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.

Orange Blossoms

Look at how tall my sunflowers are now! The orange blossoms smell fantastic... Jack and I spent a nice evening on the patio with Rick and Jana last night.

Unpacking,laundry etc etc  but today Jana and I are spending some time in the pool while the giys play golf. Tomorrow I start my week at BNP Tennis  Tourney.

Goodbye Seattle

The clocks are turned forward,my boarding pass is printed and I'm just about ready to head out. Katie Derek and Madison have a birthday party to attend at the  Fun Center in Tukwila so I may stop by there on my way to the airport.

It's a beautiful sunny morning and I can see Mt. Rainier from the back porch.

A Great Week!

I just printed off another boarding pass for my return trip to Palm Springs. The week went too fast.  I spent today and yesterday at  Brad and Denise's in Everett and we had a nice relaxing time catching up on things,shopping and eating.  The sun came out sporadically but it wasn't too cold. Thank you Denise and Brad.... and Kelley for giving up your bed!

I left Everett and and met up with brother Randy, sister-in-law Judy,nephew Drew and my mom in Lake City. My mom wants to move to a senior apartment complex. We toured the building and several apartments. They are quite nice. Afterward Randy treated us to a Japanese dinner. It was excellent,however I'm not sure I have a real appreciation of Sushi.

Back at Katie and Derek's tonight. Madison's cousin Kiersten (6) is spending the night. I think I'll be bunking with Katie tonight.

I'm looking forward to getting home to some sun and Jack.

Sun and Rain

Spent a great day with David yesterday  RV shopping, Golden Gardens and Fishermans Terminal in the SUN and back to Davids for the night. My favorite kitty Slater is showing some signs of her age..17.

Went to my old dentist this morning then back down to Tacoma to the YMCA for Madison's swimming and gymnastics. Lunch at Azteca and now I'm ready for a nap. It is pouring rain again and chilly outside today.

I'll post some pictures when I get back home.

Busy Tuesday

I watched Madison at the YMCA pool today during her swim lessons. She can swim pretty well on her back and is learning to kick her feet more to stay afloat while attempting the crawl.

Picked up Great Grandma Marilyn and before we had lunch we stopped by the apartments that she wants to move to in June. They are Senior Housing, new,on the busline and one block from QFC. Very handy!  Stopped at the bookstore and Great Grandma bought Madison a book.  Madison is learning to read and can already write and do some Math (age 5).

Back home to Tacoma to watch American Idol.

Heading to Davids in Ballard today.

Sunny and Cold

Woke up to frost and sun this morning in Tacoma...about 32 degrees. Madison and I walked to 7-11 about a block away to get coffee and cocoa and let mommy and daddy sleep in a bit. Today we'll go to swimming and gymnastics and then have lunch with great grandma Marilyn (my mom). Then back home to watch American Idol.

Snowing in Washington

I arrived at Sea Tac and it began to snow before I hit I-5! I'm in Tacoma at my daughters house right now and Madison and I are taking a break from coloring. Derek and Uncle Ward are outside working on the addition to the garage..Katie is still at her hair appointment. I'm going to check the refrigerator for some grub...or something for happy hour at least!

Be Nice Seattle

 I just printed out my Alaska Airlines boarding pass and then logged onto KOMO to check the weather...argh


KOMO News Headline:

Increasing clouds today as a cold front moves into western Washington. Highs will top out in the upper 40s to low 50s.

It's 7:30 AM here and 60 degrees. I'm already freezing my a** off but regardless of the weather I am looking forward to my visit and drinking some great Northwest water straight from the tap!

Wildflower Festival

Just back from the wildflower festival. I'm glad I went early as there were 50 plus people waiting for the shuttle bus when I arrived back at the parking lot from the visitors center. Even though it's slightly overcast it's still about 75 degrees.  Only Big Horn sheep I saw was at the entrance to the visitors center. I bought a hiking book so maybe next Fall I'll try some hikes in this area. I wore my Whidbey Island t shirt and that started conversations with several people from Washington or Oregon.

Time to start packing my sweaters for my trip to Seattle Monday.

Casino Focus Group

I spent an interesting two hours last night at Fantasy Springs Casino participating in a focus group on casinos. The Market Research team is out of L.A. and served sandwiches,chips,cookies and beverages. They asked questions about our experiences in the local casinos here...Fantasy Springs, The Spa, Spotlight 29, Morango,Agua Caliente and Augustine. I have never been to Augustine because it is in Coachella,which in my opinion is similar to White Center/ Rat City. Afterwards I went into the casino to use their $50. Came out even. Actually I guess I'm ahead $50 since it was their money and not mine.

The Paribas Tennis Open starts this weekend. Jack will be doing security at the North Players door,which is where I was posted last year.

Seattle on Monday! 44 days until Vegas, 56 days until road trip 2010!

Garden and Bag Checks

The Sunflowers reach the top of the wall!Hibiscus in the front yard.

A beautiful but slightly windy day.

Last night Jack and I did bag checks for a few hours at a lecture featuring the former President of Pakistan..Mr. Musharref. We were suppose to look for cameras and advise there was no picture taking allowed while he was speaking. Some of these "poor" women, and I use the term loosely, were not used to having their very expensive  purses checked. I didn't see any cameras, but there were a few bottles of booze tucked in amid the kleenex and lipsticks.  Apparently the lectures run $250 each. One former speaker was Condeleesa Rice..and appearing next month is Newt Gingrich.

Tommorrow I have my round table discussion thingy at Fantasy Springs.

Almost Time for Road Trip 2010!

Jack made a reservation today for our first stop on Road Trip 2010. It is at the Bernardo Shores RV Park near San Diego. We'll be leaving the desert on April 30th and spend 9 days at this park before turning north. Not sure where our next stop will be after that. 

Lazy Monday

Jack and I played 9 at Santa Rosa yesterday but not in the tournament. I played one of my worst games ever. Jack had a great game!

This morning we got the oil changed in the truck (big truck),Jack bar bqued chicken, we went to the pool and kind of took it easy all day.

Jack plays in a golf tournament at Chaparrel Wednesday, I have a "round table survey group" thing at Fantasy Springs Casino Thursday ( and yes they give me $50 on my players card for participation) Saturday is the wildflower Festival at the Visitors Center I drove to last week,Sunday Rick and Jana should arrive in town and Monday I head for Seattle at 7AM!