The Ouseys in Victoria Page

Well we had a week of sun and warmth, but it looks like it is destined to end at least for a while.  Of course it would, as it is our famous Victoria day parade on Monday.  150 entries, with 16 American marching bands.  Our Lions club is again Marshaling it, so hopefully the rain takes a break for Monday morning.

Mom is recovering nicely.  She had a large blister on her calf, that, with her compromised immune system and diabetes, could have been worse.  It wasn't infected but she has been on oral anti-biotics for two weeks now.  It had really affected her, but she is in much better spirits lately.  We even had a game of cribbage today, and her humour is back.  She got lots of Mother's day flowers, cards and attention, which helped a lot.

We are heading for Vancouver this weekend for Chelsea's graduation at UBC.  So happy for her.  She is graduating in a double major, gender studies and cultural anthropology.  Noni is beside herself she is so proud, as are we.  Chelsea was able to get enough tickets so we can all attend the ceremonies.  On the heels of that will be Rachel graduating as an RN in June, and likewise Lyn is bursting too.

Early June will find us attending a VP407 squadron reunion.  We will spend a week to attend and then visit with Noni and friends.  Might just be the last trip in the MH.

That's it for what is becoming a monthly update.

Ciao & Peace

Trip home was quick and uneventful.  We did run into Sue and John on their way back, just happened to be taking the same ferry back from Port Angeles.

It is always good to get home, we managed to bring home some good weather but it only lasted for a few days, then the rains returned.  It has been fair on and off since.  Have been lucky for golfing, hasn't rained on us yet.

Despite saying that we wouldn't get a new car until later in the year we launched into the search early, found and purchased a Kia Optima, picture attached.  This allowed us to pass on the Sunfire to Rachel.  She will soon be an RN and has been guaranteed a job at Victoria General where here last practicum was.  They really liked her and went out of their way to ensure she stays.  She would need a car and Voila she has one.  We had a lovely dinner and visit with her and we caught up with her news and love life.  We have yet to meet her new "Darling", actually that is Andrew's last name.  He is in Halifax on Army reserve training for a couple of months.  She misses her "darling".

We really like the Optima, it had more on it than expected and will certainly be a comfortable care to drive south in.  We kept the Versa as a second car and of course a toad.

We found the house in one piece, lol, actually all our visitors that used it left it in immaculate shape.

Mom is doing well, though she has been feeling a bit poorly of late.  On the mend though.  She has had a couple of mild falls.  More slipping to the floor when she tries to transfer herself to the wheelchair. No injuries, I must check on and improve the brakes on her chair, or get a new one.  She was glad to see us back and we are back in the swing of things Cribbage wise.  I have had her out for lunch, haircuts and dinner.

Supper is calling "Shepherd's Pie", mmmmm  smells great.

Ciao & Peace.

Betty and Terry had more visitors namely Paul and Alvera,  We've know them a long time too. We continued our good times with them, with dinners and various events including the Organ Stop Pizza.  Their first time there and our 5 or so.  Just can't get enough of that Organ music.  

A couple of days ago Paul, Terry and I hiked the Picacho Peak state Park.  Paul, the gazelle that he is made it to the top, I went about half way and Terry a bit behind that.  Quite a hot day and a bunch of knees did some complaining.  The girls did a Chandler Fashion Mall  day that wore them out since it lasted from 9 am to 5 pm. Probably harder that our Picacho climb.

They all took off today for Sedona and today we get our last visitors, Margaret and Errol are dropping in to see our place, before we take off for home tomorrow.

Margot, Remy and Catherine are using the house for a mini holiday and visit.  Mom was excited to see them all and they got together with Lyn, Alan, David and Tena as well.  We are sorry we missed them but they were able to use the house in our absence and we will see them this summer during our off Island trip to come.

Hard to complain about the heat but temperatures cooler than 90 F / 32 C, would have been nice to pack in. In any event we are on our way tomorrow. Straight home, do not pass go, do not collect $200, which would have been handy for the ferry.

TTFN, Ciao and Peace

Went to a ball game yesterday.  Terry and Betty wanted to take in a ball game so the four of us headed out to the Phoenix Municipal stadium to watch a "training camp" game between the Diamondbacks and the Athletics.  Turned out to be a nice day, after all the wind and rain that we had the last few days, and thus a very enjoyable day.  We have spent time with them running around town and Mesa Flea market, Trader Joes, etc.  Next week we'll be heading to Picacho Peak to hike some of the trails there.

Before the rains came, Syd and Marilyn stayed with us for two days and we did the touristy things and showed them the town.  They were interested in some of the real estate, so after the Casa Grande Ruins we took a look at Palm Creek and some of the homes, park models, RV's in there.  Quite impressive. They headed to Mesa after leaving here.

Denny and Kathy arrive today to visit for a couple of days. So we'll be heading out to dinner with them at Terry and Betty's place.  They will come here tomorrow for some of the same, after touring around the countryside.

John and Suzanne should be at Margaret & Errols condo any time soon, but haven't heard from them yet.  They'll be around till the end of the month, when Margaret and Errol return.  So we have some time to see them.  We have to do our annual Organ Stop Pizza extravaganza.

We have seen more Victoria / Vancouver Island friends in a month than we do in the same period of time when we are home.   But most enjoyable when we are down in the sun.

TTFN, Ciao and Peace.

Well since my last posting we have done a lot.  Well it has been a month.  We take possession of the park model, see pic, at the end of Feb.  We are quite excited.  We will have a whole month in the place.

I went to Victoria for a week.  Mom is doing well, we had an outing for haircut and lunch.  Getting her in and out of the Sunfire was a bit of challenge.  It is much easier in the Nissan.  She was glad to see me and I saw her everyday but one.

I did very well for meals. Sara had made me a great meal of very nice chicken and seasoned roast potatoes, which served me for two meals.  Friday night a very nice dinner and visit with David, Tena and Family, and similarily at Lyn's for Saturday night.  Sunday at friends Mike and Gail, and Monday a golf game with John then dinner with him at the Old Spaghetti Facory.  Tuesday a birthday party for Sara and Adam  rounded out the week.  Carolyn enjoyed herself here while I was away with various shopping trips and visits with friends.

Since my return we had a very enjoyable visit with Margaret and Errol.  We lunched at their place, then went hiking in the White Tank Mountain park near Glendale, then to a German Restaurant for dinner.  Highly recommend Haus Murphy.  yes Haus Murphy, great German food despite the name.

Rob and Sue are nearby and we have seen them several times, for dinners and movies, plus a trip to the Mesa Flea Market, one of the best around.

Helen & Ken are also nearby as is Karen and Rod.  Good to see them and we have had several reciprocal visits/dinners/happy hours with them.

Weather has been for the most part great.  A couple of cools days, one day of rain that resulted in a cancelled golf game, but sunny the rest of the time.  We were treated to some thunderstorms one evening.

Carolyn is calling "dinner's ready".  Got to go.

TTFN, & Peace.

We just bought a Park Model home in Casa Grande AZ. In the park where we are staying.  It is quite nice, exactly what we were looking for.  We don't get it until March, which is fine since we are here in the Motorhome until then anyway.  So the commitment has been made.

Weather has been sunny and warm -ish.  Managed to get a golf game in 3rd day here.  Neighbours were looking for a forth and came a-knocking and it turned out we had 3 Gary's and one Jim golfing.  Made remembering names easy.  "Nice shot Gary" 75% chance of being correct.  lol

I'll post some pics when I get some.

TTFN, Ciao and peace.

Christmas dinner at Lyn and Alan's went very well.  Being turkeyed out Alan did a fine standing Prime Rib Roast and Lyn did Yorkshire puddings. MMmmmm good, along with Carolyn's famous Schwartzies potatoes, plus Pecan Pie for dessert the dinner was a smashing success. Alan got the roast at Costco, and he was the envy of every guy in the line when they found out it was for Christmas dinner.  One commented that he wished he could do that, but his wife wouldn't let him, poor fellow. Must be a guy thing, I for one certainly enjoyed it.  We had a small group as Tena and David had Tena's family over at their place, Noni entertained Chelsea, Cole and Cole's mother up in Comox.   Mike and Char had all the kiddies home for their festivities in Aiyansh.  So it was Lyn, Alan, Adam, Sara, Rachel, Carolyn and yours truly, but it was lovely.  Most of the conversation revolved around the upcoming nuptials, which are currently moving apace.

Mom missed the dinner on Christmas as they brilliantly changed one of her meds two day before Christmas and she was out of sorts and declined to come.  Fortunately she is doing fine now, so I had her out today for a haircut, and here for dinner, now we can take down the Christmas decorations.

The MH is ready, 3/4's packed and we are chomping at the bit.  So are Sara and Adam. They get to spend their initial married lives living at our place.  To say the least they are excited.

Carolyn and I wish them, the family and all our friends the Happiest of New Years.

Ciao and Peace.