Desert Dance Floors

Too many activities at Boomerville! Well, no there isn't, but we tell you, it is jam packed fun. The day before yesterday we were ALL DAY at our Solar dealer here in Q, trying to get our inverter replaced that had 3 days of warranty left on it.  The problem was with the inverter company, with whom we were on the phone for 6 hours on and off trying to get the issue resolved. Discount Solar, here in Quartzsite were truly wonderful and very patient with the whole situation.  Their customer service is top notch, however, we cannot say the same about the inverter company. 'Nuff said.

Yesterday we finally got our little site set up at Boomerville in the morning after a great pancake breakfast, then joined in at the Escapee's main area for 1 - 3 pm Happy Hour.  There were information booths set up for Smart Weigh, Western area Rally, a map of where all the chapters and Birds of a Feather groups were gathered and Mr. Evert of Everts RV spoke briefly to the group. There were about 250 people at this Happy Hour, and amazingly we met up with Liz and Roger Grant of Chapter 33 and a few of our Boomer people.

The entertainment was also terrific, the fellow sang songs from the 50's and 60's and a few country songs thrown in. Of course, you make do in the the desert as there were a couple of desert dance floors. Keep that dust down, you crazy dancers!

Back out to Boomerville for a quick one hour nap/rest and then Happy Hour #2 here at 4 pm.  There are about 60 rigs here participating, so the happy hour/campfire circle is big! Big enough for a sound system so the 'announcer' of the minute can be heard.

Last evening were were invited by new Boomer friends to dinner out at the Main Street Eatery ( great place) with fun conversations between the 4 couples.

As of 8:30 this morning, Donald is out the door to meet the men of Boomerville for 9 am, as they are headed to Sweet Darlene's Bakery in town for coffee and donuts.  I will be holding down the fort, hopefully to see or hear from our friend Bob who came up from Yuma last evening. Then there is Ladies greet and meet early this afternoon.... then another Happy Hour..... then.... then.....

view from our front door

looking towards Boomerville

Boomerville

We have arrived at the Escapee get together in Quartzsite, and have set up our little area, but only for a short while as we are off at 8 am back to Discount Solar (again). Our inverter problem still has not completely rectified itself, and the 2 year warranty will be up soon.  So, best to get everything on record of the problem.

We had an easier drive that we thought it would be.  The weather forecast was calling for 60 mph wind gusts and a High Wind Advisory, but once we were past Indio, it wasn't that bad.  We took on fuel, propane and lunch at the Flyin J in Ehrenberg, because it was an easy stop, everything was there at one place and it was before the mayhem of Q.

The welcoming committee of one fellow from B.C. greeted us as we stopped at the welcome tent. There is a Happy Hour at 4:00 ( which is 15 minutes from now ) and we will grab our nametags and join in!!!

Quilt pic's and Harbor Freight

After this mornings time in the pool, we decided that today was a good day to get out of the 5th wheel and a bit of a drive. First stop was Joanne's of course, as I needed some special thread for a table topper quilt.  Then, off only Highway 111 to Souplantation for lunch. We had gone there with 4 other couples on Christmas Eve, and with a coupon in hand, it was just as good today.  Of course, it is always nice to drive through Indian Wells, with beautiful grass boulevards, roses planted in the gardens between the driving lanes and the incredible fountains and landscaping of the gated communities. Since we have not driven very much in this area, we continued for a bit on Highway 111 after lunch, and lo and behold the new Harbor Freight store just about jumped out at us. I advised Donald he had better check it out, especially since there were big tents set up outside, likely with some tool deals. Now, why this brand new Harbor Freight didn't build next to Joanne's, I have no idea. Likely a mistake on behalf of the marketing person. Or, cheap rent in Indio, where they did locate. Donald said the store was big and with wide aisles, very nice. I read my quilting magazine, in the warm sun coming in the truck windows, while he was checking HF out. For our Canadian readers, HF is like Princess Auto.

Speaking of quilting, I promised pictures of the latest projects, so here goes:

Valentines Runner - teaching/leading class on this Jan 30

mini twister. block size small than a nickel.Never again!

Christmas wool felt kit

 

Today I will be working on a batik table runner and finishing the binding on a large batik quilt.  Tonight is some fun, as I am on a team with some swimming buddies for Trivia Night at the clubhouse. Donald will be enjoying football and our wonderful English dramas on T.V.

Nah, we're not missing the snow.

It seems like I start so many blog postings with ' where does the time go?'. While the Coachella Valley and Palm Springs area remains pretty darn cool at night, the sunny mid mornings and afternoons make up for it.  Donald looked up the temperature for Palm Springs for yesterday, 2012 and it was 81 F last year.  This year in 2013? Well, a balmy 61 F. Of course, we cool weather Canucks can hack it. Well, maybe those who have just newly retired and making their way south for the first time. Now, for the rest of us... come on Mother Nature and warm up the spring.

We did golf yesterday, and I think the almost daily swim laps and aerobics are helping with the long drives.  Donald might have to join me, as he is ready to throw out his special 'driver'. He said he needs new grips on it.  I suggested duck tape with the sticky side out. Hmmm... he was not amused.

Dinner out last night ( No, Mom - this was the first dinner out this winter, we don't do it all the time ) with Mel, Deb, Margo, Roger and Rick and Paulette.  You will have to check Rick's blog posting for the fancy picture from his fancy camera. I think those people look like they are having too much fun.

Donald headed off to Pancake breakfast at the hall this morning with Rick, and Paulette and myself headed out at 7:15 am to Monica's Quilt Shop for the annual garage sale there. Some bargoons, but not a lot.

I have been quilting like crazy with the Clubhouse group, and there are a number of new quilters.  I have been asked to teach an easy project, so a few have their fabric requirements in hand and I will be doing this with them after we get back from Quartzsite.  Pictures next post.

Just so we don't feel like we need to stay in the Shuswap this winter, our neighbours graced us with a reminder....

Metal roof, some snow has slid off

Best Wishes and Merry Christmas

On this Christmas Eve, we offer our best Christmas wishes, health and happiness to all friends and family, wherever you may all be.

Today, after swimming and water aerobics in the morning, we gathered with 4 other couples to try out a new place for lunch: Souplantation.  It was just wonderful.  All fresh ingredients, with an extensive salad and vegetable bar, 6 different kids of " made from scratch " soups, pasta dishes, and desserts.  Lunch for both Donald and I was a total of $13.00.  The staff was also wonderful, considering it was all help yourself food stations.

This evening is quiet, watching Foyles War on television.  Tomorrow, it will be swimming in the morning, and then getting ready for Christmas Dinner at the clubhouse at 2:30.  Pretty quiet but missing family and :( grandchild!!!!

Happy Christmas!