Ruthless Ramblings

Murphy Family Reunion "The Book"

2011-06-22T08:05:00.001-07:00

Click here to view this photo book larger

To Mom with Love

2011-06-20T10:13:00.000-07:00

2010-03-26T18:01:00.001-07:00

Conttinuing Pat's B-day. Looks like a forest fire

2010-03-17T16:42:00.001-07:00

FIRST PICTURES OF SPRING 2010. MARCH 17. 80 DEGREES. WHAT MORE COULD YOU ASK FOR?

2010-03-10T06:54:00.000-08:00

Okay, all but Kathleen failed the test, no one else commented on my blog. It is hard to be inspired to do any blogging when there is little to blog about other than to say "hi, I'm still here". I'm sure as the weather gets better and I get out in the wild outdoors more I will have more to say. Thanks for playing my game.

As always, hugs to all,
M

2010-03-09T08:01:00.001-08:00

Good morning all. I decided after harassing everyone else to blog I should at least acknowledge the fact that I too have a blog. It will also be interesting to see how long it takes for anyone to notice.

I, like the rest of the world, am anxiously awaiting spring and some adventures. We are planning a trip to Las Vegas in the early part of April. That date was chosen so to meet up with Glen and Maria who will be visiting from Germany. I'm so excited. I broke the news to one of my doctors and he said we could work around it, now just have to coordinate with the other doctor and the road is clear. According to my calculations it should work out just fine. Plus, those who know me will understand it is already a done deal as far as I am concerned. And if that isn't enough I am working on a trip to Nampa in June for a couple of weeks or so. Having said all of that I am in the best health I have been in more then a year and look forward to many such adventures. "They" are telling us that because of all the rain and snow in the hills around here we are in for a wonderful season of cacti flowers so will have to start looking for those on my walks. Also, this morning was the first warning about looking out for rattle snakes, so we know spring really is in the works.

Will look forward to seeing all the blogs.
Hugs to all.
The Mom

2010-01-11T16:40:00.001-08:00

Nothing like a fire, cocktail and someone to share it with on Jan. 11

2010-01-07T13:33:00.000-08:00

Well the holidays are completly over and we can settle down into what is left of winter. Down here in Arizona the worst of it is over and the "snowbirds" are looking for pansys and tunies to plant. I didn't make any New Year resolutions to break, but, I have found myself and Bob out walking every day since the first and I feel great. I don't feel the pressure not to break a resolution and it sure makes it easier.
If this looks familiar it could be you saw it in Facebook, just ignore one or the other, it is just me trying to get used to more ways to use the computer.

Meanwhile, let me know how you are all doing with resolutions, etc. Hugs to all.

2009-12-09T08:20:00.000-08:00

This is the finished product. Note the snow on the branches.

2009-12-08T09:12:00.001-08:00

Even tho we live in the desert we still have the spirit. MERRY CHRISTMAS

2009-12-08T09:09:00.001-08:00

Here is our tree with the lights and all the ornaments.

2009-10-03T18:45:00.000-07:00

Full moon & storm clouds. How pretty is this.

2009-08-27T15:24:00.001-07:00

Well bad as I hate to admit it I made a mistake in identifying the hawk in the last blog. After using the bird book we decided it was a "Cooper's" hawk. But, you have to admit it is still quiet exciting to have all this wild life in ones back courtyard, and I promise I will do more research nest time I see something like this.

2009-08-26T07:38:00.000-07:00

Has been a while since blogged so I thought you might get a kick out of the Harris Hawk we had on the back wall. The big tree you see in the background is where we hang bird feeders for all the little birds, which we enjoy immensely. However, of late we have been seeing hawks in the neighborhood so they have discovered a very fertile hunting ground. When one of these guys show up all the other birds scatter and it becomes silent in the area. Gee, I wonder why. Anyway I hope you enjoy the pictures.

2009-08-16T07:22:00.000-07:00

This is me, come enjoy the ride.-----Libra
If there's a banjo, chances are you're going to be strumming it. If there's a drum set, you're going to be banging on it (with the drum sticks, of course). If there's a synthesizer, you're going to be synthesizing. If there's a flute, you're going to use it to whistle a little tune. You are a creative person, and you love to make noise, especially if it's harmonic, beautiful and musical noise. Have fun!

2009-08-12T06:47:00.000-07:00

Once again we have been enjoying the beautiful sunsets from the bridge near the house. It is so nice to take a glass of wine andwatch the last of the day slip by. I took these with my phone camera because it is always a spur of the moment thing and I didn't want to miss the light bygoing in to get a camera. I am very pleased with the quality of pictures I get from the camera in my phone. The light was fading fast, but, I hope you can once again see why I am so happy to be living here in Arizona. Come on down and enjoy with us.

Hugs to all.

2009-07-31T06:38:00.001-07:00

I hope this shows up enough to see what a nice idea it is for something to brighten peoples lives.

2009-07-18T14:33:00.000-07:00

As promised some more pictures of my flight over the valley. This is Arrow Rock . The one below is up the Snake river between Melba and Murphy. The bottom one is heading back to the aldwell airport. Of course all the pictures are through the window so hope you can get a decent idea of the day and the view.

I highly reccomend putting this on anyone's Bucket list.

Love to all.

2009-07-18T14:22:00.001-07:00

Thought you might like a quick look at my flight that was on my "Bucket list". Sylvan took me on a lovely flight around the valley in his Kit Fox plane. It was a very nice day and the views were spectacular. We started out from Caldwell airport then up over the Bogus Basin ski resort. It is quite a complex, much larger than it appears from the ground. Then we headed on up to Idaho City where we had breakfast.
Who wouldn't enjoy a trip with a good looking pilot in a snappy plane like this. He took a route off around the east side of the valley and over Arrow Rock dam and Lucky Peak dam, then on around the Boise air space. We headed off across the desert toward Murphy and Reynolds Creek where we saw and chased a band of wild horses. Of course I was so excited I didn't get any pictures of the horses, duh.

It was a great day and I couldn't ask for anything more. Will try to get some of the other pics up.

2009-07-18T13:42:00.000-07:00

As I know most of you know I got to spend a couple of weeks in Idaho with my family and what a treat that was. Westarted out with a family get together at Dawn's new home. It is a beautiful place where the whole famdamily can get together, however I don't know how much damage was done. Of course we don't get together without a lot of great food and this was no exception. With all the girls i the family it is a given.
Upstairs is what I think is called a great room or perhaps a family room, (at least there wa a lot of family in there) which served as a studio for pictures.
After much cajoling we managed to get all seven of Dawn's kids in a picture with various other in-laws and grandbabies in one picture.

It was a GREAT DAY

2009-07-08T17:53:00.001-07:00

Hi all, Some of you may have heard I was going to go for a flight around the valley in a small plane, this is just one of the pictures. I will do some blogging when I get back to AZ. {veryone needs a "Bucket List" and this was on mine. Love to all.

2009-05-03T08:03:00.000-07:00

These are some of the beautiful birds we feed, see and enjoy from our back courtyard. T one on the black bird feeder is a "lesser gold finch". The light colored one on the red feeder is a female "hooded oriole" and of course the more colorful acrobatic one is the male.

2009-05-03T07:42:00.000-07:00

I thought, perhaps, some of you would be getting tired of all the flora so here is a sample of some of the fauna. The quail are in the hatching mode and the roadrunners are in the hunting mode. Nothing like baby quail for lunch. These quail are a little too big and fast for the roadrunners, but, we haven't seen any babies either.
All part of spring in the desert.

2009-04-22T13:09:00.001-07:00

Please enjoy the hibiscus in the front courtyard. Don't you just love spring.

2009-04-05T17:26:00.001-07:00

Just wanted to share the first "Peace" rose of spring. Love to all.

2009-03-14T18:24:00.000-07:00

Just a few more pictures of the "crazy ladies" what a fun idea. The weather or the company could not have been better . Thanks again for a GREAT TME.

2009-03-14T18:14:00.000-07:00

I know some of you know I have been indisposed for a few months and while I was in hospital my kids all came to help me over the rough spots. My wonderful freinds took them under their wings and adopted them. Today was Kathleen's birthday and the day she left to go home to her own family and job, etc. "The Legion Ladies" decided (on their own) to welcome me home and to send Kathleen off by having a "coffee klatch" at our house bright and early. Noone told me I could still be in m jammies. It was great fun having everyone show up in their jammies, bearing joy and goodies to go with the coffee. You can never have enough friends like these and I love them all.

2009-02-05T08:40:00.000-08:00

I know it isn't nice to gloat, but, I just wanted to share with all of you in the cold north that warm weather really does exist. My friend Debbe and I are headed to the pool this morning, temp is 80 and has been for a few days. It will be dropping back to 60 starting tomorrow with rain in the mix, so we want to take advantage while we can. Have to get started on some tan for the races and of course the BIG DAY in June. It takes me a while, but, I plan to spend as much time at it as I can.

Love to all,
The Mom

2009-01-30T09:48:00.000-08:00

Okay boys and girls it's time to get ready for the BIG SEASON. I know you all know I'm not talking about the Super Bowl, but, the start of NASCAR. Since a number of you are in fact heading to Las Vegas in a few weeks to catch the race I just want to say I can't wait. Bob and I will be heading that way on the 21st. just because we want to and I figure Pat can use a hand getting ready for one and all.
Just got my fantasy drivers picked and got Bob into it, too. Team name supposed to be Bobbycee, only somehow turned out to be bbbycee, will have to see if i can correct that, duh.
Anyway, here's to a great racing season.
See ya'll there.

2009-01-24T08:13:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to share the last roses of the season. Bob cut these just before he trimmed the bushes in preperation for the coming summer. These are "Tropacana roses" and this picture does not do them justice but does provide a bright spot in the middle of winter to my friends and family in the cold. Love to you all.

2009-01-21T16:10:00.000-08:00

See Mike is not the only one with a fire.

Quote of th day

2009-01-17T06:15:00.000-08:00

So, then, to every man his chance -- to every man, regardless of his birth, his shining golden opportunity -- to every man his right to live, to work, to be himself, to become whatever his manhood and his vision can combine to make him -- this, seeker, is the promise of America.
- Thomas Wolfe

2009-01-15T06:14:00.000-08:00

Just another reason to be in Arizona. Sitting outside in shirt sleeves on the 14th of Jan. watching humming birds. Also, another subject for my new camera. I'm trying to make you proud, Cookie.

2009-01-13T07:44:00.000-08:00

Okay, so it is a little out of focus, that is just part of the learning phase I'm going through with the new camera. Wanted to catch the last of the sun on this bare tree.

2009-01-12T08:11:00.000-08:00

Okay, here goes. Since I tried to show the moon at night and it didn't show so well, I thought I'd try to get a morning shot. This is taken at around 7 a.m. I should have been a little earlier when it wasn't quite as light. Since I have new camera you all will just have to suffer through my learning how to use it with me.

2009-01-10T07:24:00.000-08:00

And here is my attempt to get the full moon at a time when it is nearest to the earth. This is taken from the front courtyard here in Green Valley. New camera working fine, photographer iffy. I wish you all could come visit us here, it is so nice.
Love ya'll

2009-01-10T07:17:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since blogged, as I was reminded by my daughter, so here goes. While Green
Valley has been on the cool side, we still have the beauty of nature to enjoy. The finches are having a snack before bed time and I have a chance to try out my new camera Cookie gave me. I haven't had too many chances since we got back from Idaho due to wind and rain, but, I'm on it now.

2008-12-26T10:32:00.001-08:00

Friday, December 26, 2008

Well here it is the day after Christmas and a day of catching our breath after such a full schedule the last few weeks. As I said in the last post, Chet and Cookie and I made it to Nampa on a Saturday two weeks ago. That meant we only had a little while to get ready for the big day. Cookie had to go right to work that Sunday so we didn't get to spend much time together like we usually do getting ready for the Holidays. Erica and Melissa had to work overtime as well because of the time off for their trip to Las Vegas, but, all worked out beautifully as it always does.
We opted for the traditional turkey dinner, this year, with all the trimmings and it was wonderful. Lindsey, Marlin and Kylie, Kevin, Marissa and new baby girl Aurora came over for dinner. Aurora was born on Thanksgiving Day and what a cutie she is and a cuddle bunny. It was the first time I got to see my latest Great grandchild and a while since I got to hold a baby. Her big four year old sister, Marissa, entertained Aurora and the rest of us with the wonder of it all. Of course the some of the other great grandkids were here and made the day a delight showing their talents as photographers. Nothing like new digital cameras to bring out the ham in everyone. Ady did a video which we all watched on the "big screen" that had tears running down all our faces.
Well I hope you all had as much fun as this clan and just think it is only 364 days until we can all do it again.

Love to all

2008-12-09T05:06:00.000-08:00

Hi all,
As I'm sure you all know Cookie and Chet came to Green Valley for a quick visit and to drive back to Nampa via Las Vegas with me for the Holidays. We spent a couple of days sight seeing around down there, then headed north. We stopped in Las Vegas for "R&R" ( I say that laughingly") and to see Pat and Mike for a bit. As it turned out Erica and her family were in town as were Mel and Greg so a good time was had by all. And of course we had to hit the "Office" a couple of times, plus, we all went to "Joe'sCrab Shack" for a wonderful dinner. Not sure if it will ever be the same. That has become somewhat of a tradition. Ady and Rylee had a great time doing the Mocarena dance with the waitresses, and a fine job of it I must say.

Mike had to work on the on the three days we were there so was hard o catch up with him. We decided to drive out to Primm to have lunch with him on Fri. Was a nice visit but way too short and we still haven't had a chance to see his 2 new horses.

We also got a chance to do a little Christmas shopping while there. Would have liked to stay a little longer, but, it was time to move on. We headed on to Nampa on Sat. and had a lovely drive, the weather was very nice and Cook and I traded off driving so it wasn't quiet so hard on either of us. Have to get ready for Christmas so a lot to do in the next couple of weeks. "Honey Bob" is flyng up on the 22nd for the fun and festivities. Can't wait for hm to get here.

Think that pretty much brings things up to date. Looking forward to seeing everyone over the holidays.

2008-11-27T06:57:00.000-08:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL,
Again it has been a while, but I have an excuse. Seems the aggressive aleve taking for my arthritis was not good for my stomach, which caused me to have a bleeding ulcer. After trying to tough it out for a couple of weeks I had to cry "uncle" and seek medical help. I spent five days in hospital, but, am now home safe and sound. May not have been quite so bad if I had not popped 4 of them every morning on an empty tummy, duh. So bare in mind, "Do as I say not as I do". Anyway, all is good now.

Bob and I are anxiously awaiting Cook and Chet. They are flying here tomorrow for a few days, then the three of us are going to work our way back to Nampa via Las Vegas. We hope to do some shopping there for Christmas before heading on north. It is a busy time of year as you all know and as usual I am way behind and not the least bit concerned about that. Will be fun to get into the kitchen with the kids and make all the goodies. Just thinking about the smells and laughs brings a smile to my face. Tis the best time of year. Bob will be flying up to Nampa the 22nd to join in the fun.

I wish joy and happiness for all of you and look forward to seeing everyone.

2008-11-12T08:07:00.000-08:00

I think I may have been slightly remiss in keeping all informed of the adventures in the desert, so here is the latest. After a day of cleaning out the garage and filling the back of the Jeep with goodies of every kind and description, Bob settled in for the night planning to take said goodies to the Legion for the annual yard sale on Sat. He went out yesterday morning only fo find the Jeep wouldn't start. Strange eminations from lights and horn, but, no motor. Deciding the battery was low he hooked up battery charger only to find that it registered 0. Now everyone who lives in the desert knows batteries are only good for about 3 years, regardless of how many miles you put on car, or even if it is always stored in garage. Sooo, he decided to take it out, load it into my car and take it and have it checked. After much ado and to do, borrowing tools from friend Terry, because of course bolts are metric, he finally got it out and into my car. Off to the parts store. Sure enough said battery is DEAD!!! so he bought the only one in town that fits his Jeep, loaded it in my car. Now as he is starting to leave, low and behold, my Altima won't start. So going into the store again he borrows a tester for my battery only to find it too is DEAD!!! Needless to say they just happen to have battery for car and would be happy to lend him tools to replace my battery, because, of course I don't happen to carry tools of that nature in my car. After about 3 hours and much cussing and $300 we are both proud owners of new batteries.

In the I meantime made arrangements to go to the Legion with friend Debbe for "burger night" prep. And of course being Vets day there was an inordinate amount of activity which put us somewhat behind. Sooo we imbibed a little, took in the concert the high school band put on for the Vets. and waited for the kitchen to clear. Bob had made it through a shower and came ready for something to ease the heat he had suffered through all day. We finished the day with hamburgers and booze, then returned home to enjoy the spa and festive lights and fire in fire pit.

2008-10-28T18:33:00.000-07:00

Not a jack o lantern, but, a lovely candle

2008-10-19T15:57:00.001-07:00

A gardenia Bob planted for me finally bloomed the first time on my birthday. It has been a wonderful one.

2008-10-16T08:05:00.000-07:00

Yes, here I am again on terra firma after having a SUPERB day!! I got to take that special ride that I had listed on my "bucket list". It was a great day to do anything, and especially this. The pictures are a little more in sequence if you start at the bottom ( haven't mastered that problem yet) with the glider behind the tow plane. Then just a close up of the glider without and with me. The pilot is a great guy who was very informative. He gave me a crash course in the controls then told me not to touch them. The towing part was the least fun, noisier and a little rough. Reason being that the tow plane goes faster so there is kind of a dragging feeling, if that makes sense. Once we were free it was the most liberating feeling I have ever had, only the sound of the air passing and going slow enough to really take in the views. When catching thermals it feels like someone is lifting the seat and the opposite is true when it goes away. This is toward the end of the season so the "lifts" were few and far between. The pilot was impressed at how calm I was, asked if I had spent much time in small planes, told him only ones with motors. He did some tight curls in the thermals he said he wouldn't do if I had been uptight. Didn't tell him I wasn't smart enough to be afraid. The only thing that I gave a thought to was the landing and only because, as you can see, I was right in the nose. It was a smooth landing and I would jump at the chance to do it again anytime.

2008-10-13T09:01:00.000-07:00

This is a story of how I learned to keep my eyes open when walking in the early morning. Yesterday I started out with a smile on my face and a song in my ear, when as I crossed the street in front of the house I nearly stepped on a SNAKE coiled on the warm pavement. Little did I now I could learn the "levitated side step" dance so quickly. It is a sure way to wake you up to your surroundings. After completing my walk, I came back by to see the critter had been run over and that there were no rattles on the snake.

As in the way of Mother Nature, later in the day the turkey vultures were cleaning up the mess. Not often one can get up close and personal with these great birds.

Just another day in the desert. Open invitation, come on down.

2008-10-03T07:55:00.000-07:00

Okay, once again it has been a while, but, do I have some exciting news. "Honey Bob" surprised me with a "STUPENDIS" birthday gift. Go ahead try and guess. Think flight jacket, goggles, silk scarf around neck. Give up? How about a flight in a glider!!! It has been one of the things on my to do list along with going up in hot air balloon, going on sail boat, both of which i have done. I'm soooo excited!!! Will have full report when I get back.

2008-09-13T06:39:00.000-07:00

I thought this was apropos.

Cherish your visions and your dreams as they are the children of your soul; the blue prints of your ultimate accomplishments.
- Napoleon Hill

2008-09-11T08:34:00.000-07:00

Of course no trip is complete without going out to Mike's ranch where we raided his garden and played with the horses. It was a GREAT DAY . The garden is unbelievable and the beer was cold, what more could you want. Thanks Mikey!!!

2008-09-11T08:27:00.000-07:00

I know it has beena while again, but, here goes. Terry, Debbe, ( friends of 35 years), Bob and I took a whirlwind trip to Las Vegas over the weekend. As usual a lot of the time was spent in our favorite watering hole, The Office, where Pat and Deb hit a royal flush to the tune of $1000. Such a deal, no pun intended.

2008-09-11T08:12:00.001-07:00

It was an adventure, but, I think worth it to see flag up to honor victims of 9/11

2008-09-05T17:01:00.000-07:00

Hello all. I know I have been remiss when it comes to blogging and after a "reminder" from my daughter I thought I should give you all some idea of what I have been up to. Hmmm, let me see. I'll start by saying that I have had a GREAT SUMMER. Even though this blog is sans pictures it isn't because I've run out of beautiful scenery to take pictures of, oh contrare, there is no end to that. We have had a wonderful monsoon season this year and it is clear why this place is called Green Valley. After all the rain the desert is in bloom again, a fact that greatly surprised me. I just assumed when it was finished in the spring it was over, not so. I find all it needs is water and sun, duh!!!

Enough of that. We, as in Honey Bob and I with a couple of very good friends, are headed to Las Vegas early in the morning. Kind of a spur of the moment trip just because. Thought we would drop in on Pat and Mike for a few days. Stop by "The Office" of course to say hello to friends there then go out to Sandy Valley and see Mike and his menagerie. He offered to let us raid his garden so that should be fun. We will be back here on Tuesday around noon so Debbe and I can help prep for burger night at the legion and Terry and Bob have a meeting there that afternoon. Think this little jaunt will hold us until we make the trek to Nampa for the xmas holidays. Depending on "itchy feet". Will try to keep you all better informed as to where and what is going on.
Love ya'll

2008-07-27T19:05:00.001-07:00

Ok I know you are tired of flowers, but, one of our hibiscus. Don't you love it.

2008-07-13T07:46:00.000-07:00

The result of monsoons is cactus in bloom again. Gee I love the desert.

2008-07-13T07:33:00.001-07:00

For those who think AZ. is dry and arid this from a monsoon afternoon.

2008-06-27T15:43:00.000-07:00

We returned home to find we had been infested with "killer bees". It was pretty scary, but, my hero managed to get rid of them withoutgetting him or me stung. It was quite a mess to get rid of, dead bees, honey combs full of honey and the globs of poison spray that filled the corner of the ramada.

For you golfers, Bob found a new use for his ball retriever. He found out you can stand 20 feet away in the door to the house and knock down the hive. Then of ocurse all that mess had to be disposed of so the ants and other critters didn't come to call. He did a great job of handling the whole mess. MY HERO

2008-06-27T15:33:00.000-07:00

Back in Nampa I soaked up what sun I could on the mower. Just like ridng a bike, never forget how.

2008-06-27T15:30:00.000-07:00

2008-06-27T15:29:00.000-07:00

Just Ryan walking George's dog to the tug. Of course as soon as we got home to Wende's the sun came out. We moved the table around the house following the sun.

2008-06-27T15:24:00.000-07:00

As promised a few pictures of our trip. This is Wende and you know who on the dock and tug boat. Water is "just like glass". It was pretty cool, but, wouldn't have missed it for th world.

2008-06-27T14:19:00.000-07:00

I know most all of you know Bob and I went on vacation for most of the month of June. Especially those of you whom we imposed upon. It was a wonderful trip and except for a little cool weather could not have been better. I know as usual I hauled way too many clothes that I didn't need and not enough that I could have used. Isn't that always the way? Michael Dean assures me that all you need, when traveling, is a toothbrush and credit card and I'm sure he is right. Next time.

Our first stop was in Las Vegas for a few days. The "girls" ,(and I use the word loosely) that I have been running around with there for many years, waited to schedule the annual "Limo Yard Sale" trip until we got there so I could go. What a great time that was, as witnessed in the previous blog. I highly recommend getting a bunch of gals together to do this, there is nothing like seeing the faces of people when a bunch of gals pile out of a limo to by stuff at yard sales. Of course, it helps to be fortified with Bloody Marys when starting out.

We then with Pat with his quads in tow went on to Nampa. We spent a week there visiting and trying to break in the new patio. The weather held up some of the construction and got behind schedule, but, we managed to spend quite some time out there. I helped all I could by mowing the yard a couple times so Chet could work on patio. Not sure how much that helped, but, I got to get in the sun a couple of days.

From there we headed on to Seattle to see his family. We stayed with his brother and wife for a few days and once again had too much good food and drink. Oh, that's right there isn't such a thing as too much good food and drink. After a couple of days there we headed over t Vashon Island, where Bob's daughter and grandson, Wende and Ryan, live and where Bob lived for many years. Wende and Ryan were great hosts also, more great food and drink. Wende goes with a guy who has a tug boat and was gracious enough to take us out for a few hours touring the sound.
I have to say it is a beautiful place. I met many of his old friends and had more good food and drink. Well that is what a vacation is for isn't it?

After a week there we headed back to Arizona in the reverse order. All in all it was a wonderful trip and I hope to get some more pictures blogged.

We want to thank all of you who put up with us and made us feel so warm and fuzzy.

2008-06-04T05:56:00.001-07:00

We do pick nice neighborhoods. This is the fifth year we have been doing this and it just gets better and better. I highly recommend this if youwant to have a blast.

2008-06-04T05:51:00.000-07:00

Of course some of us are a little more into it than others.

2008-06-04T05:41:00.000-07:00

For those that haven't heard, my Las Vegas gang like to take Limos to yard sales. We sure gets a lot of strange looks when we drive into a neighborhood and pile out of a limo to buy stuff at a yardsale.

2008-05-26T19:09:00.000-07:00

Just saw deer on evening walk in Esparanza Estates where we live. Who said nothing lives in the desert. I must remember to carry my camera on my travels, but, keep cell handy. Once again I invite you all to "Come on down".

2008-05-24T09:37:00.001-07:00

Another shot of the same cactus.

2008-05-24T09:24:00.001-07:00

One more cactus flower picture. This one only last a day.

2008-05-20T09:48:00.001-07:00

It's a beautiful day in the back courtyard. Wish you could all join us.

2008-05-19T09:04:00.000-07:00

I hope you all don't get tired of "Spring in AZ." here is Mexican bird of paradise.

2008-05-12T07:27:00.000-07:00

And so as time goes on we can see the beautiful changes take place. New vanity and floor tile.

New tub, fictures and shower inclosure.

The new counter and mirror, and paint job. I love the colors. GOOD JOB PAT.

Pat's new bathroom

2008-05-12T07:18:00.000-07:00

As some f you may, or not, know Pat has been remodeling his bathroom. Here are some of the pictures he sent me during the process. Starting with the old sink area.

And the old tub tile.

I offered to tear this out for him some time ago, but, I don't think he thought he needed my help. On the other hand I think he may have been afraid he would come home to find I had already torn the tile out.

2008-05-11T11:18:00.000-07:00

we made it

2008-04-28T19:21:00.001-07:00

Just another beautiful sunset. Nothing like a glass of wine and a great view. Hope you can all come share it with us.

2008-04-20T17:12:00.000-07:00

Batch of quail eggs in plant on front courtyard. Don't you love spring.

2008-04-18T17:31:00.001-07:00

Honeysuckles in bloom in back courtyard. Don't you love spring.

2008-04-11T08:42:00.001-07:00

This is a pic of "Bottle Brush" in bloom. Just want to share the beauty of spring in AZ.

2008-04-05T08:16:00.000-07:00

Just a post script to the Pioneer Bar blog. These are the bullet holes and news paper clip of the shooting.

2008-04-05T08:06:00.000-07:00

Of course the best way to end the day is a good soak in the tub!!!

2008-04-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

Home on the ranch, you can tell the "Murphys" by the beer in hand. Maria had a great time, fed the horses strawberries out of her hand, crawled up on tractor and Pat took her out to sand dunes in Susuki.

2008-04-05T07:54:00.000-07:00

Just a little stop at the "Pioneer Bar" in Goodsprings on the way to Mike's. Glenn and Maria's first trip to Sandy Valley. For those who have never been there it is a required stop. Oldest bar in Nevada complete with bullet holes.

2008-04-02T14:50:00.001-07:00

Once again after a quick trip to Vegas, we returned home to find the roses in full bloom. A wonderful way to complete a Great Trip.

2008-03-28T08:44:00.000-07:00

Mike sent me this photo of Pat and Larry from his phone. They spent the day out riding in Sandy Valley. Looks like a great time was had by all.

2008-03-24T12:05:00.001-07:00

The 1st desert rose in front courtyard. Ain't spring great.

First day of spring on LMA

2008-03-21T09:19:00.000-07:00

Mike sent me this picture. I think it is beautiful.

2008-03-21T06:46:00.001-07:00

2nd rose of summer

2008-03-20T12:23:00.001-07:00

1st rose of summer

2008-03-10T14:25:00.000-07:00

Check out the new Earnhart shirt & hat

2008-03-04T08:14:00.000-08:00

Off to the races. It had been blowing 40-50 mph. all night, but, it was beautiful during the race.

Pat got his new 88 hat and shirt. You don't see the sea of red like we used to. Dale Earnhart is in green, black and white.

2008-03-04T08:08:00.000-08:00

Girls night in. Boys off to the dirt track races.

NAsCAR City

2008-03-04T08:06:00.000-08:00

As some of you know the track is the second largest city in Nevada during race week. Easy to see in this sea of motorhomes.

2008-02-29T10:35:00.000-08:00

NASCAR CITY

2008-02-20T07:35:00.001-08:00

Oh Oh look who just turned 70

Snow on mountains

2008-02-16T16:02:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I have been rubbing it in a little. So to make you all feel better Bob took these pictures Feb. 16th to show you all the snow on the mountains.

These are taken from the bridge over the wash where we go to watch the beautiful sunsets.

Now, don't you feel better.

Back courtyard

2008-02-15T08:52:00.000-08:00

I don't mean to rub it in, but, this is early Feb. in our back courtyard ( am picking up lingo) . "My guy Bob"

Just a couple more views.

We hope you all can come to see us here sometime.

2008-02-05T12:44:00.001-08:00

A Feb. day in Az. Gee I wonder why I'm here. :-)

Hi!

2008-01-29T09:34:00.001-08:00

We miss you Grandma!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-01-23T14:38:00.001-08:00

Another day at the dentist in Mex.

Coyote

2008-01-11T08:55:00.000-08:00

Last night we had some excitement just outside our back gate at 2:55 a.m. We think this damage was caused by someone either transporting illegals or picking up or dropping them off. In the process the vehicle got high centered on the curb and after much bumping and grinding managed to break the curbing, tore off a fender and who knows what else under the car and make a get away. This area seems to be marked as a passage way to the "Good ole USA". At the tennis courts down the street a block we have seen several times boarder patrol rounding up groups of them.

Just another day in the life of a "desert rat".

2008-01-09T11:41:00.001-08:00

Mex. gang on Wed.

Charles Shultz Philosophy

2008-01-03T07:04:00.000-08:00

A friend sent this to me and I thought it good to pass along.

Charles Schultz Philosophy
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> The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator of the 'Peanuts' comic strip. You don't have to actually answer the questions. Just read the e-mail straight through, and you'll get the point. 1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world. 2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners. 3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America. 4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize. 5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress. 6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.
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> How did you do? The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners . Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one: 1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school. 2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time. 3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile. 4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special. 5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with .
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> Easier? The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care .
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> Pass this on to those people who have made a difference in your life. 'Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It's already tomorrow in Australia ' (Charles Schultz)
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> Aren't Friends and Family Great!!!!!!!!!!!! Happy New Year
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2008-01-01T11:08:00.000-08:00

And the main reason is because Bob got a new camera frm Santa and wanted to try it out, so there you have it. HAPPY NEW YEAR to ALL.