A Home for the Holidays

All packed up and prepared to leave Cochise Terrace RV Park in Benson, Arizona on Saturday

   
   George and I left Benson, Arizona Saturday in the cold, wind and rain.  We had a short drive north through Tucson and Phoenix to Meridian RV Resort in the East Valley.  We discovered this small RVs only over 55 park when George had accepted a work camping position back in 2010.  

Nearby Superstition Mountains in Phoenix's East Valley

   We spent our first winter as full timers in Central Florida working at the Columbia Harbor House in Liberty Square at Walt Disney World.  Our second winter we spent in South Texas.  And we decided to try Arizona the third year.  We do enjoy the dry climate here, but more importantly, we have established doctors in the area and made connections with some really nice friends who spend their winters in Apache Junction.  

One of the two larger dog runs at Meridian RV Park

Excellent cooks prepared dishes to share

   Pulling into the park we were greeted by many friends and escorted to our old 'neighborhood,' which is commonly referred to as 'the ditch.'  It's a distance to walk the dogs to either end of the park or to the clubhouse, and we look forward to the exercise.  The recent rains have created some large puddles, but it also serves to clean the dust, and the sun will dry them quickly.  I've found my lip balm to use until my skin adjusts to the dry air. 


   Our arrival came a day or two earlier than anticipated and our friends, Cathy and Mike Lamothe, invited us to join a biscuit and gravy pot luck breakfast they planned to host this morning.  Cathy got my picture but I didn't get hers, (at least not this time), but I envy her outstanding leadership skills among other things.  And I don't believe I've ever seen Mike without a smile!  

Michael serving up the gravy

   George says he had never eaten biscuits and gravy until he met me, but it has become one of his favorites.  We made the familiar drive to the local Walmart store to get some needed supplies and I decided to get the fixings for the delicious potato recipe Diane Carson had shared while we were in Livingston, Texas together.  

   Diane calls her dish "Church Potatoes." I got up early to prepare it and it turned out great!  The recipe goes as follows:  Melt 1/2 stick of butter and mix with 2 C crushed potato chips or corn flakes (I used the potato chips).  Melt the other 1/2 stick of butter and combine with 2 lbs. frozen potato cubes (I believe it said Southern style hash-browns on the package), 1/4 C chopped onion (I used a little more just because I wanted to use up what I had), 1 can condensed cream of celery soup (I used cream of potato), 16 oz. sour cream OR 8 oz. sour cream plus 8 oz. milk.  Top with 2 C shredded cheese and then the potato chip or corn flake mixture and bake in a greased 9 x 13 pan at 350 degrees for one hour.  Thank you, Diane!

Diane Carson's Church Potatoes

   After breakfast we attended mass at St. George Catholic Church. We like the family mass at 11:30 because of Father Stan and the children's choir.  The kids do a great job with the readings.  Our altar servers appeared to be brothers, one much taller and older than the very young one.  I was pleased to see the respectful attitude and dress of all the kids, but especially the servers, who were wearing black pants and  shoes.  The bare legs and brightly colored shoes we often see just seem out of place.  Our favorite vocalist, Bobbie, sang a solo, "Above All," by Lenny LeBlanc.

Mesa Swap Meet 

   Following mass we drove the short distance to the Mesa Swap Meet, which is only open weekends -- Friday through Sunday.  It's actually a huge tented marketplace where you can find almost anything you are seeking at a decent price.  George and I agreed to meet after an hour.  I walked a great distance looking to replace our lighted patio ornament which has deteriorated in the weather.  The vendor had several from which to choose, but none that caught my eye.  George was looking for other things which he apparently did not find either, so we came home empty handed.  

   The dogs are thankful for the cooler weather and the space to get a good run.  George and I are busy recovering from several days on the road and our colds.  And I am preparing with great excitement for a visit from my daughter, Lindsay, who will be flying in Wednesday to spend the holiday with us and our Meridian family.  I'll begin preparing my mother's hot roll recipe to share with our table for Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday.  

Looking forward to some poolside time

   I have to admit that it's still sometimes difficult to really get into the holiday spirit wearing short pants and with palm trees swaying in the breeze after living so many years and growing up with memories inspired by "Over the river and through the woods, to Grandmother's house we go"...  Snowbirds -- it's what we've become and what we enjoy.  Life is short, and we're extremely thankful for so many blessings, but especially the people with whom we've had the opportunity and privilege to share it!