Currently in Goodyear AZ (Low 30 Sunny High 57)
What began for us in 2001 when we took our first trip to Middle Earth to see "The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Rings" has ended. Six movies later we have taken our last trip to Middle Earth, the mythical creation of J. R. R. Tolkien in the Lord of the Rings trilogy and the Hobbitt. We recently saw "The Hobbitt: Battle of the 5 Armies".
We are sad that our visits to Middle Earth has ended. Neither one of us have ever read the books. We went to the first movie because some of our friends were giddy with excitement to see them and we were hooked. "Battle of the 5 Armies" concludes the 3 movies made from one book, "The Hobbitt". To be honest they probably should have stuck with the original plan to make 2 movies as the 2nd and 3rd movies drug a little in spots and could have been combined. But that way they wouldn't have made so much money.
In this movie Bilbo Baggins and the dwarfs have reclaimed the dwarf kingdom under the mountain from Smaug the dragon. Smaug attacked the humans in the nearby community and once that was resolved the humans and elves want their share of the treasures under the mountain. War is about to break out when an army of Orcs arrives, the old saying the enemy of my enemy is my friend applies and the humans, elves and dwarfs combine forces to fight the Orcs and defeat the first wave. A second wave is also thwarted when the giant eagles arrive.
Another great Peter Jackson directed visit to Middle Earth. 6 movies and 13 years later and we still want more. There are rumors that another movie either based on Tolkien's "Silmarillion" or an original work is being thought about, if they can make money you know they will try. We hope we can visit Middle Earth again but only if it is a good movie and not one just thrown together to make money.
It is hard to recommend this movie; if you have visited Middle Earth before you probably already have plans for your return visit. If this would be your first visit it may not work out for you.
Till next time,
Bob and Jo
Goodyear AZ (Low 38 Mostly Sunny High 60)
Merry Christmas to all, "Do not be afraid. Look, I bring you news of great joy, a joy to be shared by the whole people".
Remember, Jesus is the reason for the season.
Till next time,
Bob and Jo
Currently in Goodyear AZ (Low 47 Partly Cloudy High 61)
Subtitled: How we got to where we are today.
We like our current 5th wheel, Carriage Cameo, a lot but were amazed at the room that are in the wider body fifth wheels like the Carri-Lite. When Lifestyle RV started making wide bodies we made the huge mistake of visiting a RV dealer in Albuquerque. Bet you can guess the rest, we found a floorplan that we liked and were flabbergasted how a few inches wider, taller and longer made it seem sooooo much bigger inside.
It was a 2014 and we were real close to buying it but it didn't have the options we wanted, specifically dual pane windows, so we headed on down the road in our Cameo. Bob researched all the options and spec'd out what we wanted figuring we would have to order one. After we got to our winter home we drove to Tucson to see the floorplan again and compare it to others. Our earlier conclusion was verified and we were prepared to leave.
The dealer had other ideas. After a lot of back and forth, from modifying the unit there to a unit already on order we finally came to an agreement. With the Christmas break and potential weather issues our new home is expected in Tucson in early January.
Part 2 will deal with our new home. In the mean time here is an exterior shot showing our paint colors.
Till next time,
Bob and Jo
Currently in Goodyear AZ (Low 47 Partly Cloudy High 74)
We have been real busy lately with Doctors appointments and getting settled in Goodyear. Plus we are dealing with a lot of changes in our lives so we haven't done much blogging. With Christmas being so close we decided we still needed a little outside decorating. What we like about these decorations is that they look almost as good in the daytime as when lighted at night.
No inside decorating for us this year as we are getting a new fifth wheel in a few weeks (more on that in a future post). On top of that we have a new bank so Bob is changing all the billpay information. All the while trying to learn Windows 8 on a new computer. Lot of fodder for future blog posts for sure.
Till next time,
Bob and Jo
Currently in Goodyear AZ (Low 40 Clouds High 71)
We recently saw Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1.
Part of the Hunger Games trilogy of books made into 4 movies if that makes sense. We guess it does for all the money they are making. The Hunger Games trilogy is the top seller on Amazon surpassing the Harry Potter series so they have a huge built in audience.
The story is set in a world that has survived an apocalyptic event resulting in a central Capitol that is modern and prosperous and a number of districts that perform all the work for the Capitol and reap none of the benefits. Hunger Games are held with two contestants from each district in a fight to the death. The victor wins food and supplies for their district. It is a way for the Capitol to exert control. Jennifer Lawrence plays Katniss Everdeen who volunteers for the Hunger Games when her younger sister is chosen at random. The movies deal with her first Hunger Games and then future events as she becomes the focal point of the districts rebellion against the Capitol. The first two movies, Hunger Games, and Hunger Games: Catching Fire were both good. To describe this movie is best to use a baseball analogy. This movie setups the climax in Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 and is kind of like the middle reliever in a baseball. The starters are done with, the first two movies, and your closer is waiting in the wings, the final movie in the series. What the author accomplished in 1 book the movies do it in two to garner more money. We like the movies so much we fell into their trap.
If you liked the first two Hunger Games you need to see this one, but don't make this the first Hunger Games movie because you will be lost and it is kinda slow in spots.
Till next time,
Bob and Jo
