I didn’t pick up Donna’s bike yesterday. She needs to replace her rear wheel and is deciding what she wants to do about it. I took advantage of having Mike Hall’s Jeep by making a Costco run. I stocked up on bottled water, coffee k-cups and a three-pound bag of Japanese rice crackers with nuts, one of my favorite snacks.

I started the wash and polish job around 11:30am. After I washed the front and right side, I got the ladder out and cleaned the windows. While I was drying the coach, our neighbor, George, came over. He offered to lend me his fiberglass ladder. He said the steps on it were bigger and thought it would be easier on my feet and back. I took him up on it, but it turned out not to be tall enough for me to reach to the roof line.

I worked at it nonstop until 3pm. In hindsight, it may have been smarter to break it up into two sessions. The thing is, once I get started on a project like this, I want to get it done. I don’t want to sound like a wimp, but by the time I finished, I could barely raise my arms and I had pain running from my neck to my left shoulder. I don’t know what that’s all about, but it’s still sore this morning. The coach looks great though!

After I showered, I called Mike Hall to see when he wanted me to drop off the Jeep. We decided to put it off until this morning.

Last evening was the Apache Wells RV Resort Farewell dinner party. They do this every spring as a thank you to all of the snowbird guests who spend the winter here. Most of the snowbirds will be heading back north over the next two weeks. They had tables under canopies set up in the street by the office. The street had been closed for the last two days as preparations were being made. Park exit and entry was through an alternate gate north of the main entrance (which was closed).

Happy hour under the canopy

They served beef tips in sauce over egg noodles. Not a gourmet treat, but you can’t beat the price. It was free!

Free dinner plate

After dinner, a band set up on a stage in the street, near the park entrance. The band was called Johnny K and Kompany. They played songs from the 50s and 60s. The front man was an excellent singer. Their playlist included songs that ranged from Nat King Cole to the Searchers (Love Potion #9). They really had the crowd going when they played Ghost Riders in the Sky – a cowboy song penned in the 40s by Stan Jones and covered by everybody from Dick Dale to Johnny Cash to the Marshall Tucker Band.

Johnny K and Kompany

The band sounded great – their songs were polished. I had enough by the second set and went back to the coach. I was whipped from the day’s work.

Today I want to check out a set of bicycle race wheels that Donna’s friend, Dara offered her. If they’re suitable for Donna’s needs, it will be a good deal. Donna already put $300 into the tune-up which included new cables, chain and gear cassette. I also need to return the Jeep and retrieve the scooter.