Surprise Arizona 2016 to 2017

My job at Sunhealth Grandview Terrace started 10/10/16 in Sun City West, AZ.  This place was only 10 minutes from where we were staying in Surprise.  SRS was the company I was working with.  They had just obtained the therapy contract and had hired all traveling therapist until being able to hire full time employees.  So, we all knew that our time there may not last the full 13 weeks.  However, I was the only one of the travelers that had guaranteed hours on my contract.  I sorta blame their recruiters for that mistake.  Recruiters should always have their travelers backs.  This was a beautiful facility.  The rehab rooms were like hotel suites.  They had refrigerators, microwaves, single rooms, flat screen TV's, etc.  SRS also hired too many travelers, so i felt like I was working part time and getting paid full time hours.  ( I probably will never work with them again though, as they do fight paying the guaranteed hours). This allowed me to go home early and enjoy the beautiful weather and amenities at our RV resort.

View from our site on Buttercup road at Sunflower RV resort 

Enjoying the pool. It was heated to an average of 87 degrees

Did I mention we were close to Costco!!  That's always a plus.  Let's talk about the RV resort where we stayed.  Sunflower is a Cal Am park.  You can find these in a few cities across AZ.  They have 2 pools, 2 hot tubs, a steam room, nice workout room, a billiards room, library, lapidary, and many other amenities.  They also have the Tikki Bar.  This is an outside bar with a dinner special Monday thru Friday, and a band playing from 4-8 every weekday evening.  It was a fun place to visit once in awhile. 

Nightlife at the Tikki Bar. 

Tikki bar is pretty quiet during the day.  You can see the pool in the background. 

On 10/22, Kirk and I drove over to Cave Creek just north of where we were staying.  We ate at a fun place called El Encanto with a pond in the middle of the restaurant.  After eating, we drove over to Tempe to visit Kirk's ex-granddaughter Danielle, her husband Demetrie, and her mom Jeanne.  Danielle was very pregnant.  She was actually having contractions while we were there.  Anyway, little Dominic was born the next day.  We went back to see the baby a few weeks later, when grandpa Scott (Danielle's dad) was visiting. 

We ate lunch while watching the turtles and fish.  Cool restaurant!

Demetrie, Daniele, Scott, and baby Dominick 

On Friday, October 28 I flew into Minneapolis from Phoenix to surprise Robyn for her 32nd birthday.  We had a great time.  The theme for her party was Spa Night.  We participated in a free 15 minute massage, ear candling, face masks, and the opportunity to purchase LuLaRoe yoga pants.  The next day we joined Laurie Lynch, the mother of one of Kristy's ex nanny families at the Guthrie to watch the play, Sense and Sensibility.  Prior to the play we had brunch at the Sea Change in the Guthrie.  I flew home on Sunday.  My time with them is always too short.

Candle waxing was interesting.  What a fun party. 

My beautiful birthday girl.  Where did 32 years go!!!!

Some of the other side trips Kirk and I have taken have been to Lake Pleasant, just north of Surprise.  We just browsed the RV park there, but weren't overly impressed.  They did have a nice view of the lake.  On the way home, we stopped in Morristown on Hwy 60 at a fun place called The Western Trails Ranch for lunch.  This is a cool place.  They have bull riding, rodeo, roping, but only in the evenings.  The food was good.  As we were getting ready to leave and still sitting at our table, I got stung by something.  The stinger was in my arm, but we never found the body that was attached to it. This was only the 2nd time I've been stung.  I ended up having a "moderate reaction" to the sting.  It was  not pretty.   On 11/5 we golfed at Tres Rios Golf course at Estrella Mountain.  On 11/7 Kirk went for a motorcycle ride with our new friends from the resort, Calving and Deon, and Jerry and Marsha to Prescott, AZ.    The next day was election day, and we all know how that ended.  On 11/11 I had to have a YAG procedure on my right eye.  Apparently after having cataract surgery, there's a 50/50 chance of having cloudy, and/or blurry vision.  I wasn't aware of this and had gone to the eye doctor to have it checked out.  He told me a simple 2 minute laser procedure would fix the problem, and it did.  Amazing! 

Some of the scenery at Western Trails Ranch    

I golf for the scenery. Tres Rios Golf. 

Deon and Marsha    Friends from Sunflower. 

On 11/12 we drove over to Scottsdale to watch the Charles Schwab Cup Golf Tournament.  Angela was marshaling at the tournament.  She gave us the tickets to get in.  We had free parking, and a free meal (cause Kirk is a veteran).  After the tournament, we drove to Angela's place in Mesa.  She took us to the Angry Crab down the road from her place for dinner and drinks.  Now this is an awesome place.  We had a great time, and in the one week they had been opened, almost every employee in the place knew Angela.  Go figure!

Thanks for the tickets Angela 

One of the greens at The Charles Schwab Open. 

This girl has always been good at telling others to be quiet.  Perfect job!

Kirk liked this picture of us. 

After a long day watching golf, Kirk is in his element!

The Angry Crab in Mesa was a perfect ending to a perfect day.  Thanks Angela!

On 11/21 on their way to Tennessee and Florida for Thanksgiving, Janet and Wally (from Lake Havasu) stopped by our place for a couple of hours to visit and have supper.  Kirk cooked burgers, and poppers on the Traeger.  We had a great visit, and hated to see them go.  Janet is one of our "adopted" daughters.  She is awesome!  I ended up working  on Thanksgiving so I could have the weekend off.  Kirk smoked a 17lb turkey on the Traeger.   It's always a great day when we're together.  The next day, we brought out the Christmas decorations (the very few we have) and put them up. 

Wally, me, Janet, and Kirk.  Come back Janet, we miss you. 

Janet, you know us well!

One proud Kirk right here.  He loves his Traeger!

On 12/10 Kirk and I drove around Happy Trails RV resort just to check it out, and then play golf at their golf course, The Great Eagle.

Christmas Day, Angela came over to spend the day and night.  I also had a pleasant surprise.  Kristy called a couple of days prior, and said she had found a decent rate, and was flying into Phoenix on Christmas Day, her birthday.  Angela and I drove to pick her up.  Kirk made most of the dinner.  He smoked his first standing rib roast on the Traeger.  I can't even begin to describe how scrumptious it was.  He did good.  Angela brought some awesome jalepeno popper dip, and potato casserole.  Kristy spent time with Camille, her longtime girlfriend from grade school.  Camille lives about 1/2 hour from our resort.  Kristy and I took a hike at Thunderbird Conservation Park one afternoon to the flag and back. Then on 12/30 we drove to Tucson to hike at the East and West Saguaro National Parks.  We stayed at the Double Tree hotel, and ate at The Hub the night before out hikes.  We even saw petroglyphs.  That evening, which was NYE, we headed back to Surprise.  Kristy spent her last day here with Camille, and then headed back to MN.  I love our visits.

I love the decorations at Christmas time.  

Mr Traeger does it again.  You can't get this at even the finest restaurants 

One of our afternoon hikes near Glendale.  My Kristy turned 37 on Christmas Day!

Our trip to Tucson to hike.  

Beautiful saguaros 

Legend says these are their people.  It does sorta look like the bodies and hands. 

Beautiful rainbow on our hike

That's my girl!

Saw these and other Petroglyphs on our hike. 

My last day at Grandview Terrace was January 6, 2017.  I was able to leave before noon, which was great, as I had a ticket to fly to MN that afternoon for Bella's 7th birthday party.  Kristy picked me up at the airport, and we took off to the Marsh.  Bella's party was held in Wisconsin Rapids at the YMCA where she has gymnastics.  It was a very fun party with all her little friends and cousins.  It was a great weekend at the Marsh.  Did I mention that Nicki makes the most awesome wings.  We stayed at the Marsh till Monday, then returned to MN as I was flying home on Tuesday.   In the meantime, Robyn had taken Ady to the Children's hospital ER as she just wasn't getting over her illness.  She tested positive for Strep.  Poor baby.   While I was in MN, Kirk drove the RV to Bullhead City, AZ where my next assignment would be.   We stayed at Vista Del Sol RV Resort.  I would start my job for Synertx at the River Gardens, and the Legacy on 1/16.  Kirk picked me up in Vegas.  We stayed at the Stratosphere for 2 nights before heading to Bullhead City.  While in Vegas, we walked the Strip, went to a comedy club and saw Tanyalee Davis, then home to our new assignment.

Happy 7th birthday Miss Bella!

Bella's mommy knows how to make a birthday special!

Daddy enjoying Bella's birthday gift from grandma Reina.  So, does this make him a manmaid!

Nicki getting ready for the Packers!  It's quite an event in this household!

The Packer lights are on, and the appetizers ready.  Let the game begin 

Bella is a beautiful mermaid!

Love these three more than I can say!

Thanks kids.   Perfect for all of Kirk's smoked meats

Leaving Minnesota is never easy. 

Kirk at Caesars Palace

The High Roller Observation Wheel in Vegas.  550 feet tall, and 520 foot diameter. The worlds tallest!

Happy hour high atop the Stratosphere 

Our first site at Vista Del Sol

Our 2nd and final site at Vista Del Sol. What a view!  

Beverly Hills, Florida December 2013 to March 2013

So many things occurred during this assignment.  This is one neat area in Florida.  My job was in Hernando at Woodland Terrace Nursing Home.  I started the week of Christmas, 12/23.  We stayed at Sandy Oaks RV park in Beverly Hills, FL, just 15 minutes from my work.  I worked with some awesome therapists, nurses, and CNA's at this facility.  My go to gal was Lissette, the rehab aide.  She was absolutely wonderful.  I love her.  All that being said, I believe I was there about 7 weeks.  I was the one this time giving my 2 weeks notice.  Not because of the people, but because of the company, just not ethical.  Enough of that.  We really loved the area and did many, many things for the short time we were there.  We met a great couple, Frank and Sharon from Tennessee.  They stayed at our park till end of March.  So, where do I start:
On Christmas Day, Kirk and I drove to the bay in Crystal River, then over Kings Bay to see the manatees. We had to back to the park early as we had signed up to eat Christmas dinner with the park people in the Club house.  They provided the meat, potatoes and gravy, dressing, and drinks.  Everyone else had signed up to bring a dish to pass.  We enjoyed a great meal with our new friends, Frank and Sharon.  I have to also mention that this year, my side of the family decided we would do homemade Christmas gifts.  At the time, it sounded simple, and fun.  It was fun, but not so simple.  Since I had learned to crochet a million years ago, and had made probably 2 afghans at that time, and had not crocheted since,  I thought I could crochet.  Well, after many mistakes and unravelings, I did manage to get through it, and in the process, actually learned how to crochet.  Still learning.
On 12/28 Kirk traded in his little blue 250 scooter for a 600 Honda Shadow motorcycle.  We have had some fun rides on it so far.
On 12/31 we celebrated NYE at the park clubhouse with Frank and Sharon.  They are such  a fun couple.  I do hope we are able to keep in touch with them.
On 1/3/14 Got word from Ben and Nicki that they thought Isaac broke his arm (fighting to put his coat on).  Fortunately, it was not broken, but badly something, and I don't recall just what.
On 1/4/14  we drove to Homosassa with Frank and Sharon to eat at a restaurant on the bay and view Monkey Island.  Now this is an interesting story.  Long story short, the monkeys on the island used to be from a research lab. For some reason the lab was shut down, and now the monkeys reside on this fun little island.  No one except for the caretakers are allowed on the island.  I hear the monkeys can be mean if they want to, and could hurt you.    The next day, Kirk and I rode the motorcycle to Cedar Key, FL.  Very nice ride, even though we took the long way ( someone took a wrong turn) and almost ran out of gas.  We had a great lunch there and walked around.  Very small place.  You could see Asina Odie Island  which used to be the original Cedar Key Island.
The next week, 1/11  Kirk and I drove down to Tarpon Springs, FL to visit the sponge docks.  This is a neat area.  My brother Rudy and his wife, Bev had told us about this place a few years ago.  I'm so glad we went.  This is a Greek community, so lots of delicious greek food.  The docks are close to their places of business.  One of the Greek store owners was kind enough to explain the process of making sponges, and the difference between the many kinds of sponges.  Who knew!  I thought all sponges were alike, but not anymore.  Kirk and I bought a couple of sponges, one for washing the RV and vehicles, and one for the shower.  I also bought some organic shea butter which i used in my homemade lotion.   Per our Greek store owners recommendation we ate gyros at Platka's.  Were told these were the best in Tarpon Springs.   After leaving Tarpon, we drove on down to Clearwater and took a walk on the beach.  It was 80' in the middle of January.  NICE!.  Oh yeah, today was also our granddaughter, Isabella's  4th birthday.
The next weekend 1/18 we drove down to Tampa with Frank and Sharon to the big RV show.  Saw a lot of new ideas that we might use in the future, but were good and did not buy anything.  After returning home, Kirk and I drove to Crystal River and ate at Crackers.
Kirk and I celebrated his birthday on 1/23 by eating at Stompknockers restaurant in Beverly Hills.  Since it was his birthday, he got a complimentary piece of Key Lime Pie.  By the way, did I mention that Kirk turned the BIG 60!!!  I'm officially married to an old man.
We had been doing something every weekend, and the next weekend was no exception.  We went kayaking  with Frank and Sharon, her sister and brother in law, Carol and Jim, and Mike from the campground on the Weeki Wachee River.  This river is absolutely beautiful.   It is crystal clear, sand bottom, and you can see every marine creature there is.  We were able to kayak next to the manatees, so much fun.  When we returned home, we watch the Super Bowl Game outside.  Seattle and Denver.  Seattle won.
I saw something on my way home from work one day that kinda freaked me out.  I thought it was an haboob, only to find out it was seafog coming in from the gulf.  I had never seen or heard of this, and it was quite weird, yet interesting.
I will keep this short.  We found, and ate at a Chuy's in Gainsville, Florida.  We also found out, but did not attempt, about the Chuy's burrito challenge.  You eat 2 burrito's you get the third one free ( at a time of your choice).  I forbade Kirk to even think about it.  It would surely have made him sick, and I did not want to deal with that.
Homosassa has a Wildlife State Park.  This was very fun and interesting.  The only non-native floridian creature in the park was a hippo.  Lu, the hippo was a former animal actor whose owner wintered him and other exotic animals in Homosassa in the 1960's.  Lu was retired and the Park purchased him.  However, the park decided to feature only animals native to Florida.  The people protested, and soon after, Lu was given an certificate as a citizen of Florida, allowing him to remain at the Park.
On 2/22 we attended the Cracker fest with Frank and Sharon at Rainbow Springs Park.  Have also heard that Rainbow Springs is another great place to kayak.
Kirk and I drove to Homosassa on another evening to eat at The Freezer.  Now this is a hole in the wall (one of the reasons we wanted to go) and is on the bay.  Boats, canoes, whatever, pull up in the bay just to eat here.  We had the best steamed shrimp we have ever had, all 2 lbs of it.  We were also told to get the smoked mullett dip, and are so glad we did.  Highly recommend this place.
Frank and Sharon talked us into going for a bike ride on the trail to Hernando.  Ten miles round trip.  So we packed a lunch and took off.  The other 3 did great, as they are regular bicycle riders.  I got my butt kicked. But, I made it, and would probably do it again.  Saw some interesting things along the way.
My last day at work in Hernando was March 4th.
On March 5 I had my first cataract surgery (left eye) at Ocala Eye Center.  Dr Ahmed did a great job. I had never known what it was like to see without glasses.  This eye is now 20/15 for distance.  I did have to give up my close vision and need to wear readers, but it was a good sacrifice.
Kirk and I left that Friday (after my surgery) for my next assignment in Lakeland.

                                      

 Flamingos at Homosassa Wildlife State Park

 Lu, the hippo at Wildlife State Park

 Tandem kayaking in the Weeki Wachee River 

 Monkey Island in Homosassa 

Kirk, Reina, Sharon, and Frank 

 Bringing in the New Year at Sandy Oaks RV Park in Beverly Hills

 Kayaking with the manatees in the Weeki Wachee River

 Kirks new toy!

 Driving through Floral City, FL on way to Beverly Hills

 Our site at Sandy Oaks

 Found us one in Gainsville

 Two pounds of heaven at the Freezer.  An ice cold Corona went great with this.

Isaac and mommy....so glad it wasn't broke.