SHELF FOR OUR NEW HOTPOINT REFRIGERATOR

Oct. 08 - Back in April I posted an article about our having a new residential Hotpoint Refrigerator installed in place of our defunct Norcold.  The new Hotpoint has worked out just great.  Only one problem!!

The freezer is quite large, with an ice maker that we had installed.  There were no dividers or shelves in the freezer.  As a result, I had to pile all of the frozen foods into a refrigerator drawer that I kept from our old Norcold for use in the freezer.  Not very practical; a lot of wasted space!!.

When we were buying our new Hotpoint at Home Depot, we noticed a similar refrigerator with a shelf in the freezer.  We tried that shelf in the floor model of our Hotpoint that, while it had the holes in place for a shelf, there was no shelf.  It worked perfectly.  But, we could not buy that shelf.  I went on line and found a shelf that looked like it would work but the Hotpoint representative did not have measurements for the shelf on line and did not show a refrigerator of the same ID as the one at Home Depot with the shelf.  I put the project on hold for a while.

Last week, we decided to try again.  A very helpful clerk at Home Depot helped us with the measurements. measured the freezer and the shelf and the placement of the holes.  We went home and measured our freezer size and the placement of the holes.  It seemed like it would work.

We went back to Home Depot and the store clerk placed an order for the freezer shelf to be delivered to us at TT Palm Springs.

When we arrived at TT Palm Springs on Friday, our shelf was waiting for us!!

The freezer shelf works PERFECTLY!!



I am so glad we stuck with this project!!  It makes a bid difference in our freezer space!



HAPPY ANNIVERSARY KEN AND FAYE

 Thur, Oct 11 - It was our Anniversary!!  We woke up this morning in the parking lot at Temecula Valley RV where we were waiting to have our 6-month old toilet repaired!!  We finished up with the repairs at about 3:00 PM and returned to our RV site at TT Wilderness Lakes.  Although the staff at Temecula Valley RV was very nice and friendly, wished us a Happy Anniversary, etc., it was not the way we would want to celebrate our anniversary!!





When we got home, we were exhausted from doing nothing!  Did we really want to go out for our Anniversary!!??  Ken was watching TV;  I went on line to see if I could find any restaurants nearby that we wanted to make the effort to go out to.  The first restaurant on the list was Texas Roadhouse!  HMMMM!!  I read some of the Reviews.  All of the Reviews were positive -- friendly atmosphere, delicious steaks and salads, "call-ahead" seating, Early Bird Specials until 6:00 PM.  The restaurant was only about 2-3 miles from TT Wilderness Lakes.  We felt like we could go as we were.  What more could we ask for??!!!!

We called ahead for 5:00 PM seating and mentioned that it was our Anniversary.  The receptionist sounded genuinely excited for us and gave us a confirmation number that we were to give the hostess when we arrived.

The minute we arrived we picked up on the atmosphere of FUN!  When we gave the hostess our confirmation number, she said, "Oh, you have an Anniversary!!  Congratulations!!" 

A very nice, friendly gentleman greeted us and said he would show us to our table.  He first pointed out the beautiful steaks available to diners, and the hand-made sweet rolls that had just been pulled from the oven!  He grabbed a basket full for us.

When we arrived at our table, I mentioned that we were interested in the Early Bird Specials.   The booth was so large that Ken and I sat together on one side.  The gentleman slipped into the seat across from us and proceeded to explain all of the the Early Bird Menu options.  He was so friendly, I had to ask his name.  "My name is Keith.  I'm the Owner."!!!  You could tell he really Loves His Job!!  (All of the servers wore t-shirts that said, "I love my job" with a big red heart.) 

Sidebar:  I had read on line that the Manager always made certain to stop by each table to greet the diners.  I never expected he would actually sit down with us!!



The basket of delicious sweet rolls!!  Ken and I had already eaten a couple.  They were amazing!!

A bucket of peanuts waited on the table for us to munch before dinner.

On line I had read a recommendation for the Cesar Salad. It was fresh and delicious!

Our Waitress, Holly, was just as friendly as Keith had been. She scooted into the seat across from us and explained about their steaks and how to order to get the exact doneness we desired.

From the Early Bird Menu, I ordered the 6 oz. Sirloin, Ken ordered the 11 oz.  As the reviews had stated, the steaks were tender, juicy, and flavorful, and cooked to perfection! 

Ken and I had already eaten a portion of our dinners before I though about taking a picture!

Here we are, enjoying our Anniversary dinner!!

At the Texas Roadhouse, it is tradition for the staff and patrons to help you celebrate your Birthday or Anniversary.  Holly pulled up a Saddle on a "horse" beside our table.  Ken helped me straddle the saddle while the staff gathered around.!   Holly announced, "Faye and Ken are celebrating their anniversary!!  Let's give them a Big YA HOO!!!"  Everyone in the restaurant yelled out "YA HOO!!!"

A couple of the waitresses standing behind us after the celebration!

A second picture so you can see the saddle and know that I'm An Old Cow Hand!!

Holly had rounded up our bus boy, Anthony and arranged for him to be the photographer!



And the last delicious surprise!!  Vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce!!

What a great night out we had!!  Our dinner at Texas Roadhouse was so good, and so much fun, it felt more like a first date than at Thirty-Third Anniversary!!!

Hope you friends who come to TT Wilderness Lakes will drop by Texas Roadhouse sometime soon!!  Tell Keith that Faye (with an E) and Ken sent you!!

Sidebar:  I recommend you go to their website for ideas on what and what not to order.  We stuck to the simple sweet rolls, steak, potato and salad.  It was all scrumptious.  Can't speak about other dishes, .  Also, we arrived at 5:00 PM on a Thursday.  Although there were a lot of customers, there was no waiting for us.  Apparently, other times may be busier.  Be certain to check the Reviews for the one located in Menifee, CA.  All Texas Roadhouses are not the same!!

 Enjoy!!

TT WILDERNESS LAKES RESIDENTS!!

While we were  at the Community Center in Heme to play Pickleball, Debbie showed us a picture of two Rattlers she had taken with her Smart Phone.  She had seen these of residents of TT Wilderness Lakes making themselves at home on their patio!!   I was soooo excited!!  I asked her to send me the picture by E-Mail.  She said: "What's your E-Mail address?  I'll send it to you now."  She keyed in my address on her Smart Phone, pushed a key or two, and the picture was sent instantly!!!  WOW!!  This new technology is just AMAZING!!!

Mother Rattler in the upper center; Baby Rattler middle of picture!

Thanks, Debbie, for this fab addition to our Blog!!

BACK AT TT WILDERNESS LAKES, CA

Fri Sept 29 - We are at TT Wilderness Lakes for two weeks.  It was good to see some Pickleball players!

Left to Right:  Debbie, Bill, Julie, Faye, Ken and Gary.

Later on in the week, the group had changed slightly.

Front:  Julie, Debbie.  Back Row:  Al, Jessie, Jim, Chuck, and Ken.  I did not play because of my Birthday Surgery, explained later.

People who have stayed at TT Wilderness Lakes know that the campground is adjacent to the local dairy farm!  We have a swam of friendly flies that greets us every morning on the Pickleball Courts!!

Locals have started playing Pickleball in the nearby Community Center.  A group of us went over to play on Thursday morning.

Jessie is helping Phyllis and Ron put up the nets before play.

There is enough room in the Community Center to set up three courts.  



Jessie and Phyllis were partners.  They took on -

The team of Ron and Ken!!

The great thing about playing indoors is that you don't have to be worried about the elements -- the sun, the breeze, and the FLIES!!

CANDY BAR BINGO

At 1:00 PM every Saturday afternoon TT Wilderness Lakes has Candy Bar Bingo.  Ken and I always participate when we are here.  We like their rules.  Each person is given four cards.  When you get BINGO, you turn your card in to the caller and pick up a candy bar.  The best part is that they call numbers until almost everyone has won a candy bar!!  Today Jessie and Jim M's wife "Adi" played as well.

We like to try to win FREE candy bars to carry with us when we go to the DISCOUNT movies!!  This is our haul today!!  Ken won three candy bars and I won only one.  But, we each got a candy bar for our upcoming anniversary, and I got another candy bar for having a birthday!!  Looks like several trips to the movies!!

CELEBRATING FAYE'S BIRTHDAY!!

Oct. 3 - My official birthday is on October 2nd, but because we had an appointments with the Dermatologist in Murrieta on the 3rd, we decided to celebrate then.

We started the day with a movie at the California Oaks Theatre.  I chose LOOPER because the time it was playing fit into our busy schedule.  It was pretty good, not great.  Besides, I love Bruce Willis.



Next, Ken took me to Dick's Sporting Goods.  I wanted to get a Medicine Ball (four pounds).  I need to do something to strengthen my core!!  Hope this works!!

After filling up with gas at Sam's Club (UGH!) we headed to see Dr. Leslie, the Dermatologist.  An earlier biopsy revealed I had a skin cancer that Dr. Leslie removed today.  She told me not to do anything strenuous until the stitches are removed on the 10th.  That means no Pickleball for a week and no Medicine Ball exercises!!  Ken had a few pre-cancer cells that Dr. Leslie froze off.

After our trip to the doctor, Ken took me to Target's to buy me a nightgown for my birthday!!  Thanks you, Ken!!  (I forgot to take a picture of the store, and you are not going to see me in the nightgown!!!)

Earlier, when we went to the California Oaks Theatre, Ken noticed a Chili's Restaurant.  We have not been to Chili's for a long time, but decided that would be a good, convenient place for a birthday dinner.  It turned out to be a great idea!!

After browsing the menu, we decided to try the "2 for $20" Ribs.  The meals came with an appetizer.  Ken had noticed people eating something really interesting and we asked Rachael, our waitress, about it.   Chili's Fried Onion Strings and Jalapeno Stacks!!  It was Wonderful!!!

Partially eaten before I remembered you would want to see a picture!!

Ken enjoying a forkfull of Chili's Fried Onion Strings and Jalapenos!!

The half rack of ribs with fries.  Rachael checked with the bartender who allowed us to have beer from the bar at Happy Hour prices!!!  (For my birthday!!)  UUUMMMMM!!  Everything was delicious!!

After our meal, Rachael surprised me with all the waitresses and waiters serenading me with "Happy Birthday To You", and presenting me with a Brownie Sundae!!  Thank you so much Rachael!!

The celebration happened so quickly that Ken was unable to get a picture of the group singing, but this nice young man quickly kneeled for a picture with the Old Lady!!



WHAT A GREAT BIRTHDAY!!!  THANK YOU, KEN!!!!


A COUPLE OF WEEKS AT TT PALM SPRINGS, CA

Sept 15 - Sept 29 - We arrived at TT Palm Springs on Saturday, September 15th, the day the campground reopened.  We thought we would get there early to help Rick and Linda welcome Pickleball players!!  Wrong!!  Linda and Rick were there and it was great to see them again.  We had them over for lunch of Tuna Croissants!!



 But it was far to early and tooooo hottttt (3 digit temps) for any other players to show up!!  Most of the time we just stayed in our air-conditioned motor home and read and watched TV!!

One day we stopped by Home Goods, looking for some kind of basket to keep our shoes so they don't have to spread all over the floor!  Success!!!!  Note:  The basket fits perfectly under our steering wheel table. 



After that we stopped by Ross and bought a "storage foot stool" like one Ken and seen at a doctor's office.  They told him they had gotten it at Ross.  Success!!  Ken added some rollers on the bottom so we can move it around.  You can turn the lid over and it is a large tray.



Friends of ours, Joe and Pam, bought a house in LaQuinta, just a few miles from TT Palm Springs.  We got together with them to catch up with happenings and to enjoy Happy Hour at the Elephant Bar!

I always like to take a picture of the bar with the fans!!  I happened to get our waiter in the picture.

We leave TT Palm Springs on Saturday morning.  On Friday afternoon, we met Pam and Joe for lunch at Pho VU Vietnamese Restaurant in LaQuinta for Shrimp Noodle Soup and Egg Rolls.  We introduced Pam and Joe to Pho VU a year or so ago.  They say it is their favorite restaurant in the area and only about a mile from their home.  The Restaurant was packed with the lunch-time crowd.  Pam said it always is!!  The price is right and the food is wonderful!!  Not fancy but everything is so fresh and reasonably priced!!

 

 

 

 

Here we are -- four happy dinners!!

 

 

 

Thank you Pam and Joe for getting us out a couple of times!!!!

THE ENDEAVOUR'S FINAL FLIGHT!!

Sept 20 - 21 - A moment in history!!  And we missed it!!!  Thursday morning as we watched TV, the west coast news was full of stories and pictures about the Endeavour's Final Flight.  We were watching at 9:00 AM.  TV coverage was following the Endeavour's Final Flight as it headed toward Edwards Air Force Base, scheduled to land around Noon.  If we had left at that moment, we could have made it to Edwards (150 miles from TT Palm Springs) in time to see the Shuttle come in for a landing!!  But we did not leave, and so we missed it!!

Mounted atop a modified Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, the shuttle heads toward Edward AF Base.  (From NBC News on TV)



Early on Friday morning, the Endeavour left Edwards, heading for Los Angeles Airport.  It made flyovers of many Southern California sites en route, including Palmdale, San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, Griffith Observatory, Disneyland, and the Hollywood sign before heading to LAX.  Notice how low it is flying -- only about 500 feet!!  Amazing!!

The following pictures were taken from The Atlantic, Sept. 29, 2012 – In Focus - Because we were not there!!!

I did not realize that Southern California was so involved in the space program, but they have built and tested most of the space shuttles.  Tens of thousands of people turned out to witness this moment in history.  But we were not there!!!

 

One of several fly-bys over LAX,

 



Coming in for a landing at LAX!!  But we were not there!!

 

Once at LAX, the Endeavour was removed from the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft by crane.  Fascinating!!

Around September 12 or 13, the Endeavour will be transported overland to the California Science Center.  We will probably be at the wrong place at the wrong time and will not be able to participate in that moment in history either.  That's OK.  It was amazing to watch the entire episode play out on TV.  Great coverage!!!

KEN AND FAYE EWBANK PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT, TT CHESAPEAKE BAY, VA

Labor Day Weekend - It was so much fun viewing Mike and Michelle's Facebook pictures of the Annual Ken and Faye Ewbank Pickleball Tournament held over Labor Day Weekend at TT Chesapeake Bay!!  They had quite a large group of players this year.  Great job Mike, Michelle and everyone else who had a hand in making this tournament a big success!!

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 When we left TT Chesapeake Bay in 2010, Mike, who had taken over the Pickleball program, asked if we would mind if they named the Labor Day Pickleball Tournament for us (because we had started the tournament some years before).  Needless to say, we were thrilled. 

 

Now, it looks like this tournament has grown so big and the level of play is so high that Ken and I will not even be able to participate in "our"  tournament when we get back to Virginia!!!! 

 

Congratulations to all of the participants!!  Miss you guys!!!

 

 

 

 



CHUMASH PAINTED CAVE, SANTA BARBARA, CA

Aug 29 - Before we left Santa Barbara, we wanted to make one last trip to the Farmers' Market downtown!!  On our way into town, we detoured about 5 miles up a curving side road to see the cave paintings in Chumash Painted Cave.  We have been here before but it was years ago! 

 

The paintings are exquisite and still so vivid.  I suppose the colors were preserved by being in a cave.





We had to climb up this embankment to get to the cave.  Then - we had to get back down!!  Years ago, this climb was a piece of cake.  I can't believe how difficult it was for me this year!!!  Getting soooo OLD!!!

This is the view of Santa Barbara and the Pacific on our way back down the curvey road!!

When we returned to TT Rancho Oso, these wild turkeys were waiting for us!!  These are the first we have seen at the campground this year!