Sam And Saundra's Year Long Adventure - Part 10

Sam And Saundra’s Year Long Adventure – Part. 10

11/3/08 – 11/29/08   Yuma

Critters:

There are many critters in the Yuma area.  The quiet, clear, moon-filled nights (and sometimes the days), are interrupted by the echoing of the coyotes bragging to each other. I am not sure what they brag about and I am not sure I want to know.   The rabbits are prolific in the park. They hop into sight from almost everywhere giving you a scare if you happen to be pondering snakes, or spiders, or scorpions, or …. Sam seemed pretty surprised that hunting season was in force.  Apparently there are wild sheep, pigs and burros.  One morning as we were getting ready for a walk, I happened to notice these tracks that were going all through the pea-sized gravel of the empty spaces next to us.  When I brought Sam’s attention to them, he and neighbor (Dave), thought that the tracks looked very similar to small horseshoes. They were all over our space too and even in front of Dave’s.  None of us could think of an animal that could make that kind of track and they attempted to recreate it, thinking someone was pulling a joke.  Try as they might, they could not recreate it, even when they dug their toes into the gravel.  We gave up and we went off on our walk.  While walking, we trod upon some soft dirt piles created by little ants, and I noticed the same horseshoe shape.  Yap! Although Sam tried making them with the toe of his shoe, it was actually the heel of his running shoes that created the tracks.  A bit red-faced, we explained it to Dave. 

Party Room

Church:

We attended the non-denominational church at the park.  We enjoyed the sermons, relished the music (very different from our home church) and enjoyed the people.  Again, the music of individuals was and is amazing.  Our prayers continue for Russ, who sang at the church and the jam session. One day, the first that included massive amount of rain, we went with other church members to volunteer at the local mission.  For the price of a dessert, we were allowed to volunteer.  Our group was assigned to serve at the pre-Thanksgiving day meal.  So many volunteers showed up that Sam and I instead sat down with a mission resident and peeled potatoes.  Others joined and we peeled enough for that day and Thanksgiving Day too.  We received so much more than we gave.  Wonderful people. A lot of families with children showed up for dinner and there were volunteers there to do face-painting for the kids.  Such a festive time.  We could not help but enjoy ourselves too.

Other:

Swimming is a big enjoyment for Sam and he has encouraged me to get into water exercising.  To that end, I ordered some water resistance exercise gear by e-mail and got them within 2 days.  When they arrived the package was marked ‘water kick box gear’.  There were 2 hand gadgets and 2 ankle, that worked by providing water resistance.  They worked well with my set routine.  We also bought a set at one of the four WalMarts in Yuma.  It included water bar bells and a floater devise that straps around the upper back.  I was actually able to do a modified back stroke, which is the closest I have been able to swim normally in many years. I am like sinkers, I tend to sink.  Needless to say, Sam and I took full advantage of the two pools at the park. 

Walking in short sleeves during a time heavy coats are the norm back home.  Eating Thanksgiving dinner outside with the nicest, warmest people you could imagine.  I got to paint a “Bob Ross” painting.  I think I was in a zen-like trance. Too many other experiences to relate.

Sam And Brutus

Sam and I both loved the warm weather.  It IS Yuma in the fall and winter, with the contrast to our regular experience ,making it a major attraction.  We will be back! P.S.  Sam says he is loving his retirement.