October has brought a few more "snow-birds" south for the winter. We're told that the busiest season will hit after Christmas as the holidays are winding down and so are the northern temperatures! Things are defiantly picking up, the telephones are ringing more as we make winter reservations for the travelers, answering more and more questions for the returning residents. Yes, it is the start of out "In-season." The view of San Janicto Mountain is ever changing with the clouds that make it this far inland. Sometimes it looks like they are covered in snow, which will happen in the winter, and other times the clouds appear as lava flowing down the sides. It's a beautiful view to look at everyday as I walk to the office.
Paul is staying very busy as the Assistant Manager here at Caliente Springs Resort, in the summer he also covered Sky Valley Resort, even though with less residents during the hot summer months, it was time consuming as he learned new things and took on more projects. He's the one who does inspections for any improvements or changes to the exterior of their homes and approves all landscaping. He's had the pleasure of dealing with upset people when rules and regulations have to be enforced. He approves when a place can be put up for sale and makes sure all permits are issued and kept up to date. He is the liaison between residents and upper management.
I've taken on the job, or should I say I've been given the job of billing for both Resorts, this is over 1600 home sites. Doing the billing includes making sure their electric is billed correctly, rent charges are correct, late notices sent out when appropriate, cable being put on a vacation rate when they leave for the summer and putting it on the regular rate when they come back for the winter. It also includes general trouble-shooting for billing errors and questions. There is a lot of computer data when we have new people moving in or out of the Resort. I also work at the Front Desk, taking reservations for traveling RV'ers, answering phones and dealing with all the residents for a variety of issues.
This month we enjoyed a "Manager's Day Out" that included a wonderful dinner at Red Lobster and then Go-Carting afterwards. Of course not being the fastest driver or the most aggressive, I came in last for the go-cart races. All the managers had great time getting together to share each others company without being in the "work environment."
We still continue to make weekly visits with our friends Norb and Barbara. Going there is such a delight as we share stories of life experiences, sing old songs and do minor fix-it projects that neither of them can do. Their dog, Baxter enjoys the company and taking a afternoon walk through the neighborhood. Barb had decorated for Halloween and there were many chocolate treats waiting for us when we visit. Our visits with them always bring laughter and fill us up with feelings of "family" that we miss with being so far from our families!
The weather is slowly changing to the Fall season, bringing cooler nights where we can actually sleep with the windows open to enjoy the sometimes gusty winds that come through the valley. We've even added a blanket to the bed and used our fireplace to ward off the morning chill for a couple of days. We are thankful for the cooler temps as the triple digits was getting exasperating day in and day out.
As you can see our October has been a busy month but we found some time to make a drive to Laughlin, Nevada and share some much needed relaxation with my cousin Mary and her husband John. We played the slots, tried our hand at Blackjack, ate wonderful meals, shared jokes and stories. All in all just enjoyed their company. We lost, won, shared our winnings and collected many hugs. Can't wait for the next outing with them both.
I've received pictures of my grandson Gage enjoying his first celebration of Halloween. He is growing more and more each day. I received weekly updates and pictures so that even though I'm far away I get to share in his life. He is crawling and starting to stand on his own and will probably be walking by the time I get to see him for Thanksgiving. What would we grandparents do without the wonderful technology that allows us to enjoy our grandchildren at long-distance?
The excitement in me builds as I wait to spend Thanksgiving with the enjoyment of family for the holiday. So far our Christmas plans will bring Paul's daughter and her boyfriend for a visit. Christmas dinner at Barbara and Norb's home in Palm Springs.
Enjoy your holiday's and thanks for stopping at our blog.
Jo
Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky. -Rabindranath Tagore
