Places We Have Called Home In 2020

Home Is Where We Park It – Escapees North Ranch, Congress, Arizona

April 15, 2020

Temperature 71 Degrees

Just An Easy Day

Not much happening today.  I overslept this morning and by the time I awoke the sun was already up.  It’s still so nice to see it out the front window shining bright in a clear blue sky.  I’ll never get tired of watching it rise in the morning sky.

Breakfast was again very simple.  I started with my usual cup of coffee and a muffin.  That was followed by a glass of orange juice, a bowl of cereal and another cup of coffee.

Barbara spent the morning on the phone with her life insurance company.  Her premium had been about fifty dollars per month.  Now they wanted to charge her over six hundred dollars per month!  One policy cancelled, time to look for another.  She also had to contact Sirus radio since our yearly contract was up.  The cost of renewal?  Well over one hundred dollars.  She wasn’t about to pay that, not on your life.  So what did we end up paying for the year?  She got a contract for forty dollars!  My wife definitely drives a hard bargain.

No projects today.  I’m pacing myself.  Actually, I’m waiting for some parts to come in from Amazon and then I’ll get started again.  I have a water valve to change, some lights to install, bulbs to change and other odds and ends to complete.  All in due time

The entire park is surrounded by BLM land.  This is the access gate to the trails that crisscross this land.  A good deal of the residents here own some form of ATV and this is where they go to play during the day.

A few more pictures to share with you.

Maybe they believe the wind always blows from the same direction.

Local transportation for some.

The tin man on a diet.

Native decoration on the end of another house.

Birdhouses.  Cactus in bloom.  And I had a wagon like that, but what is it doing here?  It seems out of place.

On the corner.

One little Angel.

A bit of local color.

Do you see the owl?

I guess this is technically correct since most lighthouses are found on or along a rocky shore.

Tour over we came back home and played

another round of Mexican Train.  Today was my day as I cleaned house.

Afterwards we sat outside for a couple of hours.  During this time we got to meet Guy and Christine.  They are several sites up from us.  Guy is what would be called an Xscaper since he still works full time.  We had a delightful conversation with them and hope to spend more time together in the future – yes, at a safe social distance.

That was our day on The Road of Retirement.  It was a beautiful day with clear blue skies and an abundance of sunshine.  We were able to get out for a little bit.  We had a good time at the game table.  We met two wonderful people.  We are still healthy and we’re still getting along.  What more could one ask for in this challenging day and age.  Thank you Lord for all your blessings.

Food for thought.

Thanks for checking in with us again today.  We always appreciate your company, and your comments and suggestions.  Till tomorrow.

These are the voyages of  Elvira and it’s two intrepid travelers.  Our continuing mission: to explore as many new states as possible, to seek out new acquaintances and make new friends, to boldly go where we have never been before.

See you on down the road!

 

 

 

 

Places We Have Called Home In 2020

Home Is Where We Park It – Escapees North Ranch, Congress, Arizona

April 14, 2020

Temperature 70 Degrees

Today’s Project

Property Considered

Walk A Bout, We’re Off Again

 A really big decision this morning What to have for breakfast?

We finally settled on a muffin, a bowl of cereal, a piece of toast with peanut butter and strawberry jelly, a glass of orange juice and a couple cups of coffee.  I’m full just thinking about it!  It was a great way to start the day.  A day that just got better as it went along.

A very simple project today.  I needed to check and adjust the air pressure in the tires on the car.  It took all of about thirty minutes and I was finished.  I also ordered a number of items for future projects that I need to complete regarding Elvira.

On a whim we went out again today to look at lots and homes within North Ranch.  This is the first lot we came across.  Remember, these lots in the beginning used to sell for less than ten thousand.  As you can see that isn’t the case anymore.

Another developed lot that is listed for an absolutely ridiculous price that I will not mention.  Suffice to say we would not even consider this property.  The woman who owns this property also owns a house here in the park.

This is the piece of property that I like.  I love the improvements that have already been made.  The only thing it is missing, in my mind, is a ramada to park Elvira under.  I have a feeling by the end of the year prices are going to drop way, way down.

This is what Barbara is leaning toward in the future.  She would like a house with parking on the side for Elvira.  Ah well, nothing will be decided for a few more years.  It is fun, however, to look and dream.

Let’s go discover some more of the park and what residents have done to their property.

 

They get it – six feet apart and wearing a mask.

Birds of a feather.

An airplane made of discarded beer cans.

Old wine bottles made into, well, I’m not sure.  Any thoughts?

I don’t believe this fifth wheel is going anywhere, anytime soon.  The rock wall is really nice.

Someone found a novel use for a wash tub.  Naughty dog, didn’t your master train you better!

This was painted on the end of one of the homes.

I’d love to know how they made the mane on the lions.

Bunnies!  Our symbol of good luck.

I found three more turtles.  Yipee!

What a neat bench.  Someone obviously put some thought into it.

The frog trio belting out a tune.

I couldn’t bear to look away.

Could this be a model of old time Congress?  Well, if so they got it right by separating it into two sections since Congress was actually two separate places.  There was Mill Town (the first picture) which was closer to the mine and was comprised of the mine, the mill, company offices,a hospital and residences.  Then there was lower town (the second picture) which was made up of stores, restaurants, bars, two churches and a school.

Could it be his master is indisposed?  If so, he’ll have a hard time getting back out.

Elephants

What a novel bench.

All by himself.

Interesting.

Can you find the face?

Where old boots go to die.

That was our day on The Road of Retirement.  Once again it felt good to just get out and about if only in the park.  And we haven’t covered all of it yet.  This place is big.  Hopefully, we’ll be back out again tomorrow, or maybe the day after.  We’ll see how things go tomorrow.

On the lighter side.

Thanks for checking in with us today.  We always appreciate your company and your comments.  Catch you tomorrow.

These are the voyages of  Elvira and it’s two intrepid travelers.  Our continuing mission: to explore as many new states as possible, to seek out new acquaintances and make new friends, to boldly go where we have never been before.

See you on down the road!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Places We Have Called Home In 2020

Home Is Where We Park It – Escapees North Ranch, Congress, Arizona

April 13, 2020

Temperature 65 Degrees

For Some People It Is All About Them, Forget Everyone Else

Today’s Project

Walk A Bout, Continued

Yesterday on RV Village there was a post from an individual slamming North Ranch, the park we are in.  This young lady was furious that they would not give her a site for two weeks instead of the month which is the norm now.  She stated that the park and Escapees management were just trying to make money off of her, that they were totally insensitive to her needs.  Well, a number of us pressed her as to why she wanted to stay only two weeks.  Finally, she admitted I’m continuing to travel where and when I want, all this talk about a virus is just so much fake news.  Sound familiar?  My final reply to her was in essence I’m glad they won’t let you stay, we really don’t want you here.  Who knows where she has been already?  Maybe a virus hot spot?  Some people are just so self-centered with no regard for others.  Unfortunately, that’s the attitude that’s been modeled for us by all to many in leadership positions.  How tragic.

One project on the docket today.  This is the slide motor for the drivers side bedroom slide.  It’s a 1/15 horsepower electric motor that drives a shaft (red and white wire running underneath) that drives a cog wheel off to the left (not visible) that meshes with a rail with holes that then moves the slide in and out.  Simple and effective.  The problem is with the four lag bolts (two visible above) that hold the motor in place.  If they become loose allowing the motor to move even a bit forget getting the slide to move.  Well, one of the lag bolts on the opposite side has become stripped and can no longer be tightened.  The one on this side with the extra washers (the right hand one) is the same way.  Solution?  Remove the lag bolts then drill the hole out so that it will accept a bolt and nut.  Add a little blue Locktite to each as you tighten them and that takes care of that.

Enough work, let’s continue the tour of our neighborhood.

The tin man is taking the virus seriously.

The Marlboro Man 

This has a little bit of everything.  A Cherub, a great Horned Owl, several painted circular rocks and a massive rock in the background.

The mining theme is a common one and is reflective of Congress itself.  A little digging and we discover that:  Congress originally came to life when a miner struck gold here in 1884. The addition of a post office and nearby Santa Fe Railroad added to the growing town until the mines closed in the 1930s.  Today nothing remains of the old town except a cemetery that has fallen into disrepair.

Afternoon siesta.

A draw bar and another cherub this time in gold.

All held together by a rod that runs up through the center.  Each piece, though, is so colorful in and of itself.

Wow, I can even remember when peddle cars like this were popular!  I hope that doesn’t make me old.

What a beautiful desert scene painted on a rock.  Such vibrant colors.

Three Amigos

Sinclair Oil Corporation has one of the most recognizable mascots in the country – a large green Brontosaurus.  Do you know his name?   Branded gasoline and other Sinclair fuel and lubricant products are sold today at more than 1,300 stations, mostly in the Central Plains and Rocky Mountain regions.  By the way his name is Dino.

I would love to know what is parked behind each of these two doors.

Ducks, ducks and more ducks.

 

Three Little Pigs

I wonder if the smile on the cat’s face has anything to do with the remains of the fish off to the side!

A different kind of robot.

More of the same yard.

I couldn’t show it, but the bicycle wheels were spinning like crazy.  Can you find the old jalopy?

And finally this

The most unusual house we’ve discovered to date in the park.  I have no idea what this style is called.  Anyone?

Today I had a chance to talk to another resident who has been here since the park was formed.  He stated that one person originally owned all the land.  He then developed and sold lots.  Which he immediately regretted because he suddenly realized that if he had, instead, rented the lots he would have had a continuing stream of income for life.  Oh well.  The individual I talked to also stated that lots originally sold for under ten thousand dollars.  He owns three.  The price today is a good deal higher sad to say.  I asked him what he thought of living here.  His answer was Never regretted my decision to move here for a minute.  More information to tuck away for the future.

That was our day on The Road of Retirement.  I began another project which I’ll complete once I can get to the hardware store.  We picked up our mail and were able to score a package of paper towels.  Yipee!  All things considered it was another great day that God has given us.  Are we getting bored?  Yea, it feels like we are stuck in a time warp.  But compared to what others are having to deal with, boredom is nothing.  The important thing is we’re both healthy and we still have each other.

On the lighter side.

Thanks again for joining us today.  We always appreciate your company as well as your comments and suggestions.  Catch your tomorrow.

These are the voyages of  Elvira and it’s two intrepid travelers.  Our continuing mission: to explore as many new states as possible, to seek out new acquaintances and make new friends, to boldly go where we have never been before.

See you on down the road!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Places We Have Called Home In 2020

Home Is Where We Park It – Escapees North Ranch, Congress, Arizona

April 12, 2020

Temperature 67 Degrees

Easter Worship During The Pandemic

Walk A Bout

We began the morning by attending Easter Sunday Worship.  Actually, we attended two services.  The first was at the last church I worked at in Monocacy Valley, Maryland.

The second worship service was at our former home church, The Colts Neck Reformed Church in Colts Neck, New Jersey.  Of course we didn’t physically attend both rather we attended both through live streaming over the internet.  My, how things have changed in just a year.

I will say it is sort of nice to be able to just sit back in one’s recliner, in shorts and go to church.  With a cup of coffee to top it off!  But, then again.

Today we just had to get out and about.  We wanted to see more of the park and if possible meet some more of the residents to hear what they thought about living here.  In addition to Yuma we have also been thinking of purchasing a lot here in the future as a permanent home base.  Well, we accomplished both tasks today.  We met a number of residents who have been here for over ten years.  Everyone stated that they were pleased with their decision to make North Ranch their home base.  As for property taxes, how does four hundred dollars a year sound?  We, of course, have a lot more to investigate, a lot more questions to ask before we do anything definite.  We’re by no means in a hurry to make such a major decision about a home base any time in the near future.  But we know some day that day will come and we hope to be prepared.

Time now to go for another walk a bout.

At last I found some turtles!  One,

two, and

three!

Let’s keep going and see what else we can discover.

Cattle are everywhere in this part of the country so why not the side of a garage!

Really?

Javelina are common in much of central and southern Arizona, including the outskirts of the Phoenix area, most of Tucson, and occasionally as far north as Flagstaff.  It also looks like one made its way to North Ranch in Congress.

Um, I wonder if he would steer me wrong?

Yup, there is always a roadrunner lurking somewhere.

A little bit of this and that.

This caught our eye immediately.

A tastefully decorated tool shed.

I wonder if the lion on the right had anything to do with the guy on the left?

A multicolored fish, a deer, and can you find the seal?

Frog went a-courtin’

Can you find the two flamingo’s?

Well, we have more to cover but for tonight

I’ll end with a picture of our own backyard.

That was our day on The Road of Retirement.  It was great to just get out and about if only in our own neighborhood.  We’re finding more and more to like about North Ranch as the days and weeks go by.  Does it get cold here in the winter?  It can we are told but it doesn’t last.  Does it get really hot here in the summer?  Sure does, so plan to be elsewhere we are told.  Like I said, we’re nowhere near making a decision as to a home base yet.

On the lighter side.

Thanks for checking in with us today.  We always appreciate your company and your comments and suggestions.  Catch you tomorrow.

These are the voyages of  Elvira and it’s two intrepid travelers.  Our continuing mission: to explore as many new states as possible, to seek out new acquaintances and make new friends, to boldly go where we have never been before.

See you on down the road!