Thursday, February 28, 2013

SUZANNE AND JOHN AT TT WILDERNESS LAKES

Thur 02/28 - My friend Suzanne, who did Line Dancing, Water Aerobics, and some computer stuff with me when we were back East, and her husband John, came into TT Wilderness Lakes the other day and parked right across the street from us!

They recently bought a new Allegro Red, a beautiful motorhome by Tiffin Motor Homes, the same manufacturer who made our Allegro Bus many years ago.


We joined them this afternoon for some wine and snacks.  The Red is as beautiful inside as it is out!


After a few glasses of wine, we all gathered on the sofa for a group picture!!


Thanks Suzanne and John for a fun time!!  Congratulations on the Red!!

TACOS AT MIJOS TACOS, RIVERSIDE, CA

Web 02/27 - Today I was scheduled for a procedure to be performed on my right eye.  I usually see the Ophthalmologist in Loma Linda, but this appointment was at his location in Riverside.  I have a magazine article from the Inland Empire Magazine that highlights the best Taco locations in the IE (Inland Empire).  One Taco place mentioned in the article was Mijos Tacos in Riverside, only about two miles from my doctor's office.  We decided to go there for lunch before my appointment.

Mijos was not an upscale place but a small Taco shop in a shopping strip on Hole Avenue in Riverside.


Ken and I each ordered a fish taco and a shrimp taco, brought to us by our cheerful hostess/waitress!


While we were enjoying our tacos, we chatted with the nice young couple at the next table -- about RVing and Pickleball, of course.  We mentioned that I have a Blog that showed a little Pickleball (HA HA), and took their Email address so I could send them the link.  I asked Jesse and Carmen if I could take their picture for the Blog.  I love this man!!  Not only was he happy to pose for a picture, he rounded up our waitress so she could take the picture of the four of us!


A fun and delicious time at Mijos Tacos!!

HAPPY HOUR AT FLEMINGS PRIME STEAKHOUSE

Tue 02/19 -  I read about Flemings Prime Steakhouse "5 For $6 'Til 7" Happy Hour on the internet (Cheap Eats) and have been wanting to give them a try.  The only problem was, Happy Hour did not begin until 5:00 PM -- we usually go to Happy Hour around 3:30 or 4:00 PM.

This Tuesday afternoon we both had appointments with our Cardiologist at Desert Cardiology in Rancho Mirage.  We just happened to finish our appointments at about 4:45 PM -- perfect timing to go to Happy Hour at Flemings!

We sat at the bar at Flemings.


Our bar tender did not want to pose for a picture but he offered to take ours.


Explaining the "5 For $6 'Til 7" Happy Hour:  Flemings offers a choice of 5 premium cocktails, 5 distinctive wines by the glass and 5 generous appetizers. Each selection priced at just $6 each, and served nightly at the bar until 7 pm.

Ken choose Merlot wine and Sweet Chile Calamari.  Totally different from the Calamari at the Elephant Bar but most delicious!!  UUMMM


I had a Jim Beam Manhattan and the Tenderloin Carpaccio.  This was a surprise!!  The tenderloin was so thinly sliced that when I went to put it on the crispy bread, I discovered it was more like a spread than a slice of tenderloin.  It was fascinating and delicious!!


We were both very Happy with our choices, but I should point out that the "5 For $6 'Til 7" includes a sixth choice of their $14 Burger for $6.  It, too, looked delicious and was huge!  What a deal!!

I am glad we tried Flemings Happy Hour by ourselves because the bar is not designed for groups.  There was only one bar table for four.  Everyone else sat at the main bar or at additional bar-like seating on the other side of the area (see behind us in our picture above).

"5 For $6 'Til 7" Happy Hour at Flemings was delightful!!  Highly Recommend!

GRANDSON THOMAS - TALL IN THE SADDLE!

My 16 year old grandson Thomas, has been taking equestrian lessons for several years at a local stables, and he loves it! He had been riding horses provided at the stables where he was taking the lessons every week.  However, just recently a lot of things changed.  He is now taking lessons at a different stable with a different instructor AND he now has his own horse to ride!  Chello!  Chello is a Hanoverian.  This exquisite breed originated in Germany and is often seen in the Olympic Games and other competitive English riding styles.

Thomas is a tall drink of water himself, and Chello is the perfect size for a nice tall young man.  Thomas and Chello look great together!


Here is a youtube link showing the two of them during one of their first rides together: http://youtu.be/TfRfFz7lJSc

We are mighty proud of you, Thomas!!  Way to go!!

Monday, February 18, 2013

NEW POSTS

Feb 18 - WOW!!  How time flies!!  I can't believe it's been almost a month since I last posted articles to our Blog!!  So, now we have a lot to talk about.  In fact, you may have to go to OLDER  POSTS to see everything.

The following articles are posted so you can read them in the order in which they occurred -- the earliest events will appear first and these postings will end with the TT Palm Springs Fourth Annual Pickleball Tournament (February 14-16).

Enjoy!

EXTENDED STAY FOR MORE RV REPAIRS AT TEMECULA VALLEY RV SERVICE

Feb 23 - 29 - I reported in January that we had the seal around the motorhome slideout replaced and adjustments made on the slideout alignment.  Everything seemed to work OK.  But, as we were settling up our account, Bill pointed out that the technicians had found some leak problems with the engine.  What next??!!  Anyway, we set up an appointment in two weeks to coincide with our departure from TT Wilderness Lakes to have the engine repairs made.

But, we later discovered the slideout problems were not over yet!!  When we were at the campground and put out the slideout, we discovered a crushed kitchen tile where the new roller brings the slideout in!!  Oh HE@$#L!!!


We immediately called Bill and extended our scheduled appointment at Temecula Valley RV Service to include taking care of the broken tile.

This was on January 11.  We enjoyed a week and a half of Pickleball, Candy Bar Bingo, etc. at TT Wilderness before returning to Temecula Valley RV Service for repairs on January 23.

The replacement of the leaking fuel lift pump went without any problem.  The leak in the accessory drive gasket was corrected in record time.  Great!!  Not so fast!!  Repair of the crushed kitchen tile was another story entirely!!!

The tile was removed and replaced; more adjustment made to the slideout aleignment.  We had to wait 24 hours before the slideout could be brought in over the new tile.  Guess what!  At the end of that time, another cracked tile!

This was repeated for three tiles!  We were down to the last tile that we had with us!  With the replacement of our last tile and one more adjustment to the alignment everything seems to be OK!!  After almost a week, we were finally able to leave Temecula Valley RV Service!  And, we did not have to set up an appointment for any other repairs.  HURRAH!!!

WEDDING BELLS ARE RINGING!

January 26 was the big day for Lee and Larry!!  Their wedding day!!  We had planned to go to the big event, but we were still cooling our heels at Temecula Valley RV Service.  Nevertheless, the wedding was a big success even without us, and we understand the couple is still happily married!!  Larry said there were about 120 people at Desert Springs Church in Palm Desert for the ceremony -- they expected about ten, he said!  And there were about 180 people at the reception!

Are they happy, or what??


Leaving the church!  Look at the proud groom!


It was a pot-luck and Pickleball reception!  About 180 friends and family!


Toasting the Bride and Groom!


And time for the wedding cake!


Our sincere CONGRATULATIONS to you both, Lee and Larry!

PALM DESERT SENIOR GAMES - DAY 1

Feb 08 - 10 - Another year and another Palm Desert Senior Games!  This is their poster for 2013!


 We no longer participate in the Palm Desert Senior Games, but we still enjoy watching the play and meeting up with old friends!

This gentleman had an unusual display at the gate as we went in.  Tennis shoes with replaceable tops!!


Notice how the top of the shoe zips off so you can replace it was another look!!  After purchasing one pair of shoes, you can buy just the additional tops.


Today the schedule was Men's Singles, Women's Doubles.  Our friend, Bill, participated in Men's Singles.  He's from Richmond, VA.  He made us proud!!






Bill and his wife, Val.


We missed Jessie's matches but caught up with her and her medal!


Spectators from our campground:  Jim, Shirley, Carole, Ken, Linda O. and Faye.  It was ever so cold and windy!!  Notice how bundled up we are!!


Rick served as Referee for several of the games!


Our prodigy, Judy in purple, with her friend and partner, Stephanie.


Later in the afternoon, Stephanie and Judy played Women's Doubles.




The day was miserably cold and windy.  We left before the games were over, but we'll be back on Saturday!!

PALM DESERT SENIOR GAMES, DAY 2

The schedule for the second day of the Senior Games was Women's Singles and Men's Doubles.  Some of the finals from Friday needed to be played today also.

I mentioned how cold and windy it was yesterday.  Snow fell on the surrounding mountains during the night!  But today was a much better day, weather wise!



You may have noticed the ZZT Sports banners in some of the pictures from Day 1.  That is the Pickleball business of our good friends Spike and Linda.  Here is Spike with their son Jerald who was helping wrap grips and sell paddles at the Games.  Nice to meet you Jerald!!


Jim P. and Wendell were partners in the Men's Doubles!



Spectators watching the intense match:  Richard, Becky, Shirley, Linda O., Jim  M's Wife Ad, Jim M., Carole, Clint.


This is Jan, the Announcer for the Games.  I made a point to speak to him today because I wanted to let him know how much I enjoyed his commentary -- his humorous comments in an otherwise dull announcement.  "We need Referees.  Short, Tall, it doesn't matter.  We just need Referees."  "We need volunteers to be Referees.  If we don't get any, we'll be here all night!"  Jan was very surprised to learn that anyone enjoyed his comments!  (That's the wrapped microphone in his right hand -- not an ice cream cone!!)


After winning Gold in Women's Doubles yesterday, long time friend Pat played Women's Singles.


Long time friend Pat playing a singles match.


Pat's match was against Meg.  Meg drove all the way down from Long Beach by herself to play in the Games.  Pat and I met this very nice lady yesterday when she was asking for information.  Meg was just unlucky that she came up against Pat in her very first match!


Bill finished up his Gold Medal Match in the Men's Singles from yesterday!  Winning!!!  Congratulations Bill!


Our prodigy Judy is playing Women's Singles today.  We did not teach her That!!




Ken and Paul watching Judy's match.


More spectators watching her match:  Gloria, Faye, Linda O. Cathy, Oland, Stephanie.


Amazing shot, Judy!


Judy ultimately lost this match in three sets!!  What impressed us spectators was that she came off the court with a big smile on her face.  "I still love this game!' she exclaimed.

On the next court were Jim M. and Clint in their Men's Doubles match.





Spectators watching one of the matches:  Richard, Becky, Shirley, Jim P., Clint, Linda O., Ad, Jim M. 


Paul D. from Del Webb Sun City (right) and his partner.


Ken and I were finished watching Pickleball for another day!