Tuesday, February 21 to Saturday, March 4: Local Flavor and a 50th Anniversary Fling in Tucson

The north fence of Becky's property had four posts in serious need of replacement.  She had propped the posts up with pieces of wood, but called two fence companies for estimates.  Leaon from Alamo Fence Company, came on Tuesday to see the posts.  He identified three other posts on the south side of the property that should be replaced.

Becky had an annual physical exam scheduled with Dr. Gibula at the North County Clinic in Williams.  It is nice to have a local facility available for routine medical issues.  Becky's blood pressure has been high in the past year.  A mild dose of lisinopril was added to her daily regime last year.  Dr. Gibula decided to up the dose this year.  He also ordered a full blood panel.

Arizona's license plate issuance is only one plate --- to be put on the back end of a vehicle.  When Becky took off the two Texas plates, the front of the truck looked empty.  She settled that by going on the internet and ordered a second plate.  It arrived in the mail on Thursday.  Can you say FUN!

When Becky arrived home from the last RV trip, the home alarm system was not working properly.  She called Gary Gagna, owner of Aspen Security.  Gary had helped with the alarm system a year ago.  The alarm system was at least 15 years old and was not being monitored --- no connection to a security company if the home was breached.  Over the phone, Gary had coached Becky to reset the alarm.  When Becky and the dogs were away, the alarm had gone off.  That it why it had some flashing lights.  Not good!  Becky asked Gary to install a communicator so that if the alarm ever got triggered, the security company would respond.  Thank you, Gary!

Later that day, Becky took the truck to Jiffy Lube in Flagstaff.  The dogs enjoyed the ride, too.

Becky's hair stylist, Shawna, has been talking about a Vision Board she made last year, after ending a bad relationship.  Becky was familiar with the Vision Board concept.  She had made one over twenty years ago --- after attending a Tony Robbins seminar.  It is a board with photos and words --- usually collections of phrases and photos from magazines.  As Becky remembered, it helped visualize positive things to focus on.  So, Thursday afternoon, Becky created a Vision Board for her office area.

One of Becky's neighbors, Shaula Watson, is a member of the Flagstaff Master Chorale.  Over the past six months, she has invited Becky to attend one of the concerts.  Until now, Becky's schedule was not conducive to going.  But, the next concert was Friday, and the calendar was open.  Becky had a hair appointment that afternoon, arrived home to feed and walk the dogs, and was picked up at 5:30pm.  Another neighbor, Jan, drove both Shaula and Becky to San Francisco de Asis Catholic Church, the concert venue.

Becky had not been to any Master Chorale concert in over 20 years.  Richard had season tickets to the Los Angeles Master Chorale when Becky and Richard met in 1982.  The Flagstaff Master Chorale put on a nice concert.

Shaula is a very personable individual.  She has lived in the area for many years and seems to know everyone.  So, after the concert, there were friends to greet.

Saturday was a reunion with Stephanie and Joe Hap.  Every eight weeks, Joe has a check-up on his lymphoma cancer.  He has been clean for at least six weeks.  They live in Prescott and go to Flagstaff for the cancer follow-up.  As it is, they pass through Williams on their way to and from Flagstaff.  This time, Becky met up with Stephanie and Joe at Pine Country Restaurant for a late breakfast, early lunch.

Becky had not seen the Haps since early November.  It was nice to visit and all enjoyed the "comfort food" of Pine Country Restaurant.

This time of year, Mt. Humphreys is snow capped.  It is a beautiful sight to see as Becky and the dogs walk the neighborhood.

On Sunday, Becky went to the First Baptist Church service.  She had been eyeing that church for at least a year.  She had met the pastor's wife last year --- while walking the dogs in downtown Williams.  Kelly had grown up with Dalmatians.  Becky also liked the yard signs that came from the church and were posted all over town --- maintaining peace and protecting the right of religious freedom.

On Monday, Becky received a package from Tokyo, Japan.  It was from Emi Kato --- a foreign exchange student who lived with Richard and his family in Hancock Park in the late 1970s.  She had received Becky's Christmas card and learned of Richard's death.  Emi wrote two beautiful notes and included a little zippered bag made from the cloth of her mother's kimono.  How thoughtful!

On Monday morning, Becky made a quick trip to Flagstaff.  She had an appointment with Dr. Rosales, a foot doctor.  Becky had a very painful callous/corn between two toes.  She tried "over the counter" remedies, but it just wasn't helping.  Thank you, Dr. Rosales!

The dogs were due for their Bordatella shots.  Kelsey and Libby got their shots from Veterinarian Dr. Jacoby in the lobby. They took Ramsey in back --- as he can be a challenge.  Libby enjoyed some loving from staff member, Tracie!

Monday night was a big snow event.  When Becky woke up in the morning, there was 13 inches of fresh snow.  The first thing she did was shovel a passage way from the doggy door to the back porch.  The dogs needed a way out that was more enticing than over a foot of snow!  The snow was beautiful and the trees were full of the fluffy white stuff.  Becky took a photo of the front of her yard from just outside the front door.

The second thing Becky did was deal with the DirecTV satellite that was buried on the roof.  Last year, she and Richard used a hose, a ladder, and a jet spray to melt the snow.

Mission accomplished!  The satellite was communicating again. President Trump was giving his semi "State of the Union" speech to joint congress and Becky wanted to be able to see it on television.

The third priority was to clear the driveway of snow.  Becky did one column by shovel.  She had hoped to not need the snow blower. But, the snow was too deep.  So, she fed the snow blower with gasoline and away the snow went.

On Tuesday, Becky's sister, Wendy, and her husband, Kai, headed off to New Zealand and Australia for 27 days. Wendy texted this photo from their plane at LAX.

Wednesday morning, the sky was blue and the snow started to melt.  Mt Humphreys is always so beautiful.  Can't get enough of that mountain!

Becky dropped by Camping World on Thursday.  She wanted an update on the travel trailer warranty work.  The air conditioner is in, but they are still waiting on the three-step stairway and some other items.  The stairway is additional.  Becky accidentally hit the bedroom stairway against a concrete pad and it got bent.  Unfortunately, it could not be fixed.  So, a new one is coming!

Friday morning, Becky dropped the dogs off at Cinder Hills Kennel for three nights.  They always enjoy staying there!

Becky drove down to Scottsdale --- a stop on the way to Tucson.  She spent the night at Gwen Pike's home. Gwen was one of Richard's former clients and is a dear friend.  A delight was also meeting Gwen's new poodle rescue dog, Skipper.  What a cutie!

After a nice walk in the neighborhood, Gwen and Becky headed over to a local Mexican restaurant, La Fonda Del Sol.  Can you say delicious food and a large margarita?!?

In the morning, Becky thanked Gwen for her hospitality, packed up the overnight bag, and headed to Wildflower Restaurant --- also in Scottsdale. There, she met up with a former Grand Canyon colleague, Laura Dillon.  Becky had not seen Laura for several years.  It was a nice visit!

After breakfast, Becky bid farewell to Laura and drove another 140 miles to Voyager RV Resort & Hotel. Becky originally had booked an RV site for a week, but with the trailer repairs, she ended up getting a room at the hotel.  Becky was in Tucson to celebrate the 50th wedding anniversary of wonderful friends Sandra and Ed Smith. Becky knows Sandra and Ed through Thousand Trails RV Park membership and Pickleball.

Sandra and Ed hosted a cocktail party at 6pm, in the Catalina Room at Voyager. There were about 60 guests celebrating the occasion. Then, at about 7:30pm, the cocktail party ended and many of the guests adjourned to the Voyager Ballroom for a live band.

Sandra and Ed had three tables of ten set up near the band.  Becky had not danced to '50s, '60s, and '70s music for many years.  It was a fun evening.

Wednesday, February 8 through Monday, February 20: Final Days in California and Back Home!

Becky left Tucson about 10:00am.  She made arrangements to break up the trip back to Southern California by stopping one night at Arizona Oasis RV Park at Ehrenberg --- on the Colorado River. When she was setting up the trailer, she noticed that the air conditioner was not working properly. It kept flipping the 20 amp circuit breaker.  The good news was that it was not too hot yet.  Windows and doors were open to get some cross breeze. This park has some beautiful sunsets!

The next stop was Indio for one night.  Now, it is getting hotter in Indio.  Becky called Camping World in Flagstaff to set up an appointment for trailer warranty work for next week.  She had hoped to get the air conditioner fixed earlier, but two Forest River RV dealers she called were not able to help.  It was quite hot in the trailer until late into the evening!

Becky got an early start on Friday, to head to Soledad Canyon Thousand Trails RV Resort.  The good news is that the elevation of this resort is close to 3,000 feet.  So, the daytime temperatures are in the low 70s.  This is tolerable without the air conditioner.  The memorial service/open house for Richard's brother, Bob, was in Pacific Palisades.  Becky made arrangements to board the three dogs for two nights at 2nd Home Dog Boarding. Ramsey and Kelsey had stayed there before, but it was under new ownership. Joe Altieri is the new proprietor and he seemed very competent.

Becky hit rain, as she drove Saturday morning, to San Gabriel.  She was spending two nights at the home of her brother, Peter, and his wife, Terry. They are always welcoming and fun to be with.  Peter broke his ankle three weeks ago.  He no longer needs crutches, but his ankle and foot are in a boot.

Saturday afternoon, Becky and sister-in-law, Terry, went over to the Huntington Library.  Terry has a season pass, so the price is right.  This visit, they walked through the desert gardens.  Wow! It is beautifully done.



Donna and David flew down from Park City to attend Bob's memorial service/open house.  Becky made reservations for dinner at El Cholo Mexican Restaurant on Western.  It was equal distance from where Donna and David were staying (David's parents home) and San Gabriel. Barbara Coad also joined them for dinner.  Can you say margaritas???

Sunday was a day in Pacific Palisades. Friend, Mara Hunter, had a walking fund raiser for brain cancer research.  Mara's nephew, Sean, has brain cancer and is only 23 years old. Becky donated to the cause, but was not able to walk. It is the same time and date of her brother-in-law's memorial open house --- only 8 minutes away. Becky arrived early to the area and stopped by the Palisades Christian school where the event was taking place. Mara is on the left. The other ladies were Kappa Kappa Gamma sisters with Mara at USC.

Bob Ebbert's memorial open house was at the home of Bob's business partner, Scott Sheridan. David and Donna arrived at the same time as Becky. The drivers of both cars opted to not use the valet service. Bob's wife, Elise, was there. She and Bob had been together 53 years. Elise gave Donna two colored glamour photos of Donna's paternal grandparents, Dorothy and Harry.

The event was beautifully catered and full of west LA folks. Bob and Elise belonged to LA Country Club and The Jonathan Club. The entrance of the home had photos and bookmarks of remembering Bob. Like Richard, Bob was an avid reader.

Becky left Pacific Palisades around 3:00pm. She drove back to San Gabriel.  Sister-in-law, Terry, had made a big batch of chili. Brother, Peter, came home around 6pm. Sister, Wendy, also came over. Wendy and her husband Kai are headed to New Zealand and Australia on March 2 for 27 days. So, it was fun for Becky to see Wendy and to view the itinerary.

The next morning, Becky promptly headed out to pick up the three dogs at 2nd Home Dog Boarding in Acton. The dogs were happy to see their mom.

Becky and the dogs had been "on the road" for almost four weeks. Becky was homesick. She learned a lesson. While she enjoyed the trip, a better amount of time to "vacation in the travel trailer" was two weeks or so. After picking up the dogs, Becky went back to Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon RV Resort.

It was time to head back to Williams. With the distance, Becky knew that there would be a one-night stop between Acton and Williams. It turned out to be a KOA in Needles.

KOA camp grounds are always well maintained. Becky decided to minimize the set-up of the trailer and rented a DVD instead of initiating the satellite dish and DirecTV connection.

Becky and the dogs arrived back in Williams around 1pm. The house was just as they left it. Good news! The trailer needed to be emptied of refrigerated food, clothing, toiletries, and dog food. Becky knew that she would have to back the trailer into the side yard. Fortunately, it wasn't that hard. There is no place like home!

Becky and the dogs arrived home on Valentine's Day. Fortunately, Becky and Richard were not big into that day. So, it was really just another day. Becky walked the dogs around the neighborhood, put them in the house, and went to the post office to fetch almost four weeks of mail. Most of the address changes have taken affect --- moving from the Livingston, Texas, address to Williams, Arizona.

At about 4pm, UPS delivered a package. It was from Becky's financial advisor, Barry Garapedian. It was a Valentine's gift! It was a beautiful Chef's knife engraved, "Handcrafted exclusively for Becky Ebbert."

Wednesday was a day to sift through all the mail, pick up pine cones, maintain the spa, and finalize getting the trailer ready for its Camping World appointment.

Bright and early Thursday morning, Becky drove with the trailer to Camping World for some warranty work. She had a list of 11 things that needed to be replaced, repaired, or fixed. Penny, in Service, reviewed the list and both Penny and Becky walked through the trailer.

Penny said that the process might take a few weeks, as things need to be evaluated and submitted to manufacturer Forest River. After dropping off the trailer, Becky headed to Flagstaff to run some errands. She picked up a prescription, had her wire rim glasses adjusted, and got the truck registered in Arizona.  The truck was in Richard's name, so Becky had to work with Texas to get the truck registered in her name. Now, Becky is totally an Arizonian!

Another item that was in Becky's vacation hold mail was her Medicare card. Egads! Becky turns 65 on May 19!!!!!! She goes on Medicare May 1.

On Friday, a local electrician, Terry Kohl, came over to the house to install a new timer unit for the front door and garage lights. The old unit stopped working in November.  Fortunately, over the holidays and into the new year, the lighted Ponderosa pine in the front yard served Becky well. But, it was now the middle of February and the lighted Ponderosa pine needed to be disconnected. Terry did a nice job!

On Saturday, Becky went back to Flagstaff.  She needed to pick up more of Libby's wet dog food at Canyon Veterinary and she dropped by Summit Spa.  One of the spa jet covers broke and needed to be replaced. Unfortunately, Becky did not bring the complete set --- there was one piece that was still screwed into the jet. Becky will return on Tuesday.

The weather forecast said that there was 90 percent chance of rain/snow on Sunday.  So, Becky picked up two DVDs at the local Redbox. But, the temperature was too warm and all that was received an early morning frost and drizzle.

 President's Day was a calm day.  Just a nice walk with the dogs in downtown Williams.  Walking three Dalmatians always draws some fans!

Thursday, January 26 through Tuesday, February 7: Conquering the Deserts

Becky's reminder feature on her phone calendar reminded her that it was time for her annual flu shot.  Off to CVS Pharmacy she went!  It was also time to prepare the dog food packets for the upcoming weekend.  Ramsey and Kelsey were dropped off at Grand Paw Pet Resort on Friday.

Becky had lunch with Linda Brockie.  They went to a local fish place.  Yes, fish tacos!  Linda is a ranger three nights a week at Thousand Trails Palm Springs.  She has been very helpful --- locating last-row pull thru sites when Becky is coming into the park.  Linda, and her husband Rick, were the last Williams visitors before Richard died.

Becky dropped Libby off at VCA Valley Veterinary facility for medical boarding.  They will give her the needed medicine and cleanse her wounds the next day and one half.

Becky drove off to Laguna Niguel for the Organization of Women Executives' Spa Weekend.  She and her roommate, Honoria Vivell, decided to just go the one night.  The Spa Weekend is at the Ritz-Carlton.  Nice!

Becky had a delicious 90 minute massage with Spenser.  It turned out that Spenser went to San Marino High School --- obviously, years after her!

The group had a nice cocktail hour and dinner.  And, the next morning, it was a buffet brunch with an omelet bar.  What a beautiful setting!

The Spa Weekend was over, so Becky headed back to the desert.  She first picked up Libby.  Sunday was an hourly rate at the veterinary facility.  Then, over to Grand Paw Pet Resort to get Ramsey and Kelsey.

Becky had a hair appointment with her old desert hair stylist, Bunny.  She had not seen her for almost two years.  But, Bunny is familiar and reliable. 

Friends, Becky and Tom Poremba, stopped by early Monday evening to say hello.  They had just arrived to Palm Desert.  They also have an adorable dog named Moxie.  Becky and Tom are avid hikers.

The trip to Palm Desert to Tucson is a long haul, almost 400 miles.  Becky decided to break up the trip by staying at Arizona Oasis RV Resort on the Colorado River.  So, she played pickleball Tuesday morning, and then leisurely packed up the dogs and trailer for the 112 miles.  When she got to the RV resort, she didn't even unhook the truck and trailer.  Becky and Richard used to stop at this park many times.  It is a nice setting.

The trip from the Colorado River to Voyager RV Resort in Tucson took over four hours.  Becky arrived just after 3pm.  There was a long line at the registration desk.  This Encore property is HUGE.  It has over a thousand RV sites --- and several motels.  A ranger in a golf cart escorted Becky to her site.  Oh no, a back-in site!  Ranger Pete was very patient --- coaching Becky on how to back the trailer into the site.  Thanks, Ranger Pete!

There are a number of Becky's friends who are snowbirds --- staying three months at this Tucson Park.  So, it was a nice reunion.  The Tucson Senior Games are using this venue for their pickleball play.  Ed and Sandra Smith, both in their early 70s, are playing in the tournament.  Ed is in the foreground of this photo.

Sandra is in the bright yellow shirt.  Way, to go, you guys! 



On Friday, Becky decided to go on a field trip with the dogs.  The historic town of Tombstone is only an hour away from where Becky is staying.  So, Becky loaded up the dogs and away they went!

Tombstone was very cute.  And, with the three Dalmatians, Becky and the dogs attracted attention.  Even one of the outlaw cowboys came over to participate.

Tombstone has three streets blocked off for carriage rides and reenactments of gun fights.  There are a number of men and women dressed in period costumes.

While driving to Tombstone, Becky recognized the name of a town about 30 miles southwest of Tombstone on the same highway.  It was Bisbee.  Sue Boles and John Gilmer moved to Bisbee from New Mexico last year.  Becky worked with Sue and John ten years ago at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.  Becky decided to give Sue a call.  Yes, they are in Bisbee.  So, after Tombstone, Becky and the dogs headed to the mining town of Bisbee.  Becky had a nice one hour visit with them and their dog, Blue.  Ramsey, Kelsey, and Libby were sleeping in the truck.

On Saturday, Becky watched an early match in the Pickleball Tournament with friends Mark and Dan.  They played two fellows who eventually won the gold medal in the over 50, 3.5 level play.  Needless to say, they lost the first two matched.

Becky reached out to Barbara Gates.  Barbara's husband, Clark, used to work with Becky at Union Bank.  Barbara and Clark have a summer home on Cape Cod and a winter home in Tucson --- on the Omni Tucson National Golf Resort.  Becky and Barbara became fun friends over the past six or seven years.  They have seen each other in Cape Cod once and twice in Tucson.   

Clark was playing golf all day Saturday and had a dinner engagement, but Barbara invited Becky over to their new home.  They moved within the same golf resort, but to a new community.  Their new home was magnificent --- overlooking the golf course with views of many mountains.

Becky had not felt Richard's active presence in several days.  She asked him to make contact in some way.  Halfway through the day, Becky lost her left earring.  Fortunately, it was not a valuable one.  Then, she put on another earring set.  Late afternoon, Becky lost another left earring.  Okay, Richard, enough is enough!  Becky took out her flashlight and walked the paths she took that day with the dogs.  No luck.  Then, while getting ready for bed, Becky found the first missing earring on top of the bed spread.  The next morning, Becky shook out the dog bedding that Libby was using.  Ah! There was the second missing earring.  Thank you, Richard!

Becky played pickleball on Sunday.  Linda Ostiguy slipped Becky into the 3.5 level players.  Normally, you have to be rated to play on the courts at the 8am to 10am slots.  Thank you, Linda!

More pickleball for Becky on Monday and Tuesday.  On Tuesday, Becky met a player from Flagstaff. He lives and plays pickleball in Flagstaff May through October.  Becky knew there was pickleball in Flagstaff.  So, John Grahame gave her some information about where they play and they exchanged cards.  Perhaps Becky can carve out several hours a week and play pickleball more regularly.

Some Thousand Trails friends, Shirley and Jim Portzer, bought a Park Model home in a development down the street from Voyager.  Becky used to play pickleball with Jim.  Shirley and Jim lost there cat, Sammy, late last year.  But, they found a new kitten, Sully, at the animal shelter. So, Becky went over to meet Sully, see the Portzers, and visit their new home.  Shirley and Jim still have a motor home and will travel in it when it is too hot (May through September) in Tucson.

Becky spent several hours a day walking the three dogs at the Voyager RV Park.  There are certain streets and resort areas where dogs are welcome. What a sight!

Now, Becky started to get ready to leave Tucson on Wednesday.  As she was unhooking the sewer hoses, she noticed that one had a leak. Fortunately, there is a store on the property that sells RV supplies.  So, Becky had her first experience buying and installing a new sewer hose. Mission accomplished!