Cubs Win, Cubs Win, Cubs Win!!!

Alfonzo Soriano hit the first pitch out of the park, and the Cubs went on to win 6-4 over the Oakland A's.

Lots of scouts were in attendance, in fact, they were seated in the row behind us. (Good seats, right behind home plate in row 11).

Check out the BeerMe Guy photo.

Also on hand were several hall of famers including Rollie Fingers, Ferguson Jenkins and Joe Morgan! For a five spot you could get their autograph.

Farewell to New Friends

We have made many new friends in Mesa. One of the couples we have enjoyed our time with is Bill and Margie. We met Bill and Margie a few days after we arrived in Mesa. Within hours of meeting, Senor Ping, Bill and Dave were jamming together.


Over the past 4 weeks there has been much music and laughter. We have also enjoyed many conversations pool side, during and after dinners, while shopping, bike riding and just visiting. On Wednesday the guys had their last jam session. Hopefully their neighbors enjoyed the music as much as the rest of us. On Friday morning we said our farewells with promises to keep in touch. If all goes well, they may make a trip to "flatskatchewan" in the summer.


In the meantime, Senor Ping is still playing guitar, practicing some new "old songs" and Abbey is enjoying the serenading!!

MIni Kish Reunion in Mesa

It has been a busy week but I will try to catch you up on what's been happening. On Monday evening Senor Ping and I went to visit with my cousin Cindy and her husband Brian. They have a winter home about 15 minutes away from us and I'm so glad we were able to get together. My Aunt Vi and Aunt Win were visiting with them so we had a mini Kish reunion. Brian was very helpful giving us some suggestions for scenic drives while we are in Mesa. Hopefully we will be able to get together with them before we all head to our northern homes. We would still like to get together with Sandy and Dennis if we can work it out and if any of the other Kish cousins are in the area be sure to let us know. We'd love to see you!!

Just Three Guys

Yesterday afternoon Senor Ping and two of his guitar playing buddies played in the courtyard at the RV Park. I think it is safe to say they all had a blast. They played a wide range of music that appealed to all the audience. Some of the people we talked to were quite impressed to hear that they had only known each other less than 3 weeks. It's too bad Bill and his wife are leaving next Friday and their home is Redding, California. It might be a bit difficult to get together and jam over the summer!

Keeping Busy in Arizona

Senor Ping commented this morning that I hadn't updated my blog in over a week and I responded that our days have been busy and the internet connection has been weak which makes it very frustrating to do any updates.  However, I am now sitting in the sunshine, sipping my coffee and so far I have posted 2 entries.  I thought I'd finish off today by filling you in on what we have been doing here in Mesa.

Senor Ping is very busy playing guitar and jamming with some great musicians he met when we arrived. This afternoon  Bill, Steve and Senor Ping will play in the courtyard from 2 - 4.  The courtyard is adjacent to large pool and there is often  entertainment during  Happy Hour.  It is usually BYOB and everyone visits, dances and has a great time.  The trio also played at Steve's birthday celebration last night. Bill and his wife are leaving next Friday so they are hosting a Burrito Party tomorrow and I am sure there will lots of music to go with good food and lots of laughter. 

We have  been shopping a few times (well, maybe more than a few).  Mesa is very easy to navigate around and we have been out to the Flea Market, Costco, Guitar Center as well as usual trips to the mall and supermarket.  There is a supermarket within walking distance of the park so it's easy to pick up a few things when you need to.  We have done some site seeing but there are so many things to see and do I am sure we will have to come back a few more times.

I've kept up with the aquacises each day and we usually head to the pool for a couple hours in the afternoon.  The park also has a great library so I have been trying to read the books I brought first and then I will borrow a few from the library.  On Thursday I am going to take a sewing class instructed by the  mother of  my cousin Emily's son-in-law (can you figure that one out??).  My neighbor is also taking the class so it will be a chance to get to know a few other people in the park.

Senor PIng and I are going to have dinner with my cousin Cindy and her husband on Monday and will also get to visit with my Aunt Vi and Aunt Win (they are visiting for a week).  We'll be thinking of the rest of the Kish Klan when we get together.

Along with all of these activities there are the daily walks with Abbey, bike rides around the park, laundry (the laundry room is across the street, lots of machines and very clean), time to watch the curling on TV as well as lots of time to sit back, relax and smell the orange blossoms that have started to bloom.  

Variety Night at Val Vista

The Variety Night at Val Vista was held on Monday and Tuesday evening.  We purchased tickets for Monday's performance before Doug and Bill were asked to provide the pre-show music so I went to see parts of both evenings.  

The program began with the Drillettes marching in with the Canadian and U.S. flags.  The Drillettes are a group of women similar to the drill team that accompanies  marching bands.  Some of them marched and others could barely walk.  This is not a group I would consider joining even though deep down I've always wanted to learn to twirl a baton and wear matching outfits with 30 other women ranging in age from 60 - 85.  I did however get some new moves I can try out with the grads this year.  They also presented the park with all of the provincial and territorial flags from Canada and I had to hold Senor Ping down to keep him from yelling "Go Riders!!" when they waved the Saskatchewan flag.

The evening's entertainment ranged from a barbershop quartet (they were very good), skits , singing (much like middle years air bands), tap dancing, jokes, poems, and a wonderful group called the 4 Amigos who had everyone rolling in the aisles.  Senor Ping left early but I stuck it out until the end.  After all, I've sat through 30 years of Christmas concerts, room programs, music festivals, dance recitals and airbands so what was one more!!

On Tuesday evening I went to listen to Bill, Steve and Senor Ping do the pre-show music, took a few pictures and then headed home.  

A Drive Along The Apache Trail

The Apache Trail is a historical loop through the Tonto National Park. The 85 mile drive started in Apache Junction. We passed by Goldfield with plans to visit this gold mining town another day. We made a quick stop in Tortilla Flats to browse through the gift shop and saloon. The road then turned to a narrow (and in some places one lane only) trail up, down and around the mountains. The view was spectacular. We passed by Canyon Lake, Apache Lake and Roosevelt Dam. After the dam the road reverted to pavement and we stopped in Globe for a late lunch. The drive took most of the day and the photos hardly do the scenery justice but we recommend the Apache Trail to anyone visiting this part of Arizona.

Saguaro Lake

On Sunday we took a drive to Saguaro Lake, approximately 30 miles from Mesa. The lake is one of four reservoirs on the Salt River formed by the Stewart Mountain Dam. The lake is part of the Tonto National Forest and there are a variety of services such as a marina, day camping and overnight camping facilities accessible by land or by boat. We took a 90-minute paddleboat cruise on the Desert Bell. The tour included sightings of blue herons, turkey vultures, ducks and other birds, interesting rock formations and of course many varieties of cacti including the saguaro cactus. We also saw hikers, kayakers, fishermen, water-skiers and pleasure boaters during our tour.

Lazing by the Pool

The last few days the temperatures have been climbing and Senor Ping and I have been taking advantage of the numerous pools and hot tubs in the park. There are lots of pool chairs but you have to time your arrival and departure so that you get a chair with full sun. Usually by 3:30 the crowds have thinned out as everyone is on their way home for Happy Hour.

Exercising in Mesa

This RV Park offers a variety of water exercise programs starting with deep-water aerobics at 6:15 AM to Guys and Gals water exercises at 11:00. I believe there are 7 different sessions offered between the 3 pools. I chose one of the sessions offered at the indoor pool because it has still been chilly in the morning. The class is offered daily at 9:00 AM (although the instructor told me they actually start at 8:53 AM). The activity level is similar to that of the class offered in Eatonia during July and August with a few more participants. The first day I attended there were 30 of us in the pool. We break half way through for an opportunity for everyone to introduce themselves and have a short visit. The class ends with everyone singing “AMEN” as they “jog” around the pool. Everyone is very friendly and after attending the class for 4 days I have met many women from across Canada and the U.S. and recognized a few of them at other park functions.

On Friday morning I decided to stay for the “water robics” class held immediately after the class I have been attending. Hilda, who I think did her basic training under Hitler, led this class. First, she told me I would not be able to stay if there were over 18 people in the pool because that was her limit. Her reason being that I had already been to a class already and I wasn’t to take up space from someone else. Hmmmm, if I had gotten out of the pool and then back in who would know the difference?? She also told me her class is the only class with music. Fortunately, there were only 10 participants so I was allowed to take part.

Hilda started the class by telling us that her first rule was for us to keep our mouths shut, second there are no breaks and we will be working for the full hour. She alternated between demonstrating the activity in the pool and walking along the deck shouting out orders and clapping her hands to speed us up. Maybe she was a swimming instructor to Mark Phelps before she retired. We alternated between upper and lower body exercises and finished with a good stretch. If this was my first session of basic training I think I successfully completed it. There was 1 woman that left the pool about 20 minutes into the start of the class and never returned but I didn’t hear the ambulance arrive so I assume she was okay. Overall it was a great workout. Will I return to that class?? You bet!

A Month in Mesa

Senor Ping and I had a short drive yesterday to Mesa, Arizona. We will be calling the Val Vista Village our home for the next month. We chose this park on the recommendation of some friends from home. The park is very clean and well laid out. There are outdoor and indoor pools and hot tubs, too many activities to mention, and the laundry and showers are just across the street from us. Senor Ping is looking forward to playing guitar with some friends here in the park and I am looking forward to reading and relaxing. This morning I took a stroll over to the main building and there is a trade show in progress. There was a fruits and vegetable stall and everything looked fresh and very reasonably priced. I think I'll make my way back and pick up some fruit for lunch.

Arrived in Yuma

Senor Ping and I have arrived safely in Yuma. We had a great trip down this year. We left home on Monday morning and had clear skies and roads all the way to Pocatello. We were able to make much better time since we were not hauling the 5th wheel. The next day we made it to Mesquite by early afternoon. There was some snow through Salt Lake City but we were following the road crew so it really didn't slow us down. On Wednesday we headed to Laughlin for a couple free nights at the Edgewater Hotel. Abbey spent the time at the Rising Star Kennel and seemed to be quite happy when we picked her up. We had an easy drive to Yuma on Friday, passing by the huge motorhomes parked in the desert near Quartzite. There didn't appear to be as many "boondockers" this year as we have seen in the past but they may have all packed up and headed home by the time we passed through.

Today we spent the day visiting with friends. This morning we had coffee with 2 couples we met last winter. They aren't staying in the park this year so we were anxious to see the park model and lot they had rented. It looks like they have lots of room for Happy Hour. It was great to see them and catch up on the news. We also had a visit with Pat from Calgary. She was our neighbor last year and also looked after Abbey while we went to San Diego. If we head back this way we will stop by and perhaps she and Doug can play a few tunes on guitar together. Our last stop was to see our friends from home: Bonnie and Jerry and Trudy and Glen. We had a great time catching up on news from home and visiting over a few cocktails.

Tomorrow morning we are packing up and heading to Mesa. We decided it was time to see another part of Arizona so we are planning to find a park and stay for a month. We are looking forward to seeing some more friends and checking out the area golf courses. We'll keep you posted on our travels.

Dearly Beloved

Sorry I waited until Valentine's Day to post some pictures of our Dinner Theatre but our internet service has been very poor and it was impossible to post any pictures. It's hard to believe that it was only a week ago, hope everyone has recovered and ready for next year.

It's Show Time!

The big day has finally arrived. After 5 months of planning and hundreds of hours of rehearsing, the annual Dinner Theatre is ready to go. The catering committee has been working hard each day this week doing food preparation for the 600+ dinners they will be serving. The bar has been stocked (not to say it won't need to be restocked) with the fixings for "possom milk paralyzers", "vittles and varment vodka, "remember the alamo rum" and other delightful beverages. Over 100 volunteers have been contacted and are ready to work their shifts in the kitchen, serving drinks or taking tickets. The tables are set, even though some of the cast thought a couple of us (not mentioning any names) were getting a bit too fussy when we wanted all the things on the table to be just so. The window display is complete (and yes, that wedding dress is mine and believe it or not I really was that small 26 years ago!!!) The guitars are tuned and we had a little taste of the songs the Becker boys will be singing and I know everyone will be impressed. Most important, the cast and crew are ready to entertain the audiences each night with another very funny production.
For those of you that will be coming to the dinner theatre, I hope you will enjoy the show. If you are reading this from miles away stay tuned. I will be posting some photos later this weekend!!

Guess Who's Coming To Dinner (Theatre)?

Our annual dinner theatre is less than a week away. I'm finding myself very relaxed and not sure if that is good or not. We will have our dress rehearsal tomorrow afternoon and then maybe I will start to panic (or not). I am excited about who is coming for the weekend. Can you guess who??

Europe 2006

Click here to view this photo book.

Europe 2007

Senor Ping and I spent the morning checking out some changes to the Shutterfly website. We discovered that we are able to link our shutterfly books to our blog. I know that everyone in our family has had an opportunity to see our books (numerous times) but here they are for anyone who hasn't had a chance to view our books.

Click here to view this photo book.

A Touch of Spring

My friend gave me a daffodil plant at Christmas. She plants the bulbs in the fall and "forces" them to bloom in the dead of winter. I noticed the first bloom when we were having daily temperatures of -30. Admiring the beautiful plant each day reminds me that spring is just around the corner (we hope).

Things To do When It Is Too Cold To Go Outside

We enjoyed a break in the frigid temperatures this past week. When the temperatures climbed into the + side of the thermometer Abbey and I went for a long walk around town. I felt the urge to step outside once in a while and listen for the birds and didn't even cuss the ice that is building up all over town. However, our pleasure was short lived and this morning the thermometer said -29 (before the windchill).

So, when it is that cold what is one to do?? I have made every TO DO list imaginable, from things to do for drama today, this weekend, for dress rehearsal, before the shows, after the shows, when we clean up, lists for before we leave for Arizona, things we need to take, what needs to be done at home, grocery lists, checklists for the drama project I am working on (not community related), I think I have about 25 pieces of paper all over the house with lists on them. But now what am I going to do?? Usually I enjoy a day at home with a good book and a blanket but we have had plenty of those this winter. I thought about doing a major house cleaning but its too soon, that's on my list of things to do the week before drama!! I could bake something but I still have an abundance of baking left over from Christmas and besides, we will be leaving soon and who wants to leave a freezer full of goodies?

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Ringing In The New Year

Senor Ping and I spent New Year's Eve with our dear friends, John and Marla. They cooked a delicious roast beef supper and then we watched the World Junior Hockey game, Canada vs U.S. Eventually we made our way upstairs to play some cards. My former title of "crib champ" didn't help me this time as I found myself on the losing end of both games. We had a great evening and finally headed for home at 2:00 AM Probably the latest any of us have been up on New Years Eve for years!!

Today I cleaned out the fridge, started making turkey soup, added 5 pieces to the puzzle (this is the daily quota necessary to complete the puzzle by spring) and read my book. It has been a quiet day at the Bailey house!! This is only the calm before the storm as the next month will be very busy with Dinner Theatre only 36 days away!!