Grandpa & Grandma St. Clair

Last Fall I started a family blog, for my Mother's side of the family. In looking through pictures to post to that blog, I came across this picture of me and my brother, Clair, with my Grandpa Frank and Grandma Pansy. We must have been about 5 & 6 years old, making this picture taken in about 1957.

Grandpa Frank is my Mom's Dad. Pansy was actually my step-Grandma but she treated all the kids the same and she was a swell Grandma. My favorite memory of her is that she would always make applesauce when I would come visit. I was such a picky eater in those days, it was the one thing she knew I would eat (that and fudgescicles). My Mother's side of the family were loggers and I remember that they would eat a huge breakfast. I remember thinking how odd that was.

My Mother's side of the family has always confused me because Frank was married three times and had something like 12 children total. His first wife died after having four children and then his second wife (my biological Grandma) died when my Mom was about 3 years old. My Mom was the only child by the second wife. Pansy is the third wife and the only Grandmother on that side of the family I ever knew. She and Frank had 7 children. If you want more info on that side of the family go to:
www.StClairClan.blogspot.com If you scroll down to the first post on that blog, I've put a simple family tree that helps alleviate some of the confusion.

Anyway, this picture is proof that I used to be skinny and cute... but I got over it! :-)

The Birthday Azalea

Here I am, at the kitchen dinette, with the Birthday Azalea Max picked out for me. It's now sitting on my office desk (where I spend most of my time).

54

Today is my 54th birthday. I'll be doing a combination of working and playing, while staying close to home most of the day to spend time with Max. Tonight we will go out to dinner at the Peking Restaurant in East Wenatchee with our friends June & Roger Dorner. Max and I go there fairly often on Sunday afternoons. They usually don't even offer us menus anymore... just bring us a #3 combination plate (mild): Kung Pao Chicken, Deep Fried Shrimp, Fried Rice, and BBQ pork with the hot mustard sauce.

Homemade German Chocolate Cake (made by the birthday girl) for dessert.

Tel-Emergency System

I've gotten to the point that I worry about Max whenever I leave for a few hours at a time. A couple of weeks ago he fell (for the first time) while I was out getting my hair permed. He fell in the carport, but can't seem to recall exactly where or the circumstances. He hurt his hand bad enough that it swelled up and bruised significantly. He also complained of sore ribs and a tender knee, but nothing broken that we can tell.

As a result, I purchased one of those "tel-emergency" systems at the medical supply store the other day. It's not one of those monthly service fee kind hooked into a central call center... but, as we discovered, does call 911 BEFORE it dials my cell phone.

The gal at the medical supply store warned me it could be a bit of a challenge to set up, but I've gotten pretty good over the years at programming techy things and I can certainly read a set of instructions.

I did all the set-up and was testing it. Within seconds we received a 911 call wanting to know if everything was o.k. I assured them that I was setting up this new tel-emergency system and thought I had programmed my cell number... but didn't know I had called them. So, I tested it again... with the same results. Oops!

This morning, after some overnight inspiration, I tested it again. Within a short time 911 was calling us once again. I told her I was still trying to program this system, and she informed me an officer was on his way. The very polite officer did arrive shortly. I explained what had happened and assured him I would call the customer service number in the paperwork to get some help with this system.

It's good to know the system is working, but it was my understanding we could program my cell phone number (and up to 4 other contacts) into the system for notification. I didn't know 911 was still the first number called.

This isn't really a bad thing. Now, at least, I don't have to worry when I leave. I'll hang the emergency necklace around Max's neck and make him promise not the "experiment" with it. We already know it works! At least he knows what to do if he does fall or have some other emergency when I am away.

Gives me comfort...

Remember The Archives

Just a reminder for those who may get behind in their reading of this blog. This blog was started last September (2005), but only the 25 most current posts will show when you open the page. Scroll down the right sidebar to the "archives" and every article is stored in the month it was posted.

For example:
Our England trip will show from mid-October through early November
Our Palm Springs trip from late January through early March

Allergy Testing

Today I did the arm-full-of-pin-pricks allergy testing at the office of Dr Cromar in the Wenatchee Valley Medical Center. Dr. Cromar is a very nice guy, who happens to go to our church. He is very active in the church, and is a very good speaker.

Anyway, as one of the tests, he wanted to have my sinuses x-rayed. At least that's what he said. I think it was just an excuse to get my head in an x-ray machine to see if there was any "gray matter" up there. He was so kind as to actually walk me to the x-ray department instead of sending me off to find it on my own. Now that's good service! I wasn't worried about the results, though, because I know with the medical privacy laws he can't reveal the results to anyone without my permission!

After an initial consultation for a variety of allergy issues, Dr Cromar had the nurse, Stella Visser, poke 28 holes in my right arm and another 12 or more in the left arm, testing for food allergies. I happen to know Stella because she is the wife of Dwayne Visser, the guy who was Max's technician for many many years when he worked at the U.S.D.A. research lab here in Wenatchee. Dwayne was an excellent technician and helped Max tremendously during his career.

Oddly, ALL of the food allergy tests came up negative. I had recently determined that I am definitely allergic (or at least have an intolerence for) peanut butter, but peanuts did not come up positive... nor did anything else. The odd thing is, I cut peanut butter out of my diet about 2 months ago and it has made a huge difference. There are other "intolerences" but I have not been able to isolate them (like peanute butter). Therefore, we are inclined to believe it is the preservatives (or some other additive) that is the culprit. Unfortunately, there isn't a test for preservatives and it's a difficult to monitor anyway.

We're working on some other alternatives... so stay tuned...

Life could get even better if it works!

The Golf Blog

I've started posting to the golf blog... so check it out when you get the chance.
Click here.

More Doctor Appointments

In a recent post I mentioned we had met Max's new primary care physician. We used all of our influence and favors to get Max THE doctor, so I was assigned a different doctor. Monday, I had the opportunity to meet this new doctor of mine... Dr. Toth. Not that it makes a real difference, but my doctor isn't even in the main clinic building and, frankly, he looks younger than some of our grandchildren! The picture posted to the left makes him look older than he actually does in person. I'm sure he must be older than he looks. The good news is, I suppose, we shouldn't have to worry about him retiring in my lifetime! Anyway, he seems fine and his professional profile looks good... and I'm sure we'll get along very well. He's a good listener and that's important.

As a result of the appointment, I discovered my blood pressure is on the rise. This is unusual for me because I generally have low blood pressure. It's about time I have something to show for what those step-children have put me through. :-) Anyway, it's something we will monitor.

The doc also ordered some blood tests, full-fledged allergy testing, and a bone density x-ray... plus we're working on a new course of action for my hot flashes. I've been on PremPro for over a year and not comfortable with staying on it much longer. He has me taking the Progesterone lotion and cutting back on the PremPro tabs. Over the next couple of months, I'll ween off of the tabs altogether. I go back in a couple of weeks to review the results of all these tests... and figure out what to do about it.

This all sounds like a lot, but I'm actually feeling quite fine. Just some nagging issues to tend to before I get too old for any of it to work. <grin> I will, afterall, be turning 54 in a few days!

Cheers to all!
Carol

One More Blog

You're not going to believe this, but I've set up one more blog. The newest blog is going to log my entire 2006 golf season, less the Palm Springs portion which is discussed elsewhere in this blog.

The purpose of the new blog is to chronicle my experiences this season game-by-game, couse-to-course. I promise to write about every game, whether I like it or not! I've only made one introductory post so far, but will add more as I get out on the course and have something to report. This coming Thursday is our first 18-hole Ladies Division event at Three Lakes Golf Course... so that will kick off the upcoming season.

Here is a link to the new blog. And, also, there is a link down the right side bar of this blog, cleverly listed under "links".

I'm even wondering how to keep up with posting on all of these blogs. With the golf blog, I'll have a total of 4 blogs plus my regular real estate website. Here they are:
Our personal blog (this blog)
Carol's golf blog
Carol's residential blog
Carol's investment blog

Carol's Top Properties website

Gee... maybe I won't have time to play golf afterall ! Stay tuned...

One Sentence

Today we had out first consultation with Max's new primary care physician, Dr. Peter Rutherford. Our other doctor retired at the end of last year, so we were left to find a new one. We solicited the help of a doctor friend, who is on mission in Brazil, to get us a referral to one of the best and most popular doctors in the Wenatchee Valley Clinic. The nurses, and others in the know, are shocked we were able to get into this doctor because he has a 1 1/2 - 2 year waiting list for taking new patients.

Anyway, we talked about Max's Parkinson's and his meds and I wanted to discuss his memory issues. The doctor ran Max through a series of questions, including what day and month is it, spell some words... AND then he asked him to write one sentence on a piece of paper. Can you guess what Max's one single sentence was? "I love Carol". How sweet is that?

Tough to top that, so will sign off for tonight.

A New Art Site

A shirt-tail relative of mine has put up a new website, featuring her unique art work. I love her use of colors. Check out her gallery and narratives here.

Another Birdhouse

Only patriotic birds will want to visit this house. Isn't it just the cutest thing? This was a surprise find yesterday as I wandered through the new Apple Annies Antique Mall in Cashmere. It certainly isn't antique but I wanted it anyway. It was only $8.

This came about because yesterday I was scheduled to see my massage therapist, who works out of her home in Cashmere. Max was whining about how much his hip and back were hurting so I offered to give him my massage time. So, I dropped him off for the massage and this gave me about an hour to take an unplanned trip over to the Antique Mall. My reward for sacrificing my massage time!

The Mall which was completed several months behind schedule and hundreds of thousands of dollars over budget is phenomenal. It's huge. I don't know how many vendor booths there are, but a lot! And, they're nearly all full. It's almost overwhelming when you walk in and every booth is full of stuff. Warning: Do not take small children in here. It would be too scary with all the dishes and other glassware.

In addition to the new building, their old building across the street is still used as an annex for consignment furniture and other things. When I have some spare time I'll stop in there and check it out.

Anyway, this new birdhouse which is now the second in my collection, has inspired me to consider starting a collection of birdhouses. It will be fun to watch for unique birdhouses in my travels about. I won't buy just any birdhouse... only those that jump out at me!

By-the-way... Max's hip is feeling much better and he's definitely walking with more spring in his step today! So we both benefitted from the change of plans. And... I will get MY massage treatment next Tuesday (if he doesn't sweet talk me out of it again).

Home Safe

Hi everyone,
I keep getting calls to be sure we are home safe. Yes, just haven't had time to post yet. Had good travel weather.

Will write more later.

A Public Warning

Today I am offering a public warning. Yesterday I spent about an hour getting analyzed for a new set of golf irons. Could this be the beginning of an improved golf game? I certainly hope so. For a girl, I'm not a bad golfer... but having a new set of irons that are custom fit to me should make me a more "consistent" player. Hopefully it will be consistently good, and not consistently bad.

This is all theory, of course... so I'll let you know how it goes.

Carefree Driving In California?

Is that an oxymoron? Could there actually be such a thing as carefree driving in California? Maybe not, but having an onboard navigation system is as close as one could ever come. I was pleased to be able to focus on traffic and not when the next exit was coming up.

We got up at 4:00 this morning, so we could leave Palm Springs by 5:00 in order to beat the rush hour through the high traffic areas. We were on the road by 4:50, and I was amazed at how much traffic there actually was at that time of day! But, we did get through without ado. "Maggie", our onboard navigator, makes weaving through the maze of southern California freeways a breeze.

We were braced for rainy and snowy conditions today as per the forecast. We did experience on again and off again rain throughout the day (and a little snow through the Grapevine). Later in the day, we were shocked to find a 2-3 mile stretch of highway with a thick blanket of hail on the ground just north of the town of Willows. It was very bizarre. One minute we were breezing along at 70+ mph, then we were immediately slowed to about 40.

Tonight, we ended up in Redding, California which is about 650 miles from Palm Springs. It was a long day of driving, but this puts us in a good position to evaluate the weather conditions for the Siskiyous tomorrow and take off if conditions permit, or stay put if that's more prudent. I-5 has been closed on and off over the last few days, including today because of numerous accidents. With our all-wheel drive, we're not so worried about getting through the passes, but I do worry about some of the other drivers out there. I'm constantly amazed at how many dumb drivers there are in the world. Many of them have macho 4-wheel drive rigs that they think can go anywhere they want... as fast as they want.

Will check in again tomorrow or the next day to let you know how we progressed.

Dessert in the Desert

I bought some fresh strawberries, while at the College of the Desert Street Fair yesterday morning. Yum... there's even some left for dessert again tonight. I also bought a new blouse, a couple new visors, and some golf towels. It's a good thing we really are leaving here on Friday, because there is no more room in the car to put things!

Click on the picture to enlarge the strawberries (and Max). They're huge in real life... the strawberries that is. :-)

Last Days in Paradise

We are settled into our one-bedroom villa at the Welk resort. This place is really nice, as were our accommodations at Canyon Shores which is, literally, just across the street. Here there are two big pools, instead of the several small pools serving each building at Canyon Shores.

The Welk resort offers a lot of activities to keep you as busy as you want, including a Champagne Welk-um the evening that you check in. Isn't that clever? Remember Lawrence Welk and his "Champagne Music"?

Today's selection of activities included: Treasure Box Painting, Tote Bag Painting, Flower Pot Painting, Bug Painting (they're into painting here I guess), a pool tournament, root beer floats, happy hour at the pool... and they have some kid activities and evening family activities.

Tomorrow morning my friend, Dorothy, and I are going to the Street Fair without the men. Max likes to go, but after about an hour he gets tired and wants to leave. So, Dorothy and I are going to stop by Starbucks on our way and wander around leisurely.

We're scheduled to leave here Friday and plan to be home by Sunday... so just a few more days in Paradise. Don't be too sad for us. We've had a good time!

Spring Training

It's almost time for another baseball season to start. I was so pleased to find a Spring Training game on TV this morning while we were waiting to check out of our motel, and move to the villa at the Lawrence Welk Desert Oasis Resort. The game wasn't a Seattle Mariner game, but it was a game (Dodgers vs Braves). I told Max someday we should consider going to Arizona during March and taking in some of the Mariner Spring Training. We'll see if that ever happens.

Another week in the desert coming up. We'll definitely be on our way home by next Friday, so we should arrive back in Wenatchee some time Sunday, the 12th.

Change Of Plans

We were scheduled to be on the road headed home yesterday (March 1st), putting us home on Friday. BUT, Max's mobility hasn't been that great so when our friend, Dorothy McIntire, offered to let us use her week at the Lawrence Welk Resort, I decided there wasn't any point in rushing Max back to the cold and wet. At this time, it looks like we'll be heading home next Friday (March 10th), getting us home within 3 days.

I had to do some scrambling to change some appointments, but everything seems to be under control. I continue to do my real estate work via computer, phone and Fax.

Will check back in a couple of days.

The Team

Here is a picture of the gals I played golf with on Sunday and Monday at Cathedral Canyon Country Club. We were lucky that it wasn't as hot as originally forecast. The cloud cover helped.

From left to right: Janet, Cheryl, me, Dorothy

We were only a few strokes out of the money, but we had a great time! These ladies know how to put on a tournament. It was an "Oscar Nomination" theme, with (fake) oscar trophies... and tons of door prizes for those of us who didn't win by virtue of our golf scores! The day after the tourney, it rained about for the first time in the desert since October. What good timing.

Kevin's Version

Shortly after I posted my last blog entry, including the golf match for "family bragging rights", I recieved the following dissertation from Kevin... who I think sent it to the rest of the family. Here it is, in it's entirety (with some comments from me in red).

Its official. After a dramatic round of golf, Carol has taken control of the Klock Family Cup. The weather was about 84 F, light wind out of the west on Indian Canyon Golf Course in Indian Wells. Of course Carol picked the course (and paid the $100 green fees). The final outcome was in doubt through at least the second shot on the 1st hole. By the time the turn was made it was almost a matter of pride but I had left that somewhere on the front nine. I came back to shoot a respectable 42 on the back nine. However, the following top ten reasons I got beat.

1. Like Donovan McNabb, I had to be playing through injuries.

2. Carol claimed sore shoulder and teed off on the red tees. Red tees are the girly tees. Yes, Kevin, I am a girl... that's where we tee off. And I did offer to let you tee off there too. Male pride can be a terrible thing. I do have two bad rotator cuffs (very painful), and didn't want to blow them out before my two day tournament at Cathedral Canyon C.C. Sunday and Monday. If you are a man and do not hit your drive past the girly tees, you are required to drop your pants as you head towards your next shot. I played blue because the male in the twosome who joined us was playing blues and was 105 years old so I felt inclined to at least protect my manhood and play from there.

3. Playing from the red tees gave Carol a 1,500 yard advantage over the 18 holes of the course. That's right for you who know golf, she got at least 100 yard advantage per hole. My par 3 was 200 yards and her's was 98. Kevin, Kevin, Kevin... you were doing far better from 200 yards out than 98, so that wouldn't have helped. Was it the 120 yard par 3 I birdied, with a two foot putt?

4. Carol is not tied down by the traditions and analysts of golf that say boobs get in the way of long drives. She drives as far as I do which means her 100 yard advantage led to 60 yard 2nd shots on par 4's. I want her for any of my scrambles. Again for you non golfers that's a tournament where you play the best hit ball. Carol did let me use her driver which I was spanking long and straight. Kevin will be in a golf shop soon getting one of those King Cobras.

5. My dog ate it.

6. The day before I had flown from Springfield, MO to Dallas, TX to LAX. Then drove from LAX to Camarillo to Palm Springs. The drive to Palm Springs took 4.5 hours including one 12 mile stretch through LA that took an hour. That's right 12 miles in one hour and no wreck. That fancy new truck made the trip more bearable.

7. The hotel put us in a room with only a king size bed for the four of us. They then told me that it was my fault for using Priceline. After verbalizing my displeasure at the front desk and explaining that we had called in advance to secure a two bed room, we got the two bed room. It had two doubles, I almost asked for the king and a roll up instead. It felt like college, I mean shortly after getting married again.

8. Suntan lotion got in my eyes. This could be true, but I doubt it, considering the length of those drives!

9. The plant is not performing well. All we've done is beat our budget on volume and profitability and I'm fielding questions as to why is Ventura struggling. My mind was elsewhere. Yeah, his mind was elsewhere... dollar signs flashing in his eyes hoping for a big bonus for beating all those production goals. They've overshot every goal, like having a King Cobra in his hands.

10. My hair was in my eyes. If I had been in town during the week I would've been able to get my hair cut. What hair?

For now, like the Iron Chef, Carol reigns supreme. Maybe one of these days we convince another Klock to join us. Until next year, Carol is the Top Klock. Amen!

The Family Torch Is Passed!

Here is a picture of my cousin, Kevin Klock and his family... wife, Jennifer and the kids Justin and Kara. The handsome guy on the left, of course, is none other than my Max. This photo was taken last night about 6:30 as were all waiting patiently for our table at Babe's, a wonderful BBQ restaurant at "The River" in Palm Desert.

For those of you who don't know who Kevin is... it is Kevin's grandparents who raised my brother and me after the death of our parents. Kevin's Dad's Dad and my Dad were brothers. Also, I lived with Kevin's Mom & Dad (and Kevin and his two brothers and one sister) for about a year when I first moved to Wenatchee in 1971. Kevin was only about 3 years old at that time. Kevin would come into my room at night after his bath and put on the headphones to my stereo and dance around in his pajamas.

Kevin and his wife and kids now live in Camarillo, California, which is 2-10 hours from Palm Springs, depending on traffic! I think it took them about 4 or5 hours to get over here Friday night. Kevin, a chemical engineer, is the plant manager where Frappucino is bottled for Starbucks. Jennifer keeps busy as a taxi driver for the kids, getting them to their school and extra-cirricular activities.

The main event for the week-end: Kevin and I had our "family bragging rights" skins golf match yesterday (Saturday) at the newly renovated Indian Canyon Golf course. The torch has been passed back to me (where it belongs). The margin of victory was considerable, so I suspect Kevin will be practicing before the next match in 2007.

He caught me on a bad day two years ago when he beat me in the first semi-annual golf match. We intended it to be an annual event, but Max and I didn't get down here last year. Therefore, I had to put up with two years of taunting from Kevin, instead of one. Besided reveling in the glory, I intend to successfully defend my title next year.

We have invited other members of the family to participate but, it appears, they're all afraid of both of us because no-one else showed up.

Hope everyone is having a great winter!

Carol

Carol@TopPropertiesWenatchee.com
http://TopPropertiesWenatchee.com

http://www.CarolsWenatchee.com

Upcoming Golf Marathon

We haven't played as much golf as usual while here this year, but that will change (for me) this week-end... as I begin a self-imposed golf marathon of sorts.

Max's mobility is really up and down and he doesn't feel comfortable paying the money to play on the longer courses because he's lucky to actually play 9 or 10 holes. He has only played once so far, and that was at the short course of Date Palm Country Club with Mary & Dick Weatherman. It works well if he plays a few holes, sits out a few holes, then plays a few more holes.

Friday, we will play again with Dick & Mary at Date Palm and that will, no doubt, be Max's last time. Since he doesn't play I don't like to leave him alone a lot but I have played a few games at Cathedral Canyon Golf & Tennis Club.

Saturday, I am scheduled to play a "family bragging rights" match with my cousin Kevin Klock. He and his family live in Camarilla (California). This is our second match. He currently holds the (invisible) trophy but I'm hoping to correct that. I told him I'd pay his green fees, but if he wins he has to pay me back. :-) I'll let you know how that goes.

Sunday & Monday I am in a tournament at Cathedral Canyon with Dorothy (Dunkin) McIntire. I have played a few practice rounds with her. Tuesday I played a pretty good round of 87, which I was very pleased with considering the difficulty of the course (and how little I've played). There is more than one hole from h___, with lots of water and sand. It's not unusual to see water down one side of the fairway and sand down the other. I'm not talking some water... I'm talking the entire length of the fairway in some cases. This is a course that requires a lot of course management and strategy on each shot. Common sense must rule over pride or you'll end up losing a shot or two anyway. I've been known to leave my driver in the bag on numerous holes, opting for a lay-up with a 5 or 6 iron. You know how I hate that!

Well, better get back to watching what's left of the Olympics for the evening. I'll check in sometime this week-end and let you know how it's going.

A Day Of Golf

Today I played golf again at the Cathedral Canyon Country Club with my friend Dorothy Dunkin. The image to the left is how I felt about the final score, so I won't go into any more details about that. More importantly we had a good time and, although the weather has cooled into the high 60's, it was an absolutely lovely day and we felt truly blessed to be out on the course!

After I got back from golf, Max & I went out for an aimless drive around the town. We drove through some of the areas where we've stayed over the years and marveled at how many homes are on the market in nearly every neighborhood. On my residential real estate blog, I posted an article titled "Palm Springs Real Estate" where I talked just a little about the general market here.

Palm Springs Aerial Tram

Yesterday (Wednesday) Max & I and our friend Ron, who is visiting from Wenatchee, rode the tram to the top of the San Jacinto Mountains. This is an engineering marvel, raising us from the 2,000 foot level to over 8500 feet above sea level in just 15 minutes. The tram has a rotating floor, so you get an ongoing 360 degree view of the mountains and the valley.

We ate lunch at the "Elevations" restaurant, which is a little more spendy than the cafeteria but well worth the extra money. Not only was the food really good, but the view was great and we felt among the elite instead of cattle in a herd.

In all the years Max & I have been coming here (about 20), this is the first time we've ever done the tram. It was fun. Unfortunately, I forgot my digital so I took some photos from Ron's camera. He said he would e-mail them to me, but I probably won't have them for a few days.

I still haven't been able to upload the cactus pictures I promised from our time in Phoenix. I reduced their size, but either my dial-up access with the laptop or my blogging software doesn't seem to like them. I'll see if I can work with them on the home computer when we return from paradise.

A Birdhouse and Some Sox

Today Max & I got up early and went to the Swap Meet at the College of the Desert. They "swap" their goods for our money. We wanted to get there early before it got too hot or too crowded... and so we could get a parking spot that wasn't too far from the entrance. We arrived about 8:00 and when we left at 10:30 it was already getting warm and was definitely crowded.

It was fun because they've got a lot of new stuff since we were here a couple years ago... and some of the same stuff too. You all know how I love patiotic things, and sox in particular, so I couldn't resist buying several pair of these cool sox. Also we've been looking for a birdhouse to decorate some stumps Max left when cutting out some trees in our yard. This cute little "bait shop" birdhouse is about 8" tall and 8" wide. It was only $14.

Besides the sox and birdhouse we bought some fresh strawberries, dates, dried apricots... and Max got a nice 10 minute massage for $12. He said it was well worth it. Afterwards, I was sorry I didn't get one too! Maybe next time.

Memoirs

The weather continues to be unusually warm... in the mid 80's for the last several days. It's supposed to cool down quite a bit by the latter part of next week, but I haven't seen any precipitation in the forecast. It has rained only one day since October, so they are going through a drought here.

I've been working on retyping Max's memoirs over the last few days. We had a first draft typed, but he's been wanting to make some additions so, since I don't have the file on this computer, I retyped them... all 26 pages. Now he has a fresh copy to rework. I suppose there will be many more drafts before the final document is finished. It will be a nice thing for his children and grandchildren to have.

Yesterday, I played golf with Dorothy Dunkin McIntire at Cathedral Canyon Country Club. Some of you may remember her from Wenatchee Golf & Country Club. They live down here full time, but have considered moving back to Wenatchee. They love it here, though. Her husband, Bud, and my husband weren't feeling up to playing so Dorothy and I ended up playing with a couple of other ladies from the club. It was a fun group, and we all played a game called "Captains Choice". It's where everyone in the foursome rotates at being the "captain" (first to tee off). After everyone tees off, then the captain gets to choose who she wants for her partner on that hole. Whichever "team" wins the hole gets a point (each player on that team gets a point). It's like a two person best ball, but your partner could change on each hole. Anyway, the person with the most points at the end of the game wins. I won't bore you with the details of who won (grin), but I can give you a hint that it wasn't one of the locals. :-) Actually, Dorothy and I ended up partnering most of the time and we did very well!

Cathedral Canyon is actually quite a difficult course, with narrow fairways and lots of strategically water and sand. Many holes have water down one side of the fairway and multiple sand traps bordering the other side. I was pleased to score a 91... after losing 3 balls on the first two holes! After that, I played the rest of the round with the same ball. The funny part is, after having lost so many balls so soon, one of the other gals came over and gave me a sleeve of "Precept" balls that she said she would never use. I laughed and joked with her that she knew I would need the extra balls to finish the round. I teased her later that it was when I started using the Precept balls that I started racking up the points (ultimately beating her at her own game). It was all in good fun and there was no money involved... just bragging rights. I will be playing in a two day tournament at this same course on the 26th & 27th of this month... so I'll play there at least two more times before that.

Today Max & I just kind of goofed off. We were going to the Swap Meet at the College of the Desert, but I was tired this morning so we decided to go tomorrow. We went to a late breakfast at the International House of Pancakes, where I had a wonderful vegetable omelette. The rest of the day is a blur of laziness. Max is already in bed so as I type, I'm listening to and watching the Olympics broadcast on the TV.

Hope you're all having a great week-end!
Carol

Out With The Old

This morning we had a late breakfast with our friend Ron Stephenson, who arrived last night from Wenatchee. As we sat at an outside table at "Don & Sweet Sue's Cafe" on Ramon Road in Cathedral City, we were all marveling at the fabulous weather. The radio said it was 85 degrees today. The forecast is similar for tomorrow, with slightly cooler on Friday.

Ron is also a realtor in Wenatchee and we help each other out whenever we can. After breakfast, we dropped Ron off at the airport to pick up his rental car. Ron isn't really into golf anymore, but he likes to hike and will be doing some exploring over the next few days. There are scads of hiking trails in the area. With the weather being so warm, he may decide to take the tram to the top of the San Jacinto Mountains and hike around up there. It's been an extremely dry winter here in southern California so there's no snow up there to worry about. Ron is staying with a friend here in Cathedral City, so we won't see him every day but we will get together for dinner and maybe some Swap Meet shopping before he goes back home next Thursday.

After a short afternoon nap, Max & I went to a Golf Outlet shop in Palm Desert... in search of some new golf bags. We bought our bags many years ago on a trip down here, and they are definitely ready to be retired. We wanted something a little smaller, less worn, and more "fresh" looking. I know the new bag (on the right) doesn't look smaller, but it actually is. Max's new bag is just like mine with a hint of blue (instead of red like mine). I've already got my bag organized and ready to play for our next scheduled game on Friday at Cathedral Canyon Country Club with Bud and Dorothy McIntire. Cathedral Canyon CC is a difficult course with lots of water, so I packed extra balls! Will let you know how that goes. Later in the month, I will be playing in a Women's tournament (at this course) with Dorothy.

68

What is 68? Was it the low temperature last night? Was it my golf score from yesterday? Or, is it the number of dollars it takes to fill up our gas tank at current Palm Springs prices?

The night low temperatures have been in the 50's, so quite pleaseant. The daytime temperatures have been in the 80's. :-) I filled up the tank today and it only cost $38.56 for 14.89 gallons at $2.55 per gallon.

Yesterday, Monday, we did play our first game of golf since arriving here. It was, literally, our first game for several months (October). 68 was my score but before you get impressed, you should know this was at Date Palm Country Club, which is a nice short (par 59) course. I shot 8 over on the front nine (just warming up) and then shot just one over on the back nine. We played with Mary & Dick Weatherman from Wenatchee, then went over to their place (next to the 16th tee box) for some iced tea and chips & dip. It was fun to see Mary and Dick again. They looked happy and healthy and are always fun to play with. We'll play with them again a time or two while we're here and I'll be sure to remember to take my camera along, so I can post a picture. We're hoping we can all get together with Donna & Bill Pershall while they are here also.

Max played, also, but he sat out a couple of holes so he didn't get too tired. Overall, he did quite well and didn't seem to suffer any negative effects today.

Today we had all-you-can-eat soup and salad at the Olive Garden with Lowell & MaryJo Williams, Max's cousins from Edmonton, Alberta. They live in Palm Desert for 6 months and Edmonton the other 6 months. It is Lowell's sister who is "the other" Carol Williams, the realtor.

More fun tomorrow...

Two Farm Boys

Here are two farm boys from southern Alberta, Canada. This is Max and his cousin, Lowell Williams, who lives in Edmonton half the year and Palm Desert during the winter months. Lowell came by this afternoon and picked up Max for a short shopping trip downtown. I took the opportunity to sneak down to Barnes & Noble for a couple of hours.

Their father's were brothers. Lowell and Max were both very successful in their careers, each earning a Phd and the title of Dr. in front of their names. Lowell's wife, MaryJo, is also a Phd. I am the lone mere intellectual mortal in the group. Perhaps some of their intellect will rub off by association? I can hope. Tuesday we will have lunch with Lowell & MaryJo at our favorite spot... the Olive Garden.

On another note of interest, Lowell has a sister named Carol Williams who is also a real estate agent. When we were in Edmonton a few years ago, "the other" Carol Williams took me to her Tuesday morning office meeting to introduce me as... who else... Carol Williams. It was kind of funny.

83

What is 83? Is it my golf score? Is it the number of golf courses in the local area? Or, is it the temperature? Our first game of golf will be Monday, so it's not that. There are over 100 golf courses in the area, so it's not that. 83 is the temperature from Friday, and today was similar, with more of same forecast for the next several days! Yabba Dabba Doo.

We've Landed

Well... we've finally landed in Palm Springs. Here are some pictures of our condo, patio, and view of the pond and waterfall from our patio. For some reason, the pictures didn't come out in the order I entered them, but you get the idea. Also, remember you can always click on a photo to enlarge. Anyway, the condo is quite comfortable. We went grocery shopping at Albertsons this afternoon, so the cupboards are stocked for a while. Everything else is turnkey and here for our convenience. Tomorrow morning we'll walk the grounds and find the nearest swimming pool and hottub.

The weather is fabulous. We're hearing reports of snow back home (lots in the mountains), so we're feeling pretty good about spending the money to get here and be here.

Consequences

Here is a man who was passing through Tortilla Flats, but told the sheriff he wasn't going to cheer for the SeaHawks in the Super Bowl this week-end!

Hotel Witt

Here's a picture of Connie & Bill and their home, our current accommodations, in Sun City West. There's no grass, just lots of cactus, palms and rocks for landscape.

Catching Up

This vacation business is hard work and I haven't had much of an opportunity to post pictures or comments. We're keeping busy, of course. We just returned from the week-end in Apache Junction, about 75 miles southeast of Phoenix. We stayed with Carl & DiAnn (at left), who are our good friends from Wenatchee, and renting a place down there.

Sunday we took a driving tour of the area, with our first stop being the old ghost town of Goldfield, Arizona. We took a leisurely tour through the rugged countryside of the Superstition Mountain wilderness area, stopping for picture opportunities and for an ice cream cone at Tortilla Flat. Tortilla Flat is very small, claiming 6 full time residents, 2 of which may be rattle snakes! It is an old time stage coach stop and tied to the legend of the elusive goldmine of the Lost Dutchman.

Cactus Cactus Everywhere!

Today Connie and Bill took us for a drive through the 4,000 foot high "White Tank Mountain Regional Park". Unfortunately, I did not realize we were taking this sight seeing tour, so I left my digital camera at the house. We took some pictures on Connie's camera, but I'm having trouble uploading them. It could be the slow dial-up connection I'm using here. I'll load some pictures when I can.

The White Tank Mountains got the name from depressions formed in the mountains from flood waters pouring down chutes and dropping off ledges, causing a series of depressions, or "tanks", in the white granite. These tanks, then, were used to store water... and there is evidence of agricultural activites that went on in early days by using the seasonal runoff and rain water. There are eleven archeological sites within the 29,000 acre park. Evidence indicates these were occupied sites from the time period of A.D. 500-1100.

Arizona is currently undergoing drought conditions, with no rain since October. This, of course, is totally opposite of the Pacific Northwest which is experiencing some record setting periods of rain! Anyway, as we were in the White Tank Mountain Park, it appeared even the cactus were dying due to the stress of the long period without water.

Driving through the park was like driving through a forest of cactus, as compared to a forest of trees. There were several varieties that I could take pictures of and I am anxious to post them when I can.

Tomorrow we will drive to Apache Junction to visit our friends, Carl & DiAnn Heath, from Wenatchee. We will probably come back to Phoenix on Sunday, and I will check back in with more fodder from our adventures when I can.

Cactus Country

We arrived in Sun City West, Arizona this afternoon, after a total of five days on the road. I took this picture of the purple cactus while traveling the Sun Valley Highway, which runs from the western end of the Phoenix area between I-10 and Sun City West. These cactuses were plentiful within the median between the lanes… and came in all sizes.

The southern California and Arizona sunshine is wonderful, but coming through the traffic reaffirmed that I never want to live here, or any other densely populated place. I couldn’t help but be struck by the high volume of truck traffic along the I-5 and I-10 corridors. As we traveled into Arizona, the volume of large motor home traffic was astounding. I’m talking about 35-40 foot motor homes, that probably get about 5-8 miles to the gallon. It’s no wonder there’s an oil crisis! These motor homes (literally homes on wheels) are very expensive and, I suppose, the people who own them aren’t stopped from traveling because of fuel prices. I don’t suppose they like it, but they’re not going to quit traveling in their retirement because of it.

Well, it's been a long trip down... so will sign off, but try to write more tomorrow or the next day.

Palm Springs

Been too tired to post to the blog so far. This all day driving is hard work! We are in Palm Springs tonight, but just passing through. Will leave for Phoenix tomorrow... and back here on the 1st of February.

It's so nice to be in the sun, which has been scarce in Wenatchee this winter. It's not particularly warm here, but it is sunny and certainly warmer than at home.

Max & I went out to the Black Angus tonight for dinner. We had way too much food! Ordered the "Dinner or Two" which included a steak and two sides PLUS an appetizer sampler plate and a huge piece of chocolate forest cake dessert. They made a mistake and brought us two sampler plates. We have tons of leftover food PLUS all of the desert. We'll have lots of munchies for our trip to Phoenix tomorrow.

Well... it's early, but I'm getting ready for bed. More later in the week.
Carol

Time To Start Packing

Max & I plan to leave Friday, seeking warmer climates. It's been snowing here most of the day so it's only solidified our resolve. We have a condo reserved in Palm Springs for the month of February. I'll be doing laundry over the next couple of days and getting things packed up.

Our first major destination will be Sun City West where Max's sister, Connie, and her husband Bill live. We will take about four days getting there, with stops in Corbett to visit Clair & Beverly and then to Eugene to visit my dear Aunt Dottie and her daughter, cousin Shirley St. Clair.

The rest of our schedule will depend on the weather. There has been so much rain in the Northwest (and snow in the mountains) that we won't knowingly drive into a bad storm. Although our new car has all-wheel drive, we don't particularly want to give it a traction test in the Siskiyou Mountains.

I will be posting pictures and commentary regularly so stay tuned...

Nice To Be Appreciated

I don't post a lot on this blog about my work, although much of my life is devoted to it. I received such a nice e-mail from a client yesterday that I couldn't help sharing. Admittedly, my head is a little swollen right now... so, in my euphoria, I can't resist. I met Debbie about three years ago when she first moved to Wenatchee and, over time, we've become friends.

In November 2005, she found out she would be transferred by the U.S. Forest Service from Wenatchee to Portland, Oregon. So, I quickly got her home at Fancher Heights sold and now she is in the process of trying to buy a home in the Portland area. Here are her thoughts on that experience:

"Oh how I wish you were my Realtor over here! Though they are trying hard,
they just don't compare and now I realize how good you are!
I miss my house. I miss you!"
--Debbie Perry (January 2006)

New Year Cheer!

Happy New Year to everyone! We were invited to spend the evening with a group of people at the Dorner's but (since Max likes to take periodic evening naps) we had a quiet evening at home alone. After watching the Seattle Sonics basketball team lose to the Memphis Grizzlies, I watched the midnight celebrations (on TV) from New York and New Orleans... but finally gave up the ghost of the old year at about 11:30.

As the new year sets in my thoughts turn to goal setting for the coming year. I've posted a short goal setting article and some links on my investment blog, if anyone cares to venture over there.

Wishing you a happy and prosperous 2006,
Carol

Carol@TopPropertiesWenatchee.com
www.TopPropertiesWenatchee.com

A Quiet Christmas

With no kids here, it was a quiet Christmas with no fanfare this year. We went to June & Roger Dorner's house on Christmas Eve day to have dinner with them (and their kids and grandkids). Yummy.

Yesterday, on the actual Christmas Day, they met us at the Royal Fork Buffet since their kids had to go back home (to Moscow, Idaho) early Sunday.

What did Santa bring? He delivered the car early, and reserved us a place in Palm Springs (see pictures above) for the month of February. We've been very good this year.

This complex is called Canyon Shores and we've stayed there several times. Click on the link to see more pictures and get more info. We love the convenient, central, location in Cathedral City, which is on the east edge of Palm Springs and west of Palm Desert. Our friends, Bud & Dorothy McIntire, live across the street at Cathedral Canyon Country Club where they have 27 very interesting, difficult, water laden holes of golf. I've played very good to very bad rounds of golf there. :-)

We'd love to hear about your Christmas and what's in store for the new year. You may e-mail us at: CarolWilliams@charter.net

Holiday Cheer!
Max & Carol Williams

The Golf Bags

Here is a picture of (most of) the golfing gang I hang out with. I call them the "Golf Bags". This is the group I play golf with on Tuesdays (if I'm not too busy working)... and we are all members of the Three Lakes Golf Course, so we play on our regular ladies day which is Thursday during the golf season. I didn't actually play much golf this year, but they let me hang out with them whenever I have the time.

During the winter we take turns hosting, and get together on Tuesday to play Farkel, which is a dice game also known as 10,000. Every year at Christmastime we get together at one of our homes and have a salad and dessert potluck. We don't make assignments, just bring what you want... and it's always amazing at the balance and variety. We've never yet had ALL desserts or ALL salads but it's always ALL good. We take an annual Christmas photo and this one was taken yesterday, December 20th. Unfortunately, there were about four of our regulars missing for various reasons.

Grandma's Fudge Recipe

My friend, Amy, who recently moved here from Nevada gave Max and me a wonderful box of Christmas goodies. In the box were two mugs with hot chocolate mix, a candy cane and a tin of fudge made from her Grandma Betty Huxford's fudge recipe. Amy was very close to her Grandma and she died this year, so this batch of fudge was made from the heart in remembrance of her Grandma. This is the story of Amy's efforts to get the fudge just the way Grandma used to make it:

Dear Carol and Max,
Here is some FUDGE I made from the heart. I was thinking about my Grandma and some of her Christmas cooking. I remember her making holiday cookies, popcorn balls, and fudge. A few years back I helped her make fudge for the family. So…..in my infinite wisdom, I thought it would be a good idea to make fudge and put it in small tins as a part of gift baskets for both sides of the family and close friends. It was a well thought out plan with good intentions.

So here is the FUDGE STORY:
(I am now convinced that FUDGE is a very bad word)

I dug through many boxes to hunt down Grandma’s recipe book. Found the fudge recipe and scurried down to the store and bought all the ingredients. Everything was going as planned until the actual fudge making process began.

The instructions said to boil until it forms a soft ball and folds. So I kept boiling and boiling until the crap started to crystallize! I took it off the burner and as it started to cool it turned into one massive concrete ball! I ended up with this rock hard blob that adhered itself to the bottom of the pot. It was stuck in there so bad I literally had to throw the pot away. Somehow I missed the “soft” ball stage!

Round Two:
I dug up an older pot to cook with just in case round one was repeated. This time I cooked the liquid until it started to fold and then I took it off the heat and stirred it for awhile until I realized it was getting very hard in a hurry. This batch did make it to the cooling pyrex but after it was completely cool it was hard enough to break every tooth in my mouth. I think we could use this batch as additional blocks for the retaining wall.

Round Three:
I felt I was getting closer to making edible fudge. All I had to do is pour myself another drink and cook the liquid for a shorter amount of time. That should do it right? Mmmm…..well, I stuck to my plan of more drinking and less boiling. I took the liquid fudge substance off the fire much earlier this time. As it cooled I stirred, and stirred, and stirred. I was so confident that this batch was going to be perfect I added a bunch of expensive walnuts to it. I poured the warm fudge into the pyrex and waited for it to cool. As it cooled it was supposed to harden. I waited, and waited, and waited. It did harden some but not to the classic fudge consistency that I had expected. The fudge looks more like a soft brownie but it is edible and does taste good. I cut it up and individually wrapped the pieces just like Grandma used to do (which was an ordeal in itself that I will not go into).

Round Four:
After a semi-successful batch, I got the urge to make one final attempt at the perfect fudge. I scraped the bottom of the butter barrel and used every last teaspoon of sugar in the house. This was it, there were no more ingredients to do another batch after this. It had to be done right. I thought about this “soft ball” thing and realized what that means. You drop some boiling liquid onto a plate and when it cools it should form a soft ball. That is the point when you take the fudge off the burner and start beating it until it “folds”. Brilliant! So, I boiled the liquid for awhile and then started making splatters onto a plate. They were not making soft balls, but they sure did taste good. I think my theory was correct with the soft ball idea, but I kept eating all the drippings before they became totally cool enough to make a ball, oops.

At this point I was totally “FUDGED up” and just wanted to eat a piece of my creation and be done with the project. I got nervous that the substance would crystallize again so I took the last batch off the burner and started to beat it. I had used all the walnuts in the previous batch so this round would be nut free. I poured the last of the fudge into the cooling pyrex for the final attempt. This might have been it? Well, as close to “good” as it is going to get. It is still a bit soft but at least you won’t break any teeth!

Final Conclusion:
I now know why Grandma always had drinks while making fudge. I learned that making fudge is no easy project but love my family and friends enough to attempt making gifts that are truly from the heart. Enjoy!

Merry Christmas!
The Greenhalghs

Our New "Baby"

O.K... here it is, the replacement for the Mitsubishi... and the reason the Mitsu is on the selling block.

This is a 2006 Ford Five-Hundred SEL All-wheel drive. We love it. This vehicle has just received a top safety rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, so we're certainly pleased with that. Here's the announcement:
"Ford Five Hundred is the only car to earn the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s “Top Safety Pick-Gold” status — plus the government’s 5-Star Crash Test Ratings in four categories, even without the optional front seat side air bags installed".

One of the reasons we bought a new car was to have a little larger (and safer) vehicle for highway driving. With the price of fuel these days, we decided it's not "responsible" to drive the van much since it only gets an average of 14 mpg. The Mitsubishi, although a great car that we love, is just a little to small for long trips. We do plan a trip to Palm Springs this coming February, so the Five-Hundred will get a good road test. We're looking forward to that!

For all the details and a complete interior and exterior tour of this car, click here.

Have a great week-end!

My Beloved Mitsubishi

Today I take on the sad task of preparing my beloved 1999 Mitsubishi Galant for it's next proud owner. Tomorrow I will post a picture of the reason we're selling this car. This 1999 Galant has been lovingly taken care of, with oil changes every 3,000 - 4,000 miles and regular transmission fluid changes, as well. There are about 88,000 gentle miles on it. It's a very comfortable car, with plenty of power on the road. It's front-wheel drive, has air conditioning, and very good heater, and power windows. Gas mileage runs about 20 mpg around town and over 30 mpg on the highway. If you're interested in an excellent used car, give me a call. I'm starting the price at $4900 (with some room for negotiation). 509-670-7840... or e-mail me at:
Carol@TopPropertiesWenatchee.com

Happy Holidays!

May a warm glow follow you through the Holiday Season
and into the New Year!

Mission Ridge - Opening Day

Tomorrow (Saturday) is opening day for our local ski area, Mission Ridge. So, it was good timing for tonight's viewing of Warren Miller's latest release("Higher Ground"). We went to the film, at the convention center, with our friends Troy & Amy Greenhalgh. Troy and Amy (who recently moved to Wenatchee from Sparks, Nevada) love to snowboard, so they were pretty jazzed about going to see the film.

Max & I could only reminisce about the good old days and ponder our fond memories of days gone by. We remember the days when we would pack a lunch and eat on the mountain between runs. We used to love to take off at noon during the week and go up for half a day of skiing. But, we quit skiing several years ago, after Max was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. Max said his brain would tell him to turn, but his body wasn't responding like it should... so he decided that was a sign that it was time to quit!

Mission Ridge is really an excellent ski area, featuring lots of light powder snow and a wide variety of runs for the skiers of every skill level. The new high speed quad chair should be a great asset and, even though we are currently getting lots of real snow, the expanded snowmaking capabilities will also be a great advantage to a consistent and extended season for the upcoming season.