Saguharo

This picture is for all you "easterners". This is what 'cha call a SAGUHARO cactus. (pronounced Sa-War-O ) It honestly took me years to learn to say that. I took this picture near Nate's house as he lives pretty much in the desert. These things are amazing. It's quite interesting to see birds nesting in them. Nate has them in his yard also. I remember being in grade school and reading about the WEST and all that went with it, including cactus plants, rattlesnakes and scorpions.The stories always intrigued me. I think back then I dreamed of marrying a cowboy and owning a herd of horses of my own. Well, Steve doesn't wear boots and my "herd" now consists of one miniature horse and a mini-mule, not even rideable. But I'll keep them regardless....I worry about Nate's kids and the scorpions that find their way into the house and the rattlesnakes discovered outside in the yard. Got a little side tracked there but hope you enjoy the Saguharo.

MY FRIEND

Pinky and Colleen Christmas 2007

Today's blog is a little different than my usual. Most of my friends and family either know of or have met my bestest friend, Pinky. For those of you who have not, well, here she is. Pinky and I have known each other for nearly 25 years. Tweny-five years, you say, no big deal? Well, yup it's a big deal to me. Considering that I was rather uprooted and became an Eagar implant almost 32 years ago, it was a big deal for me to make new friends. It began one day when Pinky needed a babysitter for Josh and heard that I was doing just that thing in my home. From that time on, we have helped each other thru the ups and downs of life, raising kids and all that entailed. She easily became my long, lost sister. She is, by far, one of the most positive, talented and uplifting people I know. She brings light and happiness to all who cross her path. The reason for this post is one that I wish wasn't necessary. You see, she starts Chemo and Radiation on Monday. Five weeks of the unknown and dealing with whatever every day brings. So, here's the plan. Whoever you are, when you happen to be reading this would you consider my plea for her. Please keep her in your prayers during this time and ask that she will be blessed as she endures the next few weeks. I appreciate you all so much and Pink, you're a fighter and deserve all the wonderful things life has to offer. These nasty treatments will be over before you know it and then life will continue to be good and wonderful. I love you dearly.

Pink and Colleen, just laughing

Roger and Pinky

Cursed Email

Ok, no pictures today just a blog about an email I received early this morning. I have to say first of all, that I love my email. I check it faithfully(along with the kid's blogs) and enjoy using it to keep in touch.
Soooo, here comes an email this morning, JUNK obviously, addressed to....SUDDENLY SENIOR. (Upset me terribly instantly!) I certainly don't need reminding from an UNKNOWN SOURCE that I am SUDDENLY SENIOR!!! I tried to reply and give them an update as to my immense disgust at being addressed as such, only to find it was one of those emails that I couldn't send a response to. FRUSTRATION!
Just so you all know, I am NOT SUDDENLY SENIOR and even if I am headed in that direction, I plan to fight it all the way! Hope your day has gone better than mine started!

The Elmer Fudd Hat

Steve and I were walking out of the drug store the other day when we spotted a sale table loaded with all kinds of hats. Both of us instantly were drawn to this hat, a red and black plaid wool. You can imagine who we both thought of when we saw this hat. My Dad. I don't think it's exactly like the ones he used to wear over the years, but it's close. I have a picture that I'm going to find of Grammie (Mabel) Ware with a hat like this on and I think I have one of Gramp wearing the same thing also. Needless to say, Steve was quite pleased with his purchase. He really was so proud to own a hat like Dad's. Well, I think his pride was short lived when he wore his new hat to work one cold morning and everyone called him Elmer Fudd!! I can still see Dad, Gramp and Uncle Jim ready for the first day of deer season with their red and black plaid wool hats. Memories.

CHILLIN' IN THE HOT TUB

Over Christmas vacation when all the kids were home, Tim decided to hit the hot tub during a snow storm. He didn't have many takers but Kason and Kenzi were so willing to join him. We knew Kason would, as he is always so happy to be under Uncle Tim's armpit when they have the chance to be together. Kenzi really surprised us when she insisted on joining Kason and Uncle Tim. She'd left her swimsuit in Vegas but we convinced her that her panties would work just fine in the hot tub. By the time Grammie was ready to join them the snow had started falling harder and their wet hair was freezing like icicles on their heads. So, after taking a few pictures I happily ran for cover and warmth in the house. What a great Uncle Tim these kids have. They sure enjoyed their time together!!

UP, UP, AND AWAY

Nathan still knows how to push all my buttons! As you can see here, he's throwing Dax in the air, (Dax loves it) but I'm making Steve take the pictures 'cause I'm a basketcase watching this. Dax loved every minute!

Check out my Slide Show!

The Ghost Town

On the train and lovin' it!

The Bordello

We couldn't pass up a shot infront of

this sign

Grampa tried to send us all to JAIL!

Harlee couldn't get close enough to the Albino Rattler.

Grampa with Shelbi and Harlee checking out the

Albino Rattler.

Last Friday Steve and I had such a fun time spending a few hours with Shelbi and Harlee at the Ghost Town in Apache Junction. First, we HAD to stop by the reptile exhibit, (you'll see Grampa on his knees with the girls, checking out the rattlesnakes) and then on to the Bordello, (actually kid friendly- held my breath for questions on that one!)Ice Cream and a train ride around the town. The girls seemed to enjoy themselves aside from the fact that Shelbi said the train didn't go fast enough. (10mph) Harlee loved it all and was as happy as she could be. Grampa and Grammie sure enjoyed their time with the girls, that's for sure. (These are the Superstition Mountains in the not so far distance.) Sunsets here are sure a sight to behold.

Sleigh Bells Ring....

Yesterday morning I had the wonderful opportunity to go for a sleigh ride with our friends, Susan and Thad. They own their own business, taking people for horseback rides during the summer and then sleigh rides in the winter when there is snow. What a gorgeous day it was, sunny and the temp was around 45 so it was quite pleasant. You know me, I loved it and sure appreciate Susan's call to inclue me! Thanks so much for a lovely morning!

Thad and Susan Wiltbank and the team

Aren't they pretty?

(I'm in the purple behind Thad)

Greer, Arizona
(About a foot of fresh snow where we were)

THE CAMDYN ATTACK

I promised Daniel that I'd blog these pictures and tried to get Nate to pay me not to! Dan will be holding this over Nate for years and years to come! These pics were taken Christmas morning when ALL NINE grandkids were here with us. What fun! Camdyn loves everyone, especially little people! She couldn't help attacking Dax and Trex, Nate and Jen's twins.(they are a month older ) What started out as a hug from the back ending up with Camdyn on top of the boys and pretty much putting them face down on the carpet! Is this the part where I say, she WASN'T crying but both her cousins were? After she finished attacking one then she went right for the other brother and showed NO MERCY! She's going to have to be tuff to keep up with these boys and so far it looks like she's doing great! In any event, it was fun to watch them all together.

Check out my Slide Show!

Mule Deer in the Grand Canyon

Steve and I ran away from home over the weekend and rode the Grand Canyon train on Monday. We hiked 4-5 miles after arriving in the canyon and this is what we came upon. The mule deer were not tame by any means but were accustomed to having pictures taken we think. Regardless, a beautiful sight and wonderful photo op for me! It was about 27 degrees when these shots were taken. Nice buck, nice day!