I love our country and the life it encourages!

xoxo

Perfect ending!

Deb and I decided to get out for a walk and a look at the super moon tonight.  Unfortunately, this was the one cloudy night of the year in Arizona, so it wasn't quite as good as we hoped it would be, but....

Sunset in "the dells"

It really was beautiful and bright: we actually had (very tall!) shadows!
xoxo

Local Fun

I decided to stick close to home this weekend to conserve energy for our big hike to Humphrey's next weekend (yay!)  Debbie and I did the same hike I did my first weekend here, then went to a bluegrass festival, out to Indian for dinner, and then attempted to go dancing with her friends.  That was a flop, but generally a fun day.

 These are panoramic shots from the inside of the fire watch tower at Groom Creek.  The woman who lives and works in this tiny room is the one who originally called in the fire that I posted about previously.  That's big responsibility!

On top of the world!

The main stage at the bluegrass festival.

Today I went to church and then wandered around downtown.  The bluegrass festival was still going on and the best part was these little "pop up" groups: musicians that would just sit around away from the main stage playing and hanging out together.  I literally spent the entire day down there, listening, learning, and even got to go to a fiddle class!  Tonight is the "mega moon" and I can't think of a better place to watch it than in the desert where it is warm, dry, and clear.  I'm so so happy!

The man sitting in the blue shirt on the left was in his 90's!  Just the coolest thing.

This makes me want to take lessons...voice?cello?  I dunno, just something.

Next weekend is my longest and highest hike yet: Humphreys Peak.  It is the highest point in Arizona and Debbie and I will be able to see the Grand Canyon from the summit!  Thanks to Patrick for some great pointers for what to pack and how to prepare.  I'm really excited for the challenge and the views!  I can't believe how blessed I am!

xoxo

Prayers needed

I wouldn't usually do this, but this is a big deal.  There is a wildfire burning outside of the town where several of my patients live.  They are hoping to get it under control tonight as the winds die down, but extra prayers are always helpful.  So...please keep everyone here in mind.  You can read more about it here.

xoxo

Happy Father's Day to all of the Dads in my life!  You guys never stop and make me in awe of your creativity, enthusiasm, hard work, and conviction to provide the best lives for your kids possible. 

xoxo!!!!

Back on track

Debbie and I haven't hiked together in 2 weeks: first she had a sinus infection and then I had the flu.  We got back on track (and off trail) today and hiked Baldwin Trail to Templeton Trail to Cathedral Rock Trail.  We only went off trail a little bit, which led to the Superman pictures: well worth it!  As before, they are in reverse order and I don't know how to make an album, so they're just lined up.  Sorry!

Debbie and view (off the trail)

Debbie conquering her fears!

I should probably get better at yoga before practicing on rock ledges...

Waiting my turn for a picture

We climbed up through that slot.  Those kids were actually really funny and goofy

 Look, Mom!  We're on the trail (sign)!

Goofing off on the top of a ridge

The view from said ridge

Have a great day today!

xoxo

Oh, my fun life!

Had a pretty rough weekend sick in bed (literally, didn't get out of bed at all).  But everything was redeemed today, as evidenced by these photos:

I went to Skull Valley  to see a patient today.  He is in his 80's and doing remarkably well.  When I asked him to show me the two most difficult things he does daily, he split wood for his wood-burning stove, on which he cooks "a few times a week" and then walked me out to the barn.  Navigating a steep hill and several barns, he introduced me to his horse.  "What's his name?" "I dunno, maybe Pardner?"  I wanna be like him when I grow up!

I got to feed a horse at work today!

After work, I went to the Prescott Valley Library (one of my favorite places) to get 2 more movies and do some charting in the cool AC.  As I left this building with it's neat architecture and modern lines, I had to laugh at the scene in the field in front of me:

A herd of cattle!

Then, tonight, when I was looking for the link for Skull Valley, I was delighted by the Google doodle, one of my favorite silly/creative things:

Google wished me a happy birthday!  so  funny!

Anyway, today totally made up for my weekend.  Life really is good!

xoxo

Clouds? In Arizona?

Yes, we get them on occasion here.  They don't do much, but sometimes, if you're lucky, you get a pink sunset out of 'em.

from my balcony

18th hole just calling your name, Dad....

xoxo

Good morning! I hope it's wonderful!
Xoxo

Water? In Arizona?

Yep!  I got to go swimming this weekend!!  A calm Saturday followed by a super-fun Sunday filled with good food, fun company and conversation, a tiny hike, and swimming in a spring/creek.  I've never jumped off of anything other than a diving board, so getting in the water took some psyching up for me!

The spring that sources the creek and the swimming spot

Swimming hole in pretty rocks

 We hiked around the water up to this cave/shelf area.  Perfect place for a hot afternoon!  This is looking out from the cave.

 Looking into the cave

Brilliant Arizona sunshine!

Psyching myself up to jump...

The approach

Can't do anything the easy way....

we were jumping from just left of this picture.  so pretty!!!

Unfortunately, we got skunked and I twisted my ankle pretty painfully on our way out because it was getting dark, so....

A small price to pay for an otherwise great day!  xoxo