By Valerie Halla

We were pretty excited, the four of us, not to just be there in Mesa for the snowbirds 2023 Jones/Lyman County South Dakota Gathering, but for getting a full box of Krispy Crème Donuts: FREE. Bill snagged them at the end of the reunion. Such a smart cousin. Remember I had said that this reunion had tons of sweets put out? Like we needed to add more sweets and calories to our senior diets and let’s not eat any protein nor veggies and fruit. What are veggies and fruit anyway? Never heard of them. Donuts? That’s a different story.

Bill brought the donuts back to our hotel. Mary and I were like Wolfhounds ready to pounce on our next meal only we were sugar hounds. She grabbed one and so I chose a shiny chocolate covered one which called out to me like a moth to the flame if the flame was chocolate coated. We managed to control ourselves for that night. After that we pretty much guarded the box with our lives.

The next morning we took the box of KC donuts proudly downstairs for the continental breakfast.

We four were putting together our donut patrol team. Gus, being the oldest, placed the large box of donuts on a table next to ours after carefully surveying the area. We then proceeded to take turns getting our continental breakfast with one of us on security for donut duty at all times. I suddenly saw a guy heading for the DT = Donut Table.

A clean, swell looking guy sat down next to the donuts with his breakfast. He was alone and looked relatively trustworthy but one never knows. I cannot recall which one of us gave him the original warning … uh… I meant greeting about our box. Gus even teased the stranger about our special donuts sitting in the big box at his table. We were getting friendly but still cautious with the fine wholesome looking stranger near our donuts.

Gus said, “Sir, you’re in charge of our donuts. They were free.” The fine quiet stranger did not seem to be impressed as he tried to eat his breakfast in peace. We obnoxiously weren’t going to let him eat in peace.

Gus kept prodding. “Sir, would you like one? “

Sir answered,”No thanks. How did you get them for free?” (He may have cracked a smile.)

After we got our emotions settled from the shock of Sir not wanting a free Krispy Crème donut plus not seeming honored, we forged on. One of us explained how we had gotten a box of donuts for free. We clearly were experiencing some boredom yet bragging about our good luck. How could anyone turn down a free donut? Are you kidding me? This Sir guy maybe came from a different galaxy far, far away- a donut-less galaxy.

We did get over this rebuff. We weren’t too hurt by Sir. We did eat more donuts. We might’ve thrown a couple away, but I doubt it. They were, after all, free and that’s a big deal in our galaxy called South Dakota Donut Association, though sadly, I do not think that group is currently together anymore.

Getting to the Casino- Mesa – Part 2 by Valerie Halla

Bill and Gus picked my cousin Mary and me up outside Sky Harbor Airport and we sped off to the hotel. Being both excited and happy to be going to the reunion with all the snowbirds, I made offhand comments throughout our visit. (I’m normally quite aware and sharp, but please don’t ask Mary nor Bill and not Gus, definitely not Honest Abe/Gus if I’m usually sharp and “with it”.)

Walking up to the entrance to our hotel, I commented, offhandedly, “Oh, look! There’s the US flag flying over our hotel. And is that the Arizona flag beneath it?” No one answers so I answer my own question. “Yes, I think it is!”

Some laughter ensued.

After getting settled in our comfy two rooms, we headed out on the highway to Arizona Casino for dinner and what else- gambling. Bill showed me a one cent slot machine but I don’t gamble, so we hung out at the bar talking while Mary cozied up to some giant monster sized machine spitting out lights flashing trying to coax her out of money. Gus and Bill had Old Fashioned drinks and I had a more hip younger mimosa.

I was sure glad we had eaten a delicious dinner before gambling because we had the money to eat then. Who knows how much money we’d have later after gambling.

Please- No Silver Alert

Mary and I shared a room but after sleeping soundly I heard her get up around 5:00 am. Later I found out that she had taken our car rental back to the Casino to give them more money.

Later she told me she had driven carefully, hands at 10:00 and 2:00 on the wheel, eyes on the road, driving a strange car, in a strange state. Mary lives in Texas. She got to the casino to gamble, however she worried about the cops seeing her drive erratically to get back to the hotel. She didn’t want the dreaded Silver Alert when cops can seem to sniff out grey haired old ladies driving around in a daze especially ones who have gotten excited about being far from home rambling and gambling. I wonder what their law enforcement code is for that.

Phew. She made it back safely.

I cannot remember anything much about the actual Jones/Lyman County South Dakota reunion. I know we took food to share and talked a lot. I caught snatches of various people talking and was hungry for real food since it seemed like there were tons of desserts there. Being a bit hangry that there weren’t plates of meat and casseroles and salads, I swear I heard someone mention “Ham and Beans”. I was so hungry that I blurted out, “Who has ham and beans?

Mary brought me back to reality saying no one did, but Doris Haugland who owned Mack’s Cafe in Murdo, made famous H and B. She was talking with Doris’s two daughters.

I’m immediately hungry whenever I hear those three words to this day.

All in all, a good time was had by all.

Reunion Trip Mesa- 2023 By Valerie Halla

Hard to believe that it’s been three years since our Jones/Lyman County, South Dakota reunion in Arizona. I am once again traveling from Mineta San Jose Airport for a family trip instead of a reunion, but memories flood across me as I recall meeting my cousin, Mary, in Phoenix Airport. We were going to connect with Bill and Gus who were driving from Southern California that day and would then drive us all to our hotel in Mesa. Mary was at a different terminal but we texted that I would meet her at the Starbucks downstairs.

First thing I saw was her cute red plaid bag bouncing along on her shoulder as she approached as we were on the phones. Mary yelled out, “I see you!” She said she was scared. I didn’t understand.

“I just realized that I am the youngest of us four!”

I still didn’t get what she meant.

“Well let’s just get a cup of tea and something to eat and we’ll talk about it,” I said as we hugged excitedly.

We sat at a Starbucks table after ordering. We learned that Gus and Bill would be picking us up in about an hour and a half. So Mary and I had a long catch-up chat and ate. I cannot remember what we talked about but probably our husband’s and kids. Between stories we did manage to take a selfie.

I never did get what she meant by being scared that she was the youngest of we four. Maybe Mary meant she was scared because one of us might have a stroke or collapse and being the youngest, she would be responsible for us. Or maybe she meant it was scary because she was old and we were even older than her. If I figure out what she meant, I will tell you. Or I could just ask her. Naw, that’s too easy.

Mary told me a story about the time she accidentally left her briefcase on an airplane. A man found it and looked inside where he found a business card with her phone number and work address on it. He called her and offered to bring the briefcase to her office.

Then he said, “I am so glad I can return it. By the way, my name is Charles Manson.” Please meet me outside and I’ll hand it to you.

That took Mary by surprise and she got scared. She got a friend to go with her. She saw the guy and got her briefcase back, handing him $5 and then took off going her way quickly with her friend.

Next: Getting to the Casino

Just Get a Puppy – Part 2 – I Kinda Lied

Maybe you recall a post I wrote about how if you just get a puppy, all your anxiety and stress will be relieved. I’m here today typing this after having my puppy, Ellie, for three months, today being the anniversary of adopting her from the SPCA. Honestly it’s been a blast but not all licks, slobbers, tail wagging and puppy kisses

It’s truly been a challenge for me because I am 70ish and my patience isn’t what it was. I was also used to my 14 year old sweetheart of a dog, Ninny, being fully trained. Everyone who knew her or met Ninny loved her. She was white fluff on a dream cloud sort of dog. People I met asked to take pictures of her. I knew her personality and routines and she knew mine. She had separation anxiety really bad but we dealt with it. It was hell putting her down that day in April. I really miss her but the love for dogs doesn’t die. We go on honoring our past canine friends with adopting and rescuing new dogs.

Ellie on the other hand at 10 weeks was a clean slate. I had to learn again what a puppy needs and at the top of the list is Discipline, yup. With a capital D.

Ellie has settled down a bit at 6 months old but don’t be deceived. She’s super shy and nervous probably because of the Chihuahua in her. She’s scared of birds and some insects and she’s definitely frightened of all humans except me.

So she won’t let me put a harness and leash on her directly. I have to trick her by grabbing her when she’s napping or go outside and when she cries seeing me leave I pop back inside and she jumps all over me so I pick her up and then put the harness and leash on her. It ain’t easy when she’s wiggling and doing puppy kisses on my hands and face.

Sometimes I leave the harness and leash on her in the house most of the day so I can train her, control her and keep an eye on her. House breaking her is another story. I’m still trying to get her to pee and poop outside. I have been pretty successful at that but just when I think we have her house trained, she will go on the pads I have in a few places.

With House training a puppy, you are training yourself.

I’m lucky to have had six Saturdays of Puppy training Level 1 classes at the Monterey SPCA. I barely passed but Ellie was a big hit with the six other pup owners since she was the smallest puppy there. Now I’m taking her to another type of puppy class called Play and Learn. It’s more personal and gives me one on one training with a few other pups

I asked the class trainer why we cannot go onto Puppy training Level 2. She replied politely, “Because you’re not ready and Ellie’s not there yet.”

Maybe if I mature, train more intensely and learn more they will let me graduate or at least go up one level. I will let you know. The good news is – I am house broken and I can sit. And heel. Now I just need to train my pup to do that. She’s learning despite my faults. Wish me luck. I have lots of treats, believe me.

We’re home now, but I want to back up to our stay at Bonelli Bluffs RV park. We included CA in our trip because we wanted to celebrate Gus’ 95th birthday with him and also SIL, Liz’s birthday which is also on 5/30. We arrived at Bonelli On Tuesday and had a repairman come on Wednesday to fix a plumbing issue. On Thursday, we went to spend some time with Gus. He had bought us steaks at the Legion club, prepared and ready to grill. On Friday, we met Gus and a dear friend, Sharon, for an enjoyable lunch at Andy’s which is a place we always love to go to when we’re visiting Gus.

Saturday was Gus’ birthday so we took him to another family favorite, Roberta’s, for a scrumptious breakfast. Saturday evening, we met brother Bill and Liz, niece, Erin and Carlos, Gus, and a friend of Liz’s for a birthday dinner. We sat out on their patio. It was a beautiful evening

.

My cousin, Valerie drove from San Juan Batista in central CA to her son, Matt’s in LA. They drove to Bonelli Park on Sunday where Kip and I hosted a family picnic. It was a very enjoyable day.

We were sad to leave Bonelli on Tuesday. It’s a place we love to stay while visiting CA. The dogs loved the long walks we took everyday on the scenic trail. I don’t have pictures because Kip didn’t go with us do to a sore foot and I needed both hands for the dogs.

Next, I will write about our trip home. What an amazing time being able to see three grandkids graduate and spend time with family.

We’re now getting ready to leave Barstow KOA. We spent two days here catching up on things like laundry and grocery shopping. We’re glad to leave the hot desert and go on to Bonelli St. Park in San Dimas, CA. It’s near Gus so we have reservations for a week. The temperatures have been in the 70’s. I sure hope that holds.

We’re taking our time this morning as we only have about 100 miles to go. We are going to fill up with propane here before we leave. We already went for a walk with the dogs and let them play in the dog park for a while. They have been unbelievably good travelers. The hardest thing for all of us has been adjusting to the 2 hour time change. Every clock in this rig has a different time on it and the TV shows we watch come on 2 hrs earlier.

I’m watching out the window as the other campers are also getting ready to leave. RV travelers are generally really nice people. It’s fun to talk to them about where they’ve been and where they’re going. Many are traveling with dogs who for the most part, are friendly too.

We’ve been to Bonelli several times and we love it, even though we’ll pay the most there of any campground. We’ll fill up with gas before we leave Barstow and being in CA, that will cost a pretty penny as well.

Well, we’re off!!! We’re really enjoying this trip.

We had a wonderful time in Laramie and Gillette! We got to see one grandson, Mason Jr, graduate from the University of Wyoming and one from Campbell County High School in Gillette, WY.

While in Gillette, our son, Mason took us to Buffalo where he’s building a house to sell. It was a beautiful ride and a beautiful house. We’re so proud of him. He also cooked us dinner 3 nights in a row. It was so much fun spending time with the family. Mason’s wife, Amy, is super special!

We headed out Thursday morning and made it as far as Rawlins, WY before it started to sleet and got really cold. We stopped and got groceries and gassed up and then spent the night at a KOA. We got started at 8:00 this morning so we’re making up for lost time. Oh, I forgot to mention we got our levelers fixed while in Gillette, so that’s good.

We have so enjoyed our trip so far. Now on to CA for Gus’s 95th birthday.

I’m 74 years old and I don’t know where We’re going to sleep tonight. Every morning when I wake up in the RV, I ask myself where will we be when we go to bed tonight. Sometimes we have planned RV parks like when we get to specific destinations, but like today, we don’t know where we will be when it’s time to stop for the night.

We stayed last night in a park in Perry, OK. We got a pretty early start this morning leaving by 8:00. We have a little over 700 miles to go in 4 days. That’s quite a ways for us. With walking the dogs, stopping for lunch and gas, etc. We usually drive around 250 miles a day.

Yesterday was a good one. The weather was great and the RV seems to be purring right along. I had a very nice Mother’s Day. I heard from all 4 of the kids which was pretty special. Stay tuned. Who knows what today will bring.

We left Texas a week ago yesterday for a much anticipated RV trip. Our first stop…Tuscaloosa, Alabama for our granddaughter, Liv’s college graduation. I can’t tell you how exciting it was to see her get her diploma. We also got to see son, Craig, DIL April, and granddaughter, Charlie.

Our next big occasion is our grandson, Mason’s college graduation in Laramie, WY.

We left Tuscaloosa and got as far as Oxford, MS before Kip became aware of a problem with the brakes. He checked the brake fluid and it was low, so we stopped at a truck stop and bought some. The brakes worked okay for a short period of time, but then he noticed they were soft again, so we stopped for the night at a campground in Oxford. We ended up staying three nights there, but we were fortunate to find a mechanic that comes to you. He was able to fix the leak in the brake line, but he told us we had to flush out all of the brake fluid we had put in because it was the wrong kind and it could cause severe damage to our brake system.

We drove to Memphis the next day and took it to a Ford truck place where they flushed it all out. We had the RV in the shop the entire day so we spent the day in the car with our 2 dogs. We did spend 2 hours at a beautiful dog park so they got to run around without a leash.

We spent the night in Memphis at a beautiful RV park right next to the Mississippi River. Today, we’re on the road again and it’s a beautiful day.

RVing is fun, but you have to be able to roll with the punches because the unexpected will always happen.

Those 70ish Girls…Old-timer’s disease