December 19, 2015—An RV lot in Yuma, Arizona

December 19, 2015—An RV lot in Yuma, Arizona

I got a very good night’s rest, ate half my breakfast, and went back to bed for another two hours of sleep.  I felt much better this afternoon.

We went for a short walk to get some fresh air.  When we got home I took a nap.  I think I am trying to “out do” Rip Van Winkle.  I should’ve started earlier.  I am not sure I have 20 more years to catch up with Rip.

Several years ago, Lori took me for a special treat at Christmastime.  She had friends who lived at the water’s edge on the Delta.  After eating and enjoying the lights on the Christmas tree, we went out to sit on the deck and watch a parade of boats decorated with colored lights, streamers, etc.  It was most impressive.

In Yuma, not very many people have boats and the Colorado River is miles to the West.  People do have dune buggies and ATVs.  Last night, we were treated to a “desert” light parade.

We went for a potluck dinner at friends’ houses who live on the parade route.  As it began to get dark, it got colder.  We sat in a circle around a “desert fireplace,” made from a tub of a washing machine.  They are very popular in this part of the country, although we have seen them elsewhere.

A fire truck, with lights blaring and sirens going, signaled the beginning of the parade.  There were about 40 “floats” decorated with lights, and other decorations.  And lots of Santas driving them.  Not one single boat in the parade, but the desert folks used what was available.  It was a lot of fun.  A military Hum-V was the last vehicle in the parade.  An emergency light was flashing, but no Christmas lights hung from its fenders.  It was “official.”

And now, as I promised, you know the “rest of the story.”