Our Rainy Place

We have been even busier than usual this week preparing for our Thanksgiving guests. We are so excited that they are coming! Just look around your house and then try to imagine starting all over again, moving into an empty house and having to buy every single little thing you use daily plus furniture. It has been so much fun doing that and luckily we love doing the shopping and selecting together! We are also interviewing and now waiting for quotes on some of the large projects we would like to do to this house...whew!

Still, I spend more time than I should sitting here at my desk in the kitchen reading stuff on my computer and watching life outside my window. We have a new resident in our pool. Isn't it adorable? This is the top of the chlorine dispenser...makes me smile!

We also have a number of  birds frequenting our backyard. There are Gambol Quail, Hummingbirds, Thrushes, and others. Also we get see Ladder-backed Woodpeckers and Gila Woodpeckers but this Gila is the only one that I've gotten a photo of since we've been back.

Every day, without fail, we have a number of Cactus Wrens hanging on the bamboo pool fence, the ocotillo, and checking out Kunu's hat! This is the Arizona state bird.

Cactus Wren in flight.

Their favorite place to "hang" around!

Our power went out at 3:45 this morning and I awoke minutes later. Rich called the power company around 7:00 and to my great surprise, a person actually answered the phone and was able to tell him that 1,000 customers were without power due to a major circuit breaker failure and they expected to have service restored at 8:30...Wow! I was so impressed! When it hadn't been restored by 9:00 he called them again, immediately got another live person who said that there still 285 customers without power due to a downed line and they would have service restored by 2:30. What great service from the folks at the power company.

Yesterday Rich had moved the motorhome to a more level part of our driveway and I cleaned it because it will serve as a guest house next weekend. We were worried about the frig/freezer because we have already done our Thanksgiving weekend shopping. Rich got the big extension cord and ran it from the motorhome to the frig, started the motorhome generator, and voila...the frig was back on! 

During all this, I took this shot of my favorite saguaro and the clouds drifting over the mountains.

We went to breakfast...yummy...did some more shopping and when we returned there was a large crew and several power company workers at the intersection near our house. The downed line had been hit by lightning. Shortly after we returned home the power came back on. It continued to rain nearly all day so this afternoon I ventured out in it to take a few photos of our "stream." Yes, of course, it's just a shallow wash that cuts across our property, but today it was a stream!

This is the Arizona state tree, a Palo Verde, and verde it is today! I was so thrilled when I saw this brilliant green.

You've probably seen this dead branch before because it is also a favorite sight and when wet today it was black...a lovely contrast to its surroundings.

Oops, I should have taken photos of the tremendous amount of branches Rich trimmed from our Ironwood tree yesterday. It looks great and thankfully we had most of our scheduled tasks completed before the rains came since it's supposed to continue through the weekend.

Lovin' Life ~~ In Rainy Arizona

Pantry Renovation

It's always the little things that make us crazy, right? This pantry was on the long list of little (&big) things in this house that made us crazy because it was divided into these bizarre, inefficient spaces.

By the time I realized that I wanted some photos of this project, Rich had already removed one shelf; you can see the line where it was attached halfway between the top and the (formerly) third shelves. The bottom three shelves had those wire baskets attached.

Problems: there were only about 12 inches between shelves so there were many items that would not fit; the wire baskets were hard to pull out and squeaked loudly; it was impossible to clean crumbs and stuff that had fallen under the wire shelves; with the pantry door hung on the right side, the remaining area was only about three inches wide so nearly inaccessible; and it had never been painted.

Solutions: Rich removed the second and third shelves from the top; the second shelf was discarded; the third shelf was re-positioned a few inches higher; now we will have four functionally sized shelves; he designed three shelves that will pull out and installed them on top of the existing shelves; he removed the new pullout shelves; and painted the inside of the pantry.

After the paint cures in a day or two, he will re-install the new pullout shelves and we can restock the pantry. Bella was this close to one or the other of us all day, here she's supervising the painting. Dora observed from a safe distance.

After using the kitchen for a few weeks now, I finally decided which drawers would hold which things. Most were in good condition and only needed to be washed when we moved in but others I had not used because I needed to line them. In the process of doing that today, I had this center drawer hanging loose so that I could reach all the way to the back to put Contact paper in when it slipped, fell on the floor, and the front tore away from the screws. The outcome of this sorry tale is that Rich got to repair my mess in the midst of his awesome project...geesh...even when I try...

After that fiasco, I just tried to stay out of his way, fixed lunch, made a supply run, and let the girls hang by me since they get a little nervous when we're working on projects. Here's a short movie of them playing this evening.

Lovin' Life ~~ And Home Improvement Projects

Our Nearest "Neigh"bors!

While Rich was mountain biking today, I heard our "neigh"bors (I just can't resist typing that word over and over...giggle!) whinnying so I grabbed my camera. These "neigh"bors spend most of their time in their stalls but today three of them were in the corral. These "neigh"bors live directly across the street at the end of our driveway.

They were watching me as I walked over to the outer gate.

The three who were loose came to the gate without hesitation.

My mom would be appalled but, I confess that I don't know the names of any of these "neigh"bors. I've met the owner, but only once.

How do you get to know your "neigh"bors? Shall we invite them for dinner? Or a dip in the pool? How silly!

Back to reality! Last Friday when Sandee, Rich, and I were touring model homes, he was telling her about his new bike. At some point, I commented that his safety is my top concern when he's out in the mountains alone so I was thrilled with his new bike too. She then suggested that we check out tracking apps for our smart phones...huh? We had no idea.

I researched several yesterday and gave him a list of three. Last evening Rich loaded GPS Tracker on both our phones. This is so amazing. Here is a screen shot I just took of the route he rode today through a portion of the Goldfield Mountains. The light green area is a small section of the Tonto National Forest, which is where he's been riding lately. The blue dots that are not numbered were when I checked on him, or at least that what I think they are. Without bothering/distracting him at all, I could see where he was when I pinged his phone! Our house is indicated with a 4; he rode to 5 and the blue dot to the right of it then headed north toward 6. That open area from 6 downward to the left was when the app could not locate him. The final two blue dots show him riding back down to Cactus Rd which is not too far from our house.

Is this just too cool for words or what?!?!?!

Here are a few photos he took on today's ride:

The Superstitions with Weaver's Needle in the distance to the left.

I LOVE this oh-so-funky saguaro!

What a pretty sky and trail shot!

Can you see Weaver's Needle, to the left of the Superstitions, more clearly now?

I know you can see it now!

I have never been so comfortable while he was riding as I was today. Some of these apps border on the miraculous!

Lovin' Life ~~ And the "Neigh"bors (Couldn't resist one more!)

An Evening Drive Up Apache Trail

There's a road up into the mountains, not far from our home, called Apache Trail. I love that drive but, with all that happened last winter, we were only up there once. Again this year we have been so busy getting settled that we had not yet made time; today we made time. After chores and errands and shopping (more on that later!), we came back home to get The Girls and took a drive up Apache Trail.

The sun was getting low, setting the mountains alight as we drove higher into the mountains.

This is Canyon Lake, which is only about ten miles from our house.

A wider view of Canyon Lake

We drove around the mountain on the left in the photo above and down to the marina at the lake. Even though they were closed, Rich located a person who could get us a brochure. We want to rent a boat and explore the lake. It is long and narrow with only what you see here accessible by road.

On our drive back the sun was nearly set.

The waxing crescent moon and Venus in the southwest sky.

The waxing crescent moon.

When we got closer to town, Rich took a dirt road up to a higher point on Lost Dutchman where we could see the lights of our winter city.

This is a gorgeous place and another thing to be ever thankful for, that we get to live part of the year in this natural splendor.

Lovin' Life ~~ And Arizona Mountains

And A' Riding He Did Go!

I realize that this is not an odd numbered November day, but what can I say. Did I ever claim to be consistent or reliable in my objectives? There are really cool photos to post today so I wanted to get right on it!

After the frigid winds died down around noon, (no really, it was in the fifties last night and this morning...geez!), Rich left to go riding in the Goldfield Mountains behind our house.

Here is a view of the Goldfield Mountains. You can see the face in the rock at the top center, which I have posted before. It is the first thing I see most mornings because we usually sleep with the bedroom door open (not last night...whine!) that leads to the pool.

Here is a closer view of the rocky top where the face is. Do you see Rich sitting there having a snack?

Now do you see him?

Okay, I asked him to stand up. Surely you can see him now???

He is standing to the right of the face's left eye.

Next time I'll ask him to wear brighter clothes...giggle!

He called me while he was taking a snack break because he could see our house, barely. I went outside and walked around to the other side of the motorhome. He could make me out when I moved to the street but I never could see really see him. I just kept shooting with my fabulous zoom toward the area in the rocks where he thought he was. His bike was down around the back of lower rocks and the hike up to where he was standing was treacherous, as was much of the ride. He AMAZES me!

He took some pictures too. In this one, you can see the back of our house with the motorhome parked next to it. The main part of the house is shielded by our ironwood tree. As you can tell, he was quite a ways above our street, quite a climb on a bike!

Here's a better view of the back of our house from the mountain. He zoomed and then I cropped to get this. See the motorhome parked right next to our house? You can see that our yard goes all the way out to the street on the left.

Another day to be thankful for...thankful that he again challenged himself in a way that he loves and did so safely!

Lovin' Life ~~ Always!

Ordinary Days

Perhaps I should set a new goal of posting on the odd numbered days of November for NaBlogPoMo? At least it would still be an objective!

After an appointment yesterday morning, where I confess to pilfering a magazine while waiting for MOAO. Wait just a minute! Have you ever done that? This was my first but it had a great article in it about the importance of STEM programs in education that I want to share with our grands. Besides that it was a few months old, the only issue of that particular magazine in the whole office, and was not addressed to that office. And that is how I continue to justify it.

Anyway, after his appointment we stopped at Elvira's in Apache Junction for a late lunch. I wish you all could eat here. The food is good and plenty but the booths, tables, wall art, benches...are all works of art. The backs of the chairs and booths are hand carved and everything is hand painted in a Mexican village, but I cannot remember the name. Vibrant colors and fun subjects...I loved it! The next time we go there I'll take my real camera, the phone photos cannot do it justice.

While waiting for our lunch, I checked FB on my phone and saw the following message from our friends Pam & Donnie. 

I dont know how to comment on your blog but have to tell you I so enjoy your blog page with all the pic and activities you, Rich and the kids take part in

I'm posting a copy of it here simply because it and the comments that followed meant so much to me. These are all folks who see my FB posts every day and yet still regularly check out my blog. As I told Pam, I know there are folks who follow but hardly anyone ever leaves a comment there. Without mom reading it, for a long time now I wondered if I was just writing to the atmosphere. It reminded me that you are there and to thank all of you who continue to follow me here!

Last evening was my Bunco night. It seems I am now a regular member! It is a great way to get to know a dozen local women, have a fun night out, and enjoy having dinner with them. My winning $10.00 last night was icing on the cake! Plus, while I was out Rich finished touching up all the sloppy paint in our bedroom! I believe that's called a Win-Win-Win for me! 

November 5, 2013

We spent a few hours this morning doing some long-term planning of projects on our dream list. Our realtor got us in touch with a retired architect who has provided initial views of three of those dream projects. If we ever get to do any of these I'll share some of those images. The level of detail in the images of architectural software is astonishing.

This afternoon we shopped for a couple more small pieces of furniture for the guest rooms. With guests coming for Thanksgiving weekend, we want them to be as comfortable as possible. Rich went for a short hike right after we got home. 

It is getting dark so early here now. The weather is perfect with warm sunny days and we can still sleep with fresh air coming in all night, but the days are definitely shorter. I hope you have all adjusted to the time change; it's weird to not be changing clocks.

Lovin' Life ~~ Thankful for the Sunshine

We are Keeping Busy!

There has been a special activity on all but two days since we returned from CA, and those days have been spent painting and doing routine household chores. Yes, we had the walls painted but the previous owners made such a mess of everything they did that there was paint on the ceilings, on all the trim, on the tile, etc. Now we are going back and cleaning up all the black/brown/dark red and other dark colors that were carelessly painted everywhere. I guess they never heard of painter's tape; they certainly did not use any. Oh well, let's talk about the fun stuff.

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

This was the last game for Jackson's freshman football team which was why we never considered staying in CA any longer. Remember, he is #33!

I love how my camera focused on Jackson in this shot!

They won by a significant margin so the season ended with a 6 - 3 record! The coaches gathered their team and each coach shared words of encouragement and advice.

Raising their helmets in celebration!

The entire team then faces their fans and sings the Puma Fight Song!

Jackson is third from the right.

Thursday, October 24, 2013

While running errands in town, I noticed this unusual cloud formation. It reminds of the shape of many agave or aloe plants, the wispy leaves branching up and out from a central base. Surely you noticed my Superstitions in the background!

That afternoon was the first time Rich cooked on his new grill. Those were some tasty chopped steaks!

The high point of Thursday for me though was going to Sandee's book club with her. I got to meet more of her friends and enjoy a smart conversation of varied perspectives on a book that I had recently read too! A big win-win for me!

Friday, October 25, 2013

Some of Sandee's and Shawn's college friends live here and others they see once or twice a year, usually at Alabama football games. One of those families, who live in Albuquerque, visited this weekend. Shelby loves when these families get together because they each have two girls where most of the local families they spend time with have mostly boys. We were all at Dylan's hockey game this evening, except for Steve's wife who was home preparing for all of them to watch Saturday's game at their house.

Dylan's team finally got their official jerseys; his actual number is 23. He is at the front center of this photo at the opposing team's goal.

Dylan is at face-off in this shot.

After the game he still had plenty of energy to join all the fun that the other kids were having, while the rest of us continued visiting.

Sandee and Shawn with their friends.

Saturday was one of those paint and chores days but Sunday, oh, did we enjoy

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Through Sandee and Shawn we became friends with the Young family right after the kids moved out here. Their daughter, Jordan, is an amazing rider who competes in Gymkhanas so we attend when we can.

The couple sitting nearest Rich are Jen's grandparents. Getting to visit with her grandma is an additional treat for me!

From there we went to the Queen Creek Olive Mill for a late afternoon meal. It was a perfect day to sit outside under the olive trees and savor a delicious salad and sandwich.

As we headed to our car, I took this photo...my Superstitions are in view all the way to Queen Creek!

Here is my cotton pickin' husband...giggle...getting me a cotton boll.

Here's the contraband...

Isn't it lovely? The leaves didn't even make it home before wilting, but the boll is on the window sill in front of my desk...sigh...

We hadn't seen the kids since Friday night...gasp! haha...so we dropped by their house in time to join the celebration of Dexter's third birthday. For the occasion he was wearing his new Halloween costume! In this photo he is barking excitedly because he sees Rich, and he especially loves Rich!

A plate of treats and a bag of gifts for the birthday boy!

Sandee was preparing dinner and the rest of the family was relaxing after their fun-filled weekend with friends and decorating for Halloween this afternoon.

Even though we were invited to stay for dinner, we headed on home so they could begin getting ready for the week ahead. I'm so glad because, as we neared our house, we were treated to this magnificent sky art, painted by the setting sun.

Monday, October 28, 2013

Other than checking out a couple of used vehicles late this afternoon and a delish dinner at Chipotle, our day again was spent doing laundry and painting...Rich is doing most of the painting but I do pitch in too.

Lovin' Life ~~ And All Our AZ Activities