Reno Here We Come!

We left Portland after getting all of our medical things done. We definitely went through the whole regimen. After getting all the clearances, we were so happy to head to Reno to see our good friends, Mary and Paul. They purchased a gently used DRV 5th wheel over the summer so decided to "camp" with us in Gold Ranch. It made visiting much easier. Paul put Tom to work helping getting their rig in ship shape condition. They enjoyed making things work more efficiently and spending many hours talking over the differences between the Excel and DRV 5th wheels. Both agreed that their rigs are good ones. They are looking forward to spending the winter in Hemet seeing what other mischief they can get in to. Donna and Mary spent the time knitting, playing Mahjongg, going to lunch, meeting new friends and getting caught up on all the goings on over the summer. We all went to dinners, breakfasts and lunches together (do you see the theme there?) and also went to the Reno International Chili Cook off. We managed to get in a movie, "The Martian" too. If you haven't seen it, we highly recommend it. It's one of those "keep you on the edge of your seat" movies. It's a little long but very good.

After Reno, we came to Ukiah to see Donna's daughter and granddaughter, Beth and Julia. Beth is performing in a community theater play, "Young Frankenstein", the musical. She plays dual roles as a village woman and also as Victor, the old, mad scientist who created the original "monster". We attended the dress rehearsal and she was really great. She sings and dances like a pro - even has a solo. She makes a very good looking old man. What energy and talent! Okay, okay, we're a bit prejudiced, but other people agreed, by the sound of the applause after her solo. She is performing 17 times in total not counting the two dress rehearsals. She has the next four weekends four performances each weekend. On Halloween, she will have two performances - one at midnight! To see a 4 minute clip of her rehearsal solo, click HERE. Part of the reason for our coming at this time was to see her perform, but also to help with Julia as Beth has had rehearsals and many late nights. We are really enjoying spending time with Julia and can't believe how much she has changed just since May when we saw her last. She's eleven now - a "tween". She's very independent, opinionated and stubborn. Just the kind of person who will go far in life! She still needs an adult to spend time with her though, to kind of guide her. We don't call it babysitting as she definitely is way beyond that stage. Just last night she gave Donna a very stern lecture on the "evil McDonald's". Scared the heck out of me! The food pix here are Castilian marinade chicken breast with grilled cowboy potatoes and the other is a taco salad that Julia made for Grandma Donna!!!

On Monday, November 2, we'll be back on the road to go to Hemet for the winter. I think Donna is looking forward to it more than Tom, but we both enjoy our routine there, our friends and adventures. It has become like home to us. We'll get back to water aerobics, dancing, playing Mahjongg and whatever else happens.

Hope all is well with all of you. See you sometime in our travels!!!!