Windy City

I thought Chicago was the "Windy City" but we had 35 mph winds, with gusts up to 55 mph, here in Albuquerque yesterday! The motorhome was rocking, tumbleweeds were flying by and the blowing dust was visible. Roger wanted to hook up our new water softener but could hardly stand up outside. We worried about Gary & Anne driving home - they fought it all the way - it was even worse in El Paso! It is better here today, sunny with less wind, so we are going to take the Sandia Tram up the mountain. They are still skiing on the east side - 36 degrees up there - so we are wearing our winter woolies! Hoping to find some GOOD Mexican food for dinner!
When we first arrived we had forgotten about the altitude changes but were soon reminded. I have a 64 inch exercise ball that lays on the bed when we travel - we got ready for bed the first night and it had expanded so much that we couldn't get it through the doorway into the hall! I went to put on my make-up the next morning and unscrewed the top and it squirted out all over! Our lips and skin are sooo...dry they soak up chapstick and lotion instantly. Don't think I could live here!
Capital One sent us an email questioning a charge on our VISA card. Weren't too worried because it happens often as we travel from state to state but this one was for $2400.00 from TicketsNow! Hard to tell if it was fraudulent or just a data entry error with the number. We are not responsible, but what a hassle - going without our main credit card and figuring out where to mail the new cards. Too many places won't take our American Express and we have forgotten how to write a check! Unfortunately, it did not prevent us from spending at the rally!

FMCA Rally

We arrived in Albuquerque on Sunday - have experienced all four seasons in 4 days! It was beautiful on Monday - the guys went "desert" golfing and us girls went shopping. Cold and windy on Tuesday - snowing on Wednesday and nice again on Thursday. Roger & Gary were most upset - they came in dead last in the golf scramble! And to make things worse, they published the standings at the luncheon - all other names were in red but theirs were in black so they stood out real clear! They are convinced the handicap calculations were "fuzzy!" They were like little boys that came in last at the soap box derby! Anne & I didn't have any better luck shopping in Old Town or playing the nickle slots at the casino!
This rally is not nearly as good as the one we went to in St.Paul/Minneapolis - primarily because the camping area is at Balloon Fiesta Park but the seminars and exhibits are at Sandia Downs/Fairgrounds, about 30-40 minutes away. They have nice buses to transport us back and forth but it is time consuming and not at all convenient if you want to attend a seminar early in the morning or at the end of the day.
Roger had a business meeting with the FAA in Seattle on Tuesday so, he flew out at 6:00am and returned at 11:30pm! Gary had two wives to deal with that day!
We have been shopping with all the vendors - finding things that say "buy me" - a water softener (yea, maybe it will help keep the shower door clean!) - 2 director chairs with trays - awning clips so it won't unfurl while driving down the road - fire extinguishers for under the bed, where the engine is located, and the refrigerator compartment - special towels to wash the motorhome - peel off picture frames - a pull cart for shopping - a phone clip for Roger - and my new T-shirt that has a wine glass and says "Grandma's Sippy Cup!" Gary & Anne bought a desk unit, dining table and "magic" table like ours, in a natural cherry to match their coach, and did the same thing we did - took out the bench seat and threw it in the dumpster!
The evening entertainment was moved from the ampitheatre to the ballroom at the Sandia Resort due to the weather. B.J. Thomas performed Wednesday night - a trip down memory lane to the 60's!
We went back to the casino last night. They give you $20 in chips and a $20 card for the slot machines to get you started. All four of us lost our $40 quickly!
Gary & Anne are headed home and we are moving and staying to explore the area for another week.

I went to an excellent seminar - "Blogging - Beyond the Basics" - so stay tuned for a whole new look!!!

White Rain

We left San Antonio at 7:00am this morning in the middle of a terrible thunderstorm - rain and wind and darkness except when the lightening lit up the sky! We met Gary & Anne just north of Boerne. It is 39 degrees as we travel west on IH-10 with snow flurries! Where are my mittens??? We must have brought the wind from Brownsville because it is really whipping us around - don't have Jens with us, so we don't know its direction or strength but it is definitely not a "tail wind."
Speaking of wind, we had a whirlwind two days in San Antonio trying to get all our errands, the townhouse chores, and doctor's appointments done plus Roger spent time at work. The weather did not cooperate - too windy - so we were not able to fly the Cub - bummer! Decided we do not miss the traffic at all! Guess that's the good news about this trek to El Paso - good road and no traffic!

On The Road Again

We left Brownsville this morning, on our way to San Antonio for a couple of days and then out to Albequerque, New Mexico to a FMCA rally with Anne & Gary. Hated to leave all our friends at Winterhaven, we had a fun winter with them, but Roger had a case of "hitch itch" so it was time to move on!

Hard to get a good picture but, the bluebonnets and wildflowers were really pretty along the roadside on our way north.

How Many Men Does It Take?

How many men does it take to retract our awning? We finally got a check from Dometic for the microwave/convection oven that didn't work and got our new GE one installed. Roger breathed a big sigh of relief - all repairs were done and no more dealing with customer service about warranties! He was being  way too optimistic! On Wednesday night our awning would not retract - the problem with all this "automatic" stuff is if it doesn't work we are in a real "pickle!" He ordered a new part that  is due to be delivered today but, the wind is constant in Brownsville and at times it can be really strong - we were worried about sailing away or the awning being ruined. The guys all put their heads together and, with the help of some aluminum from a beer can, were able to force it to roll up. Crisis over! The good news is -  it did not wait to happen when we are out west, in the "boonies," by ourselves!

Happy Birthday to Me!

My gift will come from the Social Security Administration every month! But the best part of the day was Samantha and Emily singing "Happy Birthday, Tima" on their blog!

Shopping in Mexico - Not!

Last night was the Michigan potluck picnic - finally nice weather - for all those in the park from Michigan. Janet did a great job organizing it and it was fun to meet everyone with good memories of our home state.
We had planned to go shopping in Progresso, Mexico today but my passport expired in November 2009. Roger said "you can still go - you just can't come back!" Dick was pretty sure that I probably could go with no problem but I was not willing to take a chance!
So, we went to the golf driving range instead. I have an appointment with the chiropractor tomorrow so I figured today was a good day to practice swinging my golf clubs. Just in case I need him in the morning! Actually, the putting stance bothered me more than swinging my driver. Can't say I'm any better or worse than before my fall!