Sorry we have not posted to the blog in the past two weeks but work has kept Steve and I busy. We did take a break and see Frankenstein Lives at The Gaslight Theater


Wednesday evening with friends. What a great performance...it was a musical, comedy spoof based on the Bride of Frankenstein. However, this weekend it is back to the grind...we have worked the last two nights and are off to bed so we can work tonight. We hope everyone is enjoying the fall weather (we are even seeing a bit of it here in Arizona the temperature was 52 degrees this morning). We miss everyone and will be seeing you soon (Christmas is less than 2 months away).

Fall is coming to Arizona

This morning it was 55 degrees here in Tucson...last night was the first night spent in the 5th wheel with the windows open and no air conditioner...other than when the power was off for 36 hours in July. However, never fear we were still in shorts today and grilling on our patio. We have put out some fall decorations even though it was still summer until today. Steve didn't want me to post his "grilling picture" he believes he has gained weight since coming to Tucson. However, he still wears the same clothes that he wore when we were in Missouri.

Angel's Last Night in Tucson

Thursday evening Angel treated Steve and I to dinner at Claim Jumper Restaurant here in Tucson. Steve enjoyed a "widow maker" hamburger which was amusing to watch him eat. It was most interesting to watch him take the first bite...but never fear Steve was victorious! We recommend eating at Claim Jumper if you ever get the opportunity.

Montezuma's Well & Castle National Monument

Our trip back to Tucson on Wednesday, October 1, 2008 started in Flagstaff, AZ...where we enjoyed antique shopping, wine boutiques, and speciality stores. Next stop was Montezuma's Well. The well is a limestone sink formed by the collapse of an immense underground cavern. The spring that feeds the well flows continuously. The Southern Sinagua pueblos here vary in size from 50 rooms to one-room houses built around 1100.

The Southern Sinagua irrigated crops with water from the well by building irrigation ditches, thickly coated with lime.

Our next stop "Montezuma Castle"...Southern Sinagua farmers began building this five-story, 20 room dwelling early in the 1100s CE. It stands in the cliff recess 100 feet above the valley. When early settlers discovered the structure they assumed it was Aztec in origin, hence the name Montezuma Castle.

Steve and Angel had time to catch up other than a phone call for the first time since Christmas. Angel has grown to be a beautiful young woman...what blessings God has bestowed on our family.

New meaning of the word "Awesome"

This week our adventure in Arizona included the Grand Canyon. Angel flew in from Shreveport to spend the week with us...and we were off to Williams, AZ. Williams's main street is historic Route 66. Tuesday morning we boarded a 1920's train (not the one in the picture...but I loved the look of it parked at the train depot in Williams, AZ) and set off on a 65 mile trip to the Grand Canyon Depot. While we enjoyed the view of the country side we were served pastries and enjoyed "train songs".


Steve, Angel and myself enjoyed the history of the Grand Canyon Railway as told by the staff aboard the train. Our rail car attendant explained after we boarded the train at 10:00 am that it was acceptable to enjoy a glass of wine or cocktail en route to the Grand Canyon even though it was only 10:00 am because 1) we were on vacation and 2) it was at least noon somewhere in the world.


As a parent
you never stop looking out for your children...Steve reminded "Angel Dawn' on numerous occasions not to get close to the edge. Our first stop at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon was Yavapai Point at which we were able to view the splendor of the canyon and visit the museum.

Our next stop was Yaki Point...no museums just the beautiful canyon and quiet time to reflect. God has truly blessed Steve and I with wonderful children, our supportive families, great friends and the ability to work wherever he takes us.

Our trip then took us back to Grand Canyon Village where we enjoyed shopping at "Hopihouse" where we were awed by the Native American arts and crafts. Last stop before returning to the depot was EL TOVAR Hotel a 103 year old native stone and pine building, a cross between a hunting lodge and a Norwegian villa (cost to spend the night here between $160 - $315 per night) with a view of the canyon. We then boarded the train for the trip back to Williams . While we were waiting to board the train a lady standing near us summed up our Grand Canyon visit with this statement "My children now truly know the meaning of the word AWESOME". Steve and I may have to revisit the canyon before leaving Arizona. Our return train ride was most enjoyable and even included being held up by by bandits. However, the sheriff arrived and saved the day...Steve and I enjoyed the day so much...getting to spend time with Angel and visiting the Grand Canyon and relaxing. After returning to Williams we enjoyed a carriage ride down historic route 66.