It's official. Our first 100 degree day was last Friday, April 1st. Oh if it were only an April Fool's joke. But, alas, it was not.
The african daisies have all faded and been pulled, a few irises remain but won't last long, and the smell of orange blossoms is all but gone. We'll get a reprieve, however. This coming weekend . . . when we have a highschool reunion party planned . . . it is going to be about 70 degrees. The bad news is: it might rain:( Let's hope not.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
We've Been to Bagdad!
We were getting cabin fever a few weeks ago and decided to take a road trip to a place in Arizona we'd never visited before . . . Bagdad. It's about as far off the beaten path as you can get for a little town, tucked in the mountains about 20 miles north of US93, the road that leads from Wickenburg to Las Vegas.
This iris are in bloom, but fading fast in the recent heat!
California isn't the only state with Joshua Trees. The Joshua Tree Parkway is part of US 93 between Wickenburg and Kingman, Arizona.
We finally made it to Bagdad. Founded in 1882, it still employees a majority of the town at a working copper mine, plus about two restaurants, a post office, Bashas grocery store and a few churches and schools.
These two miners, sculpted of wire, greet newcomers to town.
On our way back to Phoenix, we stopped along the Santa Maria River to nap (Gene) and bird watch (Sue). Many of the otherwise dry washes in the mountains had water from snowmelt runoff and recent storms.
Our final stop was at the Shrine of St. Joseph of the Mountains in Yarnell, Arizona. Built in the 1930's, it is the location of the remains of Fr. Bill Wasson who founded Nuestros Pequenos Hermanos, the international organization supported by Friends of the Orphans from which Sue retired. A pilgrimage to this shrine will be held next August, the fifth anniversary of Fr. Bill's passing. Hundreds of supporters and pequenos raised at the orphanage are expected to attend. The Shrine, which was built on land purchased by Fr. Bill's parents, has a Way of the Cross that winds through boulders and sculptures of The Last Supper and Garden of Gethsemane.
This iris are in bloom, but fading fast in the recent heat!
California isn't the only state with Joshua Trees. The Joshua Tree Parkway is part of US 93 between Wickenburg and Kingman, Arizona.
We finally made it to Bagdad. Founded in 1882, it still employees a majority of the town at a working copper mine, plus about two restaurants, a post office, Bashas grocery store and a few churches and schools.
These two miners, sculpted of wire, greet newcomers to town.
On our way back to Phoenix, we stopped along the Santa Maria River to nap (Gene) and bird watch (Sue). Many of the otherwise dry washes in the mountains had water from snowmelt runoff and recent storms.
Our final stop was at the Shrine of St. Joseph of the Mountains in Yarnell, Arizona. Built in the 1930's, it is the location of the remains of Fr. Bill Wasson who founded Nuestros Pequenos Hermanos, the international organization supported by Friends of the Orphans from which Sue retired. A pilgrimage to this shrine will be held next August, the fifth anniversary of Fr. Bill's passing. Hundreds of supporters and pequenos raised at the orphanage are expected to attend. The Shrine, which was built on land purchased by Fr. Bill's parents, has a Way of the Cross that winds through boulders and sculptures of The Last Supper and Garden of Gethsemane.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
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.
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?
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
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.
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!
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.
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