Heading South and then North

After visiting our friend Chris Watson, we went south from Scottsdale to visit more people we love who live in Arizona - some permanently and others as snowbirds. My Aunt Jean and Uncle Bruce (affectionately known as Bean and Juice to those of us in the family who follow the Dave Bullock method of using nicknames for all) moved to Green Valley, AZ (GV), south of Tucson sixteen years ago.

Sunny AZ photo with Al and Sharon in their yard

I can't believe it's been that long since they decided to leave the Denver area, their longtime home. They decided the city was getting a bit too big. The city and suburbs population was just over 500,000 in the 1960's - and grew to 1.5 million by 2000. Today, it's close to 3 million! We have many Denver/CO relatives including our baby girl Amy and husband Corey. So we get there a couple times a year. We're sad they aren't around there anymore - but have to admit, at this time of year, their home in GV was sure a warm place to visit.

As a bonus, our longtime Creston friends, Allan and Sharon Higgins are spending a couple months in GV this winter. On our way to Jean and Bruce's, we stopped at their temporary home- a small house with a great view of the mountain range. They showed us around the area and we went to lunch - no Italian this time. I had a great tamale! Fun catching up with Al and Sharon - we've missed them!

Wisdom Cafe with Jean and Bruce

That afternoon, we arrived at Jean and Bruce's home in the Quail Creek, a housing area that has lots of amenities including a golf course and a cool community building where people can do all sorts of things like pottery, woodworking (Paul drooled at the tools), glass, quilting and more. We had not seen Bruce and Jean since Amy and Corey's wedding.

Aunt Jean and her sister Aunt Marty, who lives in Denver. are my dad's sisters. They've always been close relatives - much loved and familiar as they traveled to Atlantic to see my grandparents and us throughout my childhood. And we'd visit Denver. I can't stress enough how important it is to me to spend "quality" time with friends and family, swapping stories and hugs.

On Saturday we drove south to the small artsy, shopping town called Tubac. We dined at the Wisdom Cafe - for the best Mexican Food of our trip. Plus a margarita! It was fun shopping with J&B who even knew some of the vendors in Tubac. That night we dined at their club - something small as we were all still full from lunch. It was a hopping place!

Bruce was very helpful when we planned our route home - introducing Paul to neighbor Jimmy, a Kansas University fan from the western part of that state. Jimmy told Paul about the Fairfield Inn at Tucumcari, NM. Bruce and Jean seem to know all the best stops and roads to take - especially if you're going to Denver.

We stayed in NM that night and made it all the way home on Day 2, beating a storm the was coming into Wichita and Oklahoma City. It was a long drive. Home was a welcome sight! As Dorothy says, "There's no place like home"

Beautiful sunrise leaving Arizona

This store looked cool! I love Neon.

It was Sunday night - so we couldn't get our kicks - on Route 66

Long ride to see tiny boats

Riding to the Shootout

Saturday Donnie and Cap'n Paul plotted a big ride! First our house met the other house at my fave place on the lake - Miller's Landing for breakfast. That's where I got my best ever T-shirt. On the back it says, "The liver is evil it must be punished". Clever or what?

I had a mix 'n match breakfast - pecan pancake, egg over medium and bacon. Plus a spicy Bloody Mary. It all was bloody marvelous. Then we ran into some peeps from Osceola that we know - the Schippers (and their muy expensivo boat. We hung out with them in NYC at the bowl game last winter. Small world at the lake!

After consolidating all 10 of us into Paul's 28-foot boat, we headed up-river from like mile 26 to mile 60. It was a long trip! But we were very pumped to see the "Shoot Out". That's a boat race with those big long boats with giant engines. My heart was racing with excitement! I could hardly contain myself! We were looking for a place called Kelley's according to Donnie - we slowed as we approached the area we thought it should be - Bobbie called out - "I think I see one!"

We turned in and parked at a somewhat rickety dock, puzzled that we couldn't see more boats. Then we figured it out - the RC before Shootout meant Remote Control! They were tiny 1/8th size boats! Zing Zing! And the people - something else. Key word - bib overalls. Okay that's 2 words. I worked on an oversized frozen rum drink in a Styrofoam cup. I didn't think the waitress/bartender was up to much more than that. Sweet but refreshing.

This is me smiling and having fun on the boat  looking like a blue hair?

Bobbie and Paul await a boat driven by a tiny man

The guys went down to look at the tiny boats. Al said one even had tiny guys on it. Everybody needs a hobby I guess...I think we should have all had guns to shoot at them. Now THAT would have been fun! LOL

After we decided remote control boats were going to be boring we were off to our next adventure - Possum Holler. Donnie discovered it on a map - a cool (insert dive) bar.

I picked up a great T-shirt! (not as good as the liver one) It says "I got smashed at Possum Holler" and shows a beer truck that ran over a possum. We were the life of the place. (Not saying much).


Our next stop was at a place called Big Dick's Halfway Inn. There are minnows in that little cup by the shots. The big deal at this bar - it must be halfway between the end of the lake and the dam - is to shoot a minnow and a shot. Poor little fishies! Paul and I passed on that tradition.

Minnows look nervous

After that stop we went to one last place for supper - Paradise. I had a nice fish (not minnow) sandwich. Then I was stuffed. It was an early night - all that fresh air and all.

Paul looks happy!

We took off early Sunday for Creston. The others stuck around for another day of fun. Though I'm sure it wasn't quite as much fun without us...
How nice of Higgins and Eckhoffs to share their beautiful homes and boats with friends. We feel so fortunate to have friends like those two couples plus the Mcs - McKims and McFees. All good peeps. Life is good.

Oooh we love the lake!

Just back from the lake - Lake of the Ozarks, near Osage Beach, Missouri. We love it there - mostly because our friends are there and we have such a good time cruising a huge beautiful body of water in a boat with them. (refreshing beverages might be involved too...)



This ISN'T Diana McKim...her stylist won't let her go gray...

We arrived at Paul and Lucy Eckhoff's lovely lake home on Thursday about noon. That's right - we got up at 5 a.m. because we wanted to get there to get the party started! Everyone else had arrived either Tuesday or Wednesday. Alas I worked at the fair in the DNR trailer again Wednesday. I sent Diana McKim this photo in a text - saying I thought I'd seen her at the fair in her red hat and purple outfit...
Captain Paul fixed Pablo and me right up with Bloody Marys. I would have been wise to eat something - thinking back....


Diana, Bobbie, Sharon share a laugh

Next Bobbie, Jeff, Paul, Lucy, Pablo and I took the boat to Larry's on the Lake for more refreshments and some appetizers. Again...I would have been wise to eat more. The good news of the day is - I wasn't drinking cheap zinfandel and switched to water before the end of the evening.

We ended up at Al and Sharon's new place (after a little break in someone's boat slip during a rain shower) where we had grilled burgers. Their place is a work in progress - they bought it around the first of the year and are rearranging rooms and remodeling the whole thing. Knowing those two - it will be fabulous by next summer. The nice thing about it is how level the lot is - no huge climb between the house and the dock.

Speaking of huge climbs - when we got up the next morning, Bobbie, Jeff, Paul and I went for a walk around Eckhoff's neighborhood. Those hills kicked my now sore butt! I enjoy looking at all the properties at the lake - from the front and lakeside. Higgins and McKims arrived from Higgin's place and Paul E. then cooked up a great breakfast - assisted by the lovely Lucy. Biscuits, gravy, eggs, sausage - rib stickin' stuff. I did not go for a Bloody Mary that a.m.!

We headed off in 2 boats to find a place to float and enjoy the water. It wasn't all that hot yet, so when we stopped I sat in the boat for a while. The limestone in the area is gorgeous!

Paul G. never did break down and get in...

Captain Paul with Co-Pilot Lucy

We stopped at a couple places on the way back to Paul and Lucy's. At the first place Donnie showed off his glasses floaty things - Al had discovered them. Women were in awe.

The woman to the right of Don was impressed with yellow floaties!

The girls enjoy bevvies

 At the next place there was live music. The guys had fun tossing bean bags until we talked them into dancing a bit.

Then we headed back for some chops. Rumor has it Ryan McKim won them playing golf. They were quite tasty with hash browns, salad and green bean casserole. Living large at the lake on a Friday.

Speaking of heart attacks

The ISU Cyclones tried to give me one yesterday. I had to go stand in my lucky spot (at least it was during last week's UNI game) just to help beat the Iowa Hawkeyes  in TRIPLE overtime. But it was worth it in the end. What a perfect day - the friends, the weather, the big V. I wish Amy could have been there, but she was texting me from her place of viewing - a bar in Denver. What a day - Thank You football gods!

It was a little sad though...no pissy Iowa fans called me any names or anything! In fact everyone on both sides was quite civilized around us. The thing that made me the most irked (another Pat Bullock fave word) was a shirt Connor Pals had on that said "Clowns" obviously mean Cyclones. But after the game I said Clown, huh? That was it.

Bobbie and Jeff picked us up at 5 a.m. We arrived to lots of traffic around 7 a.m. I had my first Bloody Mary at 7:45 a.m. or so - we sprang into action making eggs for the burritos, getting set up for the feast there was no time to drink early. Prolly a good thing! Diana popped the pecan sticky buns in the oven.

Bobbie and I had come up with the idea to surprise Diana (D) for her 50th birthday. Yeah, I know...it was really June 29th. Remember when you were a kid. All the kids with summer birthdays celebrated during the school year anyway.  We'd sing, "Happy pretend birthday to youuuuuu". D refused to let us throw a party for her real bday. So guess what! Gotcha. I got a nice Happy 50th Birthday banner to hang up by the food. And a cool sash for her to wear. It was black and said "Fifty and Frisky!" I forgot a crown though - that woulda been cool.

Bobbie got her a great cake.

Sharon, Bobbie and I got her a real present too - a nice thermal picnic type server thingy. ISU of course so she loved it. Paul wrapped it in Christmas wrap.

Jud and his college buddies showed up. I got lots of hugs from them. Loved it, and catching up with them. Kara came a bit later. They both lucked out to get tickets - Jud says best game he's ever seen! We made sure all of them were well fed. Some Creston folks showed up as well. Our food spread was pretty swell if I do say so myself! Sharon brought some delish treat, I think it was sinful.

Finally it was game time! Paul put the Jeremiah Weed I decided to partake in, into his side pocket. I did not take my backpack. The pageantry of the event was great - the bands, the air force flyover, team entry and sirens. I did miss having D sit next to me - she let her son Ryan and buddy have tickets while she and Donnie sat by Conovers. How were we to do Jesus hands during the dicey plays? (text message of course..)

Matt Williamson was in his Cyclone overalls. It got hot...the temp and the action. Clones were good - just made some key mistakes. With 4 minutes to go, down 7 I decided I'd better get into my good luck spot from the UNI game! As I got into position, we scored to tie it up. Overtime baby! The usher said Ma'am (do I LOOK like a ma'am?) you can't stand there. It's my lucky spot you idiot!

So I went down and stood by an older couple right behind the seated people. My new friends. Back and forth the teams went. And one point, ISU was to 4th down - we had to score a TD or lose. I ran up and stood by the lucky railing - hell with the usher! We scored! Once again he shooed me away. My new friends welcomed me back to the other spot. My mouth went dry as a bone - I filled my empty water (alas my weed and water was gone) up with tap water.

I shut my eyes. I pleaded with anyone available to assist. Dad, Pete Taylor? I bargained and cajoled - it's our turn to finally win one like this I told myself and whoever else listens in on my thoughts. It didn't look good. We couldn't stop the black and gold. Until we did! They had to settle for a field goal. Then. I'm not quite sure what happened. I'd make a terrible witness in a crime. Was I in my lucky spot for the touchdown? Or just shutting my eyes. Hmmm. Maybe?!

I heard the roar of the crowd and ran for the base of Section B - awaiting my real people. In the meantime I high fived every Cyclone fan that went by me - young and old (even some baby 5s for tots). Finally Paul emerged and we hugged and jumped up and down in unison. The joy that only long suffering Cyclone fans can feel!

That hug was to be repeated with D when we got to the RV. And Apple Pucker shots. And then much later...I got to hug A.J. Klein #47 stud linebacker (I think he charted 8 tackles for the game) as he stopped by our tailgate. His parents tailgate next to McKims. He is so very cute. I know...he's younger than my son.

There you have it. My best day as a Cyclone fan. There are bound to be more to come with Paul Rhoads as our coach!

Boatin'

Day 2 at the Lake, we didn't jump up quite so quickly. But Eckhoffs picked us up for breakfast at Miller's Landing and soon we got in the spirit. Then we trecked far up the lake towards the dam, to a place called Coconuts near Gravois Mills for lunch and a couple Rum runners. A fancier place than we're used to - with a fountain and art. But a good way to start the day. It was overcast and the sun really never really did break out.

Elvis in the House!

The next place we stopped had a one-man-band. The guy really couldn't sing, but was a good entertainer. He spent way too long on a hoolahoop contest, but after that he did some other audience participation things that were fun - with costumes and shakers. We had fun singing along. There was a nice pirate for a photo op at our next stop.

Then we went to Shorty Pants where I had a Fried Green Tomato BLT with sweet potato fries for supper. We were all winding down about then - and it wasn't even 10 PM yet! Oh well...we're old. Paul and I were up early to take off for home, but ended up chatting on the deck drinking coffee for over an hour - hard to tear ourselves away from our friends and the beautiful view and day.

Our house was pretty quiet without Odie to greet us when we got home. She was staying at Lila and Bill's all weekend since we were leaving again before 4 a.m. for Nashville.

La Lake!

One week ago today Pablo and I were flurrying around finishing up packing the car to get to one of our "happy places". Bobbie coined the term for Osage Beach - where Sharon and Allan Higgins have a home on the lake there. It's about a 5.5 hour drive and that's what it took us - with a brief jaunt into a Wendy's for a sandwich and then it was back on the road again. You might say we were highly motivated...Higgins and McKims were already there.

Sharon and breakfast...

We arrived about 10:30 PM, in time to have a couple drinks and then we went to bed. And early night in preparation for a big day ahead! The guys got up early and went for breakfast and golf. The gals were more leisurely - Lucy Eckhoff picked us up around 9. Paul E was golfing with the guys. We had a fab gourmet breakfast - complete with a mimosa! Then we were off to shop where the bargains almost paid me to take them! There is a large Marshalls there along with an outlet mall - I had $10 off coupons for Eddie Bauer and Jockey.

Back to Higgins at 2ish and we changed into our lake gear and packed the cooler for a boat ride and nice float in the water - which was at a perfect temp this year. First we stopped by a place called Bucks for a good and greasy burger. Yum.

I decided to drink vodka/soda with a nice lime twist in my University of Margaritaville cup I got last year. It was quite delightful until Paul Goldsmith decided to tell me there were fish all around me. Geez! That creeped me out. Time to go! It was getting cool anyways...so we headed to a place called Larrywood - complete with a sign just like the Hollywood sign! There I switched to weed. Jeremiah Weed sweet tea vodka - so very smooth! A great band was playing complete with a singer who looked a bit like Snoop Dog! We'd had enough to drink by then that we even danced.

Al and Donnie make a Diana sandwich

On the cruise home in Al's boat that night, under the bright stars, in the gentle late summer temperatures, Earth, Wind and Fire began to play my fave "September". We gals began to dance. I thought to myself - it doesn't get any better than this!