Road trip Arizona

Hello from sunny Phoenix! Jeni and I are soaking up some sun, visiting relatives, and doing some sightseeing. We spent the month of February here in a first class RV park" Deserts Edge"on Deer Valley Rd. We had a great site beautifully landscaped, and spacious. In years passed, we stayed in Wickenburg at "North Ranch", and even though we loved it there,it was just too long a drive to get in to see everybody in Phx. Now we are a short drive to all our relatives!("Yea").

I have always wanted to visit the Heard Museum in downtown Phx. They have one of the best collection of southwestern Indian artifacts west of the Mississippi. Having lived and worked around the Navajo and Hopi reservations, I have been interested in their history. That's me,in shorts! in front of the Museum,ready to head in.

There were hundreds of what I call"Kachina Dolls" but actually each one is uniquely different. Each tribe has their own beliefs and rituals and each doll has its own place in each tribes spiritual faith.

This guy was very old and I would guess very expensive.His name...Talking God! Protector of the Kiva. With that headdress this guy could have got "Satellite TV" piped into the Hogan.

This is what we got to see every afternoon as we sat on our patio sipping a cold one. There was a field next to the park and every day balloons would float right over us and land in the field.

Now a trip to Arizona wouldn't be complete without a hike in the desert. "Cave Creek Regional Park"is a great county park a few miles north of us. It has a great visitors center with live desert reptiles on display and lots of info.They also have Horseback riding and a very nice campground. Jeni and I chose not to go the Horse route(the horses thanked us) and off we went on foot for a 2 mile jaunt on the "Rattlesnake"trail."HUH"! "Hey Jen,lets rethink this""Maybe they are not out yet"."Gimme that big rock...OK I'm ready to hike"

"Better yet,lets take one of these trails,I like their names better."Actually Jeni appointed me trail leader because of my close Indian Heritage or some other BS I was feeding her when we were at the Museum and I kinda got us lost!

Well Jeni talked to one of the locals MR. Saguaro Cactus, and he got us back on track and we found our way back to the car. All in all a great day in the desert.

Here is 5 very pretty reasons why we come to Phx. Jeni and her sisters.Left to right,Bev,Joanne,Jeni,Sandy,and Lori.I'm one lucky Brother in law! Back in our younger days these ladies would dance"ole Philly's"legs off. Jeni spent some quality time with them, With living in California for close to 25 years,Jeni has not been able to spend much time with her family,but that's gonna change as we are gonna be spending more time here.

In fine Jeni form, she got her family playing "Farkel". Notice the big smile on her face. One nice thing.....I'm not playing! We did a lot of site seeing,eating out,and I even got to play some golf. The only thing I missed was catching some of the Spring training baseball games. Maybe next year. Our main reason for coming here though was seeing Jeni's family and my Brother and this will be a yearly occurrence from now on. Were back in the park now and we are already planning our AZ. trip for next year. Road Trip Arizona 2013!

As the Park Turns!

Just like a soap opera, life at Park Sierra can be a drama. More on this later in the blog. Our park has a very cool deep pit barbecue. Last week we fired that "baby up" and smoked 26 beef roasts. They were delicious. One of our park committees,"WOW" sponsored the event as a fund raiser. They had over 150 members attend. There is a lot of work involved with cooking in the "deep pit". First you have to tie up the meat with twine and wrap it in foil,then double wrap it in butcher paper.Next you start the fire in the deep pit and keep it going for 6 hours.A couple of members and myself tended the fire from 10pm til 4am.once the fire dies down to coals,you wrap the packages of meat in wet burlap bags and wire them closed leaving a small loop of wire at the top to lower them down on the rack into the fire.We then closed the iron lids over the fire,spread dirt over the lid so no steam escapes.Then everybody can go home and sleep as the meat cooks for 8 hours. Finally, unwrap and enjoy....AH the meat just melts in your mouth. The WOW committee is raising money for a renovation of the horse shoe pit area adding parking,a picnic and meeting area,lights,a storage shed,and retaining walls. Being a member of the committee I have been helping work on this project and we are almost complete. Last year WOW was the committee that rebuilt the Stagecoach cover that was previewed in my blog. Spearheaded by my good friend Curt Rodgers, WOW does a great service to our park and our members. THANK YOU Curt!



Here are some pictures of the project WOW has named "the North Slope Extension".

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We built up the area about 5 feet and it formed a nice ridge that overlooks the surrounding area.

This the picnic area we are developing in a grove of Manzanita's.












Well enough about WOW,Hey....Jen and I are headed to Arizona for a month.We will be visiting family and soaking up that Arizona sun! I gave the "Ole rig" a nice bath and a "wax job"this week. Doesn't she sparkle. Ten years old and the rig still looks new! We will be staying in Phoenix this year instead of Wickenburg as in past years. It was such a long drive in to see family from Wickenburg. We got a place closer on I-17 and Deer Valley rd.

We sure like our site here at the park.A lot of people have switched sites one or two times but we are content right here.For us, this site is ideal.







Well,back to the drama part I was telling you about in the first part of the post. Yesterday morning ,in a scene resembling a "navy seal raid", our board of directors terminated the contracts of our park manager John Olson and office manager Taria(I don't know her last name).The information we received was that the board took this action because of non compliance. No other info was available and the board president is currently out of the park. Although the park manager was on thin ice by all accounts,The members are all in shock. the office manager termination was a real"'stunner" as she has been here 14 years.I take it we are moving in a new direction Mr. President! Jeni and I are leaving at the right time as maybe when we get back from AZ.the park will be back to normal and new Managers in place. We do not know the circumstances surrounding the terminations so we are staying neutral on this development for now.Yesterday reminded me of watching a soap opera unfolding.Hey...maybe we can start our own reality show starring our own members......The title...."AS THE PARK TURNS!"

The Family Cruise

Ahoy Matey,Our family cruise has sailed
and the fun has begun! Jeni and Martha on the lido deck enjoying the "drink of the day"as we set sail for Catalina Island.We boarded Monday afternoon for 5 days of fun. We will visit Catalina Island,and,Ensenada Mexico.With one day at sea before we return to Long Beach Friday morning. We are traveling on Carnivals ship "the Inspiration". This will be the first cruise for our kids and my brother Larry. Hopefully it won't be their last.
Tuesday morning the ship anchored just off Catalina and ferried us over to the island. All the ladies could not wait to land as the shops were calling them to buy,buy,buy! That's me and Granddaughter Alyx heading to the island.Doesn't she look hip in her new way cool(as she would say)new hat. Her and Grandpa are buddies,even at 17 she still wants to be with Grandpa and Grandma,so un teenage like!

Gary and Martha headed over to Catalina for some fun. A special thanks goes out to them for setting up this cruise for the family. They are the "connoisseurs of the Doran clan and although we don't always show it, we really do appreciate everything you two do for all of us. THANK YOU!

Oh Man!!, 5 pretty ladies ready to shop.......get your wallets out guys,its gonna get ugly! Jeni,Martha, Katie,Alyx,and Jackie.....with the charge cards......those vendors don't have a chance!

We rented golf carts and drove the island looking at the sights. This is the only way to get around without walking or biking .You can rent one that Carry's 6 people, so we rented 2 and everybody was very comfy. The views were spectacular. I didn't realize how beautiful Catalina was. this pic is the crew taking a break looking down on the Pacific ocean.

And this is the view we had. That's the cruise ship behind Jeni. Beautiful day,beautiful views.....It don't get any better than this.

Wednesday night was formal dining so we all put on our best and had a first class gourmet meal. All you could eat prime rib and lobster....YUM! My son in law Billy ate 6 count em 6 lobsters! That's the family in this pic.Top row left to right, Brother Larry, Son in law Dustin, Jeni, Me, son Dan. Bottom row left to right,Brother Gary, his wife Martha, Granddaughter Alyx,Daughter Jackie, Grandson DJ, Daughter Katie,and son in law Billy(the lobster king!) I am just choked up with pride., this is what makes life worth living.

On the top deck of the ship there was a nine hole goofy golf coarse,so DJ,Gary,and I checked it out. We had a ball.Dj made a great shot which landed right in the cup.And what do you do when you make a great shot like that..........





You "CELEBRATE!" DJ,your the Man. DJ had lots of things to do on the ship. They had a video arcade,and Lazier tag. He took full advantage of it all.

They had a walking track on the top deck where you could jog or walk off those "Cruise pounds." Seeing I had hit the buffet pretty hard that day,I did a little stroll after dinner. It was hard keeping on the track as I would gaze at the beautiful sea and the next thing I know, I was off the track and running into something. "man overboard!"



We ported in Ensenada Wednesday morning. Just as you got off the ship,there were some small shops on the pier. Jackie and Alyx got to hold this lion cub for a donation at one of the shops.I think it was one of those "rescue foundations" that care for the cubs.There were 2 of them and they were orphaned. The girls were thrilled!



Everybody did their own thing in Mexico. Jeni,Gary, Martha , and I went to some Mexican wineries,The other girls went on a tour a "blow hole"at the ocean,and my brother Larry, my son and son in laws,well they went to a place called "Papa's and Beers". You know how that ended right! That's me at one of the wineries. What a beautiful place.I was very impressed with the operation and We even purchased a few bottles. The first one was a big vineyard and the second one was a small organic vineyard that not only made wine but baked bread and produced delicious cheese. Their wine was also superb. I thought better than the big vineyard.All in all a great day in Mexico.
The last day out to sea we just lounged around enjoying the amenities on board. The Spa, Hotub, Casino, and of coarse...the food!
Were back at the park wondering how fast and wonderful our cruise was. And planning our next family outing. Thanks again Gary and Martha,and the family for a fantastic voyage we will never forget.....The Family Cruise.

The holidays cont.

Santa was real good to Jeni and her friend Jesse at our annual Park Sierra Christmas party. A little too good if you ask me! The park had about 200 people here for our annual tree decorating party in mid December.Good food,good friends,and gooood egg nog!

This picture doesn't do justice(I'm still using my crummy Fujii camera!) to Jeni's Christmas decorations at our site. It was one of the best in the park.She did a great job.

We went to Sacramento for Christmas and our Daughter Jackie cooked one of the best turkeys I have ever tasted. She put the turkey in a secret brine overnight containing chicken broth,sea salt, garlic,and some secret ingredients.next morning she cooked and basted it with the brine mixture.It was delicious! I tried to get the name of the secret ingredients but her lips are sealed.

We sure enjoyed our Granddaughter Alyx and Grandson DJ. Alyx is almost 17 and Quite the beautiful lady.She is the apple of her Grandpa's eye. DJ is growing like a weed and smart as a whip.But at least he hasn't outgrown playing with his Grandpa. We had a ball,and he still laughs at my corny jokes....for now!

In our last post we spoke of good news and a change of plans for this summer. Well, Katie and Billy are going to have a baby and were going to be Grandparents again! Jeni and I are thrilled. We have made plans to host this summer back at Folsom Lake so we can be close and help if needed.The baby is due in early June so we are coming in about mid May til mid August.OH BOY! a little one to fondle and hold....we can't wait. Kate has that beautiful glow all expectant mothers have. Pure Beauty.We love you Sweetie.

Jeni and I were blown away by this Afgan that Alyx and Jackie got us. It has all the families pictures on it. Jeni put it on the couch but won't let me sit on it because i might sit on one of the kids faces. No more naps on the couch!

This is Alyx and her boyfriend Cody. They got each other promise rings for Christmas. They look very nice. Grandpa is not sure what that means but Alyx assured me school comes first.Cody is a very nice guy and very respectful.He seems like a keeper. We had a great time in Sacramento and all too quick we were back in the park getting ready for New Years. Jeni was busy all week and had a great turnout Wednesday for her "Hot Dog and a Movie"She showed the movie "The Help"The book had been circulating through the park so when Jeni showed the movie everybody wanted to see it. New Years Eve the park had its annual party with a great musical duo that belted out the oldies. everybody danced their a&#?'s off and "Partied Hearty!"
This week we had to take down decorations. First at our site where Jeni and I took two days taking everything down and packing it away in our storage shed.Then on Wednesday we took down all the decorations in the clubhouse. That only takes about 4 hours and you get cookies and coffee.Plus, you have a lot of help.All the members pitch in.

Our winter plans are, our family cruise on Jan. 16th-20th on Carnival to Catalina island and Ensenada Mexico. OLE! Then in February we head down to Phoenix for a month to visit Jeni's family and my brother. From there we will head to Riverside to visit our Grandsons and my other Brother for a week. Then home to get ready for the parks annual fundraiser "Stage Coach Days" in April. That should keep Jeni and I busy.
Well the Holidays are behind us and 2012 looks like its gonna be a great year so were off and running(but not in Iowa) enjoying the retired life.One of the members I was chatting with the other day remarked that "everyday is a good day to be alive.Everyday you don't indulge and smile is a day you lose"......A good way to live life. A Holiday Continued!

The Holidays!

When you get into November,the days just fly by. And before you blink,Its Christmas! It seems like a couple of weeks ago I posted about our annual football trip. That was Nov. 16th. I turn around and it is Dec. 22nd!
Jeni and I have been pretty busy around the park with maintenance, committees,"movie night",Bunco, the theatre,and dinners, we have burned through two months in a blink of an eye.
On a positive note, we were to fill in as assist. managers for Christmas week but we only had to fill in on Monday and Tuesday, so we will get to spend Christmas in Sacramento with the kids. Whoopie!
It has been unseasonably cold and dry this year.It has only rained one day since we arrived in early October. "Its a gift,and a curse". No mud but lots of propane!
My camera went from bad to worse so no pictures I took were blog worthy.If you ever see a Fuji XP camera on sale that is water proof, freeze proof, dust proof, and shock resistant...pass it up. It may be all its advertised but the pictures Suck! The settings are terrible and I'm tossing this one and asking Santa for a new one.
Jeni and I were talking with another member in the park last month and he just got a 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara at the dealership in Fresno. He told us that they had on more 2011 down there and they wanted to move it because the 2012s were coming in. Jeni and I are looking to buy one in the near future and the ole 2002 Grand Vitara is showing some wear. But were looking to spring to get a new one. We decided we might get a good price on the 2011 they had down at the dealership so we went there. When we drove there we noticed there were several dealerships on this little paved road that meandered through all the car dealers. The road was virtually lined on both sides with "Car Salesmen"! Smiling,waving you in ,gesturing to you. Some even holding balloons....talk about intimidating! Of course the Suzuki dealer was down on the end. I saw a parking spot across the street and before I turned off the engine I had one of the salesmen poking his head in my window asking "how can I help you?" I told him the first thing he could do for us is move his head out of the car so I can roll up my window! Long story short, they didn't want to sell that car very bad. And we weren't in the dickering mood as the car wasn't really the color we wanted. We'll wait for Spring,the "ole Vitara" is running good.
We have new plans for next summer and good news to share,but we will wait til next post in January to tell. And maybe pictures with a new camera? Ah, the Holidays.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in 2012

Road Trip

Well we are settled in at Park Sierra.Keeping busy and having fun. Jeni and I headed down to Riverside to see our Grandsons,Aiden and Nevin last weekend. We also went to the Rose bowl to see Arizona State battle UCLA in college football. Our son Dan "painted"the boys up so they looked like real Sun Devil fans."Bring it on baby"!



It was a close game but UCLA prevailed 29-28. The last five games we have attended,the Sun Devils have lost....If anybody finds this little fact out, Jeni and I could be banned from future games IE a Jinx!

Here we all are before the game.My two brothers on the left,Jeni and I on the right,our Grand sons in the middle, and our son and my brothers wife behind them. In spite of the loss,it was a great day. Jeni and I enjoyed the weekend with our family in So Cal.It has been 7 months since we last saw them.....Way too long! Back at the park, Jeni and I keep busy. Me with Maintenance and her with her committees.Its all about comeroderie.Jeni and I have always said, if we lived in a house we would not have met all these wonderful friends. And we would not be as active as we are here.I've learned in retirement you have two choices,you can relax and be sediment and take it easy,or you can live your golden years as an active,engaged person enjoying life in a vibrant active community like Park Sierra. We are staying at the park for Thanksgiving.helping with the dinner and enjoying our extended family.We are planning to spend Christmas with our family down in Sacramento. Then in January the big family cruise with all of us for 5 days.What a fun winter. In February Jeni and I will travel to Arizona for a month to see her brothers and sisters.Yea,its all about the road trips.That's for sure.

Happy Halloween

Well,Jeni has been a busy girl decorating for Halloween.This is her best time of year as she puts up decorations for Halloween,Thanksgiving,and Christmas.The coach windshield will be festive from now til New Years.The people in the park really enjoy her efforts and remark how beautiful our site looks.

Park Sierra held its annual Halloween party Monday night. With some strange characters attending.There was"Fat Friar Tuck"(me) and"Sister Mary"(Jeni).This had to set Religion back a hundred years!

Dracula,looking as pale as ever

New members Niles and Jennifer as Santa and Mrs. Elf.

And, the ugliest,homliest,women I have ever seen.A years supply of beer wouldn't get me to go out with her! Actually its my buddy Wally,there's nothing wrong with his manhood! I don't know how he got that crown,but whoever bestowed that on him,I mean her ,must of been blind!

This looks very familiar,"why is my back starting to hurt"It looks like some kind of form or something...... could it have something to do with the maintenance dept?......Oh well I will have to investigate this matter.









Wait a minute,I see a truck pulling up.What could this mean? The guys are waving me over."What do you guys want"?

OH MAN! I'm pouring concrete again!I thought I was retired.

OH MAN,I'm on my knees again.Poor "Philly!"


Actually I don't mind doing a little cement work to help the park out. It keeps me young ,if only in my Heart.

The weather has been perfect this fall and it is nice to sit outside and visit with the members exchanging summer travel adventures and Grand kid stories with them. This weekend we are off to Riverside to see Dan and the Grandsons.We are meeting up with them and my two Brothers and Martha to go to the ASU-UCLA football game in LA. Saturday, We haven't seen Dan and the boys since last spring so it is high time.

Well,it is "coffee time"for us as we have an afternoon cup of flavored coffee when the temp isn't too warm outside....Happy Halloween!