NEW BLOG

Here is the URL for the new blog  Road Trip 2010. Click on the link and bookmark it!

http://kathyandjack.blogspot.com/

Vegas was Great!

Me and Tim McGrawView from our roomMe and daughter KatieMe and JackDerek and Katie

We had a good time in Vegas visiting with Katie and  Derek along with some of their friends I haven't seen in awhile.  Our view from the 23rd floor of the Flamingo Hotel was awesome..looking down to the gardens and pools. We watched the water fountain show at the Bellagio and  walked on the Strip for a bit but the sidewalks were pretty jam packed with people.  The traffic leaving Las Vegas on Sunday morning was heavy and we were lucky to be   going the other way. Oh did I say lucky??? Yes I hit a $1000 jackpot!

I'm going to close out this blog in the next day or two and I will start Road Trip 2010. I'll post the web address here for the new blog.

3 out of 4

Leaving for Las Vegas in the morning! No lobster dinner I guess.

Birdbaths

Little tiny one

Here are some of the birdbaths I have made. The birds like the one made out of cement..just put the new one made out of flower pots out today so I don't know if they'll use it. Going to play 9 this afternoon. It was 72 degrees at 6:45AM...currently 84 and getting warmer.

Sittin' Here Watching Paint Dry

This is my project for the week. I'll post a finished picture tomorrow. Jack is playing 9 today....Went to the pool this morning and it felt great...about 90 degrees and a few clouds today. Vegas on Sunday! Road Trip 2010 in 15 days!

Getting Ready..Road Trip 2010

Jack and I are recovering from three days at The Festival of Life. Lots of standing for him...walking for me. Jack made some more reservations for after we leave San Diego ...Neskowin Oregon, Seaside Oregon, Elma Wa and into the Seattle area in late May.

I was really surprised by a light rain shower this morning but I managed to get the cushions off the patio chairs and under cover in time. Jack is cooking is famous Fish and Chips tonight!

Welcome home Dan and a speedy recovery.

6 days until Vegas!

18 days until we leave the desert

Stay tuned for Road trip 2010 coming April 21

Final Day Festival of Life

Today is the last day for us at the Festival of Life in Indian Wells. Every night there have been speakers, bands, BMX bike exhibitions....yesterday there was a free dental and vision clinic for kids, free clothing and  the usual vendors selling t-shirts and CD's. The entire event is free to the public. 127 churches in the valley contributed money to put this event on for three days. It has been well attended.  I am not a big fan of organized religion and I have not really connected with the speakers, but the volunteers and attendees have all been very nice and the atmosphere is pleasant. Jack and I have huge backaches.  :(

Vegas next Sunday!!

Snakes,Frogs and Chicken Enchiladas

Pam and SuzyBruce and GarySnake Pool

Jack and I had a great dinner at Pam and Bruce's last night... Chicken Enchiladas,rice,cornbread and salad. Pam is a wonderful cook.

The ducks that live on the golf course had become a nuisance and were hanging out in the swimming pool so Bruce put a fake snake in it to ward them off. Apparently it worked for awhile, but now the ducks have become friends with the snake and swim right along with it. It's just plain creepy Bruce. I think he just wants to keep his friends out of the pool now.

We were sitting outside on the patio enjoying the warm temperatures as the sun went down and a beautiful view of the golf course when I heard a baby scream down the fairway....it continued for quite some time so I mentioned it to Bruce. He said it is the frogs mating! No kidding it was "Night of the Living Dead" eerie. Pam and Bruce said they get used to it.

For the next three evenings Jack and I have a security deal at the Tennis Gardens for the "Festival of Life" which I believe is a Jesus Festival but hopefully  without screaming frogs.

Inside Our Vacation Home

KitchenLiving roomBedroom

All washed and waxed on the outside and cleaned inside. Loading up stuff that won't get stolen like sponges,paper towels and peanut butter.  :)

Lemon Suckers Beware!

"Lemon Suckers" is the term I use for the old ladies in this neighborhood who are so annoyed that they have to drive waaaay around the 5th wheel when it's parked in front of our house. They purse their lips like they just sucked a lemon...they might actually have to slow down! Hey Dan...go get your rig and lets really tick 'em off!

Wind Here vs. Wind There

I kind of like the wind in Washington..unless it is one of those tree smashing WINTER STORMS!!. It cleans the air and smells fresh. The wind down here blows all the dust around. Windy,overcast and about 80 degrees today.

Jack is bringing the 5th Wheel home tomorrow to wash and wax it, clean up the inside and load a few items (not worth stealing I might add).

13 days until Vegas!

26 Days until Road Trip 2010!

Easter Eathquake!

There was a 6.9 earthquake about 3:30PM centered in Baja CA/Northern Mexico. We didnt feel a thing...and no damage at home.

Staging Area

Jack and I will be leaving for Road Trip 2010 in 27 days. He made a Costco run this morning and we are stacking stuff by the front door (which we never use). Okay, so big deal there are 12 bottles of Black Velvet ..we'll be gone for 5 months and it's cheaper here than in Washington!

Going over to Santa Rosa Country Club this afternoon to spank some white boys...translation..play golf.

Space Needle Sold!

My daughter,in Washington, just called and said she heard a news report that the Space Needle has been sold to investors for conversion to condos! My response..April Fools... Can't fool me..a few years ago I heard a radio blurb that said the Space Needle had toppled over and collapsed. (again April 1)

Anyway..it is  a cool 64 and sunny here but thunderstorms are expected. No April Fools but it doesnt seem likely.

Jack and I are hunting down a self service laundry today to wash the rugs from the 5th wheel. We started making our lists....Things to take, things to buy,things to do. Some of the items on our lists are obvious,like taking the coffee maker or underwear...but I remember a few years back when I went on a camping trip and not only forgot a coffee pot but an axe to chop firewood.....probably a good thing I forgot the axe since I didn't have my morning coffee..ha

One Month

It's almost that time to bring the old RV home and start packing for Road Trip 2010. Jack turned the pilot light off on the furnace this morning and I have been setting out some Winter clothes on the bed in the guest room. April 30th we will head to San Diego. We sat down the other night and penciled out some places we want to go.

Eight at Shadow Mountain

Eight of us played 18 at Shadow Mountain today. It got fairly warm and the course was crowded but it was pretty and I loved looking at the homes and landscaping along the course. This course was opened in 1958 so it is one of the oldest private courses in the area. They have opened up to the public and  are running some specials  to boost their revenue.

Shown above: Sue, Me, Terri, Dea

Jack, Gary, Dick, Dan

Came home, showered, and went to Don Diego's Mexican in Indian Wells.Huge Margarita's and some of the best black beans I've ever had.

What Evil Lurks Below These Waters?

I've taken a break from the swimming pools. Lately whenever I swim my skin tingles and then itches for hours even if I've taken a shower right away. I suspect too much chlorine combined with sun or sun screen may be the culprit. The other night I itched so badly I could not sleep. Too bad because it is my favorite form of exercise (only form actually).  I have lost 7 pounds on my low carb diet so that's good....but I dream about cookies.....

Just Another Day in Paradise

Some of the "Usual Suspects".. Wayne, Bruce,Jack,Lee and RogerTerri "Chip it in Craigen"Tom teeing off on El DiabloJack on El Diablo (the 6th hole)Beautiful Santa Rosa Country Club

Jack and I played 9 today with Tom and Terry.Terry played one of her best games ever. Lots of fun as they are easy going and good natured about the whole complicated game of golf.

Took a picture of the "Usual Suspects" (minus Gary L. who is laid up with a shoulder injury and Tom C who was on the putting green) on the first tee. This proves they actually play golf and don't sit in the bar all day.

36 Days

Jack and I went over to the RV storage lot yesterday and while he fixed a drawer I took inventory. We'll be bringing the 5th wheel back in front of the house a few days before we leave to load it up for the Summer. That always ticks off the Lemon Suckers that have to slow down to get around it.

Gary flew home last night with a nice tan.

Jack and I are playing 9 with Tom and Terry C. over at Santa Rosa this afternoon.

24 days until Vegas!

Misc.

Rex's DuckssunflowerGary in relaxation mode. He has become a professional pool lounger.

Rex, our neighbor feeds the ducks but today it looks like only the males showed up for the buffet.

The sunflower is still growing and has reached the same level as Leonard's Log Cabin. I am predicting that in the next 38 days (when we leave for San Diego) the Sunflower will tower over the wall.

Warm. 86 and sunny today with a slight breeze.

Trip To Big Bear Lake

Jack, Gary and I drove up to Big Bear Lake today. The lake itself is 7 miles long and 1 mile wide. People were tubing, skiing and snowboarding at many of the popular spots. There is still a considerable amount of snow at the 5,000 to 8,000 foot elevations. The road up to Big Bear is steep, winding and curvy and I would not want to drive it in the Winter! The views up past Lake Arrowhead were pretty and would have been spectacular if not for the smog from L.A. lingering in the valley.  We were all surprised at the large number of year round homes,stores and businesses at Big Bear. We drove through Big Bear City, The Village at Big Bear and down the other side of the mountain on an equally steep road with sharp corners but wonderful views.

Went to Fantasy Springs Casino for the dinner buffet as Jack and I had free coupons...however, there isn't anything  really free at a casino!!

Slightly overcast today and windy tonight.

Final Day at Indian Wells Tennis Gardens

Hibiscus

Finally it's over! I worked 10 hours today but it went fast and it's extra $$$ for Vegas!

Gary is serving up steak and prawns tonight. Tomorrow we're headed for Big Bear.

Some Numbers

 1 day left at the Tennis Grounds
28 days until Vegas
41 days until Road Trip 2010 (watch for a new blog)
82 degrees

It felt warmer today at the Tennis Tournament than yesterday although the actual temp was lower.. higher humidity and somewhat overcast and breezy.

 Huge crowds today as the semi finals got underway. The biggest and best tomorrow. Jack read an article stating the BNP Baripas Open draws over 300,000 people and brings in $250 million dollars to the valley. It runs 14 days and there are people from all over the world. Some have their national flag draped over their shoulders  and it's obvious they are from Europe or Great Britain... others just look a bit different. By my observation, European dress tends toward dowdy or trashy, depending on the country. The young girls from Latin American favor short tight skirts,low neck shirts and the highest stilletto heels they can find. Before you guys ask "whats wrong with that?" let me tell you this mode of dress is seen on those Senorita's anywhere from 90-300 lbs. The Chinese girls wear anything "Hello Kitty" or Disney.  The British ladies wear flowery wide brim straw hats  and talk about how crowded it was at Wimbledon.  Tomorrow should go fast.

That's How We Roll

Gary and JackGary poolsideSunflower tops the wall!

After spending all day watching shirtless fit young tennis players lob the ball :) I headed to the pool  with Jack and Gary for a cool down.  Drinks on the patio, and then some of Jack's Fish n' Chips which are the best ever.

Life is good.

Day Two of Paribas Open

As you can see by the thermometer it is currently 90 degrees. There were two medical emergencies at the Tennis Tournament today...both heat related I'm sure. I must be getting used to the temps down here as I was not really very uncomfortable. Still at the player walkway under my nice umbrella.

While Jack was playing 9 today Gary, (Colombi) went to Agua Caliente and hit a $1000 jackpot! The luck o' the Irish...  oh wait, they're Italian. Way to go Gary!

Indian Wells Tennis Gardens

Today was my first day at the Tennis Gardens checking credentials. I saw both Andy Murray (top) and Rafal Nadal as well as some of the top girl players. I had a great spot at the Players Walkway with an umbrella and a chair. It was warm, I think around 85,but enough of a breeze to be pleasant.

Gary,Jack's brother flew down from Seattle this morning and was relaxing in the pool tonight with me and Jana. Rick and Jana leave in the morning.

Steaks for dinner,then Americal Idol and another day at the Tennis Gardens tomorrow.