Summer to Fall 2018

July is starting out a whole lot better than June!!!! Thank goodness for that.

We are at Phil and Creela's in El Cajon, California. We are house and dog sitting for them until Monday. Lysel, she used to be our property manager, stopped by today, the 1^st and invited us to her house around 5 for appetizers and wine. She only lives about ¼ mile from here. She has a huge dog named Remi and he is such a lover.

Dave and I just hung around the house and he watched the World Cup, golf, baseball------normally he doesn't watch this much TV but he is bored. I read my book and finished it. I am going to pass it on to Creela as Dave isn't interested. Now it is time to start a new book. The weather has been wonderful. Temperatures in the 80's with a slight breeze and nights are cool.

Dave has been getting up at 7:00am and lets the dogs out and I usually sleep in until 8:00am. I never have been an early riser, but will get up early if there is a reason. Ha!!! The last couple days it has been foggy but it burns off rapidly once the sun is high enough. Phil and Creela live on a hill so they get sun early. Not a very exciting day today. We watched the World Cup, I started the new book but couldn't get into it so I watched TV after lunch. I really like the show, Drain the Oceans. It is very scientific and interesting. I watched 2 programs and then I laid down to take a nap. My shoulders and neck are really bothering me. After my back incident in May was healed, or at least doing so much better, we were invited to our friends house in Rincon, I think I told you that story. Well there was dancing involved and since I like to dance I did. Wrong thing to do. Two days after that my neck started to hurt. I went to bed and on the right side there was a real tender spot so I massaged it and apparently pushed whatever was sticking out back into place. It hurt and still did for a few days then it went away. Then all of a sudden my shoulders and upper back started to hurt and burn. Well I really can't do anything because there is no doctor close by and I figured it would be o.k. I put ice and heat on it which made it better. But now I know there is something out of place in my neck which is causing this nerve pain and I do have a doctor appointment on the 12^th to have that and my back checked out. It is hell to get old and not be able to do the things you did so effortlessly when you were younger. I have always learned the hard way so why should this be any different!!. So I am dealing with it and trying to be careful. I have one more week to go. Some of the pain has to do with the pillow I am sleeping on. I bought new pillows in May and that seemed to help a lot, but I didn't think I would have to travel with my pillow. Well------there again----wasn't thinking. It is what it is.

Creela and Phil are due home tonight. Their granddaughter is picking them up at the airport and we are having dinner with our Italian friends, the ones we had lunch with a couple days ago. We are going to a place called Dirty Bird which serves all you can eat chicken wings, among other things as well. It will be fun and we may or may not make it home before Phil and Creela!!! The dogs will be so happy to see their masters tonight. Taco, the oldest didn't eat all of her breakfast this morning and she has been looking around the house for them so she will be thrilled when they are back.

We just made it home before Phil and Creela. The dogs were so happy to see them. They caught us up on their trip and then we went to bed.

Next day which was the 3^rd, we went to Costco to buy something for Tom and Lynn's party. We got some pin wheels for an appetizer and a couple other things and came back to Phil and Creela's. Not much going on today and I sat and read for a while then did some computer stuff then got ready for the party. We left around 5:20pm as Phil needed to talk to Tom before the party. We were the first to arrive so while Phil and Tom talked, Dave, Creela and I helped Lynn set things out. They had about 40 people and some of them were part of our Bahia family. It was really good to see them and it is strange to see them in the states. We had a lot of food. Dave BBQ'd burgers and hot dogs and there was salad, fruit, appetizers and best of all apple pie and home made vanilla ice cream. By 9:25 the fireworks started. Tom and Lynn live in Rancho San Diego on a hill and they have a beautiful view of the hills and valley with a golf course. Across from Lynn and Tom's home on the hill a homeowner association collects money all year to put on this show for everyone around them. They were good and we really enjoyed it. We had a good time. When the fireworks were over, there was a small brush fire by where they lit the fireworks, but a fire truck was right there to put it out. It apparently happens every year. With the fireworks over we all started to gather what was left of the food we brought and we said our goodbyes. We thanked Lynn and Tom for the invite, as this was the first time we were able to attend. And we will get together again on our way back down.

Happy 4^th of July everyone. Today is a very relaxed day. We had our coffee on the deck and heard the music at the park nearby and the fire engines turn their sirens for the parade. We didn't go and see it as I was cooking breakfast for everyone. After breakfast and cleanup I exercised and read a little. We watched some tennis and baseball. It was a beautiful day and warm. We said goodbye to Phil and Creela and thanked them for their hospitality. Since we are leaving at 6:00am, we figured we would just say goodbye tonight so they didn't have to get up to send us off.

It is time to head north today. We got up early, packed up what was left and got underway. Phil and Creela weren't up yet. It is Thursday so we shouldn't have much traffic. We made good time and our first stop was at a Holiday Inn Express in Merced, California. We were tired. I noticed I had some red bumps on my chest on the right side. Looks like bug bites. Wondered if I got bit at Lynn and Tom's Party as I was sitting by bushes in their backyard. I put some antiseptic, hoping it goes away. We had a good night and slept well, but my neck and shoulders are killing me. I bought some Aspercreme, pain reliever hoping that might help. It did a little.

Next morning after breakfast we were on the road again. We decided to go as far as Redding and then decide which way to go. Yesterday they had closed I-5 due to the fire but it was open this morning. We wanted to stop and see our friends from Bahia that live in Redding. We gave them a call to see if they could meet us for lunch and they could. We went to their favorite Mexican place and then they invited us to stay the night, so after lunch we followed them to their house. Once there we were given a tour of the house and then the garden. They have several acres among the pines and it is absolutely beautiful. We sat outside and had a beer and then later, Jeff made dinner. He made Shrimp Scampi. It was a delicious dinner and we had a really nice visit.

We had a restful night and now to push on to Washington. We don't have to leave super early this morning as it is Sunday and there wouldn't be a lot of traffic on the highway. We had coffee and some fruit before we left and then we had to say goodbye. We were happy to have some time with Jeff and Susan as we don't see them that often in Bahia. They live in Rincon which is across the bay from us.

We said goodbye and noticed there was smoke in the air. The fire that was burning that closed I-5, wasn't far from them. They live in the Shasta area. We all were concerned, so I told them I would call them later to check on them.

Before crossing into Oregon we stopped at the liquor store and got some booze for us and our friends in Washington. Then we stopped at a motel that Jeff and Susan recommended in Port Orford, Oregon, named 'Sea Crest'. It was a pretty little place with a homemade quilt on the bed. We had a view of the ocean and the view was nice so I took a picture.

Next morning we drove to Roseburg then headed to I-5. We are north of the fires now so no worries. We got on I-5 and decided it was way too early to stop so we decided to keep going and make our final stop tonight in Vancouver, Washington. We stopped for breakfast and then drove until we reached our hotel in Vancouver, Washington named 'Quality Inn'. Here we settled in and I got to wash a load of laundry but the dryer didn't work so one other person beside me needed to dry clothes as well so the man at the desk said they could dry them and proceeded to get a maid. Not long I had dry clothes. I paid her and thanked her. That was great. Now the big decision of the night is where to eat dinner!!!! LOL!! Tomorrow--------Bremerton, Washington!!

We finally arrived in Bremerton. We didn't have anywhere to stay yet, so we thought we would check with our friends that let us live on their boat last summer to see if it was available. We finally got a hold of our friends and asked if we could stay on their boat and they said yes but only until toward the end of July. We said we thought we had a place to go so that shouldn't be a problem. Well that didn't turn out the way we wanted. Another one of our friends just bought a house and they had expected to have the keys to the house, but things happened and they didn't get the keys for quite a while. They took us to the house but could only show us the outside and yard. It's a pretty big place with a huge back yard and front yard and when you stand in the front yard close to the street you can see Seattle. Pretty neat. They have all kinds of great ideas to do inside the house and out. We were supposed to stay at their new home, but it never happened. We came back to the marina to the boat.

We relaxed on the boat of our friends and made ourselves at home. We saw many of our friends down at the Marina and just enjoyed being back.

I had a scheduled doctor appointment for just for preventative care but showed him the red bumps and told him my neck and shoulders hurt and tingled and touching my chest was uncomfortable. He said I had Shingles. Yikes!!! Dave kind of hinted to that fact just last night! He had it and it said it looked just like it. So the doctor gave me medication to take. Then I talked to him about upping my antidepressant medication because I was experiencing some issues. He said he would but only 20 miligrams and to take that and see if it helps. I would have a phone conversation with him in August to see how things were going. So other than the shingles I was in good health. I know the death of our friends in Bahia had a lot to do with it and depression too.

Well today I get to see the doctor who will perform my cataract surgery. They took all kinds of measurements and looked at my eye really good. Then I scheduled the surgery, not only for my right eye but left too. I am looking forward to seeing again. It is so easy to take everything for granted until it starts to go away. I am thankful that medicine has come so far as to just switch out lens in your eyes to help replace the bad one. I am really looking forward to getting this done.

Had Lunch with Jon, my youngest son. 

He is scheduled to have surgery on his colon. He is concerned and hope he doesn't have to have any removed to where he has to wear a colostomy bag until it all heals. Had a nice lunch and he looks good. He lost a little weight but I was thrilled to see him. We talked about taking the boys camping with us when we go with Ernie, Brooke, and Conor the up coming weekend. They were very hesitant to have the boys gone that long and that far away. We would be camping in Eastern Washington. In the end Jon and Susannah made the decision to keep the boys home. I was sad but couldn't blame them for making that decision.

Had my pre-op appointment this morning to make sure everything was alright and that I start on the drops.

Dave had his doctor appointment today and he is in great health!! We had dinner with our friends, Ron and Noreen which was very nice.

Today was Jon's surgery and the day we head to Ernie's to go camping. Brooke took Conor to Cheer camp with her as we couldn't watch him. So we were going up to help Ernie get things ready for camping. Dave and I went to the hospital in Tacoma, and when we got to the waiting room there was just his dad sitting there. He looked really tired. He had picked Jon up really early to take him to the hospital. I asked him if there was any news and he said no he was still in surgery. That shocked me as we thought by now he would be out of surgery. I broke down and cried but pulled myself together. I was worried that they had problems and Jon would have to wear the bag for a while which he didn't want to do. He hadn't been able to find a job yet and all this would put him behind even more if he had the bag. So I prayed everything would be alright. I talked to Susannah on the phone and she was heading over. Once she got to the hospital, Jon's dad said he was going home as he was really tired. We visited with Susannah and then the doctor walked in and said everything went well and they didn't have to take any of the colon so therefore, no bag. I was ecstatic with that news. We thanked the doctor for the good news and she said he would be sore for a while as she had to put her hand in and unstick the small intestine from the large. But the best news is he will heal and no more surgery’s. His diet will change so he gets more fiber, but he will be alright!!!! I was floating on cloud nine. We had to say goodbye to Susannah and I asked her to give him a gift for us and a big hug and kiss. We hugged her and said we would be in touch to see how Jon was doing. And so we left the hospital!!!!

We had to leave early due to traffic that builds around Everett in the early afternoon. Traffic is always bad there and Dave wanted to avoid it as best as possible. We text Ernie and he was just getting off work and would be home shortly. We got to the house before him and because he gave us the code to the garage door, we let ourselves in. Then we had to let the 2 dogs out. They were very excited to see us. We were bringing our stuff in when Ernie got home. We visited with him that evening and also he showed me the trailer he and Brooke bought. Dave already saw it because he went with Ern to get a class on the workings of the trailer. It is a nice Winnebago, with sleeping for 6. They got the bunk bed floor plan because of the boys. We helped load up the trailer and then would wait until tomorrow, which is Friday, when Brooke and Conor come home in the morning to finish the rest.

It was a busy morning but was great to see Conor and Brooke. Unfortunately Brody was at his dad's. We'll see him when we get back from camping. We loaded up the food and everything we could think of and off we went. We rode in the back seat of Ern's truck and I got to sit next to Conor!!!! He was really good and sang on the way and babbled, and watched a minion movie!! He watches the same one all the time!! Anyway he had headphones so the rest of us didn't have to listen to it. 

We had a long but pleasant ride and got to Blue Lake Resort late afternoon. Brooke and Ernie went in to pay and find out where to park the trailer. Once they got our assigned camp spot we backed the trailer in and started setting up and getting things organized. Brooke took Conor over to the lake. It didn't look real good for swimming. I went to the bathroom and found it dirty. Wasn't impressed. One of Brooke and Ernie's friends told them it was a reasonably priced camp ground and they liked it. Well guess what! We weren't impressed but we were there so we made the best of it. The neighbors around us were all huge motor homes and they had been camped there for a while and had been drinking. When night came our neighbors didn't quiet down, they only got louder which made it hard to put a 2 year old to bed. Conor was up until midnight!!! Finally, the people finally went to bed and we all turned in to get some sleep. It took a long time to get Conor to sleep but finally it happened. Dave and I slept on the table that makes into a bed and Conor was in the bottom bunk and Brooke and Ernie in their room. Conor did wake up in the middle of the night wanting mommy, so Brooke got up and brought him into their bed so we wouldn't be disturbed and everyone could sleep. Conor had been attached to his mom all week at Cheer Camp and didn't want to be out of her sight at all when they returned home. So it was a little challenging to keep him from wanting to be with mom all the time.

The next morning Ernie and Brooke needed to go into town so we all took a ride. We passed a camp ground on the right and we all said WOW!!!! That looks nice. Ernie said he would stop on the way back and see if they had any spots open. We did just that and we lucked out as they had just had a cancellation!! So we went back to Blue Lake resort, told the guy we were leaving and did complain about the neighbors, and then left. What a difference. Smokiam campground had trees, green grass, big teepees that could be rented, rental cabins, a swimming pool and hot tub, a laundry facility, clean showers and a play area for kids. Lots of room for tents and big motor homes and trailers like Ernie's. We love our spot and got set up. 

We had lunch and afterward played Corn Hole. A favorite with the family. I was terrible and couldn't get the bean bag into the hole. Well I found out that Ernie plays by the official rules, with the distance between the two holes being 27 feet. Where I have played, in Bahia, the holes were not that far away from each other. No wonder. I really sucked!!! But I had fun and Conor got the job of picking up the bags and getting them for us. We took a walk around the place and enjoyed seeing what was there. We took Conor to the play ground 

 

and we heard that on Saturday nights, which was this night, they show a movie when it got dark. They were showing a movie I wanted to see, but we all didn't feel like sitting on the grass to watch it. So we passed. 

We took a hike up some hills at Lake Lenore that was close-by the camp site.  It was pretty hot but it was fun to see the caves.

When we returned to the camp Ernie, Brooke and Conor headed for the pool. 

Dave and I went, but it was hot and all the umbrella's and chairs under them were taken. So I didn't stay long. I got some pictures. They also went into the hot tub. I couldn't go into either as I was still healing from Shingles. Bummer. Tomorrow we have to leave.

Today is my nieces, 65^th birthday!!!! Happy Birthday Kathy!!! Soon retirement is coming!! 

 

We got up, had breakfast and packed up. Sure doesn't take long to do that. Then we headed back to Ernie's place. Going to Eastern Washington took longer as we had to go around a fire. But the fire is out now so we shouldn't have too long of a trip. We stopped and had lunch on the way and got back to Ernie's house late afternoon.

Dave and I had to head back to Bremerton as I was getting surgery done on my right eye in a couple days. We checked back with our friends that allowed us to stay on their boat and they said we could just stay there for the rest of the summer. That was really, really awesome of them. I am glad we won't have to impose on our friends anymore next year as we will have the trailer.

Eye surgery day. It only takes about 15 minutes to do the surgery but there is a lot of prep before that so by the time you are done it is about 3 hours. The surgery went well and I had to wear a patch on my right eye until my post-op visit tomorrow morning. I had no discomfort or anything. Just tired. I was told not to do anything today, and not to do any strenuous activity for a week. That meant I can't watch Jon's boys this weekend. I slept most of the afternoon. 

 

Went for my post-op this morning and all is well. Eye pressure is good and I can see good again. I still can't see far away with that eye, but they put a lens in that was mid range. It felt really strange that my right eye was clear and my left was still not so clear. I couldn't wear my glasses as the prescription now is wrong. But I found out I don't need glasses. I can see pretty good and even read without glasses, but it does seem a little weird driving. I guess I am looking for the word unbalanced. Having one eye done and the other not, it throws off your equilibrium somewhat. It won't be long before the other eye will get done and then my eye sight will be great. After we left the doctor office, we went to Poulsbo to look at trailers. We wanted to see what they had. We looked a a few but there was only one we really liked. Last year when we looked we fell in love with an Outback travel trailer. I liked that you could walk around the bed and the settee was horseshoe shape. So I had my heart set on that one but it doesn't hurt to look around. We found a couple we liked but we wanted to think about it and get the brochure and look at how it is made and what package it has. We came back to the boat and just took an easy. We did talk about the difference of the Outback trailer from last year, to the ones we looked at today. As we discussed the pros and cons of the two trailers, the one we liked from last year and the one we liked this time. We decided that with a horseshoe shape dinette you lose room because of the round edges where no one sits. And as far as the bed, there was enough room to move around the bed and I decided that instead of making the bed with sheets, we would get the Travasak bed packages that resembles like a sleeping back but has removable sheets, like we had on the boat. So we decided we liked the one we saw today and we are planning on going back tomorrow to do some talking. Plus the one we saw today is a 4 season trailer which makes a big difference when you want to travel different places.

Next morning we went to Poulsbo again and talked to a salesman and we discussed how we could get the trailer we like for next year. We ended up ordering it and it would be made in December and the company in Oregon would store it for us until May of next year. We signed all the paperwork and did all that kind of stuff. So now we will have a trailer for next summer, and it will be our home while we are in Washington. Now where to leave it when we aren't using it. We have options we can check into. We are excited as it is a 27 food travel trailer and will meet our needs perfectly. It sleeps 6 so we can have the grandboys join us from time to time.

Last day of July and I have my post-op appointment. Everything is healing nicely and I will need to continue with the drops for about a month or 2.

Wow! Summer is going fast. My best girlfriend, Judy, and I are taking off for a couple days to go have fun. 

She is a quilter and seamstress so she likes to go to quilt shops and I like to do that as well as go to craft stores and goodwill and thrift shops. We made hotel reservations in Anacortes and we would visit the shops there as well as going to Burlington nearby. We always have a great time and Judy usually ends up getting more stuff than I do. Ha!! I am very picky and being on a limited budget I have to watch how much I spend. Dave and I come up to Washington with wish lists. These are things we need and want. We get the need ones and if there is enough money we get some things we want. Judy and I left on a Wednesday and came back on a Friday. Fun, Fun, Fun.

Sunday, Dave and I went to pick up Jon's 2 boys, Cameron and Jonathan Jr. We are going to take them to Island Lake Park in Poulsbo. We checked it out before and it looks really nice and the lake looks like it would be fun for the boys to play in and play in the sand. They have life vests for small children which is great and a play area and lots of trails. Dave had some errands to run so he dropped us off at the park and we went to the beach area and found a table. Not many people were there. Then the boys went down to the water. We ate lunch before they got into playing and then the boys went into the water and played in the sand. 

Later we walked to the play area and stopped on our way back to watch a couple of guys fish. They weren't catching anything but the boys wanted to stay there for the rest of the time and wait for them to catch something. We couldn't do that as Dave was coming back soon and I needed to get the boys cleaned up and things packed. We had a fun time and it was great to spend quality time with them. When Dave got back we piled the kids in their seats and off we went to take them home. Once at Jon's we visited with Jon and Susannah for a while then left to come back to the boat. I told Jon and Susannah that they made a great decision not to have the boys come with us. It would not have been good for any of us!

The Lady Washington and the Hawaiian Chieftan are at Brownsville Marina. They come about this time every year to give tours and have a battle sail. On Wednesday the ships went out to have their fake battle, which is always fun to watch with the cannons blasting and all. We were invited to go with Ron and Noreen in their dinghy to get closer to the action. It was awesome. The battles never get boring.  The Lady and Chieftain left for Port Orchard today. They plan on being there a week. They have bigger crowds.

Today is my left eye surgery. This time it is scheduled for 2:00pm. I had hoped for another morning surgery because you have to fast until after the surgery. I got a call from the doctor office saying they lost power and don't know when it is coming back on. They will wait and see but they may have to postpone the surgery. I hoped and prayed that it wouldn't. About an hour went by and they called back and said they are still on for surgery at 2:00pm so all was good. The doctors were a little behind but I at least got to get it done today. When it was all over, it was about 5:00pm. Again, I had a patch on my eye. Looking forward to tomorrow when the patch comes off. I was really tired again so I went to bed early.

Post-op this morning. When I got up my left eye was pulsing and it felt like sharp pins poking my eye. Glad today was my post-op. They asked how I was doing so I told them about my eye hurting. They took the pressure and it was high. So they looked in the eye and put drops in my eye to help relieve the pressure. After an hour the pain went away. I just put drops in both eyes until September to help avoid infection. I am thrilled I don't have to wear glasses and everything is bright!! Have to take it easy for the week again, but then it is all over with. Yay!!!!!

We had a fun event to go to today. Bremerton puts on a Wine tasting Festival for a few hours.

 
They have samples of great food from restaurants in the area and beer, and of course wine to taste. Who did I run into ------ my surgeon who did my eyes. He asked me what I was doing their as my left eye surgery was just 2 days prior. Had done everything by the rules so I was good. I got to meet his wife so that was fun. After tasting the wines we wanted to, we left and bought our favorite ones. We went back to the marina and to the boat and just chilled.

Today another visit to the doctors but this time for a mammogram!! It feels good to get all health things taken care of.

One last check of my left eye with the surgeon and all is well. The pressure is down and the eye is healing nicely. Yahoo! I am all done except for putting drops in my eyes until toward the end of September. I can live with that!

Ernie and Brooke celebrate 4 years of marriage today the 16^th. I also had a consultation over the phone with my doctor about how I was doing on the extra dose of antidepressant. He wants me to take the new amount until November. Then he will email me a quiz to answer questions on how I am doing and then he will decide whether to have me go back to my 40 milligrams or stay on the 60. So we shall see. I do feel better and thinking more clearly. When I got back to the boat I made signs to put up around the Marina for my craft show. I thought I would try and sell some of my crafts tomorrow and Saturday.

Set up for my craft show. It got off to a slow start because of where I had to hold it. The marina has a lighthouse that is actually a place for people to go and sit inside to watch the marina or get out of the rain. I had a few visitors and I sold a few things. I will try again in the morning.

Set up again for my show, but only had a handful of people stop by. That's alright. I made over $100. So I can continue to support my craft habit!!!

Went to Ernie's today as he and Brooke are heading to California for their anniversary getaway!! They are going to wine taste. They will be back in a couple of days and then prepare for Conor's 3^rd birthday.

Ernie and Brooke got back and had a wonderful time. They got back on a Saturday and Conor's birthday was the next day. We all helped put up decorations, Brody, Conor, and the rest. His birthday theme is the Minions!! Brooke and Ernie know a lady who makes sugar cookies and decorates them however you want. So we had minion cookies!! Great idea. 

So today was Conor's 3^rd birthday. At 3:00pm family and friends came to celebrate. Ernie always has a BBQ and Brooke and I make salads. They put on a great feast! Conor opened his gifts and then we had cake. He was so happy that the day was all about him!!! 
Mom and Dad put together his big boy bed while we kept him entertained.  Finally they let him go upstairs to his room.  He was a happy camper!!!

 
He tried to carry that over to the next day but it didn't work. Ha!! Since my brithday is on the 29^th, 3 days after Conor's, Dave and I stay so we can all celebrate my birthday. It was fun to hang out and just enjoy Brody and Conor! At least one night we try to play Mexican train so that is a lot of fun. That is after the boys go to bed so we can drink wine!!! Heheheh!

On my birthday everyone wished me a happy one. They asked what I wanted to do to celebrate and I said just hang out. They wanted to know what we could do about dinner, and they were willing to go out to a restaurant, but I told them one of my favorite meals is Kentucky Fried Chicken. So I made the coleslaw and they ordered the chicken, biscuits, potatoes and gravy!!! It was a great day just to be with family and I had to tell Conor all day it was MY birthday, not his!!! He finally got it and was o.k. That I could celebrate my birthday with him. He is such a doll. Ernie and Brooke bought a Costco lemon meringue pie instead of cake and Conor helped me blow out my candle. It was a fun and relaxing day.

Now that we have celebrated Conor and my birthday, we are headed by to the marina and boat. We need to start getting serious about buying things off our wish list we actually can't do without. Funds are dwindling so we are going to have to be very picky. We both crossed off a lot of things on our lists, but there is next year. No worries.

Today is a visit to my regular eye doctor. She looked in my eyes and said it looks great and gave me an eye test. My right eye needs help with distance and my left eye is perfect. So we talked about glasses. I have my old glasses that I was hoping to use the frame again and just have new lens' put in if I need them. The doctor said they can do that and I will have to wear glasses while driving. So I have bifocals for just driving. So much better. I have to wear them even in the passenger seat to read the maps, but for the rest of the time----no glasses!! Life is good!!

We are starting to gather the things we bought and start packing them up. Dave bought a shelving unit and a ladder so that went in first and then we had totes filled and put into storage so when we are ready to leave, all we have to do is load the totes and our suitcases.

September has arrived already so today Judy and I celebrated our joint birthdays by going to a tea house in Port Orchard for High Tea. I made the reservations and Judy picked me up in the morning so we could do shopping before lunch. We went to a used book store and dollar tree and a couple other places. Then it was time for our tea. We had been to the Grey House restaurant before but thought it would be fun to celebrate with a High Tea. They had made little sandwiches, had fruit and desserts. All small portions and it was just enough!! They had all kinds of flavors of tea which was kind of fun to just pick one. Mine was a berry one. Very delicious!!! After that we headed home. Judy's birthday isn't until the 28^th but I won't be with her to celebrate so we always find something to celebrate both our birthdays!

Well the serious packing has begun and we loaded up the truck. We are leaving on the 20^th to go south. We plan on stopping at my Nieces' new house in Oregon then got see my sister in Ukiah then onward to San Diego. The 19^th we said our goodbyes to our friends and looked forward to heading home. It was starting to get a little on the cool side and it was supposed to rain so we are outta here!!!

We didn't have to get up really early and we had plenty of time to get things off the boat and lock it up, taking our stuff to the truck. We are packed and off we go. We put in my nieces' address in the trucks GPS so we were able to find her place pretty easy. What a beautiful spot she and Andy have. 5 acres of trees and field and a view of the mountains to the east. Beautiful sun rises!! Her house is rustic and beautiful. We are very happy for them!!! We had a nice visit with Sandi, my niece and then her husband Andy came home from work. We visited with him while she finished getting dinner ready. She made chili, her homemade cornbread and banana cream pie. Dinner was delicious as always and then we cleaned up and watched some TV and did visit some. About 8:00pm Sandi and Andy fizzled out as they get up really early. So they went to bed and we stayed up to finish watching a show then retired for the night. She still has her 2 horses, and accumulated a third, but her temperament isn't the best so they are thinking of selling her. It was nice to visit with them and we look forward to it every year. We were up early enough to see Andy off to work and we had some coffee with Sandi and then it was time to leave. We drove for a while and decided to spend the night in Crecent City. So we found a Best Western to relax at for the night.

Next morning we were on the road around 8:00am and we are headed to my sister, Colleen's place in Ukiah. We stay a couple days as they are both struggling with their ailments but my sister and I got to go shopping at Kohl's!!! Colleen needed some blouses so I was able to help her with the decisions. It was fun but she was hurting so we cut it short. She got what she wanted and they were all great choices. She was so happy to get out of the house and we both were happy to spend sometime together alone.

We left their house on a Monday and would travel a while and stop somewhere mid afternoon. We decided to stop at a Holiday Inn Express. We had dinner at Kentucky fried Chicken and relaxed for the night. Tomorrow we will be in San Diego.

We didn't get up real early as we wanted time for the morning commute to settle down in L.A. So we took our time and then headed out. We will be at our friends house in El Cajon this afternoon. We finally arrived at Phil and Creela's house where we will stay for a few days. We want to cross the border on the 1^st of October. The traffic wasn't bad at all which is always a blessing.

We hung out with Phil and Creela and we also went to our other Bahia friends home to pick up 2 quad tires. Dave ordered them and had them sent there because we knew we would be able to pick them up. We were loaded as we had a friend ask us to pick up lights for him and some other things. So we just had enough room for the tires. We shouldn't have a problem bringing them across the border as the tires are not on rims. The Mexican people don't like people bringing tires on rims as they can be sold in Mexico. We had our receipts ready in case we got stopped and searched. We've been lucky the last few years to be passed on through, but you never know so you have to be prepared.

Dave and I had a relaxing time at Creela and Phil's and we helped them around the house where needed.

Today, the 28^th is my girlfriend, Judy's birthday!!!

Dave is keeping watch on hurricane Rosa, which is headed for Bahia. So far it looks as though Bahia is just going to get some rain and a little wind. Nothing severe. Thank goodness!

We said goodbye to our friends and thanked them for letting us stay with them, and we headed for the border. It was Sunday and we usually have good luck crossing the border on Sunday. Not many people travel on Sunday. We got waved through as they were more interested in the 2 vehicles in front of us. Whew!!! We got lucky again. As we headed south, we got stopped for about 30 minutes as construction is going on through Santo Thomas, south of Tecate. They are blasting a mountain away to make another road. The wait wasn't bad as we got there early. We knew the hurricane would cause some heavy rain up this way, and we should have just drove all the way home, but Dave was really tired. Not good to drive when you are tired and we didn't know if it was going to be raining hard further south. So we made the decision to stop at our favorite oasis in San Quintin, 'Jardines'! It is so beautiful and peaceful there it is like you are away from everything.

It had started to sprinkle and the weather forecast was calling for heavy rain and wind. As we went through the small towns, we saw people lined up for propane and cars lined up at the gas stations. These people were expecting the worst. It did make us a little nervous but we would rather be safe than sorry.

Forecast is calling for heavy rain and wind on Monday. It did rain hard but no wind. It rained so hard we knew that a couple of the roads would wash out and we wanted to leave before that happened. Well the weather was so bad we had to stay another night. We were in good company though as some other friends that come to Bahia were there with us. So we made the best of it and gathered together to have dinner and my girlfriend that lives in San Quintin was able to join us. It was so nice to see her. She looks good and is healing from losing her husband about 2 years ago and bad health. 

So her and I managed to catch up on everything and it was pretty boring at the hotel. Dave watched the hurricane site on his computer and I read, and watch some TV and took a little nap. That afternoon we heard that one of the arroyo's north of Catavina was starting to overflow. The rain was to let up so we decided we would leave in the morning and take our chances.

The road was pretty good until we came to the first arroyo. About 3 feet of water was rushing over the roadway. Cars were stopped on both sides and only 4 wheel drive was able to get through. That would be us. No problem but we had to go at a steady speed to keep us from being swept sideways. Always an adventure.

Then as we got closer to Catavina, we were stopped at another arroyo and this one was pretty deep and water was like a rushing river. There was a work crew there scooping up sand and dumping it onto the road to slow the water flow. We had to wait a while, but they were letting a couple cars go through. Then they would put more sand and dirt on the road again. Finally it was our turn to go and we stayed on the high side of the road and pushed our way through. 

We made it but those cars that are low to the grow would have problems. At least they were working on the road to get people through. After that the road was fine and it turned into a nice day. We made it home on the 2^nd and Bahia looked fairly dry. We know it had rained but there weren't any road washouts, especially in our neighborhood. So all is good and it is good to be home. Adventures are nice but it is good when you get through them safely. 

 

Well the unpacking is going quick and we are getting back into the swing of desert life!!

Today was grocery day and filling 2 gas jerry cans so we have gas for our generators. I had to replenish most everything as I try to use up perishables so we don't have anything that bugs or the heat can destroy spoil. It is still warm here and a bit humid but we know that isn't going to last long.

The girls are back to playing Mexican train as there are enough American gals here for the winter. We are meeting again at one of our favorite restaurants to play and have lunch.

Grocery day again, Saturday and this time I had to fill the truck fuel tank plus 1 jerry can. The brunt of our expenditures should be done now.

We had another hurricane show up on the watch site and it looks as though it will miss us and we should only get some rain. The pour people south from Loreto down to Cabo, just got slammed with the 2 hurricanes. I am sad for them but glad we only got some rain. There is one more predicted but that one looks like the mainland of Mexico is going to hit hard. Some of the places we had visited when we were cruising aren't the same anymore due to that damage that was caused.

Our good friends to the north of the bay are coming to dinner tonight. I made chili; corn bread and a coffee cake and they brought an appetizer and salad. They will be leaving soon to go back to their house in Oregon. They work fires during the summer and didn't get a chance to finish putting a new roof on their house. So now is the time and when they are done they will be back.

We were invited to a friends house in Rincon, which is across the bay from us. They are our Italian friends and will be leaving soon to go back to Rome until spring so they wanted to invite a few people over to enjoy their last meal with their friends. They always eat late because they entertain on their patio which faces the West mountains where the sun sets. It is usually too hot to be on the patio until the sun goes behind the mountains. So we headed out about 6:00pm across the flats. You have to travel these flats to get to the other side and when it rains it turns to thick sticky mud!!! There are 3 different roads that will take you to Rincon and Dave thought the Ranch road would be dry enough as people have been traveling back and forth. It was so hard to see the tracks of the other vehicles that we got off the beat and path somehow and ended up getting stuck. We took the old black truck and it is only 2 wheel drive so once the tires filled with mud there was no traction. We tried to get out of being stuck and managed to turn around, only to get stuck for good this time. The sun had disappeared behind the mountain, and we did have a flashlight with us, but I forgot to bring the VHF hand held radio. So we couldn't call Paolo and Angela to tell them we were stuck. I was kicking myself in the butt for that because we normally have the radio with us just in case. As it got dark we tried to push the truck to get it unstuck and and I only had flip flops on and dressed nicely, but you do what you have to. So I got out of the truck and tried to make my way in front of the truck to help and the mud was so slick there was no traction anywhere so I fell. I landed on my butt but now I was partly covered in mud and had a devil of a time trying to get back on my feet. Dave couldn't help or he would be down with me. We tried all we could do to unstuck the truck but nothing worked. We were helpless. We would have to abandon the truck for the night and come back with the Toyota Tundra in the morning. We were nervous about leaving it there all night but because we couldn't call for help we had to. I did try to flash cars with the flashlight as they went down the road, but the light was too small for anyone to see, and the road was too far away. The only thing we could do was walk home. I have walked that distance before so I knew it wouldn't take us long to get home. So we had to go real slow in order to stay upright and I finally had to take my flip flops off before they were ruined. So I walked in the mud barefoot until we got to the road where it was dry and sandy. I put my flip flops back on and Dave had wanted to do a short cut to home going on the air strip. Well I told him it wasn't a good idea as there is a barbwire fence that cuts across the south part of the runway and to do that at night wasn't the time to try and get past that. Plus our gate guard knew we had left and that we were going to Rincon so we needed to walk to the gate to let him know what happened and we were home. Oh I forgot to add that the flashlight died right as we started walking home. Thank goodness for the moonlight!!! Otherwise it would have been bad. Once we got to the gate where we live, we told Tito and his wife what happened and told them we would go back in the morning to get the truck. So when we got home I took off my muddy clothes and tried to wash out the mud. This mud sticks like glue to everything. It is hard to get off of vehicles and clothes. I put my the worse articles I was wearing to soak over night and would deal with them in the morning. Then Dave asks whats for dinner. LOL!!! We actually weren't hungry but we had cheese and crackers for dinner. My butt was tender from the fall so I iced it. Dave called our friends to let them know what happened and apologized that we couldn't make it. They had been trying to call us for a long time. They told us to call in the morning and maybe we could come out tomorrow night and have dinner with them. So we said we would let them know how things went.

We received a call from another one of our friends in Rincon and they offered to help get us unstuck. That was really nice of them. So we met them half way between us and the old truck. They came out on the high road and had no problems. The guys walked to the old truck to try and decide how to go about getting it out and Susan and I stayed with the other trucks and talked. Tito our gate guard came with us to help too. A plan was made and the guys came back to the trucks and slowly and carefully drove over to the old truck. The first plan was to have all of us except Dave, because he was driving, in the back of the old truck to add weight. He backed up and got unstuck and then Dave went forward and got stuck again. Too back he didn't just keep backing up. So now it was time to get the tow rope out and they hooked one end to the tundra and the other to the old truck. I got behind the wheel of the old truck and put it in neutral and straightened the front tires as Dave pulled me forward. Yahoo----I was unstuck. So now that the old truck was unstuck, I did tell Dave I was nervous about driving behind him as parts of the road was still wet and slippery. Tito had been checking out the front where the tow rope was tied and noticed brake fluid leaking. Oh boy. Going over a clump of sand and bush it managed to break the fuel line on the right front break. I had no breaks. I stayed tethered to the tundra and we thanked everyone for their help and Dave and Tito took off in the tundra with the old truck tethered so I wouldn't get stuck. Susan and Jeff followed us to the road to make sure we got their safely and then left us and went back home. It is so nice to have people who are willing to help in times like these. We are so grateful and blessed. In order to keep the tow rope from tightening, I had to put the old truck in 3^rd gear but when he slowed to turn into the drive to our community, I couldn't down shift quick enough and I had no stopping power so I couldn't go into 1^st. So I passed the drive and finally stopped. Tito thought I might be going into the Pueblo, LOL. Dave came to the old truck and asked me to drive the tundra home and he would drive the old truck. So the tow rope came off and I went home. Tito rode with Dave to the gate and Dave managed to get the truck home. Now we have to see about fixing the break line. We called and talked to Paolo and we said we would come over for dinner but would leave while it was daylight and drive the tundra. I really didn't want to venture across the flats again, but we know we can make it in the Tundra. Well it ended up where we didn't go after all. My butt was really sore and I figured I bruised my tailbone. So it will be awhile before it heals. Paolo and Angela called us later that afternoon and canceled the dinner. They were leaving in the morning and had a lot of packing to do. So we told them we understood and for them to have a safe trip. We would see them next spring. Dave and I were both relieved to not take the tundra over and get it filthy with mud!! Like I said, it doesn't come off easy.

Next day Dave got under the old truck to check out the brake line and said we had a problem. He tried to get it so the truck would stop a little while he took it into town, but couldn't get all the of the brakes bled. Soooo the truck was not drive-able.

Because I couldn't drive the old truck to town, I had to take the tundra into the pueblo to do my weekly shopping. I stopped to talk to Sammy at his tire shop and told him we needed a new break-line part. He said he was going to Ensenada Friday so I gave him the year of the truck. He asked me some questions I couldn't answer so he said he would come take a look at our truck on Thursday. That works great.

Sammy came out on Dave's birthday which is Halloween, late in the afternoon. He looked at where there was a problem and said it would be easy to fix. I think he will need to come out to the house to fix it as we can't stop. So when he returns from Ensenada I will talk to him.

My butt is still tender and it is a little difficult to walk up the stairs and sit, but I am icing it when it bothers me so it is getting better.