Chili cook off

Check out the cowboy boot coozie!

Yesterday was the long awaited chili cook off. Tom decided to participate and make some "Texas" chili. He enlisted Donna's help as prep person and we spent a good part of Sunday, chopping and cooking. The chili turned out great and many of the attendees at the cook off were very impressed. Some came back up to four times for a "taste". No, we didn't win the contest, but we didn't care as we had a lot of fun visiting with the people and having them taste the chili. Tom was really basking in all the praise. After the cook off, he went to the hot tub for a soak and many of his admirers were there to heap the compliments on him. His head is so big, I thought we'd have to deflate it to get him back in the rig!!! Note: to go to the cook off just as a guest was $5.00 a person. If you were a cook, you didn't have to buy a ticket. I asked Tom how much he thought it cost to make the chili. He estimated $50.00!! That doesn't include the time and numerous trips to the store for something else he needed. All I can say is that it was money well spent for all the laughs.

"The Performer"

Rockintom on stage!

We're into our 4th week at Golden Village Palms and enjoying every day. Tom was asked to participate in the variety show held last night. He was in two skits and he did a great job. I think he's a natural comedian (and so does he!). It was a fun evening all around.

More news - we went through an earthquake a couple of weeks ago - a 4.5 on the scale. We felt it because the epicenter was in San Bernadino which is only about 40 miles away. It only lasted about 4 or 5 seconds but we definitely were shaking! There wasn't any damage though and haven't had one since.

We have been so busy this week we still haven't gone on any day trips but are planning going soon. We have been fortunate enough to be invited to go with one of our friends to see the "Ellen" show in early February. When we find out the date it will air, we'll put it on the blog.

There's more sunny weather, lots of water aerobics, happy hours (too many for our waistlines!) and just about more fun than we can stand!!!

Great Times at Golden Village Palms

We've been here almost 2 weeks now and love this park. The folks are super friendly and fun loving, and why not? This is paradise! Weather has been near perfect and we have been getting around and exploring the park's activities. We both have been doing daily water aerobics and weekly park sponsored happy hours. Donna has been doing line dancing, Tom is doing the hot tub daily and generally riding his bike around the park meeting folks and looking for Excel coaches! Oh yes, we've been checking out the local stores and restaurants and found a few good ones already! Within 4 miles we have 2 SuperCenter Wal-marts, a hand full of grocery stores, and Tom is in hog heaven! Next week we will be taking a few day trips. With Palm Desert, Palm Springs, LA, and San Diego all being within a hour, we should be able to see a lot. In late February we are scheduled to go to a live taping of the "Dr. Phil" show. Maybe we can get some help for this fetish we have of living this "rich and famous" lifestyle! Hope all had a great holiday season and ready to get on with the new year!