WANDERING WITH THE WRIGHTS

December 22, 2022

We weren't back in our winter home of Benson, AZ for very long before we were reminded of how beautiful sunsets can be here

For many years there has been a group of about 20 rigs that leave from our park and head south towards Nogales, AZ and spend Thanksgiving camping in the Coronado National Forest in an area called Calabasas.  We decided to join them this year since they always seem to have such a great time.  There was a pre-planning meeting before we all left for 5 days of living off the grid.  No electricity, no phone service, no internet!!

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A view from above of some of our group around the fire pit

we did not lack for food

much time spent around the fire getting to know each other better and when you were really cold - 

we put coals under our chairs - I had never heard of such a thing but it really works

We had some pretty hip dogs along with us

and who knew in the middle of the desert was such a beautiful lake

Upon returning it was time to decorate for Christmas

Jerry did a great job decorating the outside

Our little tree with some of my favorite ornaments

Santa's and nativity sets decorate our motorhome's dashboard

Mother nature also got into the holiday spirit and had a thin layer of snow on the mountain tops

One of the charitable things our park does for the city of Benson is purchasing and wrapping gifts for foster children and senior citizens in need.  Money is collected, people who like to shop purchase the items on each child's wish list and then we all gather in the clubhouse and wrap the gifts that the social workers from the city deliver.  The first time a child gets gifts from the park they receive a handmade quilt and many receive a handmade wooden car or truck - both made by very talented people here in the park.  This year I wrapped gifts for Tyler - age 3

In the upper left you can see his quilt :-)

All wrapped and ready for Santa to deliver 

As part of a fundraiser here at the park we bid on and won for Santa to come to the motorhome while we were zooming with our youngest grandson, Vincent, for a one on one with Santa.

Santa was armed with great information like Vincent's favorite color, foods, name of pets, etc.

It was so fun to watch

Last week was our park Christmas Concert and it was fabulous

There were many solo's - so much talent

Note the lady in the first row to the left of the music stand - she turned 100 in October!!

Rudolph showed up

As did Santa Elvis

Some of you know our friends Gary and Steph Vogel from Gurnee Community Church, our home church in Illinois.  Gary & Steph, also full-time rvers  now have a lot here in Benson.  We spent two nights last week checking out Christmas decorations in Benson and in Tucson together.

Even the outhouses were decorated

It was beautiful and we had a great time!!

Sunday will be our Christmas dinner and Monday is leftovers in the clubhouse.

Always a great time and lots of really good food - however this year Jerry will be celebrating without me as I fly out early Sunday morning to spend a few weeks at my sons.  He is going to have our youngest grandson for several weeks and since he is a working man Nana is going to spend some quality time with Vincent.  Not looking forward to the cold but definitely looking forward to seeing family and friends.

Wishing each of you a blessed Christmas (Remember The Reason for the Season) and the Happiest of New Years.

God Bless, Carol & Jerry