Life Is A Journey

It Has Been A Slice!

2007-09-07T20:52:00.000-07:00

Well my friends, I am retiring this blog.

I will leave it alive for a few more weeks and then one day it will quietly disappear; no muss, no fuss!

I haven't been blogging on here lately anyway so it will be no loss and I will continue to write on the web page, www.coulsoncastle.ca .

It has been fun but because Motorhome traveling is no longer in my repertoire, writing here is becoming somewhat pointless.

Happy Trails folks and you can still find me at Coulson Castle on Wheels!

TWO WHOLE MONTHS!!!!

2007-07-21T22:24:00.000-07:00

My good, horse loving friend Laura Ouellette from Denver wrote to me yesterday and reminded me that it has been a very long time since I have added anything to my Blog!!

Alas, she is correct..it has been over two months so I am posting today.

We are in Cochrane, Alberta right now just outside of Calgary and today we drove to Drumheller.

Along our way, this fellow seemed to be waiting for us, so I took his picture and I am posting it for Laura.

I do journal everyday on our website though which can be found at http://www.coulsoncastle.ca/!

What Would It Be Like?

2007-05-20T17:55:00.000-07:00

Being in Amish Country in Northern Indiana we are encountering a simpler way of life.

We have always enjoyed it here; the country side and picture perfect homesteads are a sight to behold.

Here is an Amish farmer with a team of horses pulling a corn harvester.

Bits and Pieces

2007-05-07T03:12:00.000-07:00

It seems like just yesterday when I posted here last, but then I looked at the date and realized it has been two weeks. How did that happen?

We are in Ontario, Canada and have been revisiting old friends and old haunts.

We have also been gearing up for our son's wedding next weekend.

The days are whizzing by and ever so slowly, the temperatures are inching up. Along with warmer temperatures, at this time of the year, come tiny, pesky blackflies! Argh! Though I have yet to receive a bite, I know it is inevitable.

Here is a picture of Gloucester Pool, part of the Trent-Severn waterway and where my sister's cottage is located. We've been fortunate enough to visit it making the cool weather and bugs not so bad after all!

A Simpler Life

2007-04-23T15:41:00.000-07:00

Once again we are in Amish Country in northern Indiana.

We have been here before, several times, each time during a different season and everytime we return we always notice how neat and tidy it is.

There is a lot to be said about living life the "old" way without all of our modern conveniences.

Beautiful Coastline

2007-04-17T18:51:00.000-07:00

The Alabama coast, though small in comparison to Texas, Florida and Louisiana, is one of the most beautiful coastlines we have seen.

The sand is white and the water is as turquoise as the sky is blue.

Yesterday we cruised around on our motorcycle and at one point we stopped so I could take a picture on the beach.

Dressed in motorcycle leathers is not the attire I would have liked to be wearing but it didn't stop me from getting this shot.

Texas is A' Blooming

2007-04-07T14:56:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we drove from Del Rio, Texas to Houston along the I-10.

Everywhere we looked, on both sides of the highway and along the centre median, there were vivid colours radiating from the grass.

Texas is in full bloom with spring flowers of all colours and it is beautiful!

We passed folks pulled over on the side of the highway taking pictures but I did my best with a zoom lens while Rick drove.

On The Road Again

2007-04-05T07:25:00.000-07:00

After being parked in the Coachella Valley since October, we are back on the road again.

If any of you have seen the movie "RV", you can visualize the rolling "turd" as it makes its way down the highway.
(The difference is ours isn't a rolling turd!)

Anyway we are heading east after spending over a year in the west and soon we will be northward bound too.

Currently we are in Del Rio, Texas near the Rio Grande where the weather is overcast, warm and humid, a stark contrast from the dry heat of Desert Hot Springs.

The scenery is beautiful and different from California; no place is the same and isn't that wonderful?

Unlike where we were in California, there are cowboys in these parts and though they may not be riding horses, they do ride in jeeps!

Spring Has Sprung in the Desert

2007-03-20T18:43:00.000-07:00

The cacti throughout the park have plenty of new growth on them and a few are even in bloom.

Everywhere you look, there is fresh greenery sprouting from plants, trees and shrubs.

Yup, spring has sprung in the desert.

Winding Down

2007-03-13T17:43:00.000-07:00

Our park is beginning to wind down after another busy season.

Though there are still plenty of travelers, their stays are shorter and it is evident they are preparing for their return "home".

We are making preparations for our departure at the end of the month too and by then the site occupancy will really dwindle.

Until then we will enjoy the awesome weather.

We're Lucky

2007-03-05T08:43:00.000-08:00

Yesterday on our website I wrote about how the weather seems to have taken a turn into spring.

After some cooler windy days we are on the upturn here and I expressed how I hoped it would be that way throughout North America.

This morning Rick's niece, Taunja, sent me this picture of her backyard in Barrie, Ontario and she stated that it seems to snow daily!

It is simply a reminder to me about how lucky we are to be here instead.

Mother Nature Has Many Faces

2007-02-27T16:07:00.000-08:00

As I have mentioned on our website, we are seeing a new side of mother nature in these parts...gale force winds bringing with them, blowing sand.

There is often wind in the Coachella Valley, but never wind so strong and certainly not so consistent.

Fortunately the forecast tells us the winds won't last much longer...perhaps another 24 hours or so and then things will get back to normal.

I sure hope so because I would far rather look out my door and see this!

Slacking Off

2007-02-20T10:11:00.000-08:00

Once again I am not posting on a regular basis.

My journal remains a daily event but this Blogging is definitely taking a back seat.

I am finding that my day is ending before I have time to do both and as the journal was started first, I am more dedicated to it.

Let's face it, the older we get the faster time seems to go and I am not getting younger.

Anyway, I am Blogging today and this is a picture of my grandson trying his hand at some artwork.

Already Missing Them

2007-02-14T19:49:00.000-08:00

Our wee grandchildren have gone home; they left this afternoon on a 1:30 PM flight back to BC.

Though we spent more time with Makai, we enjoyed our time with both children equally and we already miss them a lot.

This morning we had Monet with us alone for a while and we had a lot of fun with her.

Here she is playing hide and seek with Grampa!

Getting As Much As I Can

2007-02-13T20:10:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow our little grandson Makai, and his Mom, Dad and baby sister, Monet, will be leaving here after spending the last 8 days with us.

We have had a great time and already know we will be missing them a lot.

Tonight Makai and I had a moment of cuddling while playing "I'm going to nibble on your little fingers".

It was a moment I will treasure forever!

The Days are Running Away

2007-02-12T20:25:00.000-08:00

Gosh, again it has been several days since I posted here and I have no excuse whatsoever.

I had an easy day today, work in the morning, teaching in the afternoon and an evening minding little ones.

I am using the babysitting quiet time, when the wee ones are sleeping and I am finally blogging again.

Sorry for the five day respite but at least I am posting.

Besides I do journal daily on our website, Coulson Castle on Wheels!

Here is my daughter Karley, with her daughter Monet. Pretty cute huh?

Making the Maintenance Yard Look Good

2007-02-07T21:07:00.000-08:00

Here at Catalina Spa & RV Park, I often write about our beautiful sunrises but I seldom mention the sunsets.

Part of the reason for that is because the sunsets are obscured by the park's maintenance yard.

However with a sunset like this one that we had tonight, the maintenance yard looks pretty darned good!

He's An Acrobat

2007-02-06T20:59:00.000-08:00

Since he arrived here, Makai has been in the pool once, sometimes twice a day.

He loves swimming with Grampa and the two of them have way too much fun.

Today Makai was practicing some new moves and I think he just might be an acrobat!

Oh Too Be Little!

2007-02-05T20:51:00.000-08:00

Our grandchildren (along with their parents) are here to spend some time with us in California.

They have been enduring a colder than normal winter in BC so this is a nice respite for them and a good time for us to see them.

Tonight we went out for dinner and Monet, our 7 month old grand daughter particularly enjoyed her dinner as you can see!

Visitors

2007-02-04T17:47:00.000-08:00

During the winter months, it isn't just humans who flock to the desert to wile away their time out of the cold.

Today I caught this pair of ducks testing the water in one of two ponds here at Catalina Spa.

This pond is also stocked with fish so it is more than the warm water that draws our feathered friends to this location!

Royalty

2007-02-03T17:40:00.000-08:00

Every so often I feature a special member of our family, Sam the cat.

As you can see, she is very special; so special in fact that she thinks she is royalty.

And really who are we to argue with her?

An Idyllic Setting

2007-02-02T16:34:00.000-08:00

This winter, Desert Hot Springs has experienced some unseasonal weather; cooler, cloudier and windier than normal, not unlike other parts of the continent.

Regardless, we have nothing to complain about because we certainly enjoy more sun than almost anywhere else in the US.

Here is a picture of our idyllic setting and you can easily see why we like it here so much.

A Hazy Day in the Valley

2007-02-01T21:02:00.000-08:00

The weather has cooled a little and with it came a wind which seems to be coming here from LA and the coast.

The whole Coachella Valley is under the cover of a thick haze.
No matter where we looked there was a foggy view!

Artists at Work

2007-01-31T20:55:00.000-08:00

On Wednesdays Vern Hesketh teaches "bird carving" at Catalina Spa and RV Park and he has a number of class attendees.

This year they carved Saw Whet Owls which have turned out very well.

Now the "Carvers" are painting and mounting their wooden birds.

Here they are, hard at work.

Elvis Lives!!!

2007-01-30T19:45:00.000-08:00

On the weekend we went to Quartzsite, Arizona to explore it and see for ourselves what it is we have been hearing about for years.

It is a phenomenon unlike any other where one can see almost anything imaginable.

In fact we even found Elvis!

Needed a Break

2007-01-29T08:53:00.000-08:00

I am shocked at how long it has been since I posted here. When this blog was first created, it took me a whole year to post again. I took another year before I posted the next entry but since then I have religiously added a posting daily. Occasionally I would miss a day, maybe even two or three but I would backdate my posts to reflect daily entries.

I knew I hadn't updated this for a few days but I really didn't realize it had been a whole week since I posted last. This morning I was prepared to create and enter three, possibly four entries but SEVEN!!!!!! I don't think so.

So here I am posting on today's date with something I am writing today. I won't make up for the past week so my blog will have a seven-day gap for ever more.

Sorry folks, I'll be back to daily entries once again. I guess I just needed a break!

This is a photograph of the sunset we saw from Saturday as we were driving back to Desert Hot Springs from Quartzsite, Arizona.

The Wind, She's A-Blowing

2007-01-21T19:16:00.000-08:00

Today is a windy day; no big surprise in the Coachella Valley.

However what is a surprise is the direction that the wind is blowing from..the northeast.

Usually, (or so it seems) the wind comes in from the west.

Because of the direction the wind is coming from it is also chillier than we like it to be.

It can stop anytime and we really won't complain!

An Orange Day

2007-01-20T19:09:00.000-08:00

It is an orange day today.

By that I mean I spent some time juicing a huge bag of fresh tangerines and wrote about it on our website.

In honour of the colour, I thought I'd post this picture of a buggy we saw last weekend while we were at the 29 Palms Inn.

Cinderella anyone?

My Husband The Garden Architect

2007-01-19T19:01:00.000-08:00

Since we have been making Catalina Spa Resort our winter home, Rick, my gifted husband has become "The Gardener".

Actually there is a lady who is the designated gardener and she does a wonderful job but my Rickey has been moving cacti and building new gardens this year.

Perhaps he should be known as the "Garden Architect"?

Further To Yesterday's Ode

2007-01-18T18:54:00.000-08:00

Further to my ode to Mother Nature from yesterday's entry, it seem it's warm where it should be cold, cold where it should be warm.

North America isn't the only place getting wacky weather, it is a global problem.

Should we prepare for mass flooding? Is this the shape of things to come? Is it something we, the human race has created? Or is it just evolutuion?

What do you think?

Forgiving Mother Nature

2007-01-17T19:37:00.000-08:00

It seems Mother Nature is a little off beat right now.

All over North America, the weather is a little cockeyed.

In fact in some places it is just downright nasty (Texas is very cold right now) and southern California is experiencing a chilly period.

Fortunately in Desert Hot Springs we are seeing plenty of sunshine and blue sky and with scenery like this it is easy to forgive Mother Nature for her little oversight!

2007-01-16T14:23:00.000-08:00

Today we had a larger than normal turnout at our Blogging class as you can see. (usually we have only 5 or 6 participants.)

It was fun, frustrating and rewarding but we had some successful blogs created as a result.

I think traveling and Blogging should go hand in hand, hence why I teach the class and every new Blog is my payment!

Paddling or Skating?

2007-01-15T19:08:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we ventured up to Twenty Nine Palms for coffee and breakfast.

We checked out the 29 Palms Inn and after our meal walked around the property where we came across a pond.

Because of the frigid weather the pond had a skiff of ice on it, enough to confuse the ducks who quite likely have never experienced ice before.

They did seem a little bewildered!

Signs of Winter??

2007-01-14T17:08:00.000-08:00

I titled this "Signs of Winter" with question marks.

I suppose it is because I just don't think of snow as a typical winter sign in the desert.

It dropped well below freezing here last night and the withered hibiscus shrub behind our rig evidently didn't like it.

Around us there is a slight dusting of snow on the mountain peaks and up in Yucca Valley, north of and at a higher elevation than Desert Hot Springs, there was snow on roofs and evidence of the white stuff at the side of the road.

Let's hope these signs disappear quickly!!

Chilly in the Desert

2007-01-13T19:23:00.000-08:00

It is cold here right now; reaching a high of only 10C ( 50F) and for Desert Hot Springs, that is frigid.

When it's like this I just want to stay inside and keep warm.

Today, I spent my day watching TV, doing some computer work and cooking; my favourite forms of relaxation.

This picture was taken last week when the weather was warmer of my bro-in-law who was relaxing in one of his favourite ways!

Cactus Gardens

2007-01-12T19:49:00.000-08:00

One of my hubby's "jobs" at Catalina Spa RV Park has been to build some cactus gardens.

He has been getting more and more experienced and in the process, has endured a few "stabbings" from the cactus thorns.

Fortunately this is not one of the cacti that he will be transplanting; these are some in the garden beside our Moho.

Being Boys

2007-01-11T19:41:00.000-08:00

On Monday after taking my son Jamie to the airport, Rick and I, my sister, Christine and her hubby, Fred, drove back to our rental condo.

We'd had some busy days and Christine and I wanted to relax before we engaged in anymore activities.

Fred and Rick used that time to go to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Though they missed the last tour of the day, they were able to go into the infield to take some pictures.

My sister and I enjoyed the quiet and the men enjoyed being "boys".

Borrowing From My Bro-in-Law

2007-01-10T19:26:00.000-08:00

My brother-in-law, Fred took many pictures while he was visiting us.

Before he left I asked him if I could have a copy of some of them.

He loaned me his memory card and lo and behold, there were many pictures I liked, some from several months ago as well.

I am guessing that this is a picture of my niece's (Jody) horses.

A Good Day For A Drive

2007-01-09T19:00:00.000-08:00

Today we returned to Desert Hot Springs after spending a long weekend in Las Vegas with family.

The weather has been sunny since we arrived there on Saturday and today was no exception.

It was a perfect day for a drive but we hear it is shortlived.

By Friday, the forecasters are calling for freezing temperatures in Vegas, much colder than normal.

I guess we'll see!

The East in the West

2007-01-07T18:11:00.000-08:00

Only in Vegas can you be in the east while being in the west.

On "The Strip" you'll find New York City, New Orleans, the Greek Islands, Australia, Paris, Venice, Rome, Egypt and the Tropics, to name a few.

Here you can step back in time and go well into the future; all while visiting but one city!

No wonder so many folks come here!

Rickey's Birthday

2007-01-06T18:03:00.000-08:00

Today my hubby, Rickey Hollingshead turned 52 years old.

We drove with my sister Christine, her hubby, Fred and my youngest son, Jamie to Las Vegas to celebrate.

Here we are at the condo we rented just after arriving in Sin City!

Happy Birthday Rick!

What Sight Seers See

2007-01-05T18:21:00.000-08:00

My sister, Christine and Fred, her husband are visiting us in Desert Hot Springs.

While Rick and I have been working they have been doing some sight seeing.

Yesterday they took this picture of the desert sky as the sun was going down!

Typical

2007-01-04T22:30:00.000-08:00

My youngest son Jamie is here visiting us for a couple of days in Desert Hot Springs.

Somethings just never seem to change and here he is laying on the bed watching TV, something he did when he lived at home.

And typical to the past, he doesn't like to get his picture taken either.

The Clear, Blue Sky

2007-01-03T11:06:00.000-08:00

There's something to be said for desert living in the winter.

Though the evenings cool down considerably, the daytime temperatures hover in the low 20's most days.

I think for me the biggest attraction is the consistency of the weather and the clear, blue sky every morning.

Snowbirding

2007-01-02T11:42:00.000-08:00

I remember years ago thinking that I would never be a snowbird; a person living in the north going south for the winter.

I convinced myself that I like the winter, the snow and the changes in the seasons.

After spending two weeks in Mission, loving every second with my grandchildren but hating being cold, I realize that I like being a "snowbird".

I like how pretty the snow looks at Christmas, the sound of rain on a roof and the smell of a crisp winter day. I don't like being cold....at all....ever...I AM a Snowbird and proud of it!

Happy New Year!

2007-01-01T20:27:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year one and all!

May 2007 bring you peace, happiness, good health and love.

Happy To Have Us Back

2006-12-31T19:37:00.000-08:00

After being away from our home for over two weeks, our little cat missed missed us a lot and let it be known as soon as we returned.

She had up to five visitors a day and never less than two so she was not neglected at all but they weren't us.

We are all happy to be home but Sam, the cat, will be the happiest tonight when she curls up on the bed with us.

Crowds n San Francisco

2006-12-30T20:16:00.000-08:00

We arrived in San Francisco this morning before 9:00 AM and the place seemed so quiet.

Duh! It was cold and evidently the smart tourists wait for the sun to warm things up.

Once it did, (and the stores opened their doors) they came out in droves and it was reminiscent of London streets during the holiday season.

No doubt every large city's shopping district looked much like this today!!

Oh, Ya Baby!

2006-12-29T21:36:00.000-08:00

Yippee we are back in the sunshine once again!

Yesterday was the beginning and today once we got through the redwood forest to Cathedral City in California, we saw plenty of the bright stuff.

Oh yay!!

We are enjoying it very much after a rather wet Christmas in Mission, BC.

Sunshine, Here We Come

2006-12-28T21:29:00.000-08:00

After spending 11 colder than we'd like days with our grandchildren (and their parents) we are back on the road heading south to Desert Hot Springs.

We'll miss the kids (big and small) but we are looking forward to some warmer weather once again.

Today it was sunny for most of the day though the temperatures didn't go above 6C (42.8F).

Just the same it sure was nice to see sun once again.

I was so excited, I am even posting this blurry picture of the "glorious" sunset, taken while we drove through Portland, Oregon!

The Boys Being Boys

2006-12-27T15:45:00.000-08:00

Makai, our wee grandson, received a Fisher Price train set for Christmas.

Though it is designed for little folks, it can be quite complex as well.

This afternoon, Makai's daddy, Ian, his Grandpa, his Great-Uncle Fred and his Uncle Jay added some extra parts that Makai got for his birthday today to the train set .

Please note the absence of Makai and the intense looks on the menfolks faces.

And Can You See Why?

2006-12-26T23:41:00.000-08:00

With little ones around once more (by way of grandchildren) Christmas has changed once again.

The excitement has returned and I can't believe it is over already.

Oh well, we had a blast yesterday and for the next several years it will continue to be so.

In a couple of years we will explain the true meaning of the day but until then to them it will be a day that lots of loving relatives come together to give them presents!

Merry Christmas To All

2006-12-25T22:53:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone reading this enjoyed their Christmas as much as we did!

It was a day of joy and laughter, love and sharing; a day of wonderful memory making.

From us here in Mission, BC, we wish you the same!

Merry Christmas everyone!

The Queen of Gingerbread Houses Has Arrived

2006-12-24T20:57:00.000-08:00

So little did I realize when I wrote here two days ago that the Queen of Gingerbread Houses was yet to arrive in Mission.

It seems our wee grandson Makai had a well kept secret Gingerbread House builder stashed in Victoria BC.

His Nana MacLachlan makes these "homes" from scratch and arrived here this afternoon with her homemade rendition in tow.

Now HERE is the Queen of Gingerbread Houses!!

The Finished Product

2006-12-23T19:23:00.000-08:00

The construction project that Grandpa and Makai worked on yesterday was a resounding success.

With the exception of a few candies that were tasted then added to the house, (mmm, yummy!) it went together very well.

Here is the finshed product...a vision of perfection don't you think?

Males & Construction

2006-12-22T16:02:00.000-08:00

There's nothing like a little construction project to bring two males together even if it is only a gingerbread house!

Today, Grandpa and Makai worked very hard designing and constructing a beautiful edible house complete with lots of icing and candy.

And there's nothing quite like a little sugar to make every boy, big and small, very happy (not to mention...a little wired!!).

Catching Air

2006-12-21T20:11:00.000-08:00

Monet, our wee granddaughter, has learned how to jump in her Jolly Jumper.

In fact she loves bouncing in it and regularly catches air...the higher the better!

Her Grandpa caught these moments with the camera today...going, going....!

Just Making Sure

2006-12-20T20:01:00.000-08:00

With Christmas Day just a few days away, there's no room for mistakes.

This little fellow is just making sure Santa knows how good he has been by giving his baby sister one more kiss.

Makai, our wee grandson is always this sweet except perhaps when he is overtired but surely Santa would understand that!

A Juggling Act

2006-12-19T14:05:00.000-08:00

It seems Grandpa has become quite the celebrity with the wee ones.

He has even gone to the extreme of balancing two kids at once and keeping them both entertained without any injuries; quite a feat!

Monet and Makai both had fun being part of the balancing act!

A Happy Girl

2006-12-17T18:10:00.000-08:00

Makai isn't the only happy person around here.

His little sister Monet is a pretty happy person too as you can see here.

In fact there are some pretty happy people all over the MacLachlan household right now!

It sure is nice to be here!

So Happy He Wanted To Dance!

2006-12-16T18:04:00.000-08:00

We arrived in Mission shortly after 3:00 PM and we were greeted by a very happy little boy.

Our wee grandson Makai, was so happy all he wanted to do was dance.

Here he is with his daddy Ian, cutting some rug!

Keeping It Blue

2006-12-15T17:59:00.000-08:00

On our drive north to BC, the forecast was calling for some rain and nasty weather.

We even anticipated some snow but instead the blue sky followed us along our route.

Fortunately, the only snow we saw was in the mountains and we were quite happy to see them surrounded by blue!

Merry Christmas Catalina Spa

2006-12-14T17:31:00.000-08:00

We left Catalina Spa & RV Park this evening to drive to Mission BC for our Christmas holidays.

Grandchildren bring the sparkle back to the season so it is well worth the drive.

Have a Merry Christmas Catalina Spa and we will see you in a couple of weeks!

Getting A Cat Sitter

2006-12-13T20:40:00.000-08:00

Sam, the cat, is going to be staying in California with the Moho as we drive the car to BC to spend Christmas with our wee grandchildren.

While we are away some friends will be coming by twice a day to visit her, feed her and make sure she has water and a clean littler box.

Though she will love the company, she will miss us a lot and no doubt we will hear all about it when we get back.

Though she may be relaxed right now, deep in sleep, tomorrow she will be pacing!

Desert Gardener

2006-12-12T20:43:00.000-08:00

Though we are only thirteen days away from Christmas, it just doesn't feel like it to me.

But then when this is the kind of thing I see at the park, is it any wonder?

Here is my sweet hubby raking in the cactus garden beside our RV site!

Five More Sleeps

2006-12-11T17:23:00.000-08:00

It has been almost three months since we have been able to cuddle our wee grandchildren.

This little one was just over two months old when we left Mission, BC and she has changed so much.

She may not know who we are now but before we leave, she'll know two more people love her very much.

Okay Monet (and Makai)...we will be there in just five more sleeps and we just might be a little excited!

A Dusting

2006-12-10T20:53:00.000-08:00

Last night while we were sleeping we were wakened by the sound of rain hitting the roof of the Moho.

Being in Desert Hot Springs, that is a pretty rare event.

This morning though the sun was shining, the ground was still damp from the overnight moisture.

We looked out towards the San Jacinto Mountains and could see that the precipitation there came as a very light dusting of snow.

As long as we don't get it, it is very pretty to look at!

Loving MSN Messenger Live!

2006-12-09T20:46:00.000-08:00

Since we have been away from Karley, Ian and our wee grandchildren, our saviour has been a webcam and MSN Messenger Live.

At least four times a week we manage to have a face to face chat with the MacLachlan clan in Mission.

Here are Karley, Monet and Makai having a chat with Grandpa.

We may not be able to touch but as you can see it is a pretty good alternative to being there in person.

Dawn at Catalina Spa RV Park

2006-12-08T20:39:00.000-08:00

There is nothing quite like the wee hours of the morning.

When I go on my daily walk before dawn at Catalina Spa, it is dark and quiet but as the sun begins to break, folks begin to stir.

I managed to take a few pictures this day when the sun was just beginning to rise.

It is my favourite time of day!

Playing

2006-12-07T18:41:00.000-08:00

Lately I have been learning about my computer.

As a teacher of a computer class, it amazes me how much I have yet to learn about my own machine.

This photo is a result of my discovering an unused program on my computer.

It's kinda fun to play!

Food!!!!

2006-12-06T20:14:00.000-08:00

Monet our wee granddaughter has had her first experience with solid foods.

Like her older brother, she has taken a serious liking to it.

Now when Karley is holding her, she must be careful or Monet will pull her mom's food or beverage to her mouth in order to feast on it.

Here she is getting all she can from the spoon!

Still Warm Enough

2006-12-05T20:20:00.000-08:00

Last week we had a chilly spell but fortunately, it didn't last long.

The daytime highs aren't as high as they were but they are still plenty warm enough for folks to enjoy the pools.

This is one of two large hot tubs here at Catalina Spa and the daytime temperatures are warm enough that the pools are more inviting.

However at night the air temperatures plunge to almost freezing and in the evening once the sun sets, this tub gets plenty of traffic!

Holy Lemons!

2006-12-04T19:27:00.000-08:00

Today after I was finished work, I went over to a neighbouring park to help a friend with his computer.

As I drove through the park I noticed a variety of trees laden with citrus fruit.

After I finished, Ron, my friend, was kind enough to give me these beautiful, huge lemons.

They are so big that when I first saw the tree, I thought the yellow fruit must be grapefruit!

Everywhere Is A View

2006-12-03T19:59:00.000-08:00

We really love it here.

The climate is mostly perfect at this time of the year and every morning we wake to sunshine.

It seems no matter where we look in this park, Catalina Spa, there is a beautiful view as you can see!

Shaving???

2006-12-02T19:51:00.000-08:00

Makai loves his daddy, Ian.

He likes to follow him in the morning and has watched him use his razor to shave.

Like all children, he has become a great little mimic and here is is trying his hand at shaving too!

The First Day of the Last Month

2006-12-01T19:37:00.000-08:00

Today is the first day of December and the entire year seems to have flown by.

In just a few days we will take a two day drive by car to visit with our wee grandchildren in Mission, BC for Christmas.

Here is Monet, the youngest one who has become quite "grown-up" in the short time we have been away.

He's Liking It

2006-11-30T19:33:00.000-08:00

Though I am whining about the unseasonable weather, up north in Mission, BC, there are some folks who are enjoying it.

Our "not quite as wee as he once was" grandson, Makai enjoyed playing in the snow that accumulated there this past weekend.

It was his first real experience with snow and he was really liking it!

The Good Ole Days!

2006-11-29T18:02:00.000-08:00

We are experiencing very cold (for this part of the world) temperatures right now.

As we bundle up to keep warm all we can do is dream of warmer weather.

This picture is of the idyllic conditions we were enjoying last week.

Ahhh, there's nuthin' like the good ole days!

Using Some Muscle

2006-11-28T17:56:00.000-08:00

Rick has been creating some cactus gardens at Catalina Spa and it requires some serious effort.

Today with the help of Steve the manager along with some other helpers and a "Bobcat" some large rocks were put in place.

Here they are with Rick in the Bobcat working on the new garden.

Rainbows in the Desert?

2006-11-27T21:05:00.000-08:00

As I wrote on our webpage, the weather across North America seems to be a little out of whack.

Vancouver and surrounding areas are under a thick, cold blanket of snow and central Ontario is basking in warmer than normal temperatures.

Today, here in the desert, we are experiencing much cooler temperatures and this morning with dark clouds moving in, we even saw a rainbow.

In between the two palm trees on the right of the picture you can just make it out.

A Morning Walk

2006-11-26T21:08:00.000-08:00

For the past month, I have habitually been walking for over an hour each morning.

This morning, Rick accompanied me though we went much later than I normally do.

On our way back to the Moho, we came across our friend Vern who took this picture of us together.

The Weather Always Looks Good Here

2006-11-25T19:15:00.000-08:00

This morning I left Winnipeg, Manitoba just after dawn.

The snow from overnight Thursday was still on the ground but the sky was clear and it appeared as though it would remain that way all day.

Soon after we took off heading west, it was pretty evident that the clear weather wasn't all across the country and we flew above the clouds making it impossible to see the land below.

The one thing I can say though is that it is always sunny up there, however I wouldn't want to step outside!

White in Winterpeg

2006-11-24T15:23:00.000-08:00

When I arrived here in Winnipeg last night, unlike Calgary, there was no snow on the ground.

My limo driver informed me that snow was imminent and to expect to see some this morning when I woke up.

True to his word, when I looked out this morning the city was covered with a thin blanket of snow.

I enjoyed an afternoon in a spa at another hotel nearby and afterwards I walked the short distance back to my hotel.

I took this picture of one of the streets as I was walking...it really is Winterpeg!

Winter in Calgary

2006-11-23T22:32:00.000-08:00

Today I flew from Palm Springs to Winnipeg, Manitoba via Calgary, Alberta.

Typically at this time of the year we can expect Winnipeg to be colder and more wintery than it's western neighbour however today that was reversed.

Though there is a glare, I took this picture through the window of the Calgary airport as I was waiting for my connecting plane.

The ground appears yellow from the lighting at night but that is really snow!!!

Growing Up

2006-11-22T21:35:00.000-08:00

Makai, our not quite as wee as he once was grandson, is developing quite a vocabulary.

Lately he will ask his mom to "phone Granni" or "phone Grandpa" a couple of times a day.

Tonight it was Grandpa's turn again and when he had the opportunity, Makai sang the alphabet song in it's entirety over the phone.

He sure is growing up so fast!

Strange Looking Car

2006-11-21T21:26:00.000-08:00

At the McCormick Car Auction we attended on Sunday, there were several collector cars parked outside of the auction area.

Some had subtle "for sale" signs on them but some were merely for show.

This was one on display and without the traditional windshield and roof, it was certainly strange to see!

Right Year, Right Colour, Wrong Price

2006-11-20T20:37:00.000-08:00

Yesterday at the McCormick Car Auction we came across this pretty yellow T-Bird for sale outside of the auction.

It is a 1955 model, same year we were born, and had we had buckets of money, we would have bought it to be our "California Car".

(The colour even matches my hair!)

What a Setting!

2006-11-19T20:46:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of El Paseo Drive in Palm Springs.

Aside from some pretty cool stores, galleries and restaurants, the plants, palm trees and blue sky make for a pretty nice backdrop!

Plonk, Plonk, Plonk...

2006-11-18T20:26:00.000-08:00

...that is the sound we hear each day as the avid "pickle-ballers" play their sport with much enthusiasm.

Though we are parked across the pond from the pickle -ball court, the plonk, plonk, plonk sound can clearly be heard.

Thank goodness they don't start playing until 7:30 AM by which time, I have been awake already for an hour.

A Cactus Garden

2006-11-17T20:18:00.000-08:00

When we lived in a bricks and mortar house, I had created a few perennial gardens.

Now that we are mobile, owning no land, we simply enjoy gardens wherever we are.

Because we are staying at Catalina Spa Resort in Desert Hot Springs for the winter, we planted a few plants of our own to colour things up.

We also enjoy the cactus garden beside our rig, not quite the same as flowers, but a garden just the same.

Hard at Work

2006-11-16T17:58:00.000-08:00

My sweet hubby is and always has been a hard worker.

Here at Catalina Spa, as a volunteer, he will do whatever task is asked of him.

For the past couple of days he has been painting at the office and he's doing a mighty fine job, too!

The Woodcarvers

2006-11-15T20:16:00.000-08:00

Wednesday is the gathering of the "woodcarvers" here at Catalina Spa & RV Park .

Vern Hesketh our resident bird carver here teaches this class and today I thought I'd take a picture of his "students" hard at work!

Does one of them look familiar!

A Grandparent's Saviour

2006-11-14T19:37:00.000-08:00

Because we live and travel in a motorhome and we are currently in California, we are away from our wee grandchildren.

This summer we thoroughly enjoyed spending the summer with them and we really bonded with Makai, our grandson.

Modern technology (by way of a webcam) allows us to stay in visual contact whenever we can and it is a grandparent's saviour.

Hopefully this way when we get together again, the grandchildren will know us and we will avoid any "making strange".

I Can't Help It

2006-11-13T20:45:00.000-08:00

I know this mountain's picture has been posted here many times before but I just never get sick of it.

Each day I wake up and watch it change colours as the rising sun shines on it.

This morning on my walk (while I was cameraless), it went from shades of pink to shades of orange.

This picture was taken yesterday morning around 10:30 as we were heading out of the park for coffee.

Another Cat Story

2006-11-12T15:34:00.001-08:00

I know I have written about Sam, our cat, many times since the inception of this blog, but as she ages (she is 11 years old as of September 27) she becomes more and more personable.

As a little kitten she rarely "went public", choosing instead to remain hidden out of sight.

Once we began full-timing, she slowly became more and more assertive and now no longer disappears if we have visitors.

Since arriving back at Catalina Spa, her favourite sleeping spot is in the living room, either on the back of the couch (where she can watch any outside activity) or on the Euro-lounger beside the TV.

Reluctantly, she even lets us take her picture!

An Owl in the Making

2006-11-11T15:47:00.000-08:00

Rick is a budding woodcarver, thanks to the tutelage of Vern Hesketh a fellow RVer and an award winning carver staying at Catalina Spa for the winter.

This season Vern is teaching his "students" to carve a Saw-Whet Owl (a tiny little fellow).

Here is Rick's owl, which is already beginning to take shape after only one class and a little homework.

Not bad at all!

Taped

2006-11-10T17:31:00.000-08:00

My "wee" grandson Makai got his hands on some scotch tape.

Whether he was trying to taste it or use it to silence himself remains unknown.

His mom managed to take this picture just after he was found all taped up!

Patience

2006-11-09T17:10:00.000-08:00

When Rick and I are here at Catalina Spa, we are on the go a lot.

Most days I am out the door by 6:00 AM and Rick, by 7:00 AM.

With the exception of a quick shower before work or a quick lunch at noon, we aren't back at the Moho until after 3:00 PM.

It is at that time when one of us opens the door that we find this little Miss patiently waiting for her owners to return!

It makes "coming home" even more special!

Still Gardening

2006-11-08T20:05:00.000-08:00

When we lived in a brick & mortar house we planted several perennial gardens.

Once we hit the road, gardening was just no longer part of our vocabulary but recently we have purchased a few shrubs to plant at our RV site.

Though it is just where we are parked for a few months and we don't own the site, the plants are our gift to ourselves while we are here and to the park while we are gone.

Here is one of our new hibiscus plants!

My Favourite Treat

2006-11-07T21:48:00.000-08:00

It is at this time of year that pomegranates are in season and in this part of the world they are readily available for a reasonable price.

The Costco store in Palm Desert carries packaged pomegranate seeds which we use in salads and they are delicious, as well as being healthy.

One of my favourite treats is to peel a pomegranate and eat the ruby red seeds and tonight I managed to make time to do so. Mmmmm!