Trussed Up Like a HOG

As some may know we are preparing to begin our summer travels. This year we have added a motorcycle lift to the coach and will flat tow the Jeep in lieu of the Tandem Tow Dolly. Hopefully this will simplify access to the Jeep and the motorcycle.

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We seem to be in Arizona for some of the big weather milestones. The first year we were here, it was over 120 days without rain. We thought that was great as it was the middle of the rainy season in Washington. This year they (the weather people on tv) are counting the days of over 100 degree weather (yipes) and also the fact that has been at least 10 degrees hotter than normal for this time of year!

So today it was 108 degrees and a passing shower system went over and rained on us a little bit. It was hard to hear over the air conditioning so we went outside to have a look and sure enough. Dave had washed the car earlier so of course it was his fault... the rain that is. The drops dried nearly as soon as they hit the pavement. Crazy

And yes, it's my fault we are still here! Dave said we could leave after there had been 5 days over 100 degrees in a row. That happened sometime ago. I signed up for a Nuno felting class at Tempe Yarn and Fiber that is this coming weekend, so here we are... once again, fiber related. sigh.

The good news is, since we will be here anyway, we are hopping over to San Diego next week to see Ethan who will be there with a group of mids from the Naval Academy. Cool beans.

The Best Job I Ever Had

I never had a plan on what I wanted to be when I grew up. I'm still not sure I have grown up! Beings as today is Mother's Day, it came to me while I was thinking of my kids and the past 30 years, that being their mom was my best effort. I didn't always do things right, but they don't come with owner's manuals, so you kind of have to just feel your way along. With Dave there to guide us (the kids call him 'the voice of raisins') and to keep me from pinching their little heads off, we made it. They are all growed up with jobs and lives of their own. I miss them just about every day and wish we could all live closer together.

Thanks for the new ipod kids (and Dave) I'd say it was more than I deserve but I'd be lyin'. ;~) I love you all, ma

Tough to be them

It's been hot here all week. Tuesday and Wednesday it was at least 100. Dave and Scott have purchase floatie toys and are hanging out at the pool. I sent them off with cocktails this afternoon. There is a plan to make a video of them floating in the pool listening to tunes but it seems like just too much work right now.

The Hyperbolic Reef Project

Way back in December the Hyperbolic Reef Project was brought to my attention at Tempe Yarn and Fiber. Terry and Fred (the owners -http://tempeyarnandfiber.blogspot.com/ ) are always looking at fun stuff for their customers to do and ways to give back to the community. They made it possible for us (the customers) to be a part of this amazing project (http://www.scottsdalecoralreef.com/index.php http://www.theiff.org/reef/index.html)

So we got together on Friday nights from January til mid March and brainstormed and crocheted and made a whole bunch of weird and wonderful elements to add to the Coral Reef.

Yesterday I went to see the installation at the Scottsdale Public Library with my friend Jane from here in the park. I wasn't going to go because frankly, after 3 months I was kind of bored with it. I am so glad I went. To see all of the pieces put together.... oh my. So many colors and textures and such talent and imagination! There were lots of pieces that I had thought about but didn't know how to actually produce them. Several people had the same ideas and the talent and know how to make them real.

It is my understanding that the pieces produced here in the Scottsdale area will be a permanent installation in the library. There are many pieces that are a travelling installation and that group has pieces from all over the world. The pictures in this post are of both the local and the traveling show.

SSSHHHHHH!

Happy Birthday Scott!

Riding the Salt River Canyon

Long awaited ride fulfilled today. Scott and I rode US 60 east through the Salt River Canyon some 100+ miles from Apache Junction. The route climbs over a 5000 ft pass and then drops from 4300 ft to 3300 ft and back up to 4300 ft in just a few miles where the highway crosses the Salt River.

The following picture shows the southern cut to the bridge.

This map is of the canyon road at the river.



This is the river as it flows toward the bridge.