201 Honor the Peacekeepers!

March 11, 2017  I'm still concerned about Ruthie and her obsession with this 55 and older Park in Mesa.   Almost simultaneously I received an invitation to visit a classmate in Florence Arizona and an inquiry from a Jim, seems he is located by Tucson.  He had seen my Craigslist ad and thought we might be a fit  for a job on a ranch, sounds interesting maybe we can continue to ride and work for our lodging.  We have a busy day planned so I will wait and mention it to Ruthie later. 
     Michelle has been asked to ride with a group honoring Veterans today and we have joined her and her friend Nicole.  Should be a fun day and maybe Ruthie will forget about tiny houses.  

We didn't renew
our vows, although
I would have been
happy too.

Again what I thought should have been a few lines turns into a lengthy blurp ( for informational purposes I will explain that even though my spell check insists this is not a word.  It is,!  My thesaurus friend Deanna explained I have used it incorrectly evidently A blurp is the short sound a police siren might make.  a "blurb" is a short promotional piece accompanying a creative work. ).  it seems what I meant was a blurb, not blurp. Now if she could only fix the stuck "s" on my keyboard.  Now you understand why I'm behind on my blog. 
     It turned into a day filled with new friends and new experiences.  We rode with Michelle and her freind Nicole to Scottsdale Harley, 

Of course the arcade has a
motorcycle theme!

I couldn't believe it, this is going to take a while to explain.  Billed as the largest Harley dealer in the world it has a Movie theater, tattoo parlor, beauty shop, barber shop, arcade, and Church.   Yes you can buy a Harley, get gussied up with a new set of leathers renew your vows and perhaps the newlyweds could get matching tattoos commemorating the event.

Michelle in the foreground, Nicole
 adding encouragement.  A perfect
example of inappropriate
behavior on a motorcycle.

 All this without leaving the building.  They had customized a new Harley for each branch of the armed forces.  One of the new experiences was a bit intimidating, In an effort to get a panoramic picture of the motorcycles that filled the parking lot I found a view from the roof of the massive Harley building.  On my way to the edge of the roof I cut between a family sitting at a table and some gentlemen standing a few feet away.   Didn't make it.  Very quickly the "gentlemen"  blocked my path and asked me politely if I would go around the other way.  Even though it sounded like a request their size and stance told me it wasn't a request I should ignore.  Soon after I had taken my picture the "gentlemen" seemed comfortable with me and one wandered over to look at the crowd and have a cigarette. 

I thought it advisable to not inform him that it was a non-smoking rooftop.  Okay I just had to ask.  Who was the family?  Short reply, "He is a national officer." I didn't ask of what, By his appearance I was assuming a fringe motorcycle gang.  Not a Gold wing club officer I'm sure. 
     Impressive,  as was the ride.  Hundreds of motorcycles streaming out into the desert.  We are always uncomfortable
riding in a large group however to support the veterans we chose to do this one.  We had a police escort which gave us a little more comfort.


She knows this isn't a real cycle,
doesn't she??

 

.   The hundreds of motorcycles looks like a moving ribbon winding around the curves and over the hills.  Fun to witness.  The many cars and passerby's that stopped to wave, hold their hands over their hearts and some saluting made the ride emotional at times.  Bless the peacekeepers, Keep them safe! 
     Ruthie's out going friendly demeanor allows her to make friends wherever we go.  This young motorcycle rider from Sedona was no exception.  The ride snaked its way across the desert to the North on the North New River road ending at the Road Runner restaurant just off highway 17.   A place to relax listen to some music and grab a bite to eat before we disperse to find our own way home.  There are quite a few destinations like this with blues or western entertainment, or perhaps an evening of bull riding.  Some have open camp fires to give you an outdoorsy experience.   We were tired after the long ride to our rented tiny home, tomorrow I will tell her about the job offer. 

200 Ruthie is feeling way to comfortable here!

     March 2017
     Only four days in in the park and the seemingly normal folk in the park had turned into celebrating, parading cross-dressing celebrants.   And we have signed up for 40 days.  Will their behavior continue to escalate?   What's the cause?  Is it the water supply?  They all seem to fill their jugs from a common source for a quarter.   We shall keep a wary eye and not jump to any conclusions. 
After all the bulletin board listed pickle ball so it can't be all bad.  In addition shuffleboard, a swimming pool with spa, horseshoes, nondenominational church service on Sunday, a community center for varied exercise activities,  cards, games and billiards.  I think we will be okay here, we will just keep our guard up and watch for any erratic changes in their behavior.  After all we are just temporary what can possibly go wrong.
       A text from our traveling friends from Minnesota Dave and

Notice the view out the
window. 

Sandy brought back some fond memories of past visits and one humorous one of Sandy hanging out the window of their car on a chance encounter in cave creek.   They were within riding distance and we arranged a meeting.    
March 8, 2017   We mounted the trike and headed out to Fort McDowell park where they were set up.  A beautiful remote desert setting.    
 Who could have guessed when we built a trike for this nomadic couple that our own gypsy ways would let our paths cross if even for brief moments in time.   Many years ago I remember an acquaintance of my fathers telling me he was a gentle man.  That description had never crossed my mind, evidently people are perceived differently in public than in the privacy of family.  If someone were to question me about Dave and Sandy that's the way I would describe them "gentle, interesting souls" I'm always pleased when they reach out to us.   I don't think they have a tracker on us however they always seem to know where we are.          A phone call from our "Harley" friend Wes, let us know we had 

A sad case,  I don't think even
the little blue pill will
 help this fella!

other friends from Minnesota in the Mesa area.   We reached out to Roger and Marilyn, they were renting a small cottage just East of us off the main street and soon we were in their car exploring one of their favorite roads.    Roger drove  from Apache Junction East along route #88, a winding road thru the rocky, hilly desert, just this week had seen 3 cars go off the cliff.  Scary!   It was the kind of road we would love to do on the trike.   At times I try to think back and visualize how in the world a stagecoach 

could have traveled the road we were on, seems impossible.  My infatuation with our neighbors the cacti continue.  Like snowflakes and people each one is unique.   Passing a beautiful lake nestled in the canyon we soon arrived at our destination.

 

I don't know if he was yesterdays
entertainment or not.

     Tortilla flats was once a stagecoach stop and frontier town established for freight and visitors during construction of the Roosevelt dam.   Now billed as the tiniest village in Arizona,  the six residents swell with visitors and support staff in the gift shop, restaurant and bar.  During our stop we were entertained with country music.        
     On the way home we made a quick stop at Goldfields Gold mine.  Just in time to see a shoot out on main street.    It was a fun day,  we found out they like to play cards so hopefully we can meet up again. 

     We try to relax and check out the facilities in our little community.  I try my hand at yoga in the community center, I found out just how inflexible I am.  I suspect she's referring to my attitude.  

      Ruthie is starting to worry me just a little.  She is making settling down sounds, like this would be a nice place to live, I feel safe in this park, everyone sure is friendly here.  I'm getting a little worried about her.  Maybe an evening out will make it go away. 

That evening we decided to check out a café just down the road from us.  The Wildberry's hospitality was impressive.  The owner met us as we came in, grabbed Ruthie by the arm escorting her to a table. He handed me the menus and said follow us.  I think there marketing is right on the money knowing it is the ladies that decide where to go.  On this particular evening they had a couple from Wisconsin singing and playing old folk and German lullaby's,  Can you hear edelweiss from the sound of music??  "Bless my homeland forever!  I'm sure we will return. 

    If you go out the back of our carport it connects to our back door neighbor.  Norm and Louise, from Canada, they have been coming here for years.  They were nice enough to invite us over for dinner, drinks and a get together with their friends.   The ages normally range upward from 65 to ?  to polite to pick a number.  As often happens some in the park have lost a spouse and now have found a life partner with similar circumstances.  The look of senior citizens and heart of teenagers, one youngster mentioning she had a 24 point checklist for her next mate, her newly wed husband met them all 16 months after they wed he still holds her and tells her he loves her daily plus a massage, he is a gem.   At the other end of the spectrum one young fella said he told his wife he loved her once and would let her know if anything changed. That was over 50 years ago, I suspect he was just being funny.  I was a little surprised at the tone of some of the perhaps risqué stories that floated around the circle. I wish I could remember jokes , what was that one, something about a prosthetic leg or was it an aspirin.

     An interesting evening indeed, it seems no matter where you go people are the same.  We walked the 6 steps back to our tiny rental.  It was a fun night, I fall asleep thinking that perhaps a motorcycle ride tomorrow will take Ruthies mind on other things rather than settling down. 

199 F-18 fighter jet or home?

     F-18 the lot number of our park model rental.   Someone had placed a small model fighter jet on one of the timbers decorating the entrance of our new home.
     We started moving in immediately emptying our trike and heading back to the hotel to gather our refrigerated items and belongings.

     Not sure if it was just a very friendly park or our tiny moving van caught their eye.  Passerby's started stopping in and wishing us well.  Whichever, they all seemed extremely friendly and welcoming.  The neighbor immediately to the south stopped over and started telling us about the park.   I recalled my cousin Sandy and her calendar in her retirement community.   I expect this would be similar.   Neighbor Dave kept up the explanation listing the features of the park as we continued to unload the trailer.  At one point while he was standing on the street he pointed and said "and you can get a drink over there."   I stepped out into the street to see where he was pointing.  I expected to see some sort of park facility, perhaps a tavern.  Turned out he was pointing to his carport next door.   And he was right, spending many hours with him and Jani in their carport.  Wonderful first neighbors all the way from Michigan.  


A trip to the grocery store, we should
have left the trailer hooked up.

            We were invited for Coffee and doughnuts Friday morning in the community center.  We were surprised at the number of people that showed up.   Our first lesson in the park, you were expected to bring your own utensils, plates cups etc.for group events.   I also learned to sit nearer the door for an escape route.  I felt it was kind of like a bait and switch as it wasn't just coffee and doughnuts, it was a meeting, complaint session and activities discussion of coming events.  The man across the table must have seen my eyes glazing over, leaning forward he whispered  "be careful what you sign up for or it becomes a job."  I etched that mental note in my mind figuring he must be speaking from experience.   A very friendly group the handshakes and introductions continued, to many to remember.   It seems approximately half were from the northern Midwest and the others from Canada.   Regina, Victoria Island, Jan from Saskatoon, I nodded like I knew what they were talking about.  I figured for 40 days I could fake that I knew about our neighbor to the North.   As we had rode our trike thru Canada on our way to Alaska and to Butchart gardens on Victoria Island we were aware of the rugged beauty and graciousness of its residents.  Time to settle in and make the best of our tiny home rental and Adult RV park.  The only dark cloud was leaning over our tow trailer and carrying in our supplies had brought back a familiar stabbing pain and nausea in my left side.  How can this be?  The doctor had reassured me the remaining kidney stone would not be a problem.
     Coincidentally my smart phone let me know we had by fate settled in literally a couple of blocks from our Rochester MN friends Linda and Donnie and within 3 miles of North Dakota cycle friends Rod and Linda.   What are the odds??   We will have to touch bases with them after settling in. 
     The next day we walked the park to check out the amenities,  It had a little over 300 spots with the majority of them occupied with one bedroom one bath park model homes of approximately 400 square feet.  There were a few temporary spots down the center and scattered around the perimeter for motorhome and pull behind trailers.  The park itself is hidden from view by a large motel and apartment buildings surrounding its walled sides.  A secure gate guards the entrance.
     Ruthie immediately felt safe and secure in the park waking early she walked the park and met more of the residents.   I figured it would be a place we could relax, work on the blog and enjoy the sunshine that had been missing from California.  However something was definitely in the air in the park.  The residents were planning something, most were excited about something,  what could it be?  We were encouraged to buy tickets for some event, trying to fit in we obliged.  
March 4, 2017
      It was a park celebration.   The theme was 50's and 60's.   First a parade led by the American and Canadian flag

And then an entry from the  park streets, some were quite unique.  I suspect this 57 Chevy was a golf cart yesterday.  Evidently only a two seater as poor Elvis had to walk.

 Unfortunately the parks championship softball team had to double as their own cheerleaders.  I think I'm scarred for life!

  
  I guess social issues are not off limit. 

  
     Some streets put a lot of effort into float building.

   
     Some entrants were on a smaller scale. 

    That's Jan with the 57 Chevy sign.  Seems to always have a smile on her face.  From Saskatoon Saskatchewan, try saying that three times or spell it without google.

    There were games and contests.  Even an Elvis contest.  Ruthie tried her hand at corn hole.  Most games cost a dime. 



      What's up with these people?  Have we discovered Mayberry RFD?  Or maybe the Biosphere?   Although not entirely self sufficient they seem to make their own entertainment.   A dance finished up the evening.   We retired to reflect on the events of the day, thankful for the friendly community outside of our little rental home.   

198 Mesa, our winter home?

Our parting view of the mountains
surrounding the Hemmet/San Jacinto area.

March 1, 2017
         Our trip across the desert on our way to Mesa Arizona was without incident. Thoughts of our two years working at the Arabian horse ranch in Indio crossed my mind as we rode thru the Coachella valley. We had met some wonderful people during our time at the ranch and unfortunately some who sucked the pleasure out of life.   Seen and experienced things that only the wealthy are privileged to. It would have been a treat to have continued working there however I just couldn't expose Ruthie to the pressure working there. With the knowledge that my co-rider was operating on a little less than two hours sleep my plan was to stop early this evening at a hotel on the west side of the Phoenix valley and search for a residence tomorrow. I was doing okay probably due to the emergency room pain killers from last night still in my system and the relief from the emergency room doctor that I wouldn't be having any more problems with the pain in my side.
       Our new found desert friends the Saguaro's stretched their arms to welcome us on the downhill side of Quartzite. Again I thought their were a few in the back row that exhibited some inappropriate gestures as we flew by. I chose to ignore them as I don't think it was anything personal. It seems every group has a few of them.
     It was early afternoon as we reached the outlying towns on interstate 10. I was looking forward to relaxing, maybe a nap something to eat and then a good nights sleep.
     I think it was a Holiday Inn express near the freeway that caught my eye at Buckeye or Goodyear.   Inquiring at the front desk I asked the clerk to repeat the price she had quoted me. Over $300 ? I checked to make sure she understood we only wanted it for one night. Yup, no mistake, seems this was baseball spring training prices. My shocked expression probably told her we were looking for more affordable lodging and she told us the areas to avoid where prices were increased for the spring training fans. There went our early stop idea. Continuing on our way we had a few more disappointing stops and phone calls. The sun had now set and we were tired. In Tempe we finally found reasonable lodging at a Hawthorne hotel surprisingly it was a large suite meant for an extended stay. Tomorrow we look for a home in earnest. (every thought about that? Who decided that Ernie would get the credit for an honest effort?
     Deciding we would leave our belongings and refrigerated items at the motel and reserve it for tonight we put the motel with kitchenettes in our phone and headed out.   The Colonnade was on main street in Mesa.  Taking a spin around the parking lot and I think some of the vehicles parked there raised some questions about the tenants.   Checking in with the office raised some more questions, they didn't have a clean room for us to view nor had they and their manager worked up a price for our 40 day stay.   With the assurance that they would call us with a price we left our card and headed west on main to the RV park from Craigslist. 

      We already had the gate code so our plan was to head to the bulletin board and check it out.  The entrance was tucked behind the Travelodge motel.  We were stopped at the front desk and explained our plan.  The manager said the park had some to rent and sent us out to look at some with her assistant.   The rentals seemed nice however the price for 40 days seemed a little steep.  We said we were going to check out the bulletin board rentals and the assistant shyly mentioned that she had one listed on it.  While checking it out the assistant just happened to walk past, leaning between us she pointed and said that ones mine.    With her key in our hand we rode over to "F" street to check it out.  It seemed like a nice clean park and the park model with covered car port seemed acceptable.  A phone call to Jill produced a more price we could live with.    During the deal making she asked when we would want it, "could we move in now, so we can retrieve our belongings from the hotel and save a days rental.".  It hasn't been cleaned since the renter just moved out.".  Ruthie agreed to the condition it was in and by 10:30 AM we had housing for 40 days and 40 nights, just like Noah!

F18,  looks peaceful, life will probably be a little more laid back here.

 

197 Goodbye to Hemet!

     Back at the ranch we rested for a day.  Okay it really wasn't a rest like most people think of.  But at least we weren't traveling somewhere.  We continued packing and gathering our things for our exit on March first.  
     Our search for lodging took a fruitful turn with a reply to my horse training/lodging search ad.   Susie by Cave Creek Arizona had a studio we could live in in exchange for some horse related chores, she and the set up sounded nice.    A couple of more emails and phone calls and although she would have rather had someone for more than the 40 days we could commit to it was confirmed.   A little relief knowing we had a place to live now with a few days before we move I can relax.

chocolate and Strawberry

     Saturday Feb 25th we were able to touch bases with our pioneer friend Scottie at his winter home in San Diego. Unfortunately a freeway full of weekenders were also headed to the same area. Today part of Ruthie's job was copilot, keep track of GPS and navigation, and now as we accelerated down the entrance ramp with several lanes of traffic traveling well above the posted limit she was the spotter, she checks over her left shoulder for a moving gap, "go white truck" and as soon as I see the white truck clear the area to my left, I accelerate and fall in behind the white truck. With six cylinders and a carburetor feeding each one it is kind of a rush to twist the throttle on the Valkyrie. She continues with her observations and commands, next lane gap, go red car accelerate until we have crossed six lanes of California freeway traffic and in the HOV lane and sailing down the highway, Catch me if you can!


I was intrigued by the roof on
this one. 

     Arriving at Scotties he had the morning planned.  He was not new showing visitors his city.   A very successful man he had worked hard and was now enjoying the fruits of his labors.  A quick tour of his home and we were in his van headed for the city.  Our first stop was a famous hamburger stand featured on "Diners, Drive inns and Dives".  
Hodad's is famous for their burgers sometimes selling thousands a day.  The walls were filled with surfing and beach memorabilia.  Scottie had built up the reputation of the burgers and malts and this was his treat.  In the end Ruthie and I abandoned our habit of sharing our meal and each ordered one.  Big mistake, they were both huge and of course we finished them.  I'm glad Scottie was chauffeuring us around so we could relax.   I think in about a three hour tour (more successful than Gilligan's) we seen from his little tour van every notable site in San Diego. It would have taken most days to maneuver their way around a crowed tourist area. Coronado Island and hotel, the harbor, zoo and even the homeless encampment along the freeway, he knows his adopted city well. I noticed he had can coolers and a magnetic sign advertising "Scotty's Tour Shuttle" also knowing he didn't have or need a part time job I asked him about them. His reply was that's what happens when you are on Vista printings website at midnight with a cocktail in your hand. Thanks for the great time Scotty. We shall see you back in Minnesota.

Feb 27 Stuck in our tiny home the rain continues, Cribbage, a little more packing and wait for the rain to stop. Susie called, she had found someone more permanent. The plan is now out the window, we don't have a place to stay in Arizona. Back to my old friend Mr Craigslist (or is it Mrs?) Emails, texts, and phone calls, the pressure was on. Nothing for sure came of all the hard work. Just a possibility in a motel that did long term rental with a kitchenette. The person on the phone promised to have a unit to inspect with a price for a 40 day stay. I missed a park model rental by literally minutes with a gentleman named Mark. The ray of sunshine was his recommendation that we visit the park and check out the bulletin board as there was always rentals listed. The drawback may be the 40 days we wanted to rent. Most require at least a 3-6 month agreement. With one more day in Hemet before the move at least we had possibilities.
      Fortunately the 28th was a beautiful day, we packed our little motorcycle trailer for our return to Mesa AZ. It involved many trips back and forth carrying our meager belongings leaning over and packing them. The effort was causing more pain on my left side, a couple of inventive solutions involving belts and rolled up towels, I think I will be okay.  Continue packing, more pain, sit down feet up. pain subsides, hey we are going to get this packed. We are just about ready except for I'm guessing an hour in the morning, We will get up early, finish loading,  stop in Hemet for Ruthie's 8 AM hair appointment, ride to Arizona find a rental and get settled, who says we fly by the seat of our pants, we have a plan. By evening the pain has increased a little , keep legs elevated especially left one.
6pm That night we said our farewells to our wonderful friends and landlords at their dining room table. Tea and goodbyes at Sterling and Lynda's. Tough saying goodbye to these two. They have been amazing hosts and friends. I had to cut the farewell short, Ruthie could stay and visit, it was now getting painful to sit upright I walked alone to our rental.
      I couldn't find a comfortable position anymore.   Laying in  bed with a  pillow under my left leg braced it higher up against the wall, turned on my side, stomach, back , repeat, pain in the left side worsens. Feeling flushed, what is going on anyway? Nausea, vomiting, Okay now I'm better, my co-rider now nurse has returned and is concerned. "you should see a doctor". I'll feel better in the morning, we will ride to Arizona get settled and I will go to the Mayo clinic there. If there is a problem they can fix it I thought. Okay can we elevate my legs a little, there that should do it, now dry heaves, I think Oh my god am I loud, sounds like a monster bellering. Soon I was wedged between the porcelain bowl and the wall, my stomach contracting and uttering the loudest gut wrenching noise I have ever heard a human being utter. I was scared and Ruthie was on the phone to Minnesota's famous Mayo clinic nurse line. I reassured her I would be okay and when we rode to Arizona tomorrow I would get checked out at the branch office there. Her nor the nurse on the other end were convinced and soon I was laying on the back floor of our landlords car heading for the emergency room.   I asked her if she had ever had a man screaming in her back seat before, can't remember what she said.  A long ride to the emergency room.  I warned her that if I said to stop to quickly pull over and put the emergency flashers on.  After one stop Ruthie came outside to check on me and discovered in the dark and my condition I was bent over a little to close to a deep cement water canal.   We also found out that Lynda thought the emergency flasher button was just a decoration.  Good to know!  Arriving at Loma Linda Emergency, they seen the Nitro vile hanging from my neck observed my general state and rushed me in for an EKG, Yup some numbers out of line but not my heart. Watch where I'm pointing left side by my hip bone, not my chest!   Into an admitting room, Ruthie's answering the questions for the admitting attendant.  I'm on the floor on all fours making that horrible noise into what looks like a giant blue condom.  The male nurse asking the questions remarks. Pain left side (Yup where I've been pointing for over a year now). Nausea, "Why man you've got a kidney stone!" he said.  Even in pain I was confused, "a what?" with all the checkups, tests and hernia surgery no one had ever mentioned kidney stones. 

Naughty Nurses!

    Some intravenous drugs, (I warned you not to use my right arm, now call in someone else to try and place the needle.). a CT scan and the attending doctor reassures me I had a kidney stone that has now passed, however there is one still in the left kidney but while it stays there it won't cause any trouble until I pass it.  Here I'm a little confused because I didn't study medicine but I thought the only way to pass one of those suckers involve some intense pain in other areas.  However the Doctor knows best.   Evidently my smile of relief at being healed and the pain killers gave the admitting nurses a chance to mock my appearance a few hours back when I had entered the room.  Naughty Nurses. 
5 AM  With two hours of sleep we loaded everything we had brought plus all our purchases during our stay.  It reminded me of the pictures I had seen during the dust bowl of cars with everything strapped to the sides for the trip.   With my pain gone and with the reassurance of the physician that it would be okay we headed out.  Due to the medication I'm sure I was more rested than Ruthie.  
   With a parting attempt at humor we sprinkled some poultry treats behind our little caravan and posted the picture on Lynda's Facebook page.  I said her flock would not be harmed and would be returned after the ransom was paid.   Please remember due to effects of emergency drugs my judgment might have been impaired.   

The Beverly hillbillies?  Or Ma and Pa Kettle??

     Ready or not Arizona, here we come!