Tijuana Taxi

We knew that it would have to end.  We packed most of our things in the car on Friday afternoon.  Fixed one last mexican supper, played 2 games of Hand & Foot, and got to bed earlier than usual.  We pulled through the gate at 7:15 am Friday morning and headed for Tijuana and the Border.
LaRee was reading me the instructions for a quick-sure route .  Everything was fine until I saw the big green San Diego/5 Interstate sign with a big arrow pointing to turn right.  I turned right even though the instructions said to go to Revolucion Av. Don't turn where the sign tells to.  It must only mean "get ready to turn right". This is the second year in a row that I took a tour of the city center while trying to find the way out.  This time I even went a lot of extra miles in the rain and unfamiliar territory.  The line was the longest ever when I finally found it.  We didn't get into California until 9:30 or 10.
The fellow at the border booth asked us if we had any liquor or tobacco. We said no, so he asked why we had gone to Mexico.  It's quite interesting that a guard stands between you and the US and he determines whether you cross peacefully or get searched or worse.
It rained most of the way home with slight fog.
We stopped in Victorville to shop some at 99 Cent Only.  We filled the car with stuff , ate at Jack in the Box and headed to Vegas.
We were trying to get home before it got too late for Susan to drive back to Panguitch so I skipped stopping in Vegas and said we would stop in Mesquite .  Susan and LaRee wanted to get Blink card game for the kids at Walmart.
Never go from Victorville --after drinking a cup of diet coke and drinking another one on the way--and then  bypass all possible restrooms  on the way to Mesquite. It's just too far if anything goes wrong.
After passing Glendale about 15 miles from Mesquite I look ahead and think that the red tail lights ahead of us are not moving very fast.  I slowed way down to make sure I had the lights in focus and found that the traffic on the North bound freeway had indeed come to a standstill. After we stopped I turned on my flashers so that we wouldn't get slammed into. After a while I turned off the motor and so did the cars around us.  We were on the freeway just sitting there for over an hour.
There is more to tell to the story, but I won't tell the whole thing.  One thrilling thing was when a diesel pulling a big low trailer sailed by us between the outside white line and the guardrail.  I didn't know that a big rig would fit there and I think he was going a little fast for the unsuspecting stranded motorists.  I'm sure the truck was going to the front of the line to help with removing accident paraphernalia.  We had our car doors open and heard a big horn honk.  It was the diesel and we scurried to pull things together and get the doors shut so he could pass.
Walmart in Mesquite did not have any of the game anyway--but Hurricane did.
We finally pulled into the garage about 10:30 pm. 
There was too much snow to send Susan home last night.  She stayed until this morning and the sun was out and bright.
We feel blessed to be home safely--we really do.   

 

We did fill the car on the way home.  We didn't want to waste any space.

Jaccuzzi

This is what we have been up to this morning.  

So good for body and soul!!

DENTAL ZAMORA

Several people from San Diego were going in and out of the office while I was there.  I talked to 2 men who said they always come to this office for their dental work.  They were driving a nice pick up so I thought they were credible.

I used my spy camera in the office today as I was waiting.

I know that Emily told me not to get crazy, but it was too late.  I got a recommendation from the Resort office for a dentist.  Monday I went for a consultation and after thinking about it over night, I went in the next morning without an appointment and waited about 45 minutes to get in to start getting my tooth fixed.
I've had a molar--Shella knows the tooth # but I don't---with a broken side.  The outside outside and filling was there but the  inside had been missing for at least a year.  I had gone to Dr. Howard to get it fixed and I can't remember why it didn't happen.  I think I was suppose to be deciding if I wanted anything else done too. Anyway, I have been thinking about trying out the South of the Border Dentists and this seemed like a great time. 
I told Dr. Zamora I thought I needed a crown. He said it would take a root canal---that's loads of fun----and then a rod into the bone (I'm not sure if that's right) and then a cap.  I didn't know I would need a root canal because the tooth was not bothering me.  I think I had been pretty lucky.  I really hate toothaches.
Dr. Fernando Zamora Carrillo told me it would be a total of US $ 420.00.  I found that it would need to be cash or check--who takes a check to Mexico?--.  I didn't know if I had enough money in my stash so I could not get started that day and I needed to say my prayers and think it over.  When I got back to the condo I counted my hidden money and came up with exactly $420.00 .  I thought that was a pretty good sign that it would be all right.
The root canal was great--really, for a root canal.  A women dentist did it. That was Tuesday.  It took from 10:30 to 1pm to get everything done except the crown.  They took molds of my teeth and everything fun.  Today I went in and he took about 40 minutes to precisely fit the porcelain crown.  It's the prettiest tooth in my mouth right now.
I am so glad I did it.  Having it done and so quickly is so good!

Now I can add this to the list of fun things to do in Rosarito if you ever want to come.

Friday is our last shopping day so if you need some Natural De Vanilla please let me know.

Flower Children

Sisters are like flowers.

When you are able to spend quality/quantity time with them you find how different each personality is and how beautiful different characteristics can be.  Each is colorful and unique, and you really can't choose a favorite.  Heavenly Father created all of us with such variety and puts us  in various dirt to grow and bloom.
I like being in a flower garden.

 

 

 I walked around the grounds this morning watching the gardeners trimming the plants.  They had piles of ice plant that they were tossing away and maybe replanting elsewhere.  I wanted to gather them up to take home to plant. (Does that surprise you?) Had to leave them on the ground--against border rules.  I took a picture of each different flower and have over 40 pictures.  

  

What do you think about the Health Summit today? 

Venna and I went the Optical office this morning.  We had the name of it the other day but we couldn't find it.  Edwardo from our office drew me a map last night and called the Dr. to get us in this morning.

He quoted a great price for Venna's glasses but we can't stay long enough to have them made.  If we had gone in Tuesday when we first tried she would have them today or tomorrow.  Maybe next year.

I'm going to turn my computer over to Venna so that she can post. She says if she comes again she's bringing her laptop.  She left it home for Kenneth to use but he needs her to run it.

SIGNING OFF FROM ROSARITO--just one more thing----I had time to paint my toenails this morning--it's just pamper, shop, walk on the beach, pamper, eat--play cards and pamper this week.

Life of the Rich and Not So Famous

It's Wednesday already.  Our vacation is flying by.
We feel like we are so richly blessed to be together enjoying this week.
You probably wouldn't believe what we did last night.  Yep, Hand & Foot again!  I also tried to learn to play SkipO.  I brought Blink for them to learn and they are getting pretty fast & co-ordinated. They are really trying to get good so they can play with the kids when they get home.
We only stayed up until 1am and that gave us time to sleep alittle.

SUSAN & LAREE on this morning's walk.  I jumped out of bed and caught up to them.

Watching the surfers and thinking they would take off on one of the mighty waves---

but the wet suited guys just bobbed around out there. 

I was trying to get a picture of Susan's Panguitch T shirt.

When I went over this ocean run off stream the first time I thought that I should have taken a flying leap or taken my shoes off.  I was sure I could do it on the way back.  I got my shoe wet again and find that I need to practice jumping.  I used to broad jump a lot further than that!

Please note:  This picture makes the stream look more narrow than in real life.

 

Sunshine and looking for shells for the kids.  

The sand was really sparkling this morning.

  

LaRee seems to be the designated poser.

 

We left Venna home in bed.  We tired her out yesterday.  She's up now though and typing on LaRee's computer.  Our hot tub is not hot so I sent LaRee and Susan up to the Worldmark pools with their swimsuits and towels.  Now I'm kind of wishing I had gone there too--maybe I will.

Seaside Cottage

Silly Segler Sisters Sampling Sunny Seaside Surfing Sandpipers

 

In the Internet Spot--Venna is awaiting her turn

 

Here are some pictures of our seaside home.

Last year I posted on my blog about the camera mishap when we tried to take a group photo.  These skinny little cameras just don't stand up very well on their own.  --Maybe that's a plus for not being skinny--.  This year I was prepared and bought a little tripod at Dollar Tree.  It turns out to be a real great deal considering last year I ruined a nice camera when it hit the tile floor and this year I spent a whole dollar for the cutest, functional, red legged camera picture taker saver.

Yesterday we dared to go on these little busy Alto sign speckled roads to find Walmart.  We were looking for the Dental and Optical offices.  We found the dental and they were closed from 1 to 3 for siesta I suppose.  We did not find  the optical office we were looking for.  We went to the dollar store and did not even spend a dollar.  Walmart was not so much fun this year.  It is not one of our recommended Walmarts.  We went across town to go back to our favorite Groceria.
We had another party last night and now Venna and Susan are having a hard time staying awake as they wait for their computer turn.  
Earlier, Susan and LaRee went for their morning beach run.  The limpers stayed home.  We are all going to go get in the water this afternoon if the sun stays up and out.
It's lunch time and we're going to head back to the hasienda to fix some more HG with beans and chips.
Adios Amigos 

Gringo Hermanas

It's Monday morning and Venna and I are in the clubhouse waiting for LaRee and Susan to shower and dress and such so that we can all play again today.  We haven't really decided what to do for sure, but I know we won't be going to Taco Yaqui very soon because we had such a good breakfast.
The reason that we are ahead of the other 2 girls is that they went for a refreshing fast walk on the beach and worked up a sweat.
We seem to be converting to MEXICAN time and went to bed at 1am and stayed in bed til 9:30am.
Rest and relaxation for us!  Wish you were all here!

We thought we should have Sunday School in the Clubhouse.

What a nice Sunday we had. After discussing Isaiah somewhat and maybe a little Noah--we spent the afternoon--evening--I mean this was a Hand to Foot Marathon!!  We played so long that we had to get up and jump around --run to the bathroom and get another cold drink in between games.  I think this is one of the only times I have ever played cards and thought OK that's enough.
Probably because I'm pretty sure we'll play again every night.

We fixed Huevos for supper.  We cut up onions, pepper, tomatoes and scramble with eggs and cheese. LaRee bought a fresh stack of tortillas on Saturday and they are good with about everything.  The chips are out of this world and we are not counting calories this trip.  How can beans and avocados and chip hurt anyway?

Venna had an episode last night--so if she tells the story I want to give her notice that I will tell my side too.  To be continued----  on her blog

It's a great life.  We are so happy to be alive and well.

Rosarito--OLE!

First of all I want to tell you that all of  the Blogspot headers-dashboard and such on this internet connection are in Spanish!


We've got our passports--packed and ready to go!
7am we left Hurricane.
We drove all day and arrived in Rosarito about 4:15 pm.
Some of the drive was thrilling--it was like driving on a speedway. Lots of fast traffic and wonderful freeways. Of course I drove the speed limit.
I told the girls we were getting close to the border and they phoned husbands. The Mexico crossing came up so fast that the calls were short.
The Mexican border police gave us a green light and we drove right in. I did fine on the road until I turned left one turn too soon and missed the toll road. We went on the free road and saw some new scenery. Usually we see the Donald Trump Resort--this time we saw makeshift homes on the hills and tried to stop at all of the ALTO signs along the way. It was like being "up close and personal" in the outskirts of Tijuana.
We have the same condo that Chuck and I had in 2008 when I had a broken hip. The cobblestones are so much easier to navigate on with 2 good legs! Chuck was so good to me with wheelchair and crutches.
Anyway--we love #278. 2 bedrooms and 2 baths this year.

Our first excursion was to the Commercial Groceria. We love going to the bakery section and picking out things to try. We also loaded up on avocados, tomatoes, refried black beans, real tortilla chips and fresh torillas.

I tried to post last night from our little house, but the connection was bad and I gave up after too much time running back and forth from the bedroom I decided to wait until this morning in the clubhouse.

Sudoku with Color

My sister Susan came from Panguitch last night so she could sleep over and be ready to leave this morning bright and early. It's really not that bright at 6:30am--neither am I. This is not the time of day that I shine.
Last night I got out a game board I bought from Patti Hughes last Peach Days.
It is Color Ku. We had a good time putting it together.

It's off we go!  We'll try to post from Rosarito.
Last year when I drove the trip --it took from 7:30 am to 4:30pm.  We'll see if we get in a traffic jam this time.
We're excited!  Too bad the hubbies are staying home.

Lost & Found

I wondered where in the heck this collage that I was working on went to. No kidding I lost it when I was working on it. I could not get it back so I started another one and posted it.
My home computer does not always show the photos--on my blog or others---which is crazy. Sometimes I get duplicate pictures on because the 1st one doesn't show up. Then I get to work and see that I've double exposed.
Today I did something different. I didn't know I had a lost and found!

Yuma January 2010

Imperial Sand Dunes

Notice the Steel fence going down the dunes.
It is the Mexico/California-Arizona Border

January 19-22
We had the best sand ever! It rained (poured) so hard the day we arrived that we went to the movie in downtown Yuma. We saw BLINDSIDE, it was so good.  We went to Dave's Famous BBQ for dinner.

We camped right on the dunes for 2 nights. After the rain the sands were perfect for riding.  Last year we couldn't go up all of the hills because they were dry and we had to fight getting stuck.  This year we took the roller coaster hills and had an exhilarating time.

Thursday morning we went to the big Yuma swap meet market. We bought some fresh dates and oranges. It was raining so hard that
the shops all flooded and closed down. --Reminded me of the day we were in Paris and it was raining so hard Chuck (He was Robert then) and I were the only ones at the Eiffle Tower until the afternoon sun came out.--only the Yuma sun did not come out.
We set in the parking lot with the Hall's in the wind and rain.  Linda and I got Laron and Chuck to play cards with us which was more fun (well almost) than shopping.  We sat in the rain and wind for most of the day until
it was almost dark.

We then went to a laundromat/motel parking lot and camped in a big puddle off the highway. That was where the redneck picture was taken.  We ran across the highway to have Pizza Hut $10.00 Everything Pizza for dinner.  I watched the weather station on TV and heard the typhoon warnings.
That was thrilling.   We woke up Friday morning safe though and headed for Quartzsite only to find the highway had been closed because of flooding.  We took the long way home through Lake Havasu City.

I'll do another post with Quartzsite pictures.  It took me several tries to get this collage on my blog.  I should do it more often because I forget how before I get around to it again.

My Ballerina & Jazz Dancer

Two darling girls posing for me after the Nutcracker in December.
Remember that month of December we looked forward to all year and then it went fleeting before we got to enjoy it enough ?