Potpourri

We've had two queries now in the last couple of days as to why we haven't posted an entry in the journal!  We're sorry, we didn't realize that our readers were that interested in what we are up to.  Usually, if we don't post anything it means we are just leading our normal everyday lives and there isn't much to write about unless we make stuff up.   But, since you asked:

We are fine - doing very well, actually.  I had one uncomfortable arthritis-acting-up day a few days ago.  I am becoming a believer in the old wive's tales of "weather forecasting by arthritis!"  I'm feeling fine now and Roger is feeling good, so no need to worry about us.  

We are now experiencing what is probably normal winter conditions for here.  The last few days have been more like the weather that we anticipated for Jan/Feb.  We had that wonderful reprieve in Dec/Jan with warm, sunny days.  Well, we have run out of them - I hope they aren't allocated so many per year here because we used up a lot.  The temps are in the 50s/60s during the day and down into the 30s at night.  It has been mostly cloudy to partly cloudy the last few days and looks like it will be for the near future.  (The last warm clear day was our trip to the zoo day last Wednesday!)  We've had rain (Yay!) at night and it seems to be coming in a pattern we remember - about every 3-4 days.  We know California and the West are in severe drought conditions, but maybe this area will rebound from the little bit of moisture we are now getting.  Today the landscapers came by and trimmed all the pampas grass we had at our site that was really pretty and providing shade and privacy.  They are fixing drip systems, planting and cleaning. They must think Spring is coming and ole Phil (you know, the gopher that looks for his shadow - we can't spell his name) back in Pennsylvania is wrong.  They do keep the place looking nice. I can't imagine what the landscaping contract for this place must cost them.  

Some of the ducks are thinking about "Valentine's Day" and the making of little ducks!  This pair of wood ducks were doing a lot of dancing around each other when we passed by.  Wood ducks build their nests in hollows of trees. The park has many of these man-made "hollows" for them and they seemed to be popular! Looks as if this pair is "apartment shopping."  

We decided today that the state law in California about driving while talking with a cell phone to your ear must have a special exemption in San Diego County.  It's amazing how many people are still glued to their phones while navigating traffic.  Very scary, too.

When we go for our walks one of the things we do is look at RVs.  There are some pretty cool ones out there but since ours is practically brand new, we aren't in the market to buy another one - yet.  All we get to do is look and check out what other people have.  We have discovered that some folks have a sense of humor about their rigs and make them quite entertaining.  I try to take photos when I don't see a car or people around.  

This sign is on the door of
a very tiny trailer:
 "Cramalot Inn."

A member of a barbershop quartet? 

."

Remember the "shoe people" photo from when we first got here?  Well, here's another couple we can call "the neater shoe people."  Inside must be pretty immaculate.

This rig is a bit unnerving, spooky almost.  It has been here since we have and we have only once seen it with any windows uncovered and that was when they had to move to a new site.  We started calling it the "Boo Radley Place." (To Kill a Mockingbird)  Like Boo Radley, though, we have since discovered that the poor man who lives here is a recluse.  He  is extremely disfigured from burns.  We talked to him once while on a walk.  He was taking photos of ducks near his RV and we pointed out a beautiful osprey just down the road. He went down there to "shoot" it, too.   

I imagine that sunlight hurts and that is why he keeps his windows "boarded up." He, obviously, is a skate board enthusiast - or was.  The other side is covered in stickers for boards.  

RVs come in all sizes and shapes and ages with model names having to do with the outdoors, sports, animals , etc. Pop-up campers, over-cab campers, tiny to large trailers, Airstreams, medium to large 5th wheels, big expensive motor homes all find their way into almost every RV park. Modest to Extravagant with everything in between allows for not too much class distinction when RVing as everyone has to get out and dump the black tank the same way!  It's sort of a class leveler when you are pumping sewage!! Two doors down there is a 48 foot motor home that costs about $450K and they tow a Beamer convertible.  It's one of the nicest ones in this park right now but they dump the same way we do!

This obviously custom made RV caught our eye while we were taking our walk. We think that unless the living quarters are made of lead lined walls, this "tow" vehicle just might be a little over-kill since it is designed to pull an 80,000 pound, 53' long cargo trailer!  

We will keep our eyes open for more fun RVs to share with you. Everyday there is a new batch coming in!  Stay tuned!