2019

Imagine....I had not one blog in 2019!  I will recap the year as briefly as possible.  I tell folks that 2019 was primarily dedicated to my military family. There were some notable times aside from that as you, my reader will discover.  As usual, I will try to provide more photos to keep things interesting.

To start, a rather amusing hike took place in January.  My roommate, Karen and I took Missy, her dog to Sycamore Creek - about 45 minutes south of Payson.  It was a sunny and beautiful day and we even felt comfortable putting our feet in the water.  However, earlier on this particular visit we encountered one after another male hiking with only boots on! I found it peculiar and took the notion to Google about hikes in the nude.  Maybe my readers know this, but I was pretty amazed to see a list of hikes in every state where folks take the liberty of ditching their clothing!  Below are some photos of the day....sorry, to disappoint!

 Oh, February was a trickster! 27 inches of that fluffy stuff! I was fortunate to find that a neighbor had a snow rake to pull some heavy snow off the top of the carport.  Supports started to bend but no collapse!

 Winter wonderland!

 We are lucky to live in the center of the state. In just a couple of hours we can reach any part of the state.  I took in Arcosanti (a personal favorite) and Chocolate Falls in the first quarter.  The Tonto Basin is a respite from the cold in winter, just 45 minutes south.

The beauty of Tonto Basin in Spring.

Chocolate Falls

During the Spring, Karen and I got out hiking close to home as well as Southern Arizona.  We enjoyed the beauty of the desert in full bloom.  We took in the Chiricahua National Mountains, Fort Bowie, Cochise's Stronghold and Bisbee.  We based ourselves at the KOA in Willcox, AZ.    

This is Fort Bowie, near The Chiricahua Mountains.

https://www.nps.gov/fobo/index.htm

Faraway Ranch got it's name from a young girl of the founding family.  She reportedly called it that because it was "God awful far away"!

https://www.nps.gov/chir/planyourvisit/faraway-ranch-historic-district.htm

Birders love this lake near Willcox, AZ.

https://www.audubon.org/important-bird-areas/willcox-playa-cochise-lakes

A Bisbee trademark.

We set up Karen's Fun Finder near Woods Canyon Lake below.

Kayaking on Woods Canyon Lake is peaceful and fun to watch the birds fish.

Enjoyed the ride along Forest Road 300, taking in a short hike. 

I did not know there was a railroad planned in the area of the Mogollon Rim!

Karen and Missy on top of the rim.  The view is one of Arizona's finest!

I took extensive CASA training and swore in as a new volunteer in April.  My first case was within a week.  I encourage anyone who can devote 15 to 20 hours a month to help a child be heard in the judicial system.  CASA volunteer reports are highly valued by judges.  

I was honored to have my friends and neighbors witness the swearing in!

(Lois, Karen, Joan, me and Mary)

During May, June and some of July I dedicated my time to my military family.  They would be reassigned from Jacksonville, FL to San Diego, CA.

Time to say farewell to reliable Nanny Heather.

Delta is ready to go!

Ready to hit the road. Westward!

I helped them on both sides with downsizing, packing, unpacking, setting up rooms, child care and food preparation.  It was a memory for sure!  As they moved their little caravan across country, I would see them off from their driveway in Florida and be picked up in Phoenix for their last leg into California.

Delivery day!

The family would be in their new home less than one month before Daddy would be deployed for four months.  I stayed with them until school started and a nanny would be in place. 

The kids and I discovered parks, ranger talks and indoor activities in the area.

Blue Star Memorial Highway marker in a park.

Blue Star Memorial Highway - Wikipedia

In August I took a trip to Maryland just in time to wish my grandson a Happy 12th Birthday.  I got him this shirt when he started 1st grade.  I wonder if he will be able to fit into it in 2025 when he graduates from high school?

August in Maryland is not very pleasant outside.  However, Jake and I mustered up the courage to face the elements one day.  We took a picnic lunch out to Great Falls National Park on the Virginia side.

Back in Arizona, Karen and I made plans to visit Tucson for the arrival of Big Boy 4014.  This historic steam train would make a huge circular trip commencing in Wyoming.  Tucson, it seems would be about a half way point for the old boy's journey.  Lots of folks came out to see it and tour a couple of cars.  There would be no rides on this train...strictly exhibition.

We would see it midday one day and rise early the next to bid it farewell.  It sure looked smaller as it rolled down the track!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Union_Pacific_4014

The Tucson KOA is top of the line.  There is something for everyone, including a mini golf course.  The place was highly decorated for Halloween.

We took a drive to the White Dove of the Desert after Big Boy 4014 rolled out.  The historic Mission San Xavier de Bac still holds services and is lovely as ever.

We also visited a quirky little place at dusk in Tucson.  Valley of the Moon has a longtime history that still has the magic.  I encourage anyone visiting Tucson to take a tour.

Karen as a fairy.

https://www.tucsonvalleyofthemoon.com/

In November, Karen and her longtime friend, Jill and I took a short cruise from Long Beach to Ensenada, Mexico on a Carnival ship arranged by Free Spirit and Vacations.  It was a fun filled and jam packed three days of birthday celebration, line dancing, shows, eating too much and general lack of sleep.  We had a good time and I was glad we had bus transportation to get us from Payson to Long Beach and back.

This is our ship from our excursion on Catalina Island.  It was my first trip to that island and I was quite amazed to learn of it's history!

 

Patty is a mermaid!

Our next stop was Ensenada Mexico.  This happened to be on my birthday and it was a day of celebration for sure! The skilled line dancers from Payson would dance at the plaza while we three toasted the trip!

Yes, wine is stored in these huge vessels.  We toured two vineyards in Ensenada and had wine tastings as well as tequila tastings.  I had no idea there were so many flavored tequilas!

Just before Thanksgiving I met my California family (including my son in law who had just returned from deployment) in Campo, CA.  There was a celebration of the San Diego and Eastern Railway complete with brass band and Buffalo Soldier reenactments.  We were able to have a short ride on this old timer!
San Diego and Arizona Eastern Railway - Wikipedia

I surprised my grandchildren by dressing in period clothing!  One hid while the other's jaw dropped.

The original booth was known as the telegraph booth.

The Golden Spike that connected the line. 

An old time magic show certainly appealed to the small folks!

The day after Thanksgiving provided a first time snow experience for my granddaughter.  It was brief but fun!

I returned to Maryland in December to celebrate the holiday with my son and grandson.  We saw lights, lights and more lights.  The DC area is always a treat and one can find so many things to do for FREE.  

Jake and Sean

Brookside Gardens is always a treat.  They had a nice walkway of lighted critters and in the conservatory was a miniature trolley and Glen Echo Park.  It was a bit nostalgic as I lived near the park when I was 6.  I do recall riding the wooden roller coaster!

The National Tree was brilliant with the Washington Monument in the background.  The White House can be seen from these grounds as well.

As the year drew to a close, I reflected not only the year, but the remarkable decade I had.  I truly awoke in my 60's!  Of course, there was sadness along the way.  How could I realize the happiness and achievements without sadness or setbacks?  I have come to realize through my journey that material things have only utilitarian purpose.  I treasure the walks, drives and boat rides in nature.  I find more meaning in the things that can not be wrapped or displayed.  I value the friendships, hugs and hand warmings.

May we strive for peace and civility.