Monday, December 19, to Sunday, January 1: Soon a New Year!

Monday morning, Becky walked the dogs inside Indian Waters RV Resort and then packed up the trailer to move over to Thousand Trails Palm Springs Resort.  Her friend, Linda Brockie, is a ranger at that property in Palm Desert.  Linda worked Sunday night and determined what sites were going to be available.  It is all "first come, first serve."  Becky arrived, Linda had a great site identified --- near the gate to the big beautiful desert.  The dogs love the desert!  The park has palm trees galore.

Tuesday morning, Becky was encouraged by friends to go play pickleball.  She had not played the sport for almost two years!  Yes, she was rusty. Yes, she made mistakes.  But it was fun to be back on the courts.  Becky actually posed for this photo.

Gloria Gordon, a former Los Angeles Organization of Women Executives member, now lives in Santa Fe.  She emailed Becky.  One of her former Santa Fe friends moved back to the Palm Springs area nine months ago.  Her name was Minna Maryanov.  Her husband, Lloyd, was a former mayor of Palm Springs.  He passed away some years ago.  It turned out that Minna lives in Sun City --- about two miles from where Becky was staying!  Minna invited Becky over for lunch at one of the club houses.  After lunch, the two of them visited the nearby Coachella Valley National Wildlife Preserve.

Becky had been told about this amazing oasis of old palm trees and natural springs, but this was her first time visiting the preserve.  It is only 15 minutes or so up Washington Street, towards the community of Thousand Palms.  Very interesting!

Becky played Day #2 of pickleball on Wednesday, but the activity was cut short as it started to rain.  The rain was not expected until Thursday.  Becky ran a few errands in Palm Desert that afternoon.  She stopped at Walmart and bought two large bath towels.  Rain, a trailer, and three Dalmatians meant wet fur!  She knew the large towels would help dampen the wet fur issue.

Yes, it rained all day Thursday.  The dogs must always get their walks.  Becky had her umbrella.  The dogs had two large towels after each walk.  Here is the trailer and the wet street!

Friday was a better day.  The streets were still very wet, but there was no rain.  Becky was expecting her mail from Texas.  The Livingston, Texas, Escapees Park mailed the priority package almost a week ago.  Going on line, the package seemed to be stuck in the system.  Fortunately, it finally arrived at the Palm Desert Post Office General Delivery on Portola Avenue.

Christmas Eve was on a Saturday.  Becky dropped the dogs off at Grand Paw Pet Resort for two nights.  She then went back to the trailer to finalize packing for Los Angeles.  The traffic was light driving from Palm Desert to downtown Los Angeles.

The Jonathan Town Club is always decorated so beautifully for Christmas.  The large tree in the lobby was special. 

Becky settled in her eleventh floor room and took advantage of the club's Wi-Fi --- updating programs and refreshing her anti-virus software.

Then, it was time to drive out to San Marino.  Becky had been invited to celebrate Christmas Eve at the childhood home of her high school friend, Sara Edwards.  Sara's mom, Jeane Edwards, is 91 years old.  Jeane Edwards loves the Christmas season and the home shows it!  Two other high school friends were in attendance, Lucy Daggett and Faye Hooker Keller. 

Lucy dropped by for pre-dinner cocktails with her significant other, Joe Friedman.  Faye and her daughter, Heidi, attended dinner and were staying at the Langham Hotel Pasadena.  Faye, Becky, Heidi, Sara, and Sara's significant other, Christopher Stoy, were set-up for dinner at the "children's table" in the reading room.

Christmas morning was beautiful.  The snow level of the San Gabriel mountains was low.  Becky drove out to San Gabriel to have breakfast and open presents at her brother's home. 

Peter and Terry's three children were there.  Molly lives in Philadelphia, Jack is completing his final year at University of Washington in Seattle, and Michael lives in Los Angeles.  Terry's mother, Dudley Doan, also attended.  Presents, presents, and more presents were opened and enjoyed.

There were two presents --- two sets of a "bean bag" game called corn hole.  So, after presents, all played a little corn hole.

Becky left around 1:45pm to go over and see Laurie Lloyd Sams.  Laurie and the Lloyd family lived on the same San Marino street where Becky grew up --- Afton Road.  Laurie's mother, Darlene, moved into Laurie's former Pasadena home and Laurie bought the home next door.  They have a small compound on So. Oak Knoll Avenue!

Becky and Richard used to host Christmas for the Shelton family.  But, since they left Los Angeles in 2003, Becky's sister, Wendy Kuwata, took over the task.  Becky arrived at the Kuwata home around 3:30pm.  Awaiting her at the Kuwata home was a wonderful Edible Arrangement sent by Donna, David, Meghan, and Emily. Merry Christmas from the Park City Bernsteins!

It was perfect timing.  Wendy had not requested that anyone bring fruit --- so voila!

Dinner was a great buffet.  Katelyn made a chicken pot pie casserole, Carrie made Jo's Potatoes, Terry tossed a wonderful green salad, and Honey Baked Ham did its number.  Becky's dad's former caregiver --- Romeo --- texted all of the Shelton children.  So, we made sure that he got a photo of the six siblings.

Dinner was over and presents were opened by 7:15pm.  So, Becky headed back to the Jonathan Town Club. She remembered that Sara's brother was hosting some of his family at the club's Christmas buffet.  So, Becky found them and wished them another Merry Christmas.  Their main entre was just being served.

Early the next morning, Becky walked over to the Starbucks at Union Bank Square.  She picked up a nonfat hot mocha.

As most businesses were closed on Monday, December 26, the drive back to the desert was easy.  Ramsey, Kelsey, and Libby were picked up by 9:30am and Becky went to a local laundry mat to wash some clothes and dog bedding.  The new trailer did not have the washer/dryer setup that was in Becky's former RV.  Not a problem.

Tuesday was a much needed pedicure at TLC Nails.  Later that day, Wendy and her friend, Missy Robbins, had two-night reservations at La Quinta Resort.  Becky heading to the resort for some snacks and wine.  Wendy's daughter, Katelyn, and Missy's daughter, Kylie, were also part of the group.  Fun!

Kerry, Wendy's other daughter, decided not to join the two-day visit.  So, Becky took her 80 massage appointment on Wednesday at the Ritz Carlton.  Missy has not been impressed with the spa at the La Quinta Resort.  Nothing better than massages!

That evening, Becky had dinner with her former boss, Chuck Conway.  Chuck has lived in Palm Springs for 13 years.  Chuck suggested Kaiser Grille in Palm Desert.  The food was excellent and it was a nice visit. 

The "check engine" light on the truck lit up several days ago.  Becky took the truck to Jiffy Lube to find out the code of the issue.  It seemed to be glow plugs.  Diesel cars and trucks have glow plugs to help the engine start in cold weather.  The Jiffy Lube manager suggested that Becky take the truck to the Shell Station next door.  She met with the service manager, Steve.  It was recommended to bring the truck in on Thursday.

Becky was at the Shell Station by 9:00am.  She walked back to the Thousand Trails park.  It was 2.2 miles.  Steve called at around 3:00pm.  The truck was ready to be picked up.  Friend, Linda Brockie, took Becky to pick-up her truck.  Nice!

The next morning, Becky took the dogs for a walk in the RV park.  She received many comments when she walked two Dalmatians in this park over the years.  But, now with three Dalmatians, she is a scene.

Unfortunately, after driving the truck for some errands, the "check engine" light beamed on again.  Arghhh!  She called Steve at the Shell Station.  It was the Friday before New Year's Eve.  He said it might be the part that is the brain of the glow plugs.  Steve said he would order the part and I can come in on Monday, January 2, to have it installed.  He said he would not charge me for the labor.  And, if that did not fix things, he would take it out and send me on my way.

Becky reminded Steve that she is leaving the desert on Tuesday, January 3.

Barbara Coad is coming down to the desert on Saturday and is spending the night with Becky and the dogs for New Year's.  Barbara is not a big dog fan, so Becky washed the bedroom sheets for Barbara.  Several weeks ago, Becky had installed an 18 inch dog fence between the bedroom and the bathroom.  The dogs are not aware that they could probably step over it. 

Becky had a dress rehearsal Friday night --- setting up the dinette area as a queen bed and adding a sleeping bag.  The sleeping arrangements were perfect!

Barbara arrived to the desert around 11:00am.  Becky suggested that they walk the dogs, put them in the trailer, and drive down to the La Quinta Resort.  Becky wanted to leave some of Richard's ashes at the resort.  In February 2015, Becky and Richard had visited the adjacent Santa Rosa Cove condo that Becky's parents owned in the 1990s and early 2000s.

New Year's Eve, Becky had made 7:00pm dinner reservations at Le Donne Cucina Italiana in Palm Desert.  She had not been there, but it had very positive comments on Trip Advisor.  When Becky and Barbara arrived, they were delighted.  It was a place where many of the locals frequented.  The staff was very friendly and professional and the customers were happy.  Perfect place to dine before the new year!

The New Year's day was entered in with bagels, smoked salmon cream cheese, and mimosas.  It was topped off by seeing the movie La La Land at the Century Theater in La Quinta.  A fun and entertaining musical with Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone.  At around 4:00pm, Barbara headed back to Los Angeles.

Tuesday, December 6, to Sunday, December 18: Getting Ready for the Holidays

Becky was glad to be back in Williams.  The house was in perfect shape --- having been empty for several weeks.  Being December, it was time to bring out some Christmas fun.  The first thing was turning on the large lighted Ponderosa pine in the front yard.  Becky remembered that Richard had turned off the breaker on the side of the house.  So, pulling the switch created electricity for the tree.  Voila!

Kelsey has glands that have to be expressed at the Williams Veterinary Clinic every four weeks.  So, Becky and Kelsey headed off to see Dr. Jacoby on Friday.

Richard had over 80,000 points on his United Airlines Awards program.  So, Becky decided to go shopping for something useful before closing the account.  Yes, she got a new Kuerig coffee maker.  This new one will remain in the house, and the old one will stay in the new travel trailer.

Becky also opened some of the Christmas decoration boxes.  She put some small items in the trailer for Southern California and hung the Christmas wreath on the front door.

While Becky was in Hawaii, Williams received its first snow day.  It was over Thanksgiving weekend.  The snow melted quickly, but Mt. Humphreys was still white capped.  Beautiful!

A repeat of last year, Becky volunteered at the Sunday Community Holiday lunch.  The town of Williams hosts a turkey, ham, and all the fixings lunch which includes Santa Claus and stuffed toys for the children.  It was held at Doc Holiday's restaurant.  Monday and Tuesday were errand days in Flagstaff.  Becky had her hair done at Tirzah Salon.  Shawna, her stylist, is a fun character.  It was also time for Jiffy Lube.  Done!

Tuesday, Becky had her annual eye exam.  She ordered some progressive sun glasses.  They won't be ready until after the new year.

Wednesday was the day to finalize the trailer for the next two weeks.  Neighbor Jay came over in the afternoon and helped Becky connect the trailer hitch set-up.  He was extremely helpful in adjusting the level of the truck attachment so that the trailer would be towed level.  He also realized that Becky was missing the pipe that was needed to secure the weight distribution unit.  Fortunately, he had a spare pipe!

The next day, Becky and the dogs were off! 

First stop reservation was Parker, Arizona, --- Emerald Cove RV Resort on the Colorado River.  Becky got a late start and forgot how short the days have become.  She didn't arrive at the RV resort until after dark!  That is something Becky and Richard always tried to avoid.  Becky had been to Emerald Cove several years ago, so that made it better.  And, the park had a nice pull through site ready for her.  Becky did not even detach the truck.  The stay was only one night.

In the morning, Becky enjoyed the beauty of the Colorado River.

Off to Indian Waters RV Resort in Indio!  It was rather windy.  When Becky arrived at Desert Center and Interstate 10, she hugged the right lane and only drove 45mph for the last 50 miles.  She was not
alone.  Some high profile big trucks also slowed down to reduce the impact of the gusty winds.  But, the trailer did a good job staying level.  Becky arrived at Indian Waters in the early afternoon.  She set-up the trailer home for the next three nights.  The satellite TV also worked.  Yeah!

Saturday, Becky dropped the dogs off at nearby Grand Paws Pet Resort.  Ramsey and Kelsey had been there before, but it was a first for Libby.  Becky went back to the RV park and finalized packing for the overnight in Los Angeles.  She was attending friend Alan Buckelew's 68th birthday party in West LA.  As usual, she had reservations at the Jonathan Town Club for the night. 

The party was very nice.  Alan's two daughters were there, plus friend Barbara Coad. 

Alan lost his wife unexpectedly in February.  Becky attended Chris Buckelew's memorial service in March.  Alan's oldest daughter, Erin, got married on the Queen Mary in Long Beach in July.  Becky and Richard were there.  Then, Alan attended Richard's Celebration of Life in October.  Becky and Alan remarked to each other that in the past year, they participated in "two funerals, a wedding, and a birthday."

On Sunday morning, Becky headed back to Indio to pick up the dogs at Grand Paw before noon.  That night, a good sleeping arrangement came together for the dogs.  It is like a slumber party!

Sunday, November 20, to Monday, December 5: The Cruise to Hawaii and Back

Paul Basile drove Barbara and Becky to the Princess Cruise Terminal in San Pedro.  It was a rainy day.  So different from the usual Los Angeles weather! 

 

The mini suite was ideally located near the elevators/stairs.  When this trip was booked, Richard was still alive.  There was always sensitivity as to how far a walk was required.  Barbara had contacted Alan Buckelew prior to the cruise.  Alan was kind enough to put the two of them on VIP status.  Fresh flowers, a bottle of champagne, and hors d’oeurvres. 

The usual Muster Station exercise was rolled out.  Safety is always first. 

Barbara had fun as the ship left San Pedro --- bubbles, bubbles, bubbles.



The first day at sea began with Becky’s spinning class, instructor Joel’s Zumba class, and a cruise critic meeting.  Becky and Barbara enjoyed meeting some of the fellow passengers.  Andrew, the cruise director, also stopped by the cruise critic meeting. 

Several cruise critic members like Chuck from Grass Valley and Bob from Arroyo Grande became members of Barbara’s Trivia team.
 
Sea day two was Becky’s first attempt at the TRX class.  There were only two people signed up --- Becky and Tom from Minnesota.  It was a challenge for Becky to learn all of the moves. 

Later that evening was the first formal night.  As VIPs, Becky and Barbara had their own table set aside in the Portofino dining room. 



While watching the Captain’s champagne waterfall demonstration, Becky and Barbara met two fun people --- John and Gilly Foy.  John and Gilly have a condo near Puerto Vallarta and a boat in San Pedro.  They spend the winters in Mexico and the summers traveling in their boat.

Sea day three was Becky’s spinning class, Barbara’s morning trivia, and a visit to the Penny Slot machines in the Grand Casino. 

That afternoon, Becky and Barbara also attended the Maitre D’Hotel Wine Club event.  While the two of them were impressed with Romeo --- as far his knowledge of fine wines – Becky and Barbara decided that they didn’t need to attend another one.

Both Becky and Barbara signed up for two guest events.  The Runway at Sea fashion show and the Pop Choir.  The performance of these two events would not take place until the sea days after Hawaii.  But, Becky and Barbara attended daily “sea day” pop choir rehearsals.

Sea day four was Thanksgiving.  The entire ship was decked out in Thanksgiving decorations.  Barbara and Becky met up with John and Gilly Foy in the 3-4pm Wheelhouse music and drink special hour.  It was “buy one drink and get a second one for $1.00.”  John and Gilly were savy to ways to save money.

 
First stop in Hawaii was Hilo.  Becky loves it when the cute tug boats come out to the ship and help guide her into the harbor. 

Barbara had rented a car.  Both Becky and Barbara had been to Hilo before, but it was time to spread some of Richard’s ashes.  Before heading to Rainbow Falls, there were two stops --- Starbucks to load up on free wifi and lunch at Pineapples Restaurant in old town Hilo. 

Rainbow Falls  is very close to the Hilo city center.  It was a little drizzly in the afternoon, but Becky found a great location to share the falls with Richard. 

That evening, Becky and Barbara enjoyed the VIP perk of going to Skywalkers between 5-7pm for $5.00 drink specials and an nice assortment of canapés, cheeses, and dips.  This perk is usually only awarded to suite guests, platinum card holders, and elite card holders.  Barbara is a platinum card holder, but not recognized with the “Friends and Family” designation.  Of course, John and Gilly were there at Skywalkers --- taking advantage of any bargains.

 

The second stop was Honolulu.  Barbara has Coad family members who live there.  After getting a shuttle to Waikiki and renting a car, Becky and Barbara met up with Barbara’s two first cousins --- Michael and Sheila.  Michael lives in Honolulu with his wife Sharon.  Their daughter Miley was visiting with her two children.  Miley and her family live in Portland, Oregon.  Sheila was also visiting.  She lives in Connecticut. 

After attending a Christmas craft fair, the group headed out to a restaurant called Nico’s.  Becky’s GPS gave incorrect directions, so Becky and Barbara arrived late.  Fortunately, it was a casual restaurant and they could play catch-up.  After lunch, Cousin Michael drove around to the windward side of the island.  Becky and Barbara followed him.  Michael knew a nice beach that would be a perfect place to spread some of Richard’s ashes.  The beach location was Waimanalo Beach.  Gorgeous!

After the beach, Becky and Barbara returned the car to Waikiki and took an uber drive to Haleiwa Joe’s Restaurant.  This was Becky’s first uber ride ever!

Becky and Barbara met up with her two Coad first cousins and Barbara’s aunt Joan.  It was a great dinner and nice family reunion.
 
Stop number three was Nawiliwilli harbor on Kauai.  Becky’s high school classmate – Laura Furnas Hawks --- moved to Kauai a little over two years ago.  The ironic thing was that Laura and her family vacationed in Northern Arizona this past March.  Richard and Becky met the Hawks family at Red Raven Restaurant.  So, Becky and Laura had seen each other twice in one year!

Laura and her husband Brett picked up Becky and Barbara near the harbor and drove them to Lihui and Poipu Beach.  There was a nice open air mall near Koloa Town.  Becky and Barbara each purchased high-end Aloha shirts at Blue Ginger.  The original plan was to have lunch at Gaylord’s Restaurant.  But, their Sunday brunch option was an all you can eat buffet.  It was decided to go to the local Tip Top Restaurant in Lihui.  It was a funky place with an interesting menu.

 

After lunch, the foursome returned to the Koloa Rum Company plantation.  There was a nice anchor awaiting Richard’s ashes.  They also enjoyed a rum tasting before being dropped off at the port.

Barbara had been trying to get VIP permission to have breakfast at Sabatini’s.  This dining room is usually reserved for suite only guests.  Barbara worked her magic.  Now, we were accepted into Sabatini’s.  Thanks for your perseverance, Barbara.

 

The last Hawaiian stop was Maui.  The ship is too big to harbor in Lahaina, so tenders were used to take passengers to and from the harbor.  Thanks to Princess VIP status, we had a priority pass for the tenders.

After taking a shuttle to Kaanapali, Barbara signed the paperwork for a rental car.  Becky had some of her dad’s ashes.  He had been an avid golfer and loved the golf course at the Kaanapali Beach Resort.  So naturally, Bill needed to be place there. 

It was already determined that Haleakala National Park was where Richard’s ashes should be spread.  It was Barbara’s first time to the crater.  The weather was exceptional.  When Becky and Richard has been there 2 ½ years ago, visibility was limited.

 

Richard had several great places where his ashes were spread.

Becky and Barbara returned the rental car to Kaanapali.  They were shuttled back to Lahaina.  A nice adult beverage was enjoyed at KOA’s Seaside Grill.  The queues for getting the tenders back to the ship were long.  Oh, well, it was a beautiful sunny day.

 

Sea day five was back to our routine.  Becky signed up for three more spinning classes.  She decided to drop the TRX classes.  So, spinning, daily Zumba, morning trivia, and Pop Choir practice.  Barbara also attended the afternoon trivia.  Becky is not a big trivia fan, so she usually showed up to cheer the team on.

Sea day six had a highlight of the Chef’s dinner.  John and Gilly Foy were added to the event.  Becky took her camera and took a lot of photos.  It was only the next day, that Becky realized she had accidentally deleted all of the photos taken at the Chef’s dinner.  Aargh!!!!

Sea day seven was the Runway at Sea Fashion Show.  Becky and Barbara were given outfits to where.  They were model number 6 and 7 --- out of 12 models.  It was a nice event. 

Neither Becky or Barbara had ever volunteered for something like that!  It was Italian night in the dining rooms.  Head waiter, Eugene, made his legendary Arrabiata.  That used to be one of Richard’s favorites.  Barbara had the Arrabiata and Becky had a Pesto Pasta dish.  Both were yummy!!

On Sea day eight, Becky and Barbara found out that the Pop Choir performance was the next day.  Somehow, it was thought that it would be on Sea day ten.  So, Pop Choir practice became a focus.

Sea day nine was the Pop Choir performance in the Atrium.  The choir met at 4:25pm.  Dress was black, white, or a combination.  The performance turned out well.  There were five songs --- ending with Sweet Caroline. 

That day, Becky and Barbara received an invitation from the Captain to join him for dinner in the Capri dining room on Sea day ten.  This was a first type of invitation for either Becky or Barbara.  Becky has only been on four prior Princess cruises.  Barbara has been on twelve Princess cruises.  We felt to special!  And, it was the last formal night!  We didn't snap a photo that evening, so asked the Captain for a make-up photo the next day.

 

Sea day ten was the last spinning class and the last Zumba class.  Becky and Barbara gave an envelope to Joel --- a terrific Zumba instructor! 

Becky and Barbara also prepared additional envelopes for other crew members who made their stay great --- Jayson, Felix, and Eugene in the Portofino dining room --- David, Juan, and Jose in the Sabatini dining room, etc.