would have been great but too spicy for me.  But better than cooking. Then a quick trip through Safeway.  Back at the ranch si Steve could go to carving.   I made the cobbler for tomorrow's dinner.  I had to run over to the clubhouse to have Steve open up the blackberry filling. Then I piddled around the trailer for awhile before watching some TV.   Shower and bed.

March 25, 2019 Escapees North Ranch, Congress AZ

It was a very stressful day at North Ranch.  Spent the morning till about nine on the phone trying to confirm reservations and dealing with Americas Mailbox.   Was late getting to beading retreat.  Beaded til noon then came back for lunch.   Started to reorganize my beads .  Beading is very stressful for me especially when I would rather be sewing..  I had nightmares about tomorrow's class as it is a very difficult necklace.  Today I took Diana's class beginning peyote.   It went OK until I got a knot in my thread.  I guess I just don't want to spend the time that it takes to do the project.  I have to many unfinished projects.  Finally by the time class ended I was a basket case.  I finally got a call back from Americas mailbox that the trailer plates were there and they would overnight them  tomorrow morning.   That reduced some of the stress but not all.  I think we are ready to move on to do some traveling.
Took the dogs to the dog park and had our ritual rode through the park.
I finished putting my beads away and did a little sewing.
Warmed up some tamale pie for dinner and we sat outside around the campfire with Sandy and Alan and Jean.
The worked in the backroom sewing the rest of the evening.
Steve took the truck in for service and spent the afternoon carving with Dave and Alan 

March 24, 2019 Escapees North Ranch, Congress AZ

Bead week has begun.  They day started out early when I got a text from Betty at 6:30_which was actually not even intended for me.  I finally got up at 7:30 and made Steve breakfast.  French toast and bacon.  Then I made cookies.  They  tasted good but didn't look very nice.  Next time I will use Memo's chocolate cookie recipe and put the peppermint chunks in those.
I was planning on doing some work in the quilt room but Steve decided that he wanted to plan the rest of our trip to Titusville. That took up the rest of my morning.   We took the dogs for a ride to the dog park and I grabbed a quick lunch.  Then off to Bead week.  We signed up for classes and bought supplies.  We were able to bead for awhile  but it was very sporadic. The fed us some really gross sloppy Joe's.  Dave came and got food for the guys back at the trailer.   We stayed thru ice cream then came back to find Sandy going through beads.  So I was able to get most of the beads I will need for the peyote ruffle necklace. When I  will find the time to make and finish all these projects and find time to quilt.  I now know how people collect all these beads.  They buy beads they see that they like then when they find a project to work on they buy more beads for that project.  I know that I don't have a lot of beads compared to most serious bearers.  This week will fly by.
I finally got home about 6:30. I was able to make the second cut on my 56 blocks for the layer cake quilt.
Then finally TV and and games.

March 23, 2019 Escapees North Ranc, Congress AZ

This day took the wind out of my sales.  We didn't go to Chandler as Larry was still under the weather.  So plan B.  We got up at the crack of dawn to have biscuits and gravy at the activity center.  Steve was convinced that everybody would be joining us but he talked to the guys not to the women.  Why we had to go so early is beyond me.  After breakfast we got the word that we were not meeting Betty and Steve was not going to to Surprise to go to a quilt store.  So I decided to sew something else.  The disappearing 9 patch will have to wait.  So I chopped up what was left of the layer cakes I had. Step one is complete..  ready for step 2. 
At 10 I went to the clubhouse to help them move stuff to the  Activity center.  Alan was helping arrange the tables and chairs and electrical  cords for the headers.  I did a little shopping at the store.
Back to the rig more sewing and lunch.  Sandy came by and recruited me to help Kathy Benton and Kat Bross organize some beads.  She also let us have anything we wanted.  We also got to see inside of Kat Bross' house and her bead workshop.  Everything was organized down to the gnat's eye.  There was a small fortune in storage bins everywhere.
Apparently the new manager wanted them to take down all the tables so they could have the ice cream social tomorrow night.   That was not going to fly .  After lengthy and brutal conversations our girls prevailed. 
This gal, Kat Bross,

is the ultimate artist.  She made pottery totems all over her front yard. 
We got home about 4:30 .  We grilled burgers .  Then took a Teryx ride.  We witnessed a gorgeous sunset. 
Dishes and TV completed the evening. 

March 22, 2019 Escapees North Ranch, Congress AZ

Happy Birthday to me.  It was a mixed bag.  Steve was off to carving at the normal time.  I got dressed and started sewing.  Was trying the disappearing 9 patch . Sandy and Bertha came over to tell me about the dinner plans.  Mexican for the birthday.  Also she told me that Gerry was going to take us to the quilt store.  Had fun at the quilt store.  Bought some templates  that I wanted. 
Back to the rig.  Still trying to get the block together.   Then beading.  Had fun there.  Then more sewing and more frustration.   Then a Teryex ride with Sandy to the dog park.
Steve went to Big O for the new tires.  At five thirty we left for dinner.  They were very busy and the place was very noisy.  Food took a long time to get to us. At the end the gave me some flan with a candle and the serenaded me in Spanish for about 5 minutes .  With guitar as well.  All in all a nerdy nice birthday with friends.
Looks like we won't be going to Chandler to see Betty and Larry as Larry is sick.  Will have to put the 9 patch aside till I get the material I need for it.  Will have plenty of beading to worry about next week.

Enjoyed the day with friends.  

March 22, 2019 Escapees North Ranch, Congress AZ

We had a fairly quiet day but very busy.  I got up and at 'em early .  I did manage to weigh and was surprised that it was only up to 205.7. Steve dropped a bomb on mr out of the blue.  We can't go to Phoenix on Saturday because he waited too long to out tires on.  Fortunately Big O was able to get the new ones on tomorrow afternoon.   Hopefully we can still make the trip.
 I dropped Steve off at the carving place and I took the laundry next door.  Washed and dried the clothes.  Another struggle with the people at Americas Mailboxes. Despite there being only one working dryer we finished the laundry by noon.
Steve and I made lunch and I walked the dogs. 
Alan took Sandy and I to the Post Office.  Me to get a refund because the Express mail was not delivered promptly.  Sandy got her mail.  Alan took us back to the campground.  Sandy help me pick out some beads for a bracelet I decided to make. 
I came back to the rig and finished sewing the top of the baby quilt  for Aralynn. 
Walked the dogs at the dog park.  Then over to the Activity Center where the carving group sponsored a pizza night.  There were individual pizza baked in a wood fired pizza oven.  It was hard to keep up with the demand but eventually everyone got their fill of Pizza.
Back home for a relaxing evening.  Thanks to March  madness there is no evening TV worth anything.  Old movies is it. 

March 20, 2919 Escapees North Ranch, Congress AZ

Finally a sewing day to myself. Today was the first day of spring.  It was overcast most of the day. Got up at the normal time. Then we has a sickening sweet cinnamon roll.  Steve took off for carving and I hit the sewing machine. I finished quilting the crazy quilt.  It worked much better without the walking foot.  Then about 10 I took a shower and washed my hair.  Sandy came by for a short visit.  Then I got busy and trimmed the quilt.  I made deviled egg sandwiches for lunch. 
Once lunch was cleared I was back at the sewing machine.  I put the binding together for the crazy quilt and put it on the quilt.  Once that was done I  sewed the squares together for Aralynn's kitten quilt.  Sandy and I took the dogs for a walk.  Met Steve coming home from carving in the Teryx.  He was dropping Alan off at his place.  Once Sandy and I got back Steve and I did our tour in the Teryx.   Back at the machine I sewed the rows together on the baby quilt. 
We warmed up spaghetti for dinner.  Dishes, TV  and games to complete the night. 

March 19, 2019 Exscapee North Ranch, Congress AZ

Last day of winter.  A rather quiet day.  Steve went to carving as normal and was gone all day.  I got busy early and finished Sandy's soup cozies.  Then started to quilt the crazy quilt as I call it.  I took the dogs for a potty walk.  Then they got baths and did dishes.  A quick snack then some more sewing.  Took the quilting foot off and it went much better. 
Off to beading at 1.  Jean went to the doctor for her sciatica.   More sewing after beading then we Bbqed steaks.  They were OK nothing to write home about. 
Then Sandy and Alan and Bertha came over for a fire. They left about 8:30. Then TV and games for the rest of the night. 
A very blah day for me.  It was nice to have the whole day to myself. 

March 18, 2019 Eacapees North Ranch, Congress AZ

This day was the pits.  It started out fine. Steve went to carving and I straightened the place up and had breakfast.   Called Americas Mailbox regarding the vehicle registration and found out that we wasted almost 2 weeks as it was sent out incorrectly.   Several telephone calls later we got that straightened out.  Looks like we will be staying here longer than planned.
I tried to get some sewing done in between phone calls.  Steve came home for lunch and we printed off the paperwork necessary and got everything ready to mail. Steve went back to carving but came home early so we could get business taken care of.  We started at the Congress Post Office.  They should have the paperwork by Thursday.  We will see how long it takes to get the plates. 
Then we drove over to Prescott and went to Costco and Walmart.  Steve decided to have a hissy fit on the way to Walmart.  Therefore the rest of the trip was very quiet.  We ate at a small Mexican place at the outskirts of Prescott.  Nice town that Prescott.  Then back to the rig to put all the groceries away.  Then TV and games. 
Becky sent me a beautiful ceramic clock for my birthday.  Love it. 
I can tell you that I am tired of being Steve's whipping post.  Things are going to change. 

March 17, 2019 Escapees North Ranch, Congress AZ

Big news both of Steve's entries in the carving show in Mesa took first place !  He was really excited and pleased as we all were.
We got up at normal time and went through the the usual routine.  We left here at 11 as planned.  We stopped at a JoAnn''s to pick up some batting.  The Sandy and Alan took us to lunch at the Yard House.  The hamburgers were undercooked to my way of thinking but I am glad I asked for medium well and rare.  After lunch we continued to Mesa.  We walked around the show for an hour and half. There were a lot of beautiful pieces there.
They got their entries and we loaded up the truck and were on our way by 4:20.  After a few wrong turns we made it to Wickenburg.   We toured some parts of Maricopa county that we would have otherwise missed but we eventually found our way back to Wickenburg  where we went in search of ice cream.  Our only option was DQ it seems which was packed.  After that we returned to the rig.  The dogs were happy to see us.  We walked them and fed them.  TV and games for the rest of the night. 
Steve is really stoked about the results of the carving show as he should be. 

March 16, 2019 Escapees North Ranch, Congress AZ

It was a beautiful day today.  Warm with a nice breeze.  We all got together for breakfast at 8 at the activity center.  They served a breakfast casserole which I did not care for.  Why waste the calories if you don't like it. We headed home then the girls checked out all the garage sales and yard sales.   We ended up with a guided tour of Kathy Bross's yard and all her artwork.   Jean was hurting so we ended up not going to the quilt store.  We decided to take a Teryx ride out the back door. The dogs were with us but that didn't stop Steve from speeding along the trails.  We managed not to get lost.  After we returned we went down and visited with Alan and Sandy and their friend Don joined us after awhile.  Back home where I was able to finish the top of the block of the week quilt.  I need to find the backing material. I have enough of of the border material to make the binding..  Then back over to Bertha's for happy hour. Back to the rig at 5:30 for dinner.  Us and the dogs.  Once dinner was over I took the dogs in the Teryx to the dog park.   Dishes then TV and games. 

March 15, 2019 Escapees North Ranch, Congress AZ

Another fun day at North Ranch.  We got up at normal time.  Did chores.  Hazel appears on the mend.  She clings to her bed and her appetite is not back to normal.   She was much perkier today.  Steve left with Alan at 9:30 and drove to Mesa to drop off their entries for the carvers show. 
While he was gone I sewed for about an hour and a half.  Then walked over to the clubhouse to bead.  We stayed there from 11 to 3.  I worked on my peyote bracelet.   Sandy made me a pair of earrings but I had to remind her that I could not wear them. 
When I came back to the rig Steve had returned.   A few minutes later Sandy and I walked over to the dog run with the girls.  We sat and visited with a gal and fellow bearer Lois.  Back to the rig to feed the dogs.  Hazel did not appear to want to eat.  She still shivers a lot.  Then the girls took the car and the guys took the truck to Sizzling Wok for a delicious dinner with some good friends.  After dinner we all agreed we were stopping for ice cream at Dairy Queen.  The guys went right on by.  Not so the girls.   We stopped for ice cream.  The we brought some back for the guys.  Jean ended up paying for Steve's.   Will have to find a way to pay her back somehow.  Back to the rig for TV and games.

March 14, 2019 Escapees North Ranch, Congress AZ

This day was a mixed bag.  For the first time I felt a little lost and a little bored.  Hazel is out of sorts as well.  She seems to be having a reaction to the shorts she got yesterday. I weighed today.  Good news I lost some and weighed 204.6.  Wonder if I can keep it off.
I sewed for awhile then Steve wanted to take a teryx ride.  We ended up at Ely's house. Barb can talk your ear off.  Learned some interesting things. Steve used some tools that John had.  Then we toured the park in the Teryx.  I went and visited Sandy for awhile.  Then at 2:45 we jumped in the car Jean's and made a trip over to a Lady's house who was selling new clothes cheap. Then we toured the park and all the homes.  Back to the rig to prepare to go to dinner at the Lawless house.  Diana and Homer. We were kind of worried because they are Vegan's.  But we had a nice salad with spaghetti and meatballs. I was afraid to ask what the meatballs were made of and I have a feeling the noodles were whole grain but they were OK.  We sat and yakked for a couple of hours.  Diana had some magazines for me but she had everything all mixed up so I spent another half hour helping her.  I have no  idea what I am going to do with all these as I have very little interest in beading when I could be sewing.  Barb Ely was showing me some really creative things she was working on. We came home and Hazel is still not cured.  Took a shower after hand feeding Hazel her dinner.  Then more TV and games for the rest of the night.

March 13, 2019 Escapees North Ranch, Congress AZ

We had a rough night last night.i woke up around 1:30 last night and I couldn't  go back to sleep.  Sophie whined and carried on for about an hour.  We tried to get her to come to bed with us but she wouldn't have it.  When I woke up at 7:30 Sophie was laying on the end of the bed. 
We left here at 8:30 for the Vets.  Not really impressed with the vet but the dogs got their shots.  They too forever to get the job done.  We stopped at the hardware store  then headed back to the camp.  We were about 2 miles from home and Sandy called.  Steve made the supreme and drove me back to the Chevron at Vulture Mine Road and 93.  I met up with Jean Sandy and Bertha and we had an unplanned girl's day.  We stopped at the yarn store then lunch at Nana's downtown.   We hit the good will store and finally Safeway.  We got back around 2  with plenty of time to pick up the cinnamon rolls.   Back to the to rest and recreate.   Fixed am some pants for Sandy.  Sewed for awhile.  Dinner dishes and TV. 
It was extremely cold and windy today.  Tomorrow is supposed to be chilly and the it should warm up. 

March 12, 2019 Escapees North Ranch, Congress AZ

Another cold and wet day in Congress.  Not much happening.  We did house chores this morning.   Steve fixed a few things around the house.  I sewed this morning.   Had a quick lunch the went to beading.  Not really into beading but we all sat at the same table and practiced our peyote stitch.  We came home and Steve and I walked over to the office to pay for our propane. I stopped and visited with Sandy for awhile.   Back to the house for more sewing.  Steve went to carving after dinner while I enjoyed some alone sewing time.  Then up to bedroom to enjoy the final episode of the Bachelor.  He did himself proud.  About the most honest season I have seen.  Colton was honest enough to fight for the girl he really wanted.  He didn't leave the girls hanging the way they normally do.
Hopefully the weather will be better here on out. 

Marco 11, 2019 Escapees North Ranch, Congress AZ

We had a rather long day and somewhat tiring.  We left here about 9:30 to follow Dave and Jean and Sandy and Alan to Surprise to visit their friend Nancy. Who lives in Sun City West. At the end we realized we were following the wrong car.  Fortunately the GPS  got us there safely.  She lost her husband a couple of years ago.  She is a beautiful and talented woman. Her home is decorated beautifully.   She is a silversmith, a wood Carver extraordinaire and a great beader.   She certainly doesn't lack for money.  .  She and Sandy fixed us a great lunch of salmon with a mango chutney salad and Sandy brought a potato dish that was to die for. 
We left there shortly after 2 to visit  Judy Malmstrom and Flo.  We stayed there about an hour.  Thanks a quick trip to Costco.  Then back home in the rain. 
We got home about 6 and had a snack for dinner.  Then dishes and TV. 

March 10, 2019 Escapees North Ranch, Congress AZ

We changed over to daylight savings time. Steve woke up at looked at the clock which said 7:14.  He then added an hour so he jumped up thinking it was 8:14.  But we then remembered Arizona doesn't change times.  So it was really 6 :14.  So we all got up and napped for an hour or so on the couch. 
Got up and did our chores then I decided I would make the casserole for tonight's dinner. I was going to make stuffed shells but we would have had to go to the store for the shells.  So I decided to make tomale pie.  Then Sandy came back to let us know that Bertha was going to the market.   She ended up getting us some sour cream .  We still had tamale pie.  Once that was made I took it to Sandy to put in the refrigerator since I had no more room  in mine.  A quick ride over to the dog park then over to the laundry .  It was almost empty.  4 washers and 2 working dryers in the activity center.   A lot of people are taking their wet clothes over to the club house laundry to dry as they have no washers but 3 dryers. 
After laundry I came home washed the dishes and ate a snack lunch.  Finally it was time to sew.  I got row two added to the quilt.  Finally it was close to the dinner hour. Sandy cooked the casserole at her place.  We decided to eat dinner in the club house kitchen.  It was too cold to eat outside.  The kitchen worked perfectly as there was 8 of us for dinner.  Then we moved over to the activity center for the ice cream social.  Finally a quick trip to the dog run .  Then TV and games for the rest of the night. 

March 9, 2019 Escapees North Ranch, Congress AZ

Still chilly here.  We got up rather early today.  I think it was 6:30.  Did our morning chores and got ready to go to Yarnell for breakfast at 9.  They were on our doorstep promptly at 9.  We went to Yarnell.  Great Breakfast with very cute decor.  We came back and I decided to sew for awhile.  A very short while it was.  Took the dogs in the Teryx at the dog run.  Very cold there.  Came back and decided to do our grocery run.  We checked out the vet where the girls are going on Wednesday.   Then we got gas and finally hit the grocery store.
We came back and put our purchases away.  Then I was able to sew for awhile.  Sandy came over to pick up the few groceries I bought for her.  We decided to take a walk later.  Steve was wearing his grumpy pants part of the day.  At 4:30 I walked the dogs over to the dog park with Sandy.  There were 2 very large German Shepard's and another big dog  so we decided to skip the actual dog park.  Back to rig to make spaghetti  for our dinner. Then Steve wanted to watch the movie about the Granite Mountain Hotshots who were killed in the Yarnell Hill fire June 30th 2013.  With only 1 survivor. 
He doesn't often ask so I decided to catch up on Yahtzee.   Tomorrow laundry. Yeah.

March 8, 2019 Escapees North Ranch, Congress AZ

We had a much needed day of rest.  We got up rather early for us.  7ish.  Made the bed and did a few chores.  I did some checking on our status on the licenses in South Dakota. 
I took my shower early so I could wash my very dirty hair.  Then we jumped in the Teryx and said good bye to the Mooneys. Babe and JC.  Then over to the dog run and then we drove around the park and stopped in at Barb Ely's.  Steve got to drool over John Ely's shop. The we stopper at Alan and Sandy's for over an hour to chat.  Then back to the rig to sew and hunker down.  Very chilly and windy today.
I finally got to sew some.  About 4:30 Sandy and I walked the  dogs to the dog run.   They did their job and we came home.  Finished cooking dinner.  I baked chicken since it was so cold and miserable outside.  Looks like we have this kind of weather for the next week or so. 
TV and games for the rest of the night. 

March 7, 2919 Eacapees North Ranch, Congress AZ

We are on the last leg of our trip about 90 miles west of Congress.  It was a rough night last night. There wasn't one piece of comfortable furniture in the room! Especially the bed.  It was as hard as rock.  I had a back.ache when I got up.  My but is tired of riding. 

I am sick of playing games and reading in the car.

Steve got up at 4 and felt compelled to turn on all the lights.  I got up at 5 and Steve went back to sleep till  6.  W
 e got up and dressed. I walked the dogs.
We had our free continental breakfast.   Then we went to wait at Kaiser for my blood test and shots. Unfortunately today was my normal day to weigh so I guess I will have to wait until next Thursday.  Darn the bad luck.

We were on the road by 9:30.  Highway 41 was closed but there was a detour set up.  Steve started out being a pill but worked himself out of it.

We took a different route home.  We turned right at Kramer junction on 58 and took 395 to 15 then 215 and finally 10 to Quartzite.  From there we took 60 to Wickenburg and found one way to Congress in the pitch dark.  We did take out at Burger King in Quartzite.  We will be home soon.. Thank God.  My butt is worn out.

March 6, 2019 Best Westen Yosmite Gateway Inn, Oakhurst CA

We made our trip to Caifornia in record time.  We started out at 6 am from Congress.   We kept having to stop and adjust the tarp covering everything.  It kept flapping in the wind  Steve drove 19 miles out of his way to get the last cheap Arizona gas.  We stopped for lunch about 11:30 PST .  Steve got mad because his sandwich had too much pickle relish on it.  Otherwise the trip was uneventful.  We arrived at Coarsegold around 3:30.  We got there before the rain so we were able to easily load the cargo in the shed and put the boat and boat accessories in the back and cover them up without getting soaked.

We stopped in the clubhouse to use the bathroom and get our mail.  We tried  to visit Kent and Lynn Russell but they were not at home.  Not much had changed at the park. 
The we got gas and ate at the Chinese place next to the hotel.  I realized that I left my phone on the table fortunately before we left the parking lot. 
We got our room and I fed the dogs.  Steve went to sleep about 7:30 and I then walked the dogs.  We are in for the night. 
It is 8:30  there is no comfortable place to relax.  Think I will shower and go to bed myself.
The trip was just under 600 Miles and about 9 hours.  More of the same tomorrow.   We took 93 to Kingman and except for the gas loop we stayed on 93 till. We hit 40 to 58 and finally 99 to 41 in Fresno. 

March 5, 2019 Escapees North Ranch, Congress AZ

March marches on.  Steve was up at the crack of dawn and ready to work. Therefore so was I.  Steve was busy pulling stuff down from the lift that we are taking back to  California.   Then I was allowed to have breakfast.   After the chores Steve went out and tightened the bolts under the trailer.  He also greased the hitch and the wet bolts on the trailer.  Then put the sewer out and the wheel covers.  Loaded the truck and  and finally collapsed.  I kept busy in the house till eleven and then walked the dogs.  Sandy was upset because he Sister's greyhound had to be put down.  We walked down to the dog park and back. Then came back for lunch.  Went to beading at the club house then came back to relax a bit.  Steve went down to the clubhouse for carving  and I went over to Sandy 's to learn how to bead..  Betty change the plan for the quilt so I am have been doing damage control.   Finally it was time to relax in front of the T V. 

March 4, 2019 Escapees North Ranch, Congress AZ

Steve has been in some kind of snit for a couple of days.  I think part of it has to do with the fact that he knows he needs to eat less and lose some weight. And he doesn't want to.  Of course he takes it out on me.  I can see a blow out coming.
I am dreading the trip to California. 
Today in the car was bad enough.
We got out of here about 7:40 and drove to Casa Grande. We didn't have to go to H&r block after all.  They were finally able to process our returns. We arrived about 10 . A quick trip to Harbor Freight, PM Quilting, Whitfield Auto and we fouled up.  A very quick lunch with Betty and Larry.   Finally over to Fiesta Grande to pick up the Teryx.  Were got back to North Ranch  around 3 and parked the Teryx and the trailer.   Then Sandy and I  walked the dog over to the dog park.  Back to the rig the work on organizing my beads and getting ready to go to beading tomorrow. The a long Teryx ride.  We talked to some friends about doing a breakfast ride on Friday morning.   Then back to the rig for a hot dog dinner. 
Finally Sandy and Alan came over to sit around the fire for awhile. 
Got chilly about 8:30 and we decided to go inside.  Then TV and games. 
Hopefully Steve will calm down tomorrow.   Only time will  tell .

March 3 2019 Escapees North Ranch, Congress AZ

Our second day in Congress was fairly uneventful.   Steve woke me up around 7 taking a shower. I got up and made the bed as usual. I made eggs for breakfast.  Then I made spaghetti sauce and decided to invite Sandy and Alan.  Steve left for his motorcycle ride at 9:30.
I sewed in the morning until about 11:30.  Sandy wanted to walk the dogs so we walked them over to the dog park and sat there for awhile.  Then walked through the cactus garden to check out the house Diana Lawless bought. For some who can't walk far we covered alot of territory.   We stopped and sat a couple of times but still covered a lot of ground.  Got back to the rig and sewed more almost too much.  Steve got back at 3:30ish and I sewed till 4:30.  Then got dinner ready. Steve was throwing a hissy fit about something.   More IRS PMS i think but as usual he takes it out on me. I guess H&R Block did the taxes wrong..  It is getting really old.  About time to lay down the law.
After dinner we went to the activity  center and went to the ice cream social.  JC Mooney and Babe showed up late but was still able to get ice cream.
We bore back about 6:30.  I finished my sewing project to the point where I left off.  When I put the lamp on my machine I thought I wouldn't be able to thread my machine or fill a bobbin.  But I was able to work it out.  Then dishes and finally some TV.

March 2, 2019 Escapees North Ranch, Congress AZ

We have arrived at Congress.   We hit the road early. We were headed out of Casa Grande by 7:30.  Since we were boondocking there was very little to pick up. We stopped at a rest stop just the other side of Wickenburg.  The dogs relaxed enough to do their job.  Just as we pulled into Wickenburg it started to shower.  It was spitting when we pulled into North Ranch.   We saw Sandy and Alan walking back to their rig .  They closed down the main entrance for the Fiesta Day parade.  They had a craft faire.  They served sloppy Joe's for lunch.  So Sandy and Alan kept the dogs while we parked and unhooked the rig.  While we were working JC Mooney drove up and welcomed us into the park. 
Then we went and got the dogs and went over to the activity center and had lunch and  shopped at the craft fair.  We saw the Ely's and Diana Lawless. 
After lunch we went home and I did some cleaning and unpacking. Sandy and I decided to walk the dogs over to the dog run.  We sat and visited for awhile there.  We ran into our last year's  neighbor Larry and Stella from Wyoming. 
Came back home and piddled around.  Then over to the Clark's for dinner.  They fixed us dinner to celebrate our arrival.  After dinner of meatloaf and baked potato we walked back over to the dog run where they had a huge bonfire and a beautiful sunset.  Wales back first dessert and more conversation. We stayed there  til nine.  We came back for TV and games. 
We are pretty worn out after yesterday's ordeal. 

March 1, 2019 Whiifield Auto and RV Repair Casa Grande AZ

This was not the worse say I have ever had but it was  pretty close.  We said our good bye and did our hugs.  We even got hugs from Shirley and Jon.  At ten or quarter to ten we headed out behind Alan and Sandy.  As we turned the corner out of Casa Grande and we heard a loud bang. We pulled into the nearest driveway and confirmed we had a bad owie on the trailer.  Broken leaf springs.  It took us an hour and a half to find a mechanic here in Casa Grande to fix it. The lady in the jewelry store kept coming out to check on us.   Then we had to negotiate with Good Sam and another hour for the Mechanic to come fix it.  The first mechanic I was looked like 90 years old.  But for his age he was very nimble.  Then the owner showed up 22 yes old.  Anyway the kid had to drive back Phoenix to get the parts which took 3.5 hours.  While we were waiting  many people wanted to come get us or me.  But Steve threw an absolute fit so I stayed.  We got subs from Firehouse.  I got caught up on  my Yahtzee games and walked the dogs so Hazel could find the exact place that she like to poop on.  She owes me a pee but that is not likely to happen.   Finally at 4:30 the part's arrived and work began.  The young owner left the old man to do the work.
Finally about 6:30 the kid and a friend came and finished the job by flashlight about 7:30 we were on the road
finally .  We are now parked in the parking lot of Whitfield automotive and RV repair.  Hopefully the cops won't come and roust us for illegal boon docking.   Of course the satellite is up and running  as is the generator. Steve turned in the wrong driveway and we almost didn't get out.   When he pulled to the correct driveway but for the grace of God we didn't hit the building.  All in all we have had better days.