Belize

Our tropic getaway to Belize was quite eventful . . . from missed flight connections, bruised knees and no-see 'ems to snokeling in the rain. But we loved every minute!


We took a boat to Laughing Bird Caye to snorkel . . . just before a storm hit. As we watched beautiful fish below, we could feel rain begin to pelt our backs. We took shelter in this island palapa.


Belize has set aside about 40% of its land for protection. This island is one of many where tour operators take guests to snorkel, dive and observe nature.


Not many rocks on this island . . . but plenty of conch shells to line the paths.


We tried riding bikes into town, and "somebody" ended up with skinned knees.



Joan and Fritz Munzinger joined us on this trip, and our first excersion was to the Monkey River by open panga. We headed out across the lagoon, through mangroves and along the coast until we reached the small village at the mouth of the Monkey River. After ordering lunch (which we stopped for later), we motored up the river to view birds, crocodiles, iguanas and other wildlife. The highlight was a hike through the jungle to find howler monkeys, which we spotted high in the trees. Our guide let out a few loud "hoots" and the monkeys answered back!


A termite nest on the jungle hike.


This bare-throated tiger heron was one of our favorites. We also spotted toucans, green parrots, two species of woodpeckers, hawks, king fishers, woodstorks and other birds.


Proboscis bats lined up like bumps on a log in the middle of the Monkey River. When we got too close, they took off in formation. On our way back down the river, they were back in the exact same spot.


We spotted a few crocodiles along the shore.


Can you spot the howler monkeys high in the tree?


Gene found a walking stick to help with the jungle hike.


In the village of Monkey River, the locals make fish traps out of chicken wire, poles cut from jungle plants and twine. The snook we ate for lunch, one of the locally caught fish, was delicious.


We bought baskets from some of the Mayan women on our inland trek. Because Belize was a British Colony until 1981, everyone speaks perfect English.


This adorable little girl was shucking corn when we stopped to buy Cokes at her dad's roadside store.


The "facilities" at the store were not so adorable . . . just a "one holer".


Beautiful sunset over the lagoon. Placencia is a long, sand peninsula with the Caribbean on the east side and a lagoon to the west.

Papa Bear Chair

Gene's lower back has been giving him problems, so we decided a more comfortable chair was in order. By adding a heating pad, a few exercises from the physical therapist and RX's from his family doctor, he is on the mend.



The old recliner now sits on the back patio and is looking for a new home. Any takers?

Lake Cahuilla Campout

On Christmas Day, we drove to Desert Hot Springs in California and arrived shortly after 1 pm. We put a prime rib in the electric roasting pan and waited for the kids to arrive. Sue's son Glen, as well as Terri, Nanaette, Courtney and Justin, Angela and Becky arrived just as the roast was done. After dinner, some of us got on our bathing suits and jumped in the natural hot spring fed pools at the RV resort. A grand way to spend Christmas!

A few days later, we joined Sam's Radio Hams RV group at Lake Cahuilla for a campout. We hiked, sat by the campfire, and listened to some of the members play their guitars and other instruments, while some sang.


Marcia Bruno, Roger and Carol Kepner, Alma DeSmith and Larry Holt entertain us on a sunny afternoon.


It's a dog's life . . . music and sunshine!


We took a day trip to Joshua Tree National Park where rock climbing is popular.


There was a little snow on the ground!


The beautiful rocks reflected in the lake at Barker Dam, built as a reservoir to water cattle.


Shadow dancing: . . . the shadow of a Joshua tree in late afternoon on one of the huge boulders.

Christmas Eve in Arizona

Christmas Eve is one family gathering we all try not to miss. In my 65 years on this earth, I can't remember missing one! This year we all met at Kathy's house, had wonderful baked ham, salads and cookies, our traditional "First Christmas" puppet show, then all donned antlers and gloves and went carolling door-to-door. When we returned to Kathy's house, Santa arrived and passed out gifts for the little ones.


Gene tries on the reindeer antlers.


Max Munzinger visits with Santa Clause (who looks alot like Uncle Phil).


Alana and Ariel (Sue's great grandaughters) sit on Santa's lap.


Max Munzinger (with dad Kurt) behind the scenes at the puppet show.


This year we started a new tradition . . . carolling!

Farewell, Dear Sister!

The family of Louise Quick gathers for a photo at the celebration of her life.

Louise would have had a smile on her face . . . seeing all her favorite family members gathered together . . . enjoying hugs . . . getting updates on new babies, family travels, plans for the future . . . eating good food . . . watching a slide show made just for her.

On December 12, 2010, the Crabbs and the Quicks remembered Louise and celebrated her life. Louise's sister, Linda, did the planning and inviting. We gathered at the mobile home park where Louise's mother once enjoyed get togethers with family and friends and swimming in the park pool.

The day before, on Saturday, Gene and Linda, along with two of Louise's sons and a daughter, scattered her ashes on calm waters off Dana Point, California. Flower leis danced beside the container Mike gently placed on the water. Rose petals marked her final path. Linda read the 23rd Psalm for Louise and for John who was connected to us by phone in Hawaii. Ave Maria played softly in the background. Louise would have had a smile on her face, but we had tears in our eyes.

Tour de Coops

To protect the chickens from germs, you have to wear booties and use hand sanitizer. Signs posted said "Chickens Have Cooties, Wear Booties."


This way to the chicken coop.


Some of the good looking cluckers.


Paula and her husband, David, in front of a backyard coop.


Many of the chicken owners also have gardens and are into composting and grey water recycling.


A coop decked out for the holidays.

It was billed as the Tour de Coops, "The valleywide self-guided tour of your neighborhood chicken coops." My daughter's birthday, the 8th of December, is five days after mine. We decided to spend Saturday morning doing the tour. Paula is getting ready to build a new chicken coop on the property they are moving to in Casa Grande. They already raise a few chicken in Tempe.

Neighborhood chicken coops? You've got to be kidding. Not that many people keep chickens in the city, do they? I was in for a surprise. The brochure we picked up at the Duck & Decanter deli where we purchased our tickets listed 20 locations on the tour. All of the chicken owners we visted resided in the central part of Phoenix. Ordinary neighborhoods. Urban chicken officionados!

Our first stop featured a chicken coop decked out for the holidays, complete with a wreath and ornaments adorning the coop. The chickens didn't seem to notice. They were busy pecking and scratching in the dirt.

The second stop was an education. The owner had a huge backyard. In addition to a coop that had a swamp cooler and paned windows, the couple had an enormous vegetable garden and a complete composting system. "We are part of our community," explained the gentleman chicken raiser. "My wife makes hand-made cards, which I take to the local coffee shop. I am paid in paper credits which I use to buy my morning coffee when I meet with my architect friends. I also get all the free coffee grounds I want, and I use those for composting. I take eggs to the local baker in exchange for bread and baked goods I pick up each morning. We share our crops with others as well." Part of a "community". I thought that was pretty cool.

Welcome to Medicare!

It was inevitable. I'm in denial. But it finally happened.

I got the letter a few months ago. "Welcome to Medicare." It came with a red, white and blue ID card. I had it laminated. I plan to use it for a long, long time.


Phil and Joe in the background, with Sue, Carol, Kathy and Joan.

To celebrate this milestone, Gene and I got together with my siblings. We all had tickets for "An Irish Christmas in America" at the Musical Instrument Museum and met before the performance for a dinner of Irish stew at Joan's. She made a delicious dessert called death by chocolate . . . layers of cake laced with Kahlua, whipped cream, and Heath bar pieces. Yum!