Christmas Day

 We started Christmas Eve with Kim + Ken and Pam + Derick for our traditional German Deli treats. We drove miles to north/west Phoenix to find a good Deli as Kim did to find a bakery. If the GPS had failed, I think we'd still be there.

We began Christmas with mimosas in the Fiesta Pool. Cool outside but great in the warmth.

                                               Ron is timid.

We celebrated with our usual gourmet dinner at the rec hall.

Boxing Day was spent playing bocci.

Organ Stop Pizza and the Mormon Temple

We went to the Organ Stop Pizza and loved it as usual. I crack up when the cats come out and tonight, he made them bark.

 These new friends had never been there and many were leaving Dec. 31.

 Next stop was the Mormon Temple grounds lit up with about a million lights.

The outdoor Manger was very nice. Therewas the usual display of 100 Mangers from countries around the world, very iinteresting.

Managers Party

We had one last Wed so another one surprised us so soon. Great way to visit with everyone.

 

 We started at 3pm in sunshine, with good music by the pool, then food included, sloppy joes.

They blocked of the street, had this decoration and everyone was having fun with the dance band in the courtyard.

They even hired a team of beautiful Clydesdales pulling a wagon for tours around the park to see the Christmas decorations.

Ladies Pool

About 5 parks are playing a round robin tournament Tuesday.

No one has enough players for a real league so we are enjoying playing with different gals all the time and some are really good.

We play 1 - 15, a different game which challenges us.  Here's part of our girls. Dory is 91 and a great payer.

Becky and Jerry's Dec. Party.

This years party had a western theme, so out came the red boots and Jan's cowgirl hat.

                                 Good buddies.

                          and more.

                       Duane and Bruce played great music.

              And dancers were up all night.

Christmas Parade

We had our annual Christmas Parade around the campground.

                  Elsie and Ralph and the motorcycle crowd were all dressed up.

 The line dancers were dancing along.

Lou's kazoos blew their way past and the guys from South Dakota with their chair dance routine are priceless.

The party continued up at the pool and courtyard with great music and fun was had by all.

Happy Thanksgiving

Our friend Linda had emergency surgery for gall bladder so we postponed our usual dinner with the group. But we're still waiting for her recovery so Jan had us over for dinner.

             Complete with pumpkin pie and whipped cream.

It was delicious, and then we girls went shopping at Black Friday sales, first Walmart, then Kohl's where lineups were long but the bargains amazing.

3 Granchildren

Suzanne posted pictures of the kids,
Hana, 15 in grade 10.

                                        Lexi is now 13 1/2 in Grade 7.

                                         and Trey just turned 10.

                             and here are the other three on Mother's day at our place this year.

Murder on the Petulant Express with Prime Rib Dinner

Jan, Ron and I really enjoyed this murder mystery in the ballroom. Peter Petulant, a Tech giant was found murdered in his plush private car with his champagne glass still in his hand. We got clues from Kid Root who was just traded from the New York Taxis to the Chicago WetSox and not happy.

Tonya Fennie, a Norwegian figure skater was rumoured to have signed a movie contract with the murder victim and then it was withdrawn. Christine Agatha, a mystery writer is said she liked to prove her stories, Arianna, was an opera singer, and Dingo Dugan  complete with fake crocodile teeth on his hat, provided clues.

Frau Masssmacher, renowned Bavarian Brewer is a worldwide force.

The cast was staff members and they were great.

Francine did it, the fashion designer, who killed him with her hatpin!!!!!!! Our table didn't solve it, despite the fact that even the cake had clues.

The dinner was fantastic.

Very busy weekend.

 We had a get together at Becky and Jerry's in their double carport. Love their western theme.

Well the gangs all here and 2 couples have guests, so one group went off to Fountain Hills for the huge fall art and craft market.
You have to wait until the fountain decides to show off. I think it's water conservation.

Our Bike group went to Rocky Point in Mexico for a Rally and had a blast staying right on the beach and found the bar too.

 We went to the Mesa Market Sat. and as always there are so many choices.

Our weekend was highlighted with a super-moon, closer to Earth than the last 68 years, since1948, next one not due until 2034. It was very white and bright, here over the local Mormon Temple.

Remembrance Day

We started off with the Remembrance Ceremony in Ottawa. Very respectful and tearful as usual for me.

Then, there was one at Fiesta in our park, honouring Americans and Canadians with all the appropriate traditions and music.

 We came by bikes, carts and foot. The ceremony included the 13 folds of the flag. I only heard this last year and found it was interesting and respectful.

Have you ever wondered why the Flag of the United States of America is folded 13 times when it is lowered or when it is folded and handed to the next of kin at the burial of a veteran?
Here is the meaning of each of those folds and what it means:
The first fold of our Flag is a symbol of life.
The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.
The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.
The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.
The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our Country, in dealing with other countries may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong."
The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our Republic.
The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on Mother's Day.
The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.
The tenth fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.
The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.
The next time you see a Flag ceremony honoring someone that has served our country, either in the Armed Forces or in our civilian services such as the Police Force or Fire Department, keep in mind all the important reasons behind each and every movement. They have paid the ultimate sacrifice for all of us by honoring our Flag and our Country.

 The Park always packs 100 gift boxes sent to military overseas.