A Hole in One

The DH is a pipe smoker and as a result, most of his clothes sport little burn holes.
Needless to say, his wardrobe needs upgrading quite often. One day when we were at the casino, a man remarked on the wonderful smell wafting from his pipe. He said he had smoked for several years and still missed it, but had to quit because his clothes were full of holes. I knew exactly what he was referring to!

Problems

My late husband's Grandma Julia was fond of reminding young parents that, "The best time of your life is when your children are on your lap." I can see what she meant, now. When children are small, you always know where they are and their owies can be fixed with a kiss and a band-aid. During the teenage years, half the time you don't know where the heck they are and their problems are not so easily mended. Later on, adult offspring have grown-up issues---marital disasters, financial problems, children who act like they did. All we can do then is offer love and support, give advice when asked and remind them that we conquered the tough times and they will too. It takes an abundance of faith to survive this sojourn on Earth.

Compute This!

The DH surprises me every day with the extent of his computer skills. A couple of years ago, he didn't want anything to do with those new-fangled gadgets and didn't even know how to turn the computer on. After he was introduced to games, he became more interested in cyberspace. Now he surfs the net looking for recipes, finds gardening tips, watches the weather, reads news and has his favorite sites. Of course, he loves to receive e-mails and has even begun to compose his own. Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks?

Fluttering By

Painted Ladies have invaded our territory. Don't get excited, guys! These ladies are butterflies, migrating from northern Mexico to Yuma. The bright colored aerial acrobats are visible everywhere, especially on windshields. They are appearing in massive numbers, drawn by the myriad desert flowers. The increase in winter rainfall (235% of normal precipitation) triggered this enormous migration, as the butterflies are attracted to the abundant food supply. They do no harm and are beneficial because of their pollinating activity. This is one group of Hispanics that don't have to climb the fence or show passports!

Mother Earth's Fury

What in the world is going on? The news is full of reports of tornadoes, floods, blizzards, earthquakes, melting glaciers and volcanic eruptions. It's as if Mother Earth has finally had enough abuse and is rebelling against these creatures that inhabit her crust. I think it's time we listen to the warnings and cut back on our wasteful lifestyle. Afterall, we're guests on this planet and need to act like it!

Thank You

Most of us have a tendency to take for granted the ordinary moments of life---a windless 70 degree day, the first flowers of Spring, the mockingbird singing his little heart out. These are all gifts from God and He would probably like to be thanked once in awhile. Instead of constantly asking for blessings, consider the blessings you already have and say, "Thank You Lord,for these moments."

Decked

Our late friend, Steve, built a wonderful $800 deck during the winter. When he made plans to move back East, he decided to sell the deck, stating that if he didn't succeed, he would drag it into the desert and burn it. He detested the owner of the park (he wasn't the only one) and there was no way he'd leave it for her. Well, one morning he didn't wake up, so his sister had him cremated, moved his RV to Florida and sold his precious deck to the owner for $200! Now his friends are sorry we didn't chip in to buy it and have a huge bonfire in his honor. The only consolation I can see here is that Steve will definitely haunt the old biddy and she won't be here when we return in the Fall!

Fleas For Sale

Snowbirds are flocking to the Flea Markets, hoping to find a last minute bargain before heading home. One of them, mostly run by Hispanics, is referred to as the Mexican Market or even the Junkyard. Clothing is dumped onto tables and customers root through it---sort of like a rummage sale, but not as organized. Unrecognizable car parts, ancient appliances, bald tires, seatless bicycles, chipped dishes are just a few items offered for sale. You can find most anything if you're willing to dig for it. Since the market covers quite a large area, we not only get our exercise for the day, but even find a treasure once in awhile!

Disposables

As human beings, we all realize that we won't be in these bodies forever. In the larger scheme of things, lives happen in the blink of an eye. We go about our daily chores---working, raising a family, accumulating possessions---oblivious to the fact that we are also disposable. This really hit home after our neighbor died. Within two days, the East coast vultures swooped in, cleaned out his RV and will be pulling it to Florida. The only signs of his existence are an empty lot and memories. Take time to appreciate the people in your life; they are all disposable.

Choreography

During the child-rearing years it's often difficult to find time for yourself. Somebody always needs something---help with homework, rides to activities, treats for school, etc., etc., etc. Well, I have good news! After retirement, you can do anything you want. Even though we live in an RV half the time, we manage to give each other space. When he finishes the breakfast dishes, the DH goes outside and smokes his pipe. Since we live on a corner, people are always walking by and often stop to chat. Voila! He has somebody to listen to besides me. After lunch he plays pool with his buddy and I can read or work on the computer. While he finishes the supper dishes, I go walking with the dogs and girls and learn the gossip of the day.
It's soon 8 o'clock and he's ready for a shower and bed. Then it's my time to watch sitcoms to my heart's content. Life is a dance---you just have to learn how to choreograph it.

The End of a Life

Life is uncertain, whether you're in your prime or have entered the Golden Years. We need to live every day to the fullest and accept every opportunity as it is presented---hug your loved ones, smell a flower, watch a sunset. Forget the insignificant irritations that arise every day. They don't matter. Our 52-year-old neighbor was found dead this morning. The cause of death is not important. As far as I'm concerned, he died of a broken heart. His wife suddenly passed away last Fall and he could not function without her. It is imperative that each couple share the details of daily living; know your financial situation, the location of important papers, phone numbers, insurance policies, etc. Don't let yourself be in a lost, vulnerable position. Grief can kill you. So long, Stevie, I hope Dot met you with open arms and you've finally found peace.

Keep it Green

I'm fascinated by the variety of Arizona vegetation as it's so very different from home. A perfect example of this is the Palo Verde, the Arizona state tree. The bark is grass green and smooth, something we never see in South Dakota. Palo verde is Spanish for green pole or green stick and that's exactly what it resembles---a huge umbrella with dainty green leaves. Contrary to popular belief, God did plant more than palm trees in the desert.

The Land of Fruits and Veggies

In this prolific area of the country, fruit stands are almost as numerous as the orchards and vegetable fields. Vendors evidently don't need a license to sell because the largesse of the land is sold from the backs of pickups, from a blanket spread alongside the road, under a tattered tarp set up on a corner. The amazing part is that the produce is fresh, tasty and also inexpensive. It makes one wonder if it was picked under cover of darkness!

Good-bye, Winter Friends

Now that the winter sojourn is winding down, we're all beginning to feel a little sad. An RV camp is comparable to a very large family and it's tough to say good-bye. Most of us will return next year, but there are always a few that won't make it another season. The question of the moment is, "When are you leaving?" Canadians usually leave first because they are required to be across the border at a set time; midwesterners stay the longest because we don't want to go home to winter. A couple from South Dakota hosted breakfast for 30 people this morning and we've invited a group over tomorrow for homemade ice cream and funnel cakes---nobody wants to see an end to the socializing. It will be nice to see our family after so long,though, and I'm rather anxious to live in a real house again!

The Sweet Smell of Spring

The evening breeze is redolent with the glorious scent of blooming citrus trees. Absolutely nothing is more alluring than the cloying fragrance of the lemon and orange blossoms as they offer their sweet message to the Universe. Unfortunately, this syrupy onslaught not only provokes thoughts of Spring and romance, but it heralds the onset of allergy season. For some reason the red-eyed, sneezing residents around camp don't share my appreciation for Mother Nature!

How About a Date?

There are several types of dates---3/12/2009 is a date, an evening of dinner and dancing is another kind of date, but around here the most important dates grow on trees. Yuma is home to acres of date palms. It's fascinating to watch the pickers climb into the sky to harvest the fresh dates. The birds find the fruit delectable, so the growing dates are wrapped in mesh bags and the birds have to look elsewhere for their snacks. Only the Snowbirds are allowed to eat them, and they have to pay a pretty price!

Bag Those Beans

Sometimes we tire of playing cards, and drag out the bean bag game. This is something even old fogeys can play. It's good exercise and brings out the child in all of us. We not only give our muscles a workout, but the laughter gives our inner organs a massage as well. One of the women stated she wouldn't be able to hit an elephant in the butt with a bull fiddle, but discovered she was more skilled than she imagined. It just goes to show, you don't have to be a kid to have fun!

Border Crossing

Illegal Hispanics sneaking across the border have decreased, but Americans going the other way haven't let up much. Since the Snowbirds have started flying home, there's been an onslaught on the pharmacias in Mexico. We've finally found a way to avoid the crowds, however. We cross over in the early morning, do our business of haircuts or med purchases and beat the rush coming back to the States. Another advantage to this plan is that the customs agents are still in a good mood. As the day wears on, they can get pretty testy!

Sixteen Candles

It's the Barbie doll's 50th birthday today. Well, big deal! We have a real live doll in our family and she turns sweet sixteen today. One of the privileges of old age is bragging rights and this grandma is thankful to have braggable grandchildren. Our birthday girl is a prime example of a teenager on the brink of womanhood. She's pretty, talented, intelligent and has a compassionate heart. In my eyes, she's darned near perfect! Happy Birthday, Rachel Jane--the world is your oyster.

A Little Bit of Heaven

I don't have a pet, except for my husband, but thanks to my neighbor, I now have a dog to walk. She's a 3 lb. ball of fur named Gatorette but her nickname is Little Bit. She's 14 years old, which makes her a very old lady in human years---even older than me! I must say she's a trooper, though. We walk about 1/2 mile every afternoon. To those little tiny feet, it must feel like 100 miles! She insists on walking behind the other dogs so she won't get trampled, but joins in the fun when treats are being handed out. The afternoon walk is often the highlight of the day and after I've had my fun, I can give her back to her mom. It's sort of like having a hairy grandchild!

Clash of the Seniors

When a group of people are closely confined, it's only a matter of time before a confrontation occurs. That's just human nature. It happens in schools, churches, businesses, homes and even senior parks. We have a new owner, an 83 year old woman, who is making unwelcome changes to our routines. Her popularity is about 10% and she's known as The Queen, The Witch with a B, and Mrs. Happy Bottom. She keeps the pool at 72 degrees so the swimmers are unhappy, has banned clothes lines, nobody's allowed to talk to her before noon, rent is increasing next season, volunteers running games and food activities have resigned. The DH and I just mind our own business, enjoy the sunshine , sit back and watch the show!

Clean That House

Even during retirement we need to stay home once in awhile to improve our surroundings, especially while living in an RV. It seems that clothing and "things" multiply like rabbits. Before we know it, cabinets and drawers are overflowing, books are piling up and it's beginning to feel a bit crowded. As a result, today has been spent organizing and cleaning, with many items being donated to Precious Treasures. Now it seems a shame to let all of this cleanliness go to waste, so we've invited the neighbors over for dinner!

Moonlighting

While wintering in the Southwest, we enjoy a beautiful sunset nearly every evening. Later on the stars come out, twinkling like heavenly jewels on a bed of black velvet. For about 3 hours last Friday night, we were treated to the sight of a lovely crescent moon aligned with a dazzling Venus. This was the last view of the dynamic duo, as Venus is now sliding down into the western sky and this display will not be seen again until next Spring. You will have to agree---God certainly knows how to put on a show!

Exodus

Temperatures are rising and air conditioners are humming, so Snowbirds are contemplating heading north. Now that March has arrived, there's hope of green grass, leafy trees and crocuses at home. Due to this promise of Spring, the mass exodus will promptly begin. Our winter playground will soon become a ghost town.

Lily of the Desert

The Ajo lily is blooming and it's awesome. It grows to about 24" high and sends up a stalk of several flowers. These fragrant plants are scattered over the desert, attracting bees, hummingbirds and winter visitors. They grow from a bulb, which is eaten by a tribe of Indians named Tohono O'odhams. Ajo is Spanish for garlic. The desert never fails to provide pleasant surprises.

What Recession?

The Quechan tribe has built a plush new casino in California on the road to Algodones, Mexico. They are definitely astute businessmen, as virtually every snowbird makes several trips to Mexico during the winter and only a small number are able to pass up a casino. We were "forced" to stop there today and it was a hopping place---bells ringing, jackpots clanging, winners yelling at the top of their lungs. It appears that the recession hasn't hit the senior set!