Munday's the Arizona Roadrunners

While visiting the Pacific Northwest this summer we visited the Ballard Locks.  Always a fun place when the weather is nice and the boaters are busy going through the  locks.  Didn't have much time to stay and picnic but enjoyed the outing just the same.The grand children are about grown and was fun to spend some time with the family.

We were surprised to have Earl III come down for a very short visit in Aug 2017 and took him up to Sedona and Taliesin West to see Frank Lloyd Wright's art school.  Very interesting tour and unique setting.  Of course homes are crowding in on this area now so not the seclusion that was intended when originally built.  

There is nothing quite like a visit to Sedona.  Came up with friends Sonny and Carol for a day trip.  Went here for the sights and over to Jerome for lunch at the Haunted Hamburger.  Such a pretty day in Sedona.  Not enough time for a hike but enjoyed just the same.  Long day but so great to be able to spend this time together.

This has been a very busy time for us here in the sunny southwestern part of the country.  Our friends Carol and Sonny from Florida are traveling for the summer and chose to come to our part of the country for a little visit.  We all jumped on the light rail for a ride into downtown Phoenix to visit the State Capitol, although it was closed for the weekend, we just wanted pictures of the outside anyway.  Long trek from the light rail but doable.  Afterwards, jumped back on light rail for a delicious dinner at the old spaghetti factory.  Another hour ride and we were back to end of line in Mesa.  Interesting, inexpensive and we can we finally say we have done the light rail.  Even saw some friends from our neighborhood on the rail so it was a good adventure.  

We finally took on this project and added a new solid roof to back patio area... Patio is not in yet - that will be for another day but at least the cover is up and we can begin leveling the ground to extend patio.   This is only the 1st phase.  Future plans are to enlarge the area out into the yard and add another cover only a lattice extension - It will take a while.  Our 1st estimate was close to $7000 so we are doing it in sections.. to be continued...

It was a bit of a surprise to see this guy swoop down on this dove at our "quail block" the other day.  He sat there looking around long enough for us to get a few pictures then flew off to eat in private.  Thank goodness he took the dove with him instead of feasting right there.  They have to eat too; and all that but it is disturbing to come out and see a pile of feathers.  I can speak from past experience they do not leave anything behind besides feathers.. no skin or bones or waste...  Pretty isn't it...

Spring is upon us with summer biting at it's heals - goodness we went from 60's to 90's in nothing flat... in between juicing all this wonderful citrus fruit we are so fortunate to have; I have been having fun at glass fusing class.  Decided I wanted a few birds other than doves and pigeons in our yard so made a few out of glass.  Allergies have really gone on the attack this year too so although no rain in forecast with the rest of the country fighting blizzards, we are having 90+ days.  Pollen and smog are all over so hoping we will get a little sprinkle before too long just to clear the air if nothing else... the joys of living in the desert!

This past weekend was a new experience for us.  Our new step-grandson came for a visit from Washington for the long weekend and a hockey tournament.  We had not actually met before, but we had a great time.  This young man is 12 years old and says he has been playing hockey since he was 4.  He was fortunate enough to pull a "hat trick" - 3 goals in one game.  Their team did not win the series but we had a great time getting to know him and learning about hockey.  Yes, you must dress warm.  It rained most of the weekend, and with learning where all the rinks are in this area (about 7) was a challenge but we were up for it and enjoyed him and the whole experience.  We were able to introduce him to fresh squeezed o j and fresh homemade lemonade with lemons picked fresh from the tree.  He was such a nice polite boy we told him he was welcome anytime.  Appreciated his friendly manners and how friendly he was with us for being virtual strangers. 

Granted it has been a while, but finally went all the way and submitted my paperwork to the Daughters of American Revolution.  Took the oath and am 1st one under 4th Great Grandpa Abel Fairbanks.  I became interested in this organization when my sister-in law pursued it and in reading about the Fairbanks Family of America.  The DAR stepped up to save the old homestead from the butcher's block back at the end of the last century.  The old house was built in the 1630's and passed down generations until the last two Fairbanks to live there were two ladies who never married or had any descendents.  The DAR stepped in to save the house and the Fairbanks Family of America, Inc. was formed and purchased the house back and is thankfully now the oldest standing wood frame house in America.  The family holds an annual family reunion each August and yes, we did attend one year while back there in Massachusetts.

Death Valley is one of our country's unique parks and that of course is why it is a national treasure.  We have visited this park a number of times and usually about this time of year.  This year, when we want to show it off, there were a number of road closures due to heavy rains in California that washed out roads.  This valley is a low spot so although it is farther east it can be impacted quite a bit by the weather.  Fortunately for us, we were able to show off the pretty snow capped mountains that surround this valley.  We stayed two nights at Furnace Creek in a little cabin.  Too cold to really appreciate the outdoors but lovely just the same.

January is such a busy month with the planning of the ladies tea and various other things so day after we took off with Harry and Nancy Cole and headed to Death Valley - 1st night stop over at Las Vegas.  It was so cold.  I do not remember Las Vegas being so miserably cold but it was the night we were there.  Surrounding mountains were very pretty white and we were glad to leave 1st thing next morning.

These past two years we have been involved in putting on a "Ladies High Tea" with a lot of entertainment!  We have groups of models, tap dancers and singing waiters!  It is quite a production but oh so worth it... We sold out in 9 days and learned we could have sold another 8 tables to the Red Hat Ladies.  We sell out to capacity and it is a lot of work.  256 tickets were sold and we could not fit another table in for anyone.  It is fun but oh so tiring... These folks are so talented and willing to perform for us all.  Makes it a lot of fun.  I share the Emcee responsibility and working behind the scenes.  

Here it is in January and you may wonder why a new a/c unit at this time of year.  I am still wondering.  Not really, when we moved in a few years ago now we were told our unit was not working; well it was however it is 18 years old and our neighbor had a burn out with her heat stripes so thought it was time to just do it... so we now have a roof unit and it is much quieter.  Not sure we have any savings yet but nice to know it is done and another "project" we will not have to worry about again.

Finally made it up to see son Roy and granddaughter Jay for Christmas.  Found the perfect spot for the Seahawk clock made from glass for Roy.  He had painted one of his rooms to be his "Seahawk" room.  Clock looks great there... we must think alike.. Jay was happy with her gifts as well.  She is doing wonderful with swimming and looks like we have another little grand that loves the water.   The holiday is over and glad we were able to do as much as we could with Earl coming down with fever in middle of it all.  Still we were able to spend time with friends and family somewhat... The new year is starting off with a bit of rain off and on all day but not too bad and goodness knows we need it so not complaining.