Wednesday was a do nothing day, other than the morning trek in the desert. The four of us did wander over in the late afternoon to watch one of the park residents put on a blacksmithing demonstration. He was a farrier in his working day and estimates he has driven over 2 million nails into horses' hooves during his life. His retirement hobby is to make and sell objects made out of horseshoes. The fellow has a portable, propane-powered “oven” for heating the iron. Quite interesting work (and pretty incredible biceps for a man his age – wink, wink). His inventory includes steak turners, four-finger hot dog roasters, bottle openers, paper towel holders, snakes and even roses. I think Robin has put in an order for a mason jar with a reshaped horseshoe as a handle. He was eyeing up the beer bottle holder, but was reminded that he usually drinks from a can.
We had planned to join McLaughlin’s at their place for dinner, taking advantage of the travelling Mexican food hut due in at 3. We went in search of it after the blacksmith demonstration, but it was nowhere to be seen where expected. So we started wandering the park looking, and almost got run down when the thing came flying down the main road through the park, over an hour late. Guess they overslept their siesta. Once we got our selections, it turned out their portions were pretty much just snack size, (couldn’t see what was going on in the hut, and everything that came through the window was wrapped and bagged). So Donna scrounged through her fridge and found stuff to supplement and we were OK. Visited, did a decent job on at least three bottles of wine, and had a lovely evening.
We had planned to join McLaughlin’s at their place for dinner, taking advantage of the travelling Mexican food hut due in at 3. We went in search of it after the blacksmith demonstration, but it was nowhere to be seen where expected. So we started wandering the park looking, and almost got run down when the thing came flying down the main road through the park, over an hour late. Guess they overslept their siesta. Once we got our selections, it turned out their portions were pretty much just snack size, (couldn’t see what was going on in the hut, and everything that came through the window was wrapped and bagged). So Donna scrounged through her fridge and found stuff to supplement and we were OK. Visited, did a decent job on at least three bottles of wine, and had a lovely evening.
Thursday - The walkers were gone a long time, and while they were gone I managed to get on line long enough to get our tickets for next month’s Canucks’ game in Phoenix, and make reservations for a return visit to Mesa Regal RV. Today was scheduled as ladies’ shopping day, and we didn’t want to miss that appointment. We were gone for about 6 hours, and it was good to get back. Donna had left beef in her slow cooker, and the guys had worked on side dishes, so we were able to eat shortly after returning. Another fun evening sharing wine and swapping stories.
Really long walk Friday morning (I believe Robin said they put in over 6 miles). Once everyone was organized, I headed into nearby Tucson Estates to get a haircut, while the rest of the crew headed into Tucson to stock up on groceries. Relaxed afternoon once we were all back. Our turn to provide the “meat” for dinner and then we headed over to the rec hall to enjoy Arvel Bird. He has won numerous awards in both Canada and the US, and performs what he calls Celtic Fusion (he has Scottish and Paiute ancestry, but emphasizes his Paiute roots). An amazing violin/fiddle player, as well as Indian flutes. One of his numbers was played on some sort of double flute that had been handmade for him. It can sound like a single flute, a drone flute, or two flutes playing at once. He performed for two hours, with a short 15 minute break. Once again, no charge other than a pass of the hat.
Saturday, Robin took a break from walking, and we puttered around the motorhome. I headed into Tucson Estates for a pedicure and when I got back, we all loaded into the car and headed downtown for the Second Saturday festivities. Every second Saturday of the month, they have a festival in downtown Tucson starting around 3pm. Lots of family friendly activities, vendor booths (both food and goods), and live entertainment. Thoroughly enjoyed a local band called the Muffalettas at the main stage, as well as a couple of young women bellydancing, then wandered the streets people watching. Made our way to the World of Beer restaurant for dinner, then headed over to the old Rialto Theatre to take in 5 bands for $5. It was billed as funk music. The first band was Mexican, and by the end of their set we all felt like we had been listening to the same song for the past 1/2 hour. Next up was a group called Desert Fish, kind of a reggae sound. Not bad, and obviously have a good following, as there was suddenly a good size group of kids (and what may have been parents of the band members) gathered on the large floor area in front of the stage. We were good for about 3 songs and then decided we’d had enough and headed for the car and base camp.
We got back to the park in time to take in the last hour of karaoke (held every other Saturday). OMG, we won’t be doing that again, even for the free wine. Or maybe we just needed more of that free wine so we could enjoy the recorded music and tune out the singers. Didn’t stay ‘til the end, needless to say.
Until next time dear followers, age is a very high price to pay for maturity.
We got back to the park in time to take in the last hour of karaoke (held every other Saturday). OMG, we won’t be doing that again, even for the free wine. Or maybe we just needed more of that free wine so we could enjoy the recorded music and tune out the singers. Didn’t stay ‘til the end, needless to say.
Until next time dear followers, age is a very high price to pay for maturity.