Thursday, June 18, 2009

Finally 100 degrees in Sun City West, AZ

Last summer I left Sun City West, AZ. in June and the temperatures were already over 110 degrees. I couldn't get out of town fast enough. This year I left before the June sizzle began. I was not going to be a fool trying to load a mental trailer in 112 degrees this year. I may be new to desert living but I'm no dummy. As I drove out of town I knew that June would soon burst forth with 110+ temperatures and was so glad to be heading north to Washington.

Since then I have been tracking the SCW temps and am now totally confused. Today, June 18th, is predicted to be the first 100 degree day in June. My friends and family who live in the desert have been telling me about the beautiful summer they are having with temps in the 90's. I'm confused! Can this mean the climate is changing?? Can this mean I may not have to flee the desert in the summer?? Or is this the same "weather siren" that visits Seattle in the summer to bring sunshine, clear skys and perfect temperatures. This "siren" is the one that convinces vulnerable folks like me that weather is not an issue and you can actually live year round in the desert and survive a long, gray winter in Seattle.

I have seen this "sirens" work before. One winter, many years ago in San Bernardino, California when the air was clear, the snow was gleaming on the mountains and the orange groves were green and beautiful. It was paradise, who wouldn't want to live there. Fast forward a few months and San Bernardino was swamped in smog and those snow capped mountains were lost to view. The "siren" laughed gleefully at the poor souls who had moved to the area during the "magic time" and were now choking on smog and exhaust fumes.

So I will be watching the Sun City West temperatures during the coming months. Will climate change be working in my favor or it this yet another "siren" call to resist! Stay tuned...

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Anacortes update








I've been enjoying my time getting to know my way around Anacortes. Decent library, always a good sign for me. Went to the Farmers Market on Saturday. Mostly crafts..some nice flowers. The peonies were gorgeous. The gardens on most of the homes in Old Town are lovely. Spring in the Northwest is a sight to behold. I love the colors and abundance.

Today, Sunday, I went to the Religious Science church. Very small congregation but very friendly. Met a fellow from Tucson who is also staying in the RV park. I expect I'll be seeing him again.

I took a drive over the bridge to Deception Pass Park. I wanted to see the house that Charlie and I built in 1980. It looks great. Gave me some bittersweet moments remembering those times. I always have mixed feelings when I am on Whidbey. I spent some of the best days of my life there, both as a teenager and an adult. When Charlie, Danny and I moved to Oak Harbor in 1977, it was a good time for us. Dan attended the same high school I had....he graduated in 1980. I got to sing in the country band with Skip and Arnie, 3 years of magic time. Don't know when I have had more fun. Had my 20 year high school reunion in Oak Harbor in 1980. Now this August we are having our 49th year reunion....joining the classes of 1958 & 59. Time seems to fly these days. I am looking forward to seeing my classmates again. It will be interesting to hear about how people's lives have gone. 1960 was a lifetime ago....very different Universe then. Well, enough of this nostalgia...life is about today and my today's are pretty darn good. I have so much to be grateful for and God knows I am.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

View from my RV



This is Fidalgo Bay....nice to wake up to in the AM

Settling in at Anacortes

I got here Sunday and have been "house" cleaning and organizing. It has been great waking up to a water view. I really like Anacortes. It is a charming town with great old houses, cute shops and a beautiful setting on the water. I've seen about a dozen cottages I'd love to live in....but alas.....my real estate buying days are pretty much past. I'll just hang on to my AZ house and see what the future brings.

Nice RV park but no frills. Wish they had a pool but no such luck. Fidalgo Bay is out there but I don't know if I can muster the courage to swim in that arctic cold water. Maybe later in the summer when it heats up, at least on land. I used to teach beginners swim classes when I was a teenager on Whidbey Island. I remember those 6 year olds shivering and blue, learning to swim, while I was snug and warm in my sweatshirt.

Today I plan to check out the local thrift store and find a seafood lunch. Oh, the stress of it all. LOL

P.S. Pictures will eventually show up.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Back in the USA!

I made the drive from Penticton, BC to Federal Way, WA. yesterday...350 miles. A long, uneventful drive. I had planned to go south on Hiway 97 to Wenatchee and then Blewett Pass to Hiwy 90. Fortunately I checked the news before I left and found out about a forest fire north of Chelan so I chose to take the same route home as I took to get here. Last thing I needed was to be breathing in fire smoke.

I am now back with Marianne and feeling much better. Still coughing but the fever is gone and I don't have the "achey's". Marianne fixed me chicken soup for dinner and I slept well. Up this morning catching up on laundry and computer stuff. I'll be here until Sunday when I moved Ms. Capri to the Fidalgo Bay RV park in Anacortes. I'm ready to get settled in and start my summer reading. I brought a box full of books I want to get too. I have such a tough life!!

The Northwest is having "weather magic".....weeks now of sunshine and great temps. I know it can't last but it is wonderful. The "siren sun of seattle summer" has lured many an unsuspecting soul to move here. Then winter arrived with the day after day gray skys and rain. Having grown up in WA. I will not be fooled!LOL

Monday, June 1, 2009

Oh Canada!







I left Bellingham and headed across the border. Drove through the Fraisier Valley and then on the Hope Princeton Hiway to Penticton. Stopped along the way to admire a black bear enjoying his lunch.

Got to see my friend Johnny and spend some time with his grandkids, Brooke and Kiah. I had been looking forward to this visit but it hasn't gone well. I acquired yet another respiratory infection and have been so sick. I went to a walk in clinic and got the usual antibiotic treatment. Wasn't sure they would see me here in Canada but for $65.00 they did, plus the cost of the meds. I'm afraid I haven't been a very enjoyable vistor. Fortunately, I have been able to stay at Johnny's condo..."(he has recently moved into an assisted living complex)....so I have had privacy for my coughing bouts and most of my "meanies".

Today is my last day here so I am going to try to pull it together and be nice and spend some quality time with Johnny before I leave. Tomorrow morning I head back to Marianne's place to stay until June 7th when I move Ms. Capri and Me to the Fidalgo Bay RV Park in Anacortes, WA. Hope I am in a better mood by the time I get to Marianne's. If not I may find myself sleeping in my car! At least I got some good pictures to share.

Mobile Home for Sale in Bellingham, WA.



I spent some time with my sister in Bellingham, WA. She lives in a lovely, senior mobile home park and has decided to sell her mobile home. If anyone knows anyone that might be interested....call Lolly at 360-676-0302. Price is $55,000. 2 bedrooms, 1&1/2 baths.