TAKING A BREAK

Most winter seasons, we take a break from RV living and go somewhere else that’s still reasonably warm.  This year we decided not to go too far away and after researching areas around Tucson and Phoenix, we found a place in Mesa.  The drive took an hour and 15 minutes through Phoenix and the traffic wasn’t too bad.

 We were looking for a different experience this time and chose to rent a house with plenty of amenities in a small subdivision.  It is a full size house with 3 bedrooms, a large kitchen, dining room, living room, extra TV room and a beautiful, private backyard.

The weather has been unusually cool this month and the swimming pool is not heated, so we haven’t been able to use it.  The hot tub was supposed to be working but this is how we found it.

We cleaned it up, filled it up and have been able to use it most of the week.

The place has been a rental for a while and is starting to show the wear, tear and neglect of rentals.  The outdoor fireplace no longer works but is lovely to look at.

The fish pond was full of leaves and algae—the filter and pump don’t work anymore so the gold fish are struggling.  I cleaned out some of the leaves and have been feeding the fish.  Hopefully, the next renters will be kind to the fish and keep feeding them.  The pond draws birds as well so I have been feeding them and have seen over a dozen birds at the feeder—sparrows, finches, mourning doves, grackles and even a pigeon.  I was tempted to prune some of the shrubs but didn’t have the tools—must wait until we get home in the spring to start gardening.

We’ve been busy with getting to know the area, having lunch with old and new friends and relaxing.  I’ll post tomorrow about our driving trip.