The Reseda Girls 50th Reunion

ROAD TRIP. Reseda Girls 50 Year Reunion and Wine Tasting in Northern Arizona.  We had a blast.

I mentioned in my last TravelBlog entry that I had re-connected with my long lost bestie from Jr. High, High School, and into our early 20's because of Chefs Making Waves Cruise.

I saw Debra’s name in one of the comments and thought "it can't be, or can it?"  Yep! It was her. What are the odds that 45-50 years later we'd end up on the same cruise! We talked and she had also found our other besties Janet and Vickie. They had communicated but she hadn't seen them yet. Somehow we all ended up from small town Reseda, California to Arizona!  Debra lives in Kingman and Janet lives in Cottonwood (both northern AZ). Vickie lives in San Tan Valley (south east of Phoenix). I’m in Phoenix now but moving to Southern AZ in a few weeks. So weird that with all the cruise lines and destinations to choose from, Debra and I ended up on the same one. And with all the places we all ended up in Arizona! Maybe some things are just meant to be. We got together in a group text and arranged a Reseda Girls Weekend Getaway!

Vickie lives about an hour south of Phoenix so she picked me up and we headed north to Cottonwood.  We were going to be about 30 minutes ahead of Debra and Janet.  Debra had about a three hour drive from Kingman and was going to swing by and pick up Janet.  I called my friend Jack who lives in Cottonwood about an hour before we got to Cottonwood and he met us downtown.  It was great to see him and catch up a little before he took off when Debra sent a text that she picked up Janet and were almost there. 

Debra and Janet arrived!  Big hugs all around. There may have been some teary eyes. 

We had planned on meeting at Arizona Stronghold Vineyards but they weren’t open yet so we had lunch at the Tavern which was great. Then we went back to AZSV for some wine tasting. We ordered three flights. Janet isn't much of a wino so she just tasted ours.

Then we went to Southwest Wine Center Wine and just had a few sips.

Future Vino - Wine on a Stick!

We checked into the house in Clarkdale.  Vickie had found it for us and it was great.  We sat around reminiscing about the good ole days. Some memories front and center.  Some awaken from the deep memory banks. Some not-so-much!  One way or another we all had plenty of them! Then we went to Belfry Brewery for dinner.  That was good too.  Afterwards we stopped at the grocery store because they wanted to make breakfast each morning and I wanted to get a Birthday Cake for Vickie.  We just hung out when we got back until everyone was struggling to stay awake.  We’re not as young as we used to be! No all nighters for this crowd!

Sunday morning Debra made biscuits and gravy and Vickie made bacon.  I’m not a gravy lover so she made me a couple of sausage patties before browning the sausage for the gravy. Oh, and, apple slices because…fruit!! 

Vickie had t-shirts made for us that said “The Reseda Girls 50 Year Reunion 2024” so we all wore those Sunday. They are sparkly but you can’t see the bling in this pic. 

Then we headed to Jerome.  I used to love Jerome but it’s really changed a lot over the years.  Most of the stores are now high-end galleries. Only a couple of regular souvenir shops. So many people stopped us to ask about the Reseda Girls! The shirts were a big hit! We walked up one side and down the other. 

Janet has some balance issues so the steep and uneven terrain was a little scary. We were afraid she would fall. We took turns walking with her so she could hold on.  Had we known we would have gone somewhere else.  She was a trouper though.  

We left there and went to Merkin Vineyards in Cottonwood.  It’s fairly new and up on a hill. 

Coins for the tram ride

We took the tram up which would have been more fun if the tram operator wasn’t so cranky.  He was also from California but was trying to downplay the crime there. He pointed his finger in my face and said “has anyone ever pointed a gun at your head?” Like if it hasn’t happened to you it’s not so bad.  Whatever dude, no buzz kills on our parade.  We shopped around then got a table and ordered three flights again.  Our sommelier was great. 

Dimples!!!

We left there and headed to DA Vines Vineyard Wine & Bistro.  Vickie had bought a groupon for wine and charcuterie. 

It was about 2:30 and we hadn’t eaten since breakfast so we also ordered a roasted beet salad and a baked brie to share.  Everything was really good.  

Back to the house. I made meatball appetizer.  Debra has posted the recipe on FB. 

Havarti stuffed meatballs rolled in seasoning and baked.  The cheese tried to escape. Next time I'll also roll them in parmesan cheese. My sis said I could freeze the cheese first and that will slow the melt. Good idea!   Debra and I skipped dinner.  Vickie and Janet had leftovers from the night before.  Later we all had BD Cake. 

We played Dominos, the Mexican Train version which was SO.MUCH.FUN. 

Then we played Tapple which was also fun and funny and there’s a timer so a little nerve racking.  I think I need to buy a Dominos MT version for the RR house.  It will be fun thing to play when we have visitors and easy to learn for those who don't already know. 

ETA - done!! 

Monday morning Janet made eggs and sautéed mushrooms. Vickie made bacon.  We still had biscuits and gravy from the day before. Oh, and, sliced apples because… fruit!  We cleaned up, packed, and left the house.  Hugs and promises all around.  Deb said we should make this an annual thing and next year we could go to her house in Kingman.  I said they could all come down to Rio Rico! Pssst…  I have dominos!

Vickie and I went back to Cottonwood because she wanted to get something for her girls at Merkin.  They weren’t open yet so we mowsied up and down Main St. for about 20 minutes before heading up.  We left there and headed back to Phoenix.  We stopped at Rock Springs Café for lunch.  She had never been. Always good. Then she dropped me off and I unpacked and took a little nap! 

I love these ladies.  I'm only sorry we lost touch for so many decades. From our Teen Years to our Golden Years. Those were the days my friends, and now these are the days.