Our Arizona Trip

Last weekend brought forth a road trip to Goodyear Arizona to celebrate my Papa Wally's birthday. My grandmother and uncle flew in from Ohio as well. My step brother Trevor happened to be in the Phoenix area doing some work for the company he works for back home in Portland. Family from all over was there to celebrate and eat. Unfortunately, Jim was unable to get the time off work, so he stayed home with our critters while Stown and I made the drive south.

We were welcomed by a colorful sunset....

That kept getting better!!
(Actual colors - no photo shopping - I don't know how to do that fancy stuff any how.)

Our weekend was filled with family and fun.

Papa Wally, Stown, Trevor and Uncle John

We played dominoes in the sun.
(Shortly after this picture the table was moved off the porch and into the middle of the yard - where the chickens could stroll under our feet and eat the chips we had dropped.)



Trevor the Croquette Master!!

We played croquette on the lawn - the course stretched from one end of the yard to the other, over an irrigation hump totalling about 50 yards in length. The rules required playing one handed with a beverage of choice in the other.

The "International" Rooster - he has no clue what time zone he is in and crows at all hours of the day and night. Which wouldn't be so bad except Stown and I had chose to sleep in a tent in the backyard for the weekend. Our last tenting "Hurrah" for the year!!

It was so warm we ran around in tank tops (shirtless for the guys) and barefoot the entire time. The sun tanned our skin one last time before we would head home and settle in for a snowy Colorado winter.

Goofin' with Uncle John.

A walk down the road to the cotton fields.

Papa's Ruth, Papa, Granno, Uncle John, Me and Stown (on his tippy toes)

The Men - Papa, Stown and Uncle John

Notice the family resemblance? Hint hint - Eyebrows!!

Me, Granno and Stown

Monday morning brought an end to the festivities, up at 4:15 am to say goodbye and one last picture as we all went our separate ways.

A parting shot of Arizona, the San Fransisco peaks of Flagstaff snagged a passing cloud.

We had a great time with everyone. Lots of cooking took place and I think we all gained a few pounds. It was good to see Trevor - an unexpected surprise for me. Stown enjoyed spending time with all the crazy men of the family and seeing his Great Grandmother (aka - Granno). We all live so far apart it's hard to get together. It was well worth the drive and I can't wait to do it again - whenever that may be.

Love Your Family While You Can!!!

No matter how nuts they might make you - hehe!!

Thanksgiving Baker

Every year for Thanksgiving we are invited to our dear friend's house to share in an amazing feast. Every year I am asked to bring maybe a side dish or rolls but always a dessert. This year Stown took charge of the kitchen and made the dessert.

Carefully measuring...

and stirring...

Viola!!
German Apple Torte!

A beautiful marzipan crust wrapped around apples cooked in a Calvados (apple brandy) sauce - over three inches thick!!

It didn't last long once the first cut was made. I think I have a baker on my hands. Stown enjoys playing in the kitchen. We like to cook together and I try to teach him all my secrets - one by one. Perhaps one day he will tell me to relax, hand me a glass of wine and serve me dinner. As for now, we are having fun together!!

Hope you had a truly wonderful Thanksgiving!!
Remember to be thankful every day.

Happy Man Food!

Picture by Jim

I don't always cook dinner.

Sometimes Jim makes "Happy Meals" - Brats & Onion Rings!!