What a difference a few days makes (and 2810 kms/1750 miles)! The weather here is quite lovely, cooling down to 8-10C/46-50F at night, and our daytime highs have been around 23-26C/74-79F. The skies are blue and bright, just like winter days at home.
I flew out of Regina early Tuesday morning, but it wasn't a direct flight, as I went through Vancouver, B.C. I ought to have waited a month or two to book a direct flight, but I'm not sure that would have provided any difference in costs. We were delayed out of Regina with a full flight of passengers causing a delay in boarding and then the requiring de-icing of the plane. I had about 75 minutes in Vancouver to get through security, customs, and to make my way to the gate. I made with about 5 minutes before pre-boarding was called after stopping for a sandwich at Tim Horton's.
The flights were uneventful and we arrived about 20 minutes ahead of schedule in Phoenix. De-planing took some time as, again, it was a nearly full flight. I got lucky and my seat-mate and I had a empty middle seat between us. On the plane, it was announced that there might be a delay with our luggage due to some issue at the carousels. Initially, it appeared we were last in a long line of flights at carousel 3, however someone somewhere made a switch and our luggage came out the carousel right next to it. Even better, my luggage was within the first ten bags to come off the belt.
I texted my friends who were waiting for me in one of the parking lots and they came to pick me up at one of the exit doors. Great service! From there we drove to their rental in Apache Junction. Later, that evening, J drove K and I, and another lady, to a nearby community where they were have a line dancing party. I sat to watch, tapping my toes to the music, and chatting with others at the table as they came and went from the floor. J picked us up about 10 p.m. for the drive back to their rental. It had been a long day; I'd been up at 3:30 a.m. so fell into bed quickly after our return.
On New Year's Day, we left their place to head for Yuma and arrived at the rental around 3 p.m. We'd made a couple of stops, one at a rest area for a picnic and another at Dateland travel center. At the latter, we did a little shopping, then J and K shared a Date milkshake while I ate a date ice cream cone. To be honest, I didn't really notice the flavour in the ice cream. I had picked up a container of almond crusted date bars for later and those are delicious. They are nice sweet treat.
I was awake by 6 a.m. the following morning, but lay and read blogs (no comments) and FB until shortly after 7 when they began to stir. By 9 we were in the truck and on our way to Arizona Market, a flea market near the Yuma airport. The place was quiet, but got busier while we were there, and while there were empty spots there were plenty of vendors to visit. K got grapefruit at one place, while I picked up a huge head of lettuce and green onions at another. The prices were amazing, as I paid only $2.50 for my purchases.
After lunch, we went to Food City, also within a few blocks of the park (easy walking distance) for a few more groceries, primarily fruit and veg. My landlady had mentioned they have better produce than Walmart and she wasn't wrong. I picked up some other basic items to put in the pantry for later.
For dinner, we drove to Los Charros for the Mexican food I'd been craving. The place was packed when we arrived, and the food was tasty with a reasonable price. It's too far for me to walk there but I noticed a few places close by, that I may check out at another time.
We all slept in on Friday morning, I didn't wake until almost 8 a.m. That's very late for me! We didn't rush, but left for the historic downtown Yuma shortly before 10 a.m. Like the market, it was quiet with few tourist around. We wandered through various places and checked out the windows of others. There is a lovely cafe I'd like to visit again someday, and a few shops with interesting art and gift ideas. I really don't plan to buy anything much as I've picked up hot sauce for my son, and vanilla for my daughter, but I'll want to find something for Eli.
Back at the unit, we made lunch, sat and visited for a bit before J and K left for Apache Junction. I attempted to sit out in the sun, but it was too strong for me for longer than 10 minutes. I'm fortunate I have the outside seating area as it is shaded, so I sat and read a book.
About 4 p.m. I headed over to the pergola where many of the inhabitants meet for Happy Hour. Everyone I met was from Canada, except for Pat, who is has been coming to the park since 1989. I'm told she is the historian and she certainly had some interesting information to share. While there, I was convinced to join the canasta group that meet on Wednesday (I haven't played since I was a child), and was invited to go thrifting with my next door neighbour and her friend on Tuesday. There is cribbage on Thursday too, and coffee hour is held that morning in the clubhouse. I am certain I won't be bored. :) Of course, I have some crafts I want to work on while I'm here, so won't over schedule myself.
Today, I'm planning to do a load of laundry in the morning, but beyond that it is a time for rest and relaxation. There is a book I've started to finish, and the outdoor living area is calling my name.
Have a great week ahead everyone!
