Tuesday March 24th 2026
After living full-time in a Motorhome for the last 20 years we thought it was time to buy a house. It is in a retirement community just north of Tucson, Arizona. We even have 3 Saguaro cactus in the front garden.
Dean wanted a hot tub so this house was the winner. It also has a mini pool. WHAT!!!!!
We parked the Beast outside for a couple of days to unload most of our belongings. Clothes, bedding, kitchen stuff and Deans tools. Done. We have stored the Beast a few miles down the road for the winter.
Crikey! We own no furniture. Time to look at the thrift stores and Amazon.
The most important reason we bought into this community was to be close to our besties who have a house a mile up the road. It has been great getting together for hikes and meals.
There are so many Saguaros in this part of the State,
Crested Saguaros are quite rare. This one even had a birds nest.
I have never seen one with this many arms. They usually produce their first arms when they are around 50 to 70 years old.
I had the biggest birthday surprise EVER. My lads flew down from Oregon for a lightening visit. They kept it secret and planned the trip with Dean, Leslie and Stuart. Dean stayed home with me while Leslie and Stuart picked the guys up from the airport the night before and put them up. Dean and I went over on my birthday for a celebratory breakfast and all of sudden the boys appeared. I have never been so gobsmacked in my whole life.
Leslie and Stuart fixed a wonderful breakfast feast.
Dean heated the pool from 70 degrees up to 86 degrees so we could do some bobbing in comfort.
The lads sure made good use of our mini pool.
Time for a rest after all the bobbing.
The hot tub was popular.
The pool was a success!
Leslie and Stuart’s son Alex joined us for my birthday dinner. It was a fun evening.
Thank you everyone for making this the best birthday of all my 74 years.
Third king bed unrolled and installed. Now we just have to get some bling to perk the place up. Thrift stores here we come.
THE BUS STOPS HERE 
Congratulations!! We are so happy for you. Your new home looks amazing.
And Happy Belated Birthday Rose!!
Hugs from Bill and Debbi
Thanks guys. I’m still getting used to having several rooms.
oh how exciting for you two, yes there comes a time when we all decide to land somewhere. That is an awesome area and how exciting to have all the cactus so close. I saw a crested saguaro at Organ Pipe National Park near What Arizona just south of Ajo.
Happy birthday Rose, it looks like you had a fantastic surprise and great brunch with all the people so important to you. I am celebrating my 74th birthday this summer as well, not sure where the time goes but here we are.
will you be travelling again in the beast next winter? I certainly hope you have 2 bedrooms so your old acquaintances can come for a visit 🤔
Enjoy your new home
We have settled pretty well. We plan on taking the beast to region for the summer. Too hot here.
It was such an honor to be part of the most amazing birthday surprise!
Having the two of you living close to us is the best thing ❤️
This is from Stuart & Leslie
Wow Rose,
I’ve always thought you would be on the road for ever! What a fantastic house you’ve got and the scenery is simply stunning. And blimey, a Swimming Pool and even a Hot Tub as well. It looks idyllic. How big is your plot in American terms? Will you still keep the Beast? I notice from a look at the map that Tucson is not that far from the Mexican border, maybe 60 miles. Do they have any problems with immigrants or drug smuggling? Have fun filling your new home with lots of Rose & Dean stuff. Really great news.
Lots of Love from Peter & Mandy xxx
The lot is 152’ deep by 72’ wide and the house is about 1750 sq ft. YES we are keeping the beast for now. We have it stored a few miles down the road. We will be heading back to Oregon for the summer as it gets too hot here. I can only take much of triple digits.
We had some dental work done last Month in Nogales just across the Mexican border. It takes about 1 ½ hrs to get there which is pretty good. The dental care is excellent and the prices are great. I’m sure there is illegal stuff going as in most border towns but we have always felt safe and never had a problem walking across the border.
We are trying to use restraint on buying stuff. I’m following the mantra of less is more😀
A new chapter in your life!
We do hope you keep the blog going. We love to hear what is going on with you guys.
We are doing pretty well except Rhonda broke a bone in her foot so she will be hobbling around in a boot for a few weeks. She really misses her walks.
Take care and enjoy the new house.
Duke and Rhonda
I will keep the blog for a bit longer. So sorry to hear about Rhonda’s broken foot but glad to hear you are both doing well. I bet you have lots of overseas travel lined up.