95 Years Young!

After leaving Willcox, AZ, last week, we stopped for an evening at our favorite truck stop in Casa Grande, AZ! This Petro station is large and has an area for trucks and such, so we found an out-of-the-way corner and set up for the night. We had arrived early enough to have dinner with our friends Jo and Larry, who are staying at a "real" rv park in CG, and spin a few yarns, whiling away the afternoon and evening.

From there it was off to the 29 Casino in Indio, CA, for a rousing night of dry camping on asphalt. Wednesday was Mexican Buffet night, so we allowed ourselves to enjoy a fine dinner. After a good night's sleep, we took off for my Mother's house in SoCal to celebrate her 95th birthday!

We spent Friday, Mom's birthday with her and my sister, with a nice lunch and a steak dinner. It was great catching up on what has been happening since we last saw her. Mom's passions are her church and her garden, and she continues to pursue both of them. She's a remarkable woman for her age; she only takes one prescription, and, other than taking a nap in the afternoon, she is up early and enjoys the day!

On Saturday, Mom's grandchildren, Jeff and Teresa, arrived. Three of the four great-grandchildren were on hand as well. Mom thoroughly enjoyed having her family together!

On Saturday evening, the entire family enjoyed dinner at Rhumb Line, a "sunset" restaurant on the water in a nearby town with a beautiful view of the local harbor. We ordered a variety of dishes, from fresh caught Halibut to Clam Linguini with a dozen Oysters and Calimari to start.

As night fell, we were treated to a special Chocolate cake with Chocolate frosting, Gramma's favorite!

The extended family left for home on Sunday morning after breakfast at the Hill Street Restaurant (another of Mom's favorites), and Donna and I returned to the motorhome to take care of some much needed chores (laundry and such, you know). The afternoon at home gave Mom a chance to take a nap and get her energy up for the evening. Donna prepared a great steak salad and we had a few cookies for dessert, and enjoyed some good conversation.

Monday, the 13th, saw us heading for home. After almost six weeks away, it will feel good to settle down for a few days. Tonight we're hunkered down in the village of Santa Nella, CA, whose claim to fame is Anderson's Split Pea Soup Restaurant. 'Nuff said. The wind has been blowing all day, and finally drove us off the road for the evening. It continues to blow as the evening progresses, with the motorhome rocking and the slide toppers flapping. D and I took advantage of one of the other two attractions in Santa Nella, an In-n-Out hamburger joint, and tomorrow we'll finish our tour of town by stopping at the local Starbucks for coffee to take on the road!  I can't believe that we're going to be able to see all the area's points of interest in one day!

Home tomorrow!