Spring has sprung

The desert is in bloom. Cacti are covered in blooms; some lasting only a day

Kay and I lounged at Cindy's cabana on the beach

Hummingbirds are plentiful.

We received this hand carved and painted bird chime from Steve and Becky.

Her name is Abby. As in Abby Normal. She is temporarily out of the wind and inside the motorhome.

We went shooting in the desert with Peggy and Greg and some Spring Breakers who were visiting them. I did really well the first round and went downhill from there. Sure is fun though. 

 

Tim is a very good shot. He blew those water jugs all over the place, shooting them down the road like a wild west gunslinger. I feel safe with him by my side for many reasons, 

Me, I've been named the Shooter Queen by my friends here at the park. I sling booze into tasty concoctions. People drop off bottles and ask me to create something. I think I've found my calling.

Now these don't look very pretty but they are everyone's favorite. An Oreo cookie crust topped with a filling of Baileys, vodka, chocolate pudding and whipped cream. I tried to freeze them but that didn't work because of the liquor in them. I'll perfect this one.

This is an example of what can happen some days. The guys are watching our new electric rotissiere. Apparently this was the big event of the afternoon. 

We had an electrical storm roll by

Look at the dirt being kicked up across the river. So much ATV action.

Snapping turtles, beavers, fish; And a laptop. Our phone coverage has been crappy, but we have excellent internet. I'm kinda getting used to no phone. It's a nice change for awhile.

It's in the mid 90's and we've been swimming in the River. Even the dinghy's need a bimini. I just love it here; the scenery is always fresh.

We had a blow out on the motorhome on Interstate 10. It was the rear inside dual on the drivers side. Thankfully there was no damage to the coach and the damaged tire didn't shred. We were able to drive to a tire dealer and had the 2012 tire replaced. All is well that ends well.

We're back in the Phoenix area for some appointments and make a liquor run before heading into Utah.  A short stop back at Canyon Vistas to visit some friends and enjoy resort amenities. There was a good turnout for the Water Volleyball Tournament

We've had enough desert action for the season.

 We cannot wait to get on the road for new adventures.

Time to do what we got this beast for. Travel!

Stick Bread, Razr Ridin' & Another Party

Have you heard of stick bread? It's a fun thing to do around the campfire, especially with kids. Although it was 80 degrees out we sat around the campfire last night and learned how to make them.

You'll need a few 3/4 inch dowels - soak them about 24 hours

We used store bought biscuits in the regular size

Gently elongate them onto the dowel at least 4 inches being careful not to poke through the end. 

Roast over the firepit for about 7-10 minutes rolling the dowel until they are golden brown and cooked through. When they are done, you give the biscuit a little twist and it comes off intact.

Then fill with whatever you'd like:

Sweet: Nutella or Peanut butter & honey;

Savory: Salami & cheese

Our neighbor lent us their Razr to ride out in the desert. Tim and I went to the abandoned mine

Here you can see the different colors of rock pulled from the earth called mine tailings. They are left overs from separating the ore from the earth.

You can see the Palo Verde trees in bloom. Being desert foliage, this tree has the tiniest leaves. Palo Verde means green stick. The trunk and branches are all green for photosynthesis.

 Here it's calm enough for a car but it's not all that way. Tim is breaking me in easy so we only went up some easy hills and stayed mostly in the washes.

Wild burros rolling in the dirt

Geoge and Doug serenading Tim

We have a very spacious front yard

We hosted a Mexican Monday potluck. These margarita jello shots were excellent in the mandarin oranges my Mom sent over with Chris last visit. The essence of the orange was lovely.

Linda & Deb

Bob & Melinda with some of their friends who stopped by for a visit

Annette and a friend of hers

Me & Joey

John and Sam

Debbie and Tim

Game playing audience waiting their turn

Linda & Pam

More onlookers watching Doug & George

It's a bit of a younger crowd here at the River

John, Tim, Renee, Linda, Debbie

Flowers in the Moho

A Day in the Life of a River Rat

I don't have much to share other than some pictures we've taken of our daily lives.

Jackie and Dennis came to visit on a windy day

We took the water taxi to the other side for dinner at the Black Pearl.

We were invited to a lasagna party at the Den. Here the Desperate Pirate Band is reunited:
Denny, Mike, Doug & George

I brought "stained glass" tropical jello shots

Sunrise

Sunset

Big dog; little dog

I learned how to make authentic baklava

Friends at our park suggested a potluck brunch

Complete with Bloody Mary bar, mimosas and some of the most delicious food.

We were so full from eating that we all took a parfait home to eat the next day

Our neighbors Billy and Maggie

The view is constantly changing.

We gave Debbie a new name after this gathering - her alter ego is named Natasha

 Full moon rising over Becky & Steve

and Bob & Melinda

Taking a cruise on Steve's pontoon boat

Past Roadrunner

Fox's

and Sundance Saloon

Early dinner at Roadrunner

The latest in "shots" These are made with pudding, vodka, Baileys, and whipped cream. Put them into injectors and pop into the freezer until the right time to share with your friends!