Where Not To Be

TRIPPIN' THURSDAY

THE RV LIFE

Most of Arizona should vacate for the summer. Why do some of us voluntarily put up with this climate?! The sun is brutal in the desert elevations. There aren't too many things I hate, but heat is one of them. My mood is grumpy. 😠 FDW has a stronger word for my attitude. I wish we could've taken the RV to a cooler place this year, but there are too many obligations and obstacles.

One of those obstacles is the unit needs repairs...yes, already! Next week, we'll take it to Prescott to the dealer, and we're not sure how long they will have it. The island sink cabinet has to be totally replaced. The wide wood trim around the fire place has pulled away from the wall. And there are a number of smaller issues.

Back to summer. The RV Ranch is now at it's bare bones occupancy. Our Happy Hour crew is down to 4 or 5 of us. FDW

and I get some relief from 100+ temps by driving to the Mongollon Rim country. This is one of the most scenic areas in Arizona. We can take a air conditioned trip in the car for 45 minutes and go from an elevation of 2,200 feet to a cool 7,500 feet. We did just that a couple of days ago. While Frank fished from the bank for trout, I hiked around the pines and then lounged to watch the smoke from a nearby fire. Love the rim country. Hope the fire season doesn't get too bad before monsoons are upon us.

Having a granddaughter visit keeps the summer doldrums away. Parks, roasting marshmallows, and horseback riding kept her entertained this time. It's impossible to

be grumpy in the heat with her around.

Don't forget to check your favorite grocery store for discounts. They don't seem to advertise these. I called Safeway in Payson and found out they offer a 10% senior discount on the first Wednesday of every month and a 10% military discount on the 15th of every month.

Tortuga, Tucson, and $$ Tips

Tortuga Thursday 

In 2012, on the plains of Northern Arizona, two families joined forces and began the trials and tribulations of building a small family farm with nothing in the bank but love

A stop on the Sabino Canyon tour

Taking time to post for Tortuga Thursday has been difficult. Plus, I've discovered while in pain, I'm not much good at writing. Yep, the back is still a problem. I hoped the three days of relaxation I would be forced into when we went to Tucson would do it. No such luck. I've got an appointment at the Indian Medical Center tomorrow.

However, the time in Tucson - a gift from Lance and Christie for my birthday - was fantastic. Here's one of those living on the cheap tips: resorts in the off season can be had for a third of their normal fees.

On the resort grounds

While in Tucson, we took the tram through the Sabino Canyon. We

On the resort grounds

got the senior discount. We didn't do any hiking because of my back, but can't wait to return when I'm healthy. What a gorgeous place.

On the farm, we have soy beans, okra, crookneck yellow squash, tomatoes, onions, and zucchini harvested every day. Soy beans have about a 3-day period when they have to come off the plant. I hit it right this year. They taste wonderful.

Purple okra in a basket of soy beans

We are officially done with the farmers' markets. Although we have

Purple okra bloom

some product left, we're not vending anymore. We'll keep it and use for ourselves or give at Christmas. I'm rather happy to be done with the market which tied up every weekend for us.

One sad note, we had to euthanize Rusty. One day he was fine and the next he couldn't stand on his own. We miss him horribly. He was my other son and my baby. He was Frank's fishing buddy and best friend. We're thankful we had him for the past eleven years. He enriched our lives as only a good doggie can. 

Barrel cactus in bloom in Tucson

Tips: Food, Money, Fun

 Tortuga Thursday 

In 2012, on the plains of Northern Arizona, two families joined forces and began the trials and tribulations of building a small family farm with nothing in the bank but love.

Playing at the winery

After weeding the garlic, Frank and I headed back to Tonto Basin for a

Lance, Sadi, Christie

few days. Caught up to date last week on Tortuga Thursday, so this week is this and that.

FOOD:
Food is a favorite topic on Tortuga Flats since we grow it in addition to eating it. If you check the archives for recipes you can see some of what we cook. We believe in no chemicals or pesticides and if you can't grow it that way, then try to buy it natural and organic.

**Like our Pirate Pickles - no alum for crunch. We get the crunch from our processing instead adding a chemical that comes from a metal. Even commercial manufacturers have cut back on its use but still soak the pickles in it.
**Try it raw - I grew up thinking salad was iceberg lettuce and

tomatoes. Anything raw might go in my salad now. There are many veggies we're accustomed to cooking whose leaves are great in salad like collard greens. And I love fresh herbs like cilantro or basil to top it off.
**Alternatives - Get a little healthier and try new toppings. Cinnamon is so good for you. On toast, drizzle a small amount of honey and sprinkle cinnamon as heavy as you want. On pancakes, you can do the same or top with mashed fresh fruit.

MONEY:
**Cell phone bill - ours was ridiculous. We supposedly had a senior discount and bundle discounts. By going on a month to month plan we cut our bill in half and have more. We went with Straight Talk but shop for what works best in your area. Frank has a simple phone with limited talk and unlimited text,. I need more so I have a smart phone with unlimited everything including Internet.
**General discounts - ASK, wherever you go. At a restaurant and don't see a special, then ask. Are you over 55 or a veteran? Then always ask if they have a discount for you at all eating establishments, hotels, movie theaters, large department stores, parks, etc.
**Long time customers - I expressed the possibility of changing our TV provider and received a discount for our long time usage. Maybe there is some service you have used for years and it's time they showed their appreciation. Or they have some special going for new customers so ask them about their valued customers!

I like old cemeteries

FUN:
It's everywhere and doesn't always have to cost a month of income.

A short hike in Tonto Basin

**Memberships can save money. There's a small zoo in Prescott that has a great rate for a yearly fee. You visit three times and you've gotten your money's worth.
**Walking tours - google your area. I'll bet that there are things to see for free on foot you might not even know about. Get some exercise with your fun.

Hanging out at the winery

**Special days - some museums or other attractions have special discounted days each month. Call and find out so you can time your trip.
**Go but be frugal - we have a winery near us that is beautiful. We go

Fun at the winery

and just hang out sometimes, take a picnic lunch. If we do have wine we get one glass and make it last a long time while we enjoy our surroundings.

So get out, have fun, eat well, and make your money stretch!

LIVING LIKE A CHEAPSKATE

Tortuga Thursday

In 2012, on the plains of Northern Arizona, two families joined forces and began the trials and tribulations of building a small family farm with nothing in the bank but love.

Last year, about this time, I recapped what I'd found out over the year about saving money - a constant pursuit on Tortuga Flats. Now, let's see if the same is holding true this year.

Food. Years ago, I diligently combed the newspaper and junk mail ads for coupons and found that they did me little good. Even before we grew our own veggies, I gave some thought to what went in my mouth. Most coupons were geared toward packaged foods that we didn't eat. It's cheaper to make your own and much healthier. No change from last year.

Whether or not you grow your own or shop organic, you can often get deals in the fresh foods section. You might eat only bananas for a fruit that week or have squash as a side dish five meals in a row, but hey, you can save shopping the specials.

Our freezer is full of frozen squash, peppers and cabbage. Our jars of tomatoes and green beans are overflowing the cupboards. We have an extra refrigerator full of carrots. You can do the same even if you don't grow your own. Shop the sales, stock up when it's cheap and can or freeze.

Some grocery stores give seniors a discount everyday (such as New Frontier in AZ) or have one day a month for senior discounts (such as Frys in AZ).

Other Shopping. There are several stores that give veterans a discount. Be sure to ask. Some stores have  buyer rewards programs. Get the card. It's free. Build points and get $$$ off on future visits.


Hair. After paying around $150 a visit for the last few years, I tried to make some changes. I went the beauty school route and never paid more than $20 a visit. But I couldn't keep it up. The inconsistency drove me nuts and my color was...yellow. After a couple of attempts, I finally found a local lady that knows what she's doing. I'm still coming in under the $150. Last time it cost me $80. I just don't go as often.

Entertainment. This encompasses a lot. What we discovered still holds true, and I haven't found anything new this year.
Senior movie discounts - you can't beat $5 movies. That is the cost of our two theaters here. At restaurants, ask for your senior discount or the senior menu. Nearly every eating establishment has some sort of senior discount. Hey, a free drink is worth it! Hotels often have senior discounts too. Ask. If you're not a senior, then travel on the cheap days. Example: During the week, Laughlin, NV has hotels that charge $10-$20 a night compared to $45-$75 on the weekends. Parks, both state and federal have a couple of ways to save. Seniors get discounted lifetime passes. For $10 we get into any federal park. If you're not a senior, check on yearly passes which are much cheaper than paying for each trip.

Wherever you go, ask if discounts are available. Often, they aren't advertised.

A little disclaimer here on senior discounts. I'm lucky that Frank is always able to get them, but there are places that go as young as 55 for discounts. You have to ask.

Gasoline. We all look for the cheapest stations. Up here it's Maverick or Costco. Another way to get cents off is to trade at a supermarket that gives points. Safeway and Frys in Arizona do and have their own stations.

Charge card benefits. We charge most things and accumulate points. The trick is to pay the balance off every month. Don't charge if you can't pay it off. We've used our points for food, a Visa card for gasoline and gifts.

 
Sharing expenses. We couldn't do what we're doing if we didn't share a house and the land with my son and daughter-in-law. It's working for us so far. Financially it's a win-win.

I hope I've been of some help or given you some ideas!

From Head to Dirty Floors

My first prairie blog stated:

You'll hear all about our trials and misfires and what works. Maybe my glimpse into retiring with nothing in the bank but love will inspire (or scare) others in the same boat. Keep the bucket handy for bailing. Oh by the way, the retiring part is my husband. I will still be toiling away at my writing career, which is in its infancy - but I work hard!

Looking forward to more sunsets

Now, we're nearing the year mark, and I thought it'd be good to take inventory on what I discovered - financially speaking first. Maybe these money saving discoveries would work for you too. A little disclaimer here on senior discounts. I'm lucky that Frank is always able to get them but there are places that go as young as 55 for discounts. You have to ask.



Hair. Funny, my head comes first, but I've always said finding a good hairdresser is harder than finding a good doctor. After paying around $150 a visit for the last few years, I had to make some changes.
Result: Beauty school hair style $6.00 plus tip
          Drugstore hair dye $8.00
Downside: My color is not streaked and multi-shaded like I prefer but I don't look ugly either - I can live with that.

Will the Verde overflow its beginning this year?

Entertainment. This encompasses a lot.
Result: Senior movie discounts - you can't beat $5 movies
           Ask for your senior discount at restaurants. Nearly every eating establishment has some sort of senior discount. Hey a free drink is worth it!
           Hotels often have senior discounts too. Ask. If you're not a senior, then travel on the cheap days. Example: During the week, Laughlin, NV has hotels that charge $10-$20 a night compared to $45-$75 on the weekends.
           Parks, both state and federal have a couple of ways to save. Seniors get discounted lifetime passes. For $10 we get into any federal park. If you're not a senior, check on yearly passes which are much cheaper than paying for each trip.
           Wherever you go, ask if discounts are available. Often, they aren't advertised. 
Downside: None from our point of view.

Gasoline.
Result: We all look for the cheapest stations. Up here it's Maverick or Costco. Another way to get cents off is to trade at a supermarket that gives points. Safeway and Frys in Arizona do and have their own stations.
Downside: The store stations are not plentiful so you have to plan your gas filling trips.

Charge card benefits.
Result: We charge most things and accumulate points. We now have two airline tickets. On my other card I had enough points for a couple of Christmas presents.
Downside: None for us because we pay them off entirely each month. So please take caution if you choose to live this way. Don't charge what you can't pay off.

Christie, Lance, Gabby, Xena

Sharing expenses.
Result: We couldn't do what we're doing if we didn't cohabitate with my son and daughter-in-law. It's working for us so far. Financially it's a win-win.
Downside: I don't always get my way! We have to agree on what big expenditures come first, and there is compromise.

I can't do a point by point on all the other aspects of how our experiment is working. I think we've barely scratched the surface. Next year won't be like this year - the farm is expanding, a baby is coming and other milestones are expected. But here are a few observations after the first year:

I've lowered my standards on neatness, others have improved.

Frank keeps asking me what part of retirement don't I understand.

Gabby, Rusty, Xena

Rusty is so much happier with a larger pack and someone always around.

Two cooks in the house makes me happy (since one of them isn't me).

I have to be careful to command myself to write and not get caught up in ALL the farm and household activities.

Shopping is not an activity anymore.

I love eating what we grow.

"Going into town" is a real thing and not just a line off Little House on the Prairie.

So much for my wrap up. Now I'll gather my thoughts on the upcoming year and what we intend to do with it. Hint: we have a tractor! I'll be a grandma!

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Sadie's first toy

While Frank and I were away on the weekend for my high school reunion in Phoenix and a lunch out on Sunday, Lance combed the fields for the last of many of the veggies. But he also said that if we don't get another freeze for a week or so, we could have a few more. And some of them actually like cold weather. We had a freeze Friday night which wiped out the last of all the squash and okra. It also damaged tomato plants but they're about done anyway. Today he'll get the remaining cherry tomatoes and large green tomatoes off. The peppers are done.

End of season ugly cabbage

These final harvested veggies aren't pretty. They're survivors, and I'm sure they still have plenty of nutrition.

We might see more cabbage and broccoli. The Brussels sprouts are just now sprouting. In fact, I'd forgotten we had planted them. I walk by them all the time but they look a lot like cabbage plants. I thought they were duds - no heads forming. Now I find out I should've pinched them back from the beginning to encourage side chutes. They have one main trunk with lots of little nubs showing, so here's hoping.

Relish, pickles, peppers, green sauce

Our freezer is full and the canned food has spilled out of the pantry and now lines the tops of the kitchen cabinets. This winter will be fun every time we try a new jar!
We bought a flame throwing thing to help with clean up and weeding. With Frank's discount at Home Depot, it was only $45 and will be well worth the expense. Some of our weeds are small trees. We'll scorch some of them then Lance will till back into the soil. Compost!

The high school reunion was fun. My closest friends from those days were not there; two of them are deceased. But I recognized a lot of faces - although some I had to look at the faces on their name tags. I had a lot of acquaintances in high school, never fit with any one group, so I knew a few people from all the different clicks. Although I enjoyed those years, I would NEVER want to go back. We stayed at my mom's in Sun City. Friends took us to lunch on Sunday for Frank's birthday next weekend. It was beautiful eating on the patio of Dillon's on Lake Pleasant. Great weekend.

The clutch on the chevy is shot. We have an appointment to take it in on Wednesday. $700. I practically cried. Lance and Christie sold their old clunker a few weeks ago so we are sharing our two vehicles until they get another. Which means they will pay half the clutch cost, but still... A bit of a set back for some other needed things around here.

Have you ever sold gold? I just did. I have, no had now, a gold charm bracelet that my mother-in-law put together for me of all the highlights of my life at that point in time. But I never wear it, and she is gone. So I sold it. I can't use the money to fix the car. We already had it earmarked for the back up pump on our well which is even more expensive than the car expense. If we were to lose electricity for any length of time, we wouldn't have water. Hate spending money on something 'just in case' but farmer Lance is pretty adamant about this.

On the brightest side - Christie's tummy is growing. My granddaughter is now active and making herself known. They're calling her Sadie Belladonna. Sadie Bell for short. I saw a rocking horse that makes noises when you touch the ear. I wanted to buy it so bad but seemed foolish to buy something that wouldn't get used for about three years, so I walked away from it. Ha. Went back the next day and got it. It'll look great just sitting in a corner of the nursery waiting for Sadie Bell to climb on. Next year will be a ton of fun!

Gambling Skunks?

Pretty Skunks

With the farming part of our life slowing down (more on that later), Frank and I decided to get the boat in the water for the first time. He took it one day for a couple of hours to Lake Mary but the motor gave him problems. And just like our motorcycle recreation, the boat can pose financial obstacles too. But he had some money saved in his fishing account. It was earmarked to use to spend on fishing but without a boat... So we fixed the boat.

Only crazy people out in 103 degrees

With little left for fishing, we came up with a plan. Laughlin, Nevada is a little over two hours away. We could get a $20 room at Harrah's, cheap buffet meals and fish Lake Mohave. It was the middle of the afternoon before we got there, but we stopped at the lake anyway. Surprise! It's a national park so that lifetime pass we bought last week at the Grand Canyon got us in. All we had to do was buy a yearly pass for the boat at $15. That paid for itself with two trips in and out. And we caught fish. I caught the first one, and Frank caught the biggest. Thank goodness we caught some or the 103 degree temp would've been a real slam. As it was, we seemed to have the lake to ourselves. A couple of hours was all I could handle.

I caught the first fish

Frank caught the biggest

We checked in at Harrah's around 5:00. No electricity. Excuse me? Some other guests told us it had been out all day. The machines were working but not much else. They upgraded our room and told us the electricity would be on in about an hour. We left the boat and truck there, took a water taxi to another casino. That was kind of fun. $4 each.

View from our room

Every casino has players' cards. We signed up (they're free) at three casinos and for doing that we got two for one drinks at one place, 25% off the buffet at another and $5 in slot money at two of them. The buffet was at the Aquarius which is the only one I know of where your alcoholic beverages are included. Great food and cold margaritas! The next night we ate at the Edgewater, and our card got us a $4.99 buffet. It wasn't very good, but I found a couple of things I could eat.

The River Walk

A raccoon or two

For nighttime entertainment, we walked the river walk. Unfortunately, it doesn't go all the way to Harrah's. Getting back to our hotel that first night required some uphill street hiking. It was still hovering around 100 degrees. We were really thankful the electricity really was on when we got back.

Along the river walk you run into all kinds of nightlife and not all on two legs. Skunk, raccoon, ducks, rabbit and feral cats share the river walk. None of them have any fear of humans. They looked well fed. But maybe it's the music that keeps them hanging around. I wondered if the skunks were de-stinkied and put there for amusement. Probably not, but there were so many and so fat and pretty.

It was a good two night break from the farm and cheap! We steered away from gambling - mostly. I lost $20 and Frank lost $5. Not bad for three days.

The crops are about done here in Tortuga Flats and so is the canning. The freezer is full so even the peppers are going to the food bank. We left Christie to can tomatoes and apples while we were gone. I'm guessing one or two more passes through the tomatoes and that will be that. Sweet potatoes are yet to be dug up and not quite ready. The chard has come back for a second round after chopping it down.

There is still one thing to watch grow - my first grandchild. Christie's tummy gets bigger every day. It's a girl!

I'm plunking away at book two in my Love and Murder series. Haven't heard from the agent yet so no good news but no bad news. I'm enjoying writing it regardless. Patience is part of every author's life. Publishers are infamous for taking months to look at a book proposal. Just have to keep writing.

One Amazing Hole

Get your motor runnin'

Part of this new meagerly funded lifestyle is finding entertainment without spending too much. Motorcycling is part of our fun. Trouble is, motorcycles require upkeep like all other vehicles. We've been grounded for a couple of months because we needed a tire. I finally got the dollars, we got the tire and headed out yesterday to the Grand Canyon for lunch. Looked up the restaurant inside the south rim entrance and saw too many dollar signs so we decided we'd eat in the little village outside the entrance.

Before getting to pine country

Looking over Frank's shoulder

The drive up was gorgeous. The low 60's are cold for me to be on a bike, but with leathers and a turtle neck it was comfortable - except for my face. I forgot a scarf and wore my half helmet. The sky was full of popcorn clouds and as long they didn't pop over the sun, I was warm enough. Beautiful day. We headed north and turned east at Ashfork and north again at Williams. There are red, purple and yellow wildflowers blooming amongst the evergreens. Beautiful.

Still outside the park

Our choices for lunch were pizza, Mexican food and steak. Steak for lunch is a bit much. We'd had Mexican food ala Christie the night before. We ended up at Canyon Pizza because they had a patio. And because pizza can be cheap. We ordered a margarita pizza and sat in the sun on the patio. The bar next door had Radio Margaritaville playing. What a perfect lunchtime setting. And the pizza was phenomenal.

We walked across the street to get our pass into the park. We scored another great deal. With Frank's age status (and it is status now adays!) we paid $10 for a lifetime pass. Not only does it get us into the Grand Canyon forever but into all Federal and national parks and sites. So cool!!

Frank the photographer

Leathers kept me warm

The short drive into the park was even more beautiful. We saw a female elk and a swooping brown hawk. We stopped at the first lookout which is also the visitor center. We didn't bother with the center this time. Our purpose was to eat lunch and get a glimpse of the canyon. Although there were lots of tourists there, it was relatively slow for the canyon. We met a couple from Brazil who rented a Harley in Chicago and were on a twenty-three day ride to San Bernadino. Oughda! They invited us to come to Brazilia in July to attend a huge motorcycle rally and party. If only...

This displays the native tribes of the area

A pretty awesome hole in the ground

The ride back was warmer so my face didn't freeze. And we got home in time for another great Christie creation. All and all, a great day on a dime.

$5 Movies and $300 Speeding Tickets #35

Now a break from my regular farming update. Today, I'm in a financial state of mind. I mention this because I said way back I'd share how difficult it is once you're living on a meager retirement income. You all know I'm a published author, but it takes a while to get established enough to add to the household income. No different than any other business venture. So we continue to find ways to make the money stretch.

Christie is researching coupons online. Trouble is, we eat next to no prepared, boxed or canned foods so they aren't very helpful. But she may come up with something of use.

The $5 movie at our one and only theater is one way to get out for only a little - good thing too because it probably costs more in gas to get there. But we bought the coke in a plastic cup last time and from now on, if we use the cup, our drink will be $1. Good deal. If we want popcorn or candy? Let's just say I carry a big purse.

Over the last forty-five days, we've spent a minor fortune on gas and electricity. I've always budgeted, but I had ways to get around spikes in any line item. I had wiggle room. That's gone. Having to limit unneeded outings is annoying. I gasped at our last electric bill. We haven't been all electric in over twenty years. And we're not accustomed to Arizona summers anymore. Put the two together and it's enough to give you a heart attack when you open the bill.

Another heart attack happened when Frank got his speeding ticket in the mail - $325.00!!! He's going to fight it. He remembers the day he saw the camera go off. He figured it was someone around him because he wasn't speeding. Frank doesn't speed. I can't even get him to when we're late.

We're going to have to do battle over the thermostat. Four people punching in the temp their comfortable with may be part of the problem. We've been pretty careful about the times we run the dishwasher and do laundry, so I'm fairly certain the air conditioner is the nasty culprit. We've had more days than expected over ninety degrees. And after a hot day in the garden, a cool house feels too good.

The really good thing about the prairie is the way it always cools down once the sun sinks low. Last night we sat on the patio, as we do many nights, watched the sunset and enjoyed the fresh, cool air. We romped in the yard with the dogs and didn't break a sweat. Makes the end of the day a wonderful place to be.

Tortuga Flats Farm - #20

I had set aside some money for work shoes - trudge around the farm work shoes. Frank and I were true to form in our choices. He went cheap with knee high rubber, Walmart specials. I had to have a little class and bought much more expensive Justins. But I did get them on sale! Both our choices are standing up well and doing the job. I just look better. LOL

We inherited a few things when we bought this place. Of course there were the fruit trees, tulips and lots of dirt, dust and weeds. But out in the soon-to-be vegetable garden was a lovely plaque with a great sentiment. It now resides by the gate between the veggie garden and the blackberries. I rescued a frog they left behind. He's metal and sitting on a double sided park bench. His partner was beyond rescuing - missing a limb and part of his nose. I gave the little survivor a spray paint job and brightened his umbrella. I think he adds to our soon-to-be yard.

Xena is our digger. Not sure how we can break her once the yard is in - any ideas? She also finds things to eat that she shouldn't. Last week she kept throwing up. The frequency increased until one night she did it four times. Lance and Christie didn't get much sleep. They broke down and took her to the vet. Dang those vet bills. But a strict diet and some meds brought her back to well. She had some sort of stomach bacterial thing going on. I love dogs. I better with three in and out of the house, but potential vet bills are a hazard. Rusty will be nine in October. Here's hoping he stays well.

Have I mentioned the one good thing about Frank passing sixty-five? Discounts! We shop at a market called New Frontiers in Prescott for all our organic and natural foods. He gets a 10% discount because of his mature age. Really helps a bunch. And movies are $5. One drawback on the movies here; there is only one theater in all of Prescott and Prescott Valley. Not much to choose from. In fact, we haven't been to a movie in two months. Thank goodness for the Red Box. Frank also gets a discount at Home Depot because of his veteran status. That 10% has saved us mucho Denaro.  He's learned to ask no matter where we are shopping or eating. You'd be surprised at the discounts and freebies available.

We've come to the conclusion that Pauldenites and Chino Valley residents aren't much on night time activities. And if they do, most must go into Prescott. Last Saturday night we went out to the Cattle Company and had the place to ourselves. Lucky for us, Lucky Luke took the stage. He starts playing in the restaurant at 6:00 and when that thins out around 7:30, he moves to the bar (which closes at 9:00! Yes, really). Luke is German. In the restaurant he played country western, but when he moved into the bar we were treated to rock songs with a German accent. Luke is a slim, good looking man with gray hair that falls below his shoulders. He wore a cowboy hat, red western shirt and boots. His belt buckle was pretty big. He has a good time, and we had fun with him. And how can you beat $2 beer and margaritas?

And the big announcement - we've named our place. I think Lance pretty much came up with it. Tortuga Flats Farm It sort of says we hope our lifestyle is slow and lasts a long time plus the whole pirate reference suits each of us for a different reason. Pirates are romanticized, and we like that. Frank and I are Parrotheads so the Caribbean reference is good too. Tortuga Flats Farm!