Food Truck Info, Kat meets dogs

Here is a blow by blow forecast for today:

Here is the "dog walk" forecast from TV last night:

Sure hope this sudden onset of HOT temps doesn't make a prediction for the whole summer!

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Kat had his first encounter with some dogs this morning.  I was quite surprised and impressed with the interaction.  Thank you to MaryAnn Brown and Nancy Smith for arranging the close encounter.

When we get done with our "walk", Kat retires to the cage while I finish my cup of coffee.  The birds keep him entertained.

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Mouse keeps me company while I work at the computer.

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Food Truck, Respite for First Responders, Kat on a leash!

WEDNESDAY FOOD TRUCK

Yes, it’s Mr. Philly-Up again, and he has added two specials that folks might enjoy. Online ordering will be available starting Tuesday morning.

Order on line www.mkt.com/phillyup We’re expecting a large number of departures this week and the heat will be a challenge this Wednesday, but we hope folks will still come out and support so we can continue for a few more weeks. The online ordering may make a big difference too if folks don’t have to wait too long for their food.

See you there Wednesday, April 29, from 4:00-6:00 in the parking lot by Palm Park.

FIRST RESPONDERS

I heard a rumor that Sun Communities was offering free board for first responders and health care workers so I texted Scott Houle to get the scoop. The program especially comes to light in Granby Colorado where health care workers have transferred to help with the pandemic.  Scott sent this link to the news report that appeared in CO this week:

Channel 9 News Granby CO

So far, there haven't been any applicants or response in Arizona. That's probably good news because it means our hospital hasn't had to import extra help.  I was hoping someone would come in so we could flood them with yummy home cooked meals and baked treats to extend our gratitude and support.

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While I was cruising through the internet, I stumbled on this old video from a couple years ago.

Go to this page and then scroll down to the video about "why we like living at Palm Creek."

https://www.suncommunities.com/palm-creek-expansions/

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KAT ON A LEASH

After our first totally failed attempts, I learned to adjust the straps on Kat's new harness so he can go outside for a morning stroll.  He loves being outside!  In fact, as soon as I pick up the harness, he comes over and let's me go through the struggle of fitting it on him.   He  thinks it restricts his ability to jump though so he walks kind of funny and makes a big effort to climb up onto a chair but he loves to explore.  We've restricted our "stroll" to once or twice around the perimeter of our house and then he's content to park in his new cage and watch for a dove to land nearby.

Mouse follows us from window to window but he isn't willing to wear the harness.  He basically says "no way, Jose" when I get it near him.  

So far we haven't been greeted by someone walking their dog past our house.  That will be interesting.  Stay tuned.

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I tried to get a video of the 60+ golf carts and bikes that rode through the park this week but naturally it failed.  I only got a small piece of the action.  It certainly was fun to watch and wave howdy to everyone.  I need to work on video skills.

You all have a great day..........and STAY SAFE!

Cat Cage, Food Truck, Cactus, Birds

Spring time is definitely nesting season.  This poor mama dove was determined to build her nest in the same place as last year but the home owner had installed multiple spike deterrents.  Mom managed to snuggle down in there anyway even with multiple spikes sticking up under her wings.  She wins a prize for determination.

We don't see many roadrunners these days but this one happened to run across my neighbor's roof carrying a small lizard in its beak.  I couldn't get a good picture but at least it's enough to tell the story.

Our street sweepers are out on rounds keeping our streets clear.

Hummingbirds love to build nests on light wires.  I've seen these nests multiple times over the years.  You would think they'd prefer a steadier platform but the light cords seem to work nicely.  Couldn't get a good picture of the young'uns but there are two safely tucked away in that tiny nest.

The new harness I bought for the cats simply didn't work as they could slide out of them no matter how tight I tried to make them.  I announced that I was next going to buy a cage.  Lo and Behold, Ron Castleman came to the rescue with a cage he has had in storage for a long time.

Kat gets pretty excited when the doves get close to the cage and it makes for good entertainment..........BUT............I'm afraid I've created a monster.  Kat just yells and yells that he wants to go outside now.  He has become very loud and vocal and is no longer content to be indoors.  He's not happy in the cage either as he wants OUT.  Don is not pleased with my decision to try the outdoors and sadly, I agree with him.  BIG mistake to get it started.  Now what do I do??

Found a couple of our landscapers out on their morning weed patrol.  They clear out the weeds from some of the larger open areas.  Looks overwhelming.

But look how lovely it is when they're done.  Spraying and weeding will continue all through the month of May.  Be patient.  

We see cactus in bloom every day now.  Beautiful blossoms.

Mother Nature is determined.  This cactus arm was broken off about three years ago and transplanted in Kathleen's backyard.  It has fallen down and was completely buried under this nearby bush....but it has pushed it's blossoms up to the sunlight.

Even though the stem is broken, the plant still flourishes.  

Our desert plants are TOUGH!

Last night's food truck was another huge success.  I talked with quite a few folks out on our morning tour who raved about the brisket sandwiches and especially the baked beans.  Can't wait to see who visits us next week.

Mary Hanson posted this picture on Nextdoor this morning.  Couldn't resist posting it here.  

Food Truck, Owls, a Turtle and beautiful weather

This week's food truck is a new vendor who hasn't been to Palm Creek before.  He will be here Wednesday from 4:00 - 6:00 again in the mail parking lot by Palm Park.   No pre-ordering is available.

The cats just beg to come outdoors and join us while we sit on the patio so I bought a pretty harness.  It took Kat about 2 minutes to wiggle out of it.    

Next I'm going to order a big collapsible dog cage.  We'll see how that works.

Our morning rounds were really fun this morning.  There are so many people still here enjoying the beautiful weather rather than going home to late winter storms.  It's nicer to spend isolation in sunshine rather than storms and cold.

The family of owls has all of us excited.  What a thrill to see the young ones walking or strutting around.  We're always looking up to the trees to find where they are.

The babies are NOT small birds.  

This turtle was another big crowd pleaser this morning as he lay basking by the lake at the 4-way stop.  

The petunias are still pretty.

Have a GREAT day!!

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Cats, owls, weeds, and lots of sunshine

I'm sending a note of sympathy to those readers that had to go home to lingering winter weather.  We have thoroughly enjoyed our sunny sky and warm temps these last few weeks.  Looks like the thermometers will climb next week though.  

My crazy cats have learned to open the cabinet drawers!  Then they want room to play in there so clear out the drawer contents to make themselves comfortable.  Who decided to get cats??

And then............Mouse upchucked a hairball right inside my shoe!!  Who decided to get cats?

Sadly.....it was me.  I still enjoy them and they keep our life interesting.

We notice that the palm trees are starting to send out their blossom stalks.  It won't be long before they burst into bloom and then send showers of white petals down upon us.

Everything in the park is still quiet.  Lots of folks out walking or riding bikes.  Still no open activities except for private happy hours.  Governor Ducey is working on a plan to reopen some non-essential businesses after May 1 so we'll see how things progress.  At least our grocery stores are better stocked now.  We could even purchase one bottle of hand soap this week.  Frys was limiting purchase to one bottle per customer.

Thanks to the idea from Kathleen Koch, we had a very successful Easter Parade last Sunday.  There must have been about 40 golf carts, bike riders, and cars spreading Easter cheer.

The lovely rain we had a couple weeks ago along with our lovely sunshine has brought back the fight against weed control.  Some folks on nextdoor were having a tizzy fit again but I hope they calm down and realize that weeds are a steady part of life and will soon be under control.  Spraying and hand weeding will take place throughout the month of May.

We also have some wonderful energetic residents who are helping.

The family of great horned owls are also keeping us entertained.  They had three young ones hatched.  The babies occasionally fall from the nest and wander around the neighborhood but you can bet that Mom and Dad watch over them closely.  The little devils can even manage to climb back up the tree!

Photographer caught this one on the run.

He climbed up on a patio and posed for photos.

Then climbed back up a tree!

Thank you to the photographers and neighbors (Jeanne Kinsvater) who captured these shots and sent them my way to share with you.