I have started this segment a number of times since January and never finished it... now we are quickly approaching the end of March and our departure on the 12th of April. So before I forget everything, which seems to be the norm lately, here goes.......
 |
| At the Elvis Dance |
In January the scheduled entertainment in the Resort started in full force. The Parent company of this resort is called Cal-Am, and they signed three big entertainers to headline in VDO. In January we were treated to Charo, February was Rich Little and March was Marie Osmond. Besides these entertainers, we have had weekly entertainment from the National Performing Arts and Showtime. A nice benefit of being a workamper is we are entitled to see all of the shows for free. So we have seen a variety from an Elvis impersonator, comedy, Bobby Brooks Wilson (Jackie Wilson's son), Jim Curry's tribute to John Denver, The Three Tenors, to a one man show called My Mothers Italian, my father is Jewish and I am in therapy.. (which was wonderful!)
I think I have talked before about all of the activities that go on in the park on a daily basis, from happy hours on the patio, any card game, dominoes or craft you could ever want to do, it is all here.
 |
| Mardi Gras decorations |
 |
Tiki Party, free beer and wine, live music
and pulled pork sandwiches |
 |
| Mardi Gras Parade |
The resort celebrates every holiday from Halloween to a season ending Hawaiian Luau the end of March. Besides these, they throw in Tiki Bar parties when there is an open spot in the events calendar. (Never let it be said there was not enough free liquor or events!). Tiki parties, as well as Mardi Gras and St. Patricks day are parties by the pool with free beer and wine and very cheap food.
 |
| Karen at Mesa Market |
 |
| Fire has been built, now to decide on dinner |
We have had visitors this year, with friends Karen and Bill bringing their 5th wheel and staying in the resort for about 5 days. Besides teaching them to play Pegs and Jokers, we visited the Mesa Swap Meet where Karen managed to power shop; the Olive Mill where we learned all about the processing of olive oils; had dinner one night at the Arizona Opry and another at San Tan Flats where you build your own fire, eat dinner outside by the fire and then make smores while listening to live music.
 |
| Bill, Karen, Terri and Deane |
 |
| Dinner at Arizona Opry |
We also had a visit from old friends of Deane's, John and Sandra from California. We had a great day showing them the sites by taking a cruise on Saguaro Lake and eating way to much at the Miners Camp.
 |
| John and Sandra at the Miners Camp Restaurant |
 |
| Mark and Nao |
 |
| Our little buddy, Henry |
We put together a couple of days to take a drive to Palm Springs and visit Mark and Naoma Kenefsky and the smartest little dog I've ever met, Henry! He almost came home with us. Between marathon games of Pegs and Jokers, eating and sightseeing, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and hated to leave.
We have managed to get in a few hikes this season, one which was Saguaro Lake. The day we took the hike it was storming in the Northwest, so it made our hike all the more pleasant. We have really come to enjoy the weather here. So much so, we keep looking at houses in the area, but just can't seem to make the decision to buy. As much as we don't like the winters in the NW, that is where all of our families and friends are.
Another check off item from the bucket list....was riding Segways. We found a place here in Tempe that does tours, and we were lucky enough on the day we picked, to be the only ones on the tour. So we got more time on the Segways and rode around Tempe Lake. They are a lot of fun and actually very easy to adjust to and ride. Deane had so much fun he was ready to buy! Price is way to high (thank goodness), because we'd never get any exercise!
Our big purchase this year was a new car, one we could tow behind us wheels down, without use of the tow dolly. We had planned on buying when we got back to Oregon, but another resident here in the park was selling a car, including the front tow bar that hooks it to the RV. A deal too good to pass up.
Then we found our bike rack did not fit this car (of course). Deane had to buy a hitch that needed to be 'installed' on the car so we could then buy a bike rack to put on it. He opted to install it himself after getting quotes... Oh my, the four letter words that flew. But, he is my super handyman..... and got it installed.
The biggest reason to trade cars was so Deane no longer had to get down on the ground and under the car to secure it to the dolly. Now we just hook up and go. We sold the Nissan and tow dolly first day on Craig's list, and we now have a little white Chevy HHR that matches the RV . Our only challenge is once again trying to license it in Oregon from Arizona.
That bring us up to date as of March13th...... Steph, Mike and the boys are coming the end of the month for a Spring Break vacation. We can't wait to see them.
Thanks for sharing our adventures......we hope to see you soon, where ever you may be!
Another check off item from the bucket list....was riding Segways. We found a place here in Tempe that does tours, and we were lucky enough on the day we picked, to be the only ones on the tour. So we got more time on the Segways and rode around Tempe Lake. They are a lot of fun and actually very easy to adjust to and ride. Deane had so much fun he was ready to buy! Price is way to high (thank goodness), because we'd never get any exercise!
Our big purchase this year was a new car, one we could tow behind us wheels down, without use of the tow dolly. We had planned on buying when we got back to Oregon, but another resident here in the park was selling a car, including the front tow bar that hooks it to the RV. A deal too good to pass up. 