We left Anaheim to go to Escondido to work at a Christmas tree lot. I knew that it would be work but we had no idea, none, not at all! It was a huge lot, run by very nice people and our lot was managed by Danny, who is a super guy! He worked non-stop but made the whole process as fun as possible.
We worked 12 hour days, 7 days a week. I took care of the front desk girls and Jim worked with Danny out on the lot, setting up trees, carrying them to the cars, delivering, unloading trucks, etc. Very hard work, don't let anyone tell you different, unless of course, all you have to do is sit at the desk and delegate.
One benefit was that we both lost some weight, never a bad thing. The money was paid in two payments and was nice to get in a lump sum like that but when we did the math it turned out to be minimum wage. I doubt we'd do it again, but I won't say never.
After the tree lot we left the motorhome and drove the van up to central Oregon to spend Christmas with our two oldest sons and their families. Jim's mother passed away Christmas Eve in Vancouver, WA so we stayed longer to attend her funeral and see Jims siblings that are spread out. Seeing everyone is the only pleasant part of a funeral like this. Fern was the best mother-in-law and she adored her kids and grandkids. Though she will be missed, she herself was ready to go to a better place.
We left Oregon on 1/2 to go back down to Escondido to get the motorhome and go to Yuma, AZ. We met some friends, Dale and Melody, who had also sold Christmas trees in Yuma and they took us to Algodones, Mexico for the first time. Jim went to Melody's dentist there, had tooth pulled, a crown and got a partial plate, all for the price of $720! Nice little town, great shopping and the best shrimp tacos!
In mid January we came back to the Anaheim RV Village. I am working for site and Jim got a drafting job just 15 mins away making very good money through a temp shop. We will stay here until a business that we are starting with my sister and brother-in-law gets off the ground, more on that later.
So, now we are caught up. I don't promise to write everyday but I will try to write more often. I'll also add some pictures.
