November in the 80s and loving it!

It is Saturday the 15th of November. The weathermen are all saying that we are warmer than usual, but to us - this is perfect. In the mid 80's and sunny. With the Santa Anna winds tearing through California, we are supposed to get high winds this afternoon and evening. For us that may mean clouds of blowing dirt and grit! So far this morning, it is just beautiful - golfers are out on the course already - we have such fun watching them - just like us, everyone hopes to be Tiger Woods and ends up being something much less! We went to Mesa yesterday to a Valley icon - the Mesa Mall. It is a covered flea market that is about two football fields long and has four "streets" that have vendors lining both sides. Yesterday it wasn't too packed with people, the snowbirds don't arrive in force until after Christmas. many things like clothes, tools, artificial plants, toys, cosmetics, souvenirs and jewelry are sold there. There are vendors who sell food items much like the state fair food we are used to - carmel corn, hot dogs etc. Almost all the vendors will deal with the customer on prices which makes me uneasy but Don likes it. We were looking for a ceramic pot to replace the one in our front yard that has suffered badly from the heat and sun exposure. I found several Talavera pots (brightly colored highly fired ceramics from Mexico) but finally decided that spending 70 dollars plus was not what I wanted to do. Besides the pots will be there all spring - to take advantage of those snowbirds - I may get one later. Meanwhile, Don has repainted the existing pot and it is OK for awhile. We are looking forward to a visit from my sister, Margaret, and her husband Dave later this week. They have been hiking and sightseeing in the Four Corners area and will head South into the valley for a short visit before heading home to IL. They may be ready for some R and R after more than a week of hiking. A week from tomorrow we fly home to MN for holidays in Chanhassen. Plan is to have all the kids and grandkids at home for the Thanksgiving feast. Already know that turkey, turnips, Ketcham salad, and pumpkin pie are on the menu plus all the usual stuff. We will have everyone together for Christmas also though this year we'll celebrate together on the 27th. Of course, we'll try to get to Chicago to see my family, also try to get to see each of the kids at their houses, a trip to Shenandoah , and get up to the cabin to check on things there as well. Lots to do, but all part of a family holiday celebration. Happy Holidays. M