Back In the Saddle Again

I’m back at it! School officially began yesterday many of Missouri’s university students. I, am proud to say, I survived my first day of graduate school and managed to find my way back to the parking lot in which my car was parked. So, what was it like? Well, to begin with, I walked onto campus and suddenly felt like a teeny, tiny fish in a gigantic ocean! As most of you know, the University of Missouri-Columbia is a very large school. Nearly 25,000 undergrad students and close to 7,000 graduate students attend the university per year. That's a lot of people...

I started my day on campus in the Student Union. As I sat people watching and eavesdropping (we all do it…) in the crowded commons, I began to worry my decision to come to Mizzou was the wrong one. Why was I attending such a large university with students who seemed more concerned with their drinking habits or their status in the “Greek” life than their true purpose in life? Had I just committed myself to something that was not a good fit? Was this really where I needed to be? Before I let these questions take over my thought process, I decided to try out the library. Once there, I soon realized the Ellis Library was to become my home away from home on the MU campus. There I found the comforts of peace and solitude that my “old soul” craved in such a chaotic and materialistic environment.

After two classes today, I also realized the benefits that come from taking twenty-one credit hours per semester in my undergraduate career. Because of this, I feel very prepared for the time management that is so necessary for a full graduate study course load. I pray this outlook continues as the semester progresses and life gets busier.

For now, I’m choosing to treat this all as a new and exciting adventure. I am finally able to study something I enjoy and for which I have a passion. What a great opportunity!

Now…where did I park my car again?

For now,

K

Almost Home!

It has never felt so good to be greeted by the "Welcome to Missouri" sign. K and I have arrived in Joplin. It's Missouri, just the southwest corner...yes, we have a little ways to go. Emotions are high, exhaustion is upon us and who could forget the just plain grumpiness from being in a car for 20+ hours? Kitties are becoming restless and sick of being cooped up, not to mention they haven't becomes accustomed yet to the make-shift litter box.. We are more than ready to be home. Wish us luck!
-S

Journeying Back to Good Ole' Missouri

Sarah here. After a farewell to Old Ironsides, K and I have successfully braved the wilderness into the fine state of New Mexico. So far the journey has been a bit on the cramped side, but successful at that. The kitties are fairing well. Although they were a bit uneasy, they have settled into their new cramped humble abode for the next 24 hours. We are looking forward to a rendezvous at our cousin Gwen's in Albuquerque, where then from there we will continue the journey hopefully into the great state of Texas. (this all depends upon whether or not I as the night driver can survive that long) Updates are soon to follow regarding the trip! Pray for safe travels!
-S

Updates!

First off, sorry! It's been almost a month since my last post; however, I'm sure you are all managing quite well and have far too many things to keep you busy in the sweltering Midwest heat wave! The past three weeks have been full of many adventures with friends, family, and each other. Here are some quick updates!

Both families came back to Sierra Vista after our tour through the Grand Canyon area. We had a pleasant and relaxing time touring Tombstone, grilling, and just spending time together.

The last three weekends have been packed for us. We spent one weekend hanging around the local joints and catching three, count em', THREE Cardinal's games. (They were playing the local team, Arizona Diamondbacks, which meant we got the rare pleasure of watching our home team.)

The next weekend we headed to Tucson to visit some of the "must sees" before we both leave. We toured the Sonora Desert Museum where we learned that it takes a cactus almost 100 years to grow an arm! My favorite part was the Cat Canyon and their Ocelot (look it up!). As we were driving out to the Desert Museum, we happened upon Old Tucson Studios. It has been the filming location for over 300 Western films and television shows. Stars like, John Wayne, James Stewart, Dean Martin, Clint Eastwood, and many more have graced this section of the Arizona desert and we just happened to stumble upon one of the best parts of Tucson! Pictures are on facebook!

This past weekend has been one of the best! In my google searches, I found a married couple who specialize in wedding, engagement, and family photography. We set up a date and time and made the day out of it. Old Ironsides and I enjoyed bumming around Phoenix until early evening. From there, we drove about 30 minutes outside of Phoenix to a casino (I never thought I'd change and gussy up in a casino bathroom. There's always a first!) where we were meeting the photographers. Then, it was off to the location--a dilapidated building and shed surrounded by a wheat field. It was beautiful! The sun was setting, a storm was brewing, and it was just perfect. The shoot went well, amidst running into a snake of the poisonous variety. But, no one was hurt and we made it out of there right before the rain. Can't wait to post the pictures for all of you!

Now it's July 25 and I'm getting ready to leave Sierra Vista and Old Ironsides. It's bitter sweet, leaning more to the bitter side, but I know it will be good to return to Missouri and the friends and family waiting there.

I still have so much to do here!

Talk soon!
K & T

Check out the Moving Pictures section for a kitty video that's sure to make you laugh!

PS My pepper and tomato plants have been restored to their health and beauty. Check out these pics! My first cherry tomato--picked...yet to be eaten!

Top Ten Things To Do at The Grand Canyon

Completed    Yet to Complete
       X                                    # 10 Get there

       X                                    # 9 Marvel at the beauty of a big whole in the ground

       X                                    # 8 Watch annual 4^th of July parade

       X                                    # 7 Camp at the Ten X Campground in Tusayan

       X                                    # 6 Soak up the afternoon rain

       X (x2)                            # 5 Mark your territory along the way :)

                                X           # 4 Ride the Grand Canyon Express

                                X           # 3 Raft for five days then hike all the way back up

                                X           # 2 Ride a mule to the bottom, camp, and ride back

      

       X :)        # 1 Lug the whole family down to Arizona & get engaged!!! 

God is Good, Life is Good,

K & T

Hitching A Ride

Okay, so we're not really hitching a ride, but we are heading out again. This time we're on our way to the one, the only...GRAND CANYON! What makes this trip so exciting is the company we will be keeping. My family, Old Ironsides' family, and my two best pals were able to finagle they're way out to Arizona and join us as we explore more of the beautiful west together. We'll be camping, climbing, laughing, and eating...lots and lots of eating...

Pictures will soon follow. Have a wonderful holiday weekend!

Sayonara until the Fourth!
K

It Is What It Is

So, it has been my intention to update you all on my beautiful container garden. My baby tomato plants have had ample time to beautifully blossom into the mature producers of summer's sought after fruit. Red, ripe, juicy tomatoes. Bright, green, strong plants. Ready to be picked and eaten in all their glory.

You're probably wondering why I am taking this time to describe my "run of the mill" tomato plants. Well, I went to bed Sunday night knowing I would be able to eat a fresh, homegrown tomato this week. And, I woke up thinking the same thing. Then, Old Ironsides came over for breakfast and asked me if I had been outside yet. This was a strange question to ask, so I asked why. Very carefully, Old Ironsides informed me that they were gone. The tomato plants had been wiped out in the middle of the night. (He told me this news as if someone very dear to me had passed away. He is so good to me!) When I heard the news, I decided to take a look for myself. This is the carnage I discovered:

Gone...

Alas, my beautiful tomatoes that I worked so hard for were gone.

Actually, I'll let you all know that my first reaction was anger. Then...laughter. What can you do? I can probably save the one in the middle and the one on the left. But, if this does not work...I'm hoping all of my Missouri gardeners will allow me one, red, ripe, juicy tomato when I get back!

Green Thumb but no Animal Control,
K

PS Some little raccoon, rabbit, squirrel, lizard, or whatever had a wonderful dinner that night!

Don't Know Joy Without Sorrow

"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord."

Lamentations 3:22-26

This verse was the basis of our God given church service yesterday. Since the church building is in a mandatory evacuation zone, we held a makeshift service inside the conference room of a local hotel. Pastor graciously reminded us that the people are the church, and not the building. Together, with our sister church, we gathered to worship and praise God as a community of believers.

Service began with several songs that seemed to touch each person on an individual, spiritual basis ("Mighty Fortress Is Our God," "He Leadeth Me! OBlessed Thought,""Abide With Me," "Great is Thy Faithfulness, & "It Is Well With My Soul."). Then Pastor Mike invited some time for the sharing of stories, thoughts, and concerns dealing with the fire. This was perhaps the most inspiring portion of the service. While listening, I was amazed to hear not one negative comment or thought about the tragedies occurring to individuals and their church family. Instead, we heard believers professing the goodness of God's hands, the thankfulness they had towards Christ, the protection they received from the Lord, and the comfort His believers have continuously and freely given. You could feel the life in these believers. Even though their world's are caving in as I write this, they continue to profess and acknowledge that the Lord knows best. At one point in the service, Pastor Mike asked all of those who were displaced to raise their hands. We looked around and saw nearly 60% of church members had been evacuated and displaced. At least two families have lost their homes and many more are waiting to hear. It's incredible to think that something as small as a spark can start such an immense and destructive fire.

Pastor Mike continued the service with a sermon preached on Lamentations 3:21-27. It was such a powerful and meaningful message to all who listened. We were reminded of the faithfulness of our God and that nothing can separate us from Him. Pastor also reminded us that there is a time for everything, including the sorrowful and destructive events occurring in Sierra Vista. We cannot know the blessings of joy without the experience of sorrow. But, what joy comes out of sorrow?! This is such a blessed truth. In times like this, we are able to witness the amazing power, spirit, and hand of God working through lives that may have never been touched otherwise. What great joy!

So, as you finish reading this, please continue to pray for joy. Pray also for the safety of those fighting this fire, for the comfort needed by those who have lost everything, for the resources  needed to keep this community alive and well, and for the continuous acknowledgement of the joys of the Lord!


This most certainly is the day the Lord has made,
K

Country Estates Baptist Church: The fire came through this area last night. As of today, there is confirmation that the church is still standing!

What A Day

Yesterday started out like any other day in Sierra Vista. After Old Ironsides left for work, I had plans to run and hit the library for a few hours. While at the library, I received information that an elderly woman was looking for a "temporary" home for some of her cats (one adult and two kittens). I provided them with my contact information, and I headed out to Ramsey Canyon Rd. (For those of you keeping up with the fire, this road is within the evacuation zone.)

I got there and was then told these were outdoor cats and not the most domesticated ones at that...a little bit of a surprise for me, but I wasn't going to leave them high and dry. So, we caught as many as we could and placed them in a carrying case. Just as I was getting ready to head out, the woman received a reverse 911 call warning her to evacuate immediately. We, along with her daughter and granddaughter, frantically began packing and loading her valuable items.

About an hour in, we looked to the north and saw a large cloud of black smoke. For those of you who do not know, the fire is in the southern parts of the Huachuca Mountains. Firefighters are trying to keep it along the ridge of the mountains to detour it from Sierra Vista to the north and multiple housing complexes on the east. So, to see smoke in the north was extremely scary. It appeared as if the fire had jumped and ended up in Sierra Vista or on post. There was smoke to the north and smoke to the south...it was a little daunting. At that point, I took the hint and got the heck out of dodge, advising everyone else to do the same.

I rushed back to the apartment with the three cats in tow, unsure of how bad the fire situation was. After various texts and phone calls, I was able to get into contact with Old Ironsides. The fire we saw in the north was on post; however, it was started by a spark from some training equipment and not a jump from the Monument Fire. By 1800, the fire was 90% contained and 100% contained by this morning.

Last night was quite the night. The two kittens we rescued were in desperate need of some medical attention, so we headed to Tucson. (All of the vets in Sierra Vista are boarding and caring for emergency animal victims of the fire.) They're eyes were matted shut and it took the vet about fifteen minutes or so to get their eyes open. They are now receiving oral and ointment antibiotics to help with the upper respiratory infection. The kittens were not weaned and we were not able to catch the mother. So, we are having to bottle feed them every four hours and start them on kitten food. If any of you have experience with kittens, please do not hesitate to leave a comment or email me. I am open for any and all advice...Also, we are unsure where these kitties will go after the fire dies down. We have various options. If any of you have suggestions or people who may be looking for a pet kitty (or three!), let me know.

Enjoy and keep praying for the fire to die down!

K&T

PS Thank you to all of you who kept me sane yesterday! Love you all. 

Now, I'll leave you with some pics.

This is Blue. We have not named them yet, but she was tagged blue at the vet's office.

Blue

Blue

Red

Blue

Blue and pseudo-Mama!

Check Out the New Page

I have created a page to keep all of you up-to-date with the Monument fire raging near Sierra Vista. I will be posting all information about the fire under this new page instead of the home page. Thanks!

No Pain, No Gain

This past Saturday started out wonderfully. Old Ironsides and I decided to bike six miles to a local diner for breakfast and then bike the final three miles home. Easy enough, right? We made it to the diner and enjoyed our breakfast of eggs (burrito and omelet style), juice, and water. Then we hopped back onto bikes and were homeward. About halfway there, I made a poor last minute decision and ended up face planting into the asphalt. Even though I was speeding out of control when I hit the lip of a curb then the corner curb of a light stand, it felt as if the whole world slowed down to give me some reactionary time. In that five seconds, me, myself, and I remember thinking four things: 1) Why didn't you wear your helmet?!?!?!  2) Since you didn't wear your helmet, how are we supposed to fall safely?!?!?! 3) You should probably try to tip over instead of going over the handlebars!!! 4) No time to think!!! We're falling, safely or not!!!

Before I knew it, I was sprawled out on the hot blacktop, tangled in my bike frame. Old Ironsides stopped in his tracks and quickly headed over to rescue me. After taking a few minutes to catch my breath (no tears, mind you), I hopped back onto my bike and we rode the final mile and a half back to the apartment. Thankfully, I did not hit my head and managed to walk away with minor scrapes and bruises. Oh yeah, and that hurt ego thing. :)

No matter how embarrassing this bike accident was, I really am thankful for it. God used it to drive home a point for me. Life is full of ups and downs. It's impossible not to fall down as we journey through this world. But, we always have the choice to stay down or to get back up and keep on riding. I would venture to say that we gain so much more when we choose the latter. So, will you decide to stay face planted on the pavement, or to hop back on the bike and continue the ride?

Thanks for listening,
K

Day Three of Monument Fire

View of smoke from the apartment.

Update: The Monument Fire is still raging and has now consumed 4,600 acres in Arizona and Mexico. This fire has been moved to top priority across the nation, with crews being  pulled from other fires around Arizona to help with containment. As of this afternoon: the fire was still 0% contained, seventy-five homes have been evacuated, and three out buildings destroyed. Still no word on how this will affect Sierra Vista.

Full coverage of the Monument fire:
http://www.kvoa.com/full-coverage/monument-fire/#fcanchor

Coronado National Monument

Monument Fire

After four weeks in the desert, I am learning that wildfires are to Arizona as thunderstorms are to Missouri. I’m sure most of you have seen coverage of some of these fires on the national news and radio, and until recently, that’s the closest exposure we had too. About two weeks ago, fires were sparked twenty to thirty miles away from us. We could smell the smoke and see the haze surrounding the mountains around us, but it was never too much of a threat.

Yesterday afternoon, a fire was sparked along the Huachuca mountain range and has grown to encompass a total of 2,500 acres in the last twenty-four hours. Last night we were driving home from Tucson and you could see the orange glow from the mountains forty miles away. As we got closer, it was apparent the flames were uncontained and moving quickly.

This morning it appeared that the fire had settled down. I ventured over to the foothills of the mountain around 11:00 and witnessed the restart of the flames and various helicopters and planes working to contain the fire. About three hours later, many of the once smoldering areas had transitioned back into full, flamed fires. What makes this fire so difficult to deal with is the dryness of the earth, the mountain’s rough terrain, and the fast moving winds. According to the media, the fire is 0% contained and there are five crews of firefighters, 13 fire engines, four water tankers, one air tanker, two planes and three helicopters working to control the situation. Six more fire engines and four water tankers are en route.

The Monument Fire is about three to five miles away from our church and ten to twelve miles away from the apartment. So far we haven’t heard anything about evacuations for the Sierra Vista area. They did evacuate the area immediately surrounding the fires. Keep in mind that the fires seem to be moving into the canyon and mountainside. This means we are relatively safe and out of harms way. I think the choking smoke is the extent of damage/inconvenience we’ll see.

 Please prayer for a quick containment and safety for those working to control this fire.

We’ll keep you updated!

K & T

PS Here's the local news link for you news junkies:
http://www.kvoa.com/news/monument-fire-grows-to-2-500-acres/

Here are some pictures taken of the Monument Fire:

Monument Fire, 12 June; evening flames @ approx. 7:00 p.m.

Planes dropping fire retardant on Monument Fire

Monument Fire 13 June,  approx. 11:00 a.m. (notice helicopter)

Monument Fire, 13 June; restart of flames @ approx 11:30 a.m.

Monument Fire, 13 June; growing flames @ approx. 2:00 p.m.

It Don't Mean a Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing

We had quite the weekend! After an interesting experience in a local town, an evening of grilled chicken and McLintock, and a morning at church, Old Ironsides and I embarked on a new journey together: swing dance lessons. About a week ago I found a Tucson dance company that was offering beginners Lindy Hop dance lessons. Old Ironsides agreed to it, and we signed ourselves up! The first night was jam packed with instruction, and we learned all of the beginning steps in just one hour. Needless to say, it was a little overwhelming! We plan to practice, practice, practice so we're ready for next week.

For those who are interested: The Lindy Hop is based on the Charleston and made it's debut in Harlem, NY  in the 1930s. It is considered more of a street dance than a ballroom dance, and is a fun and effective workout!

Back to Basics

What a week it has been! I'll give you a quick recap of our recent trip to Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado.

1) Colorado is only ten hours away, not twelve! This was a welcome surprise.

2) Driving from southeastern Arizona to southwestern Colorado is a gorgeous undertaking. We were blessed to have views of the desert, the Grand Canyon, and the Rocky Mountains.
3)You really can be in four places at once! Four Corners, USA

4) Two tents can fit comfortably on one campsite, as well as, two chairs and a well-made fire!

5) God made sure to design some of his creation so it would not  have cellular service. In all actuality, it wasn't too hard to forget about the phone and unanswered emails and take in the beautiful scenery and wildlife He's provided us.

6) It's all good and well to have the intentions of making breakfast on site; however, you should probably make sure you bring breakfast food items: like the eggs that were left in the cold and comfort of the fridge. Thank goodness for local joints!

7) Vinram Five Fingers are the way to go...Plus, they are great conversation starters.

8) The best way to end a day of hiking about ancient cliff dwellings is with many, many s'mores and rounds of Monopoly Deal.
9) Waiting for the sun to rise is a beautiful reminder of God's timing.

10) Having the opportunity to spend four days together was a huge blessing and provided us with many laughs and memories. Wouldn't have it any other way!

On The Road Again

         This will be my last post until Tuesday morning. So, I’m going to make it short and sweet! Old Ironsides and I will be heading out to Colorado bright and early tomorrow morning. It’s an eleven-hour car ride, but we thought, “Might as well explore while we’ve got the chance.” We have decided to venture to Mesa Verde National Park, home of the cliff dwellings of the Puebloans. Check out the website! We’re going to be camping in the park (Don’t worry folks, these kids have separate tents!), and making the most of our outdoor adventure. Hopefully we don’t get eaten by lions and tigers and bears…oh my!...or the occasional Gila monster. :) 

Stay tuned. There will definitely be pictures and adventure (or misadventure) stories to follow!

Have a great Memorial Day weekend!

K & T

Joplin update: Dad was able to deliver the Mule to the folks at Immanuel Lutheran Church. They were very grateful, and are now able to transport necessities quicker and more efficiently. Keep them in your prayers as they continue to recover after the tornado.

Their World Is Still Spinning

I was going to write a post specifically about the wildfires out here in Sierra Vista, but something happened today that moved me to write this post instead.

As all of you know, the tornadoes that hit Joplin, Missouri Sunday evening were some of the worst in history. My seventh grade teacher, Lyla Glaskey, her husband, Jason, their two young children, and her mother (an adopted grandma to me), Saundra, all live in Joplin and have called it their hometown for many years. They all survived the historic storm, but are trying to pick up the pieces left in its aftermath. You can imagine that the events of this past week have been devastating for them in so many ways. They are dealing with grief, heartache, fear, and uncertainty as to what the future holds after such a terrible disaster.

I sat in my Arizona living room Monday morning, and was overcome by sadness and anger that I could not be there to help. The only thing I could do was cry and silently offer up prayers for safety, healing, and understanding.

God must have heard the yearning in my heart to provide some assistance. Today I received a phone call from Lyla asking me to take charge on one of the many relief effort tasks they are trying to complete. After various phone calls and good ol’ fashion determination, it’s confirmed that J & W Cycles in Washington is donating and delivering (thanks dad!) a Mule (all terrain vehicle) to the relief effort in Joplin. Supplies like these are needed for the transport of water and other necessities to people who are living in places impassable by regular cars.

Please pray that this donation can make a huge impact on those affected by the storm. Also, remember to keep the town of Joplin and all of those affected by the recent storm damage in your prayers.

Lyla’s church, Immanuel Lutheran Joplin, is accepting donations for relief effort purposes. If you would like to make a monetary donation to the Joplin relief effort, you can send checks to the address below. 

Make checks payable to: Immanuel Lutheran Church (make sure to put disaster relief on the memo line).

Address to:

Immanuel Lutheran Church

2616 Connecticut Ave

Joplin, MO 64804

http://www.immanueljoplin.com/

Praying and asking you to do the same,

K

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord,"plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

TDY Gardening 101

       Can you believe I almost didn’t take the chance to spend the summer in Arizona due to the loss of my summer garden?! Okay, not really…but I knew it was one of those things I would definitely miss about my life in Missouri. Way back in March I started planning my AZ garden. I had no idea what could grow here or how I would grow it, but I knew I wanted my garden!

            So, within the first three days of living in Sierra Vista, I (with the assistance of Old Ironsides and Anna) enthusiastically began my humble garden. Since I’m living in an apartment and grass/dirt are sparse in the high desert, I was presented with some new gardening challenges. Gone are the days of tilling the ground and planting! Here are the days of container gardens. (Thank you Mrs. D for the awesome and helpful books!)

         
What follows are some tips for growing your own TDY (a.k.a Temporary Duty) Garden.

Step One: Purchase the various plants and seeds you would like to nurture. I chose three tomato plants purchased from a local vender at the Sierra Vista farmer’s market. I also bought a pepper plant, a lavender plant, flower seeds (African daisies, cornflowers, zinnias, and sunflowers), and basil seeds from a local hardware store. 

 

 Step Two: Now that you have your various plants, you can make sure to buy the appropriate containers and soil to fit their unique needs. Since our TDY garden is in the high desert, plastic containers are recommended. These will not hold in the heat and allow the plants more breathability. (I found this step to be kind of fun…I got to pick out different colors for my containers!)

Step Three: Pour the soil into each container. Replant the tomato and pepper plants making sure to prune as necessary. Sow the various seeds you have chosen and cover with soil.

Step Four: Water!

Step Five: Wait and wait and wait…soon (but not yet) you will have beautiful flowers and greatly producing vegetable plants. 

More from the TDY Garden later!

Adios

K 

 

Here's a Proposal!

           This will be unlike any other post on due southwest. 'Why,' you ask? Well, this post has nothing at all to do with the southwest, the desert, Old Ironsides, or myself! Nope, the contents of this post contain a different kind of special!

            Bright and early Saturday morning, Old Ironsides and I said our goodbyes at the Tucson airport. From there, I was on my way back home to good ol’ Missouri. Yep, folks, you guessed it…homesickness got a hold of me. I just can’t seem to make it another ten weeks! No, no, no…nothing like that. Quite the contrary, I was in town to share in the most monumental of surprises my best friend had ever experienced.

            On Sunday, Anna’s longtime beau, Peter, asked her to become his one and only. And, you know what?! She said…YES!

           So, I dedicate today’s post to best friends and new additions to our circle. I am so blessed to have seen how God has worked in your lives and brought you two together. It will be such a joy to watch as He continues to shape you both into the individuals and couple He has authored you to be.

            Stay honest, respect each other, communicate always, and pray together with a steadfast heart you two!

Love

K

PS Always give each other the benefit of the doubt! ;)


More from Arizona tomorrow!

Wake Up Sierra Vista!

It's another beautiful morning in the high desert. The wind is blowing, the sun is shining, and it's a cool 60 degrees. You know, I think I'd say it is the perfect morning for a bike ride! In fact, I just got back from a 6.5 mile bike ride and was once again taken aback by Sierra Vista's amazing views of the mountains. 

Challenge for you: Find something beautiful today, and thank God He blessed you with it!

Truck v. Carr Canyon

           Let me first apologize! It has been far too long since I’ve taken the time to write a real post. As you probably have guessed, I am now fully moved in, and Old Ironsides and I are beginning our summer in the beautiful, sunny, gorgeous, and mountainous Sierra Vista. Speaking of mountains…Peter joined us this weekend for some small adventures before his and Anna's 23-hour car ride back to Missouri.

            After a refreshing church service on Sunday morning, we headed out to Carr Canyon. We didn’t really know where we were going, what path would take us to the infamous waterfall (which we never saw!), or how long we would be on the trail. But, that was okay with us. We had good company and beautiful views to make the time pass. 

         

         We started at the bottom of the mountain on nicely paved roads.  

  Gradually...no, suddenly...the pavement disappeared and we were making our way up the mountain on a bumpy, sandy, narrowing one-way road. Let the adventure begin!

 

We parked the truck in an alcove and decided to start the trek up. Anna and I decided to let the boys go first...

 

 

Then, we climbed.

 

And climbed…

Until we reached an amazing view…

 

Needless to say, we stayed awhile.

Good Times, Good Company

K & T & A & P

PS If you want to see a video of some of the other fun things we did on our adventure, click on the tab Motion Pictures located at the top of this page.