Hello, good bye

Moving day approaches.

Yes. Several weeks ago I came to a decision with a dear friend who has adopted me as her daughter since I was pregnant with Brittany. She lives in Ohio and I hope she's realized what she's agreed to when she said she'd love to have me.

So this next Tuesday I'm spending the night at Flagstaff, then heading East to Ohio on Wednesday morning. It is something I've been wanting to do for some time but didn't face the courage to ask her. Glad I finally did.

So here's the start of a list of things I will miss:

My family of friends
Sun in winter
Sparing elk
Friday night Wii night at Patrick's
A lot of my customers that I've deveolped a good relationship with

I'm sure there will be more additions once I'm gone, I guess I'm still a bit numb with preparations and all that.

I remember on our way (my sister Susan and I)out here we passed a field of yellow flowers where I could actually see my youngest child dancing in the field. I thought to myself that was my welcome to the canyon.

The other day I saw a young girl in a wheel chair, she looked exactly like my youngest when she was younger it stopped me in my tracks, but I smiled sweetly and said "Hello sweetheart" and whispered to my self as I walked away "I still miss you"

That was my good bye to the canyon.

Birthday weekend

Well here it is the end of April already. It's snowed the last two days, though we're tired of snow it was still beautiful.

I am already thinking of what I will miss when I leave the Canyon next week, but first let me back up to my birthday weekend.

Ellen, Jen and I went to Zion National Park in Utah. Spring, a different time of year, the sun wasn't so hot, the flowers not yet in bloom, the Virgin river too full and too cold to do the narrows, but the waterfalls were flowing. All that snow helped to create a rapid river and waterfalls.



On my birthday day while Jen and Ellen took the morning to hike near Angel's Landing I took the river walk. Of course I didn't stay on the paved pathway I had to explore all the little off shoots of little dirt trails here and there. It was too cold for the bogs to be brimming with the red dragonflies I saw last summer, but it was still beautiful; and of course a waterfall.





Before meeting up with them I had a snack lunch in the Grotto, which is a picnic area in a grove of Cottonwood trees. They were just starting to bud. I caught up with my birthday calls and then met them back at the lodge. We changed and went into Springdale (that CUTE town outside of Zion) and did some shopping. It was great going into all of the shops and stuff. For dinner we went to Oscar's, and split 1 hamburger 3 ways (they are really really huge and really really good), and a toastada with pesto, cheese and tomatoes. It was the BEST burger I've ever had. For dessert we all split the brownie sundae, it was as big as a dinner plate. It was so nice spending my day with them at one of the most beautiful places on Earth.

The next morning before heading back we hiked to the lower emerald pool. Ever stand behind a waterfall? It's magical.



Needless to say it was a great weekend, one I will remember for a very long time.

March - Spring Forward

Well March is almost gone but not forgotten. Spring breakers decended with a wallop, the sun is out more, the snow is melting (yeah!), the elk are back from where ever they migrated; and several people have asked me where do they go? I don't know, and why ask me and not a ranger?

There's been a lot of site inspections this month, the one I'm happiest about is with a company I worked well with last year. The relationship between my boss and them was shady at best and I'm glad she decided at the last minute to go with me. It worked, the relationship is in the repair area bringing in more business to both sales and FIT.

Last weekend Gayle called and asked if I wanted to drive with her to Pine, Strawberry and Payson, Arizona. Three small towns outside of Flagstaff. It was a nice drive, and nicely warmer. The first small town called Pine is very cute. Stopped at an Herbal shop, bought a few things and met with the owner. I was pleased to discover a concoction for allergies and have been using it all week with very good results. Went to a thrift store; I ended up getting a bunch of paperback books and a few other things and we wandered to the Tonto Natural Bridge which is in between Pine and Strawberry. Great little state park which is unfortunately slated to be closed this year due to lack of funding.


This is a view from the top. We did not hike down as she did not have the correct gear or shoes to go down (and I saw steps that reminded me an awful lot of the South Kaibab trail - my knees ached as I looked)


It was early afternoon so the sun was hitting the waterfall at just the right angle to create the rainbow.





Ended up hitting a few more thrift stores; even joked with another woman and her mother that was doing the same rounds. Spent more then expected, but came home with a lot of finds. I was thanking my stars I did not have an apartment as there was some great antiques that I'm sure I would've purchased but don't need.

February 2010 - immersion

Well here it is past the middle sliding it's way to the end of this month already. The cell phone is here as am I.

I was honored to go with a friend to the Second Mesa on the Hopi reservation a couple of weekends ago to experience the 'bean ceremony'. It's a weekend long celebration for the Native Americans of the Hopi clan which I have come to respect a lot. At the house of our native friend we were given a tour from the children of the area; they showed us trails where the katsinas would come out in the night to start the ceremonies. We followed a trail that had a scattering of prayer feathers, and got caught up in the wonderous beliefs. It was refreshing to watch the children as all they wanted to do all day was play outside using their imaginations and the things they could pick up. Tried a couple of traditional soups; bean sprout soup (reminded me of cabbage and ham) and a mutton soup with hominy. Both were very tasty. We then went to the plaza (there is actually 2 of them) and sat with blankets and jackets - it was cold and watched the katsinas dancing and communicating with the body. They were amazing to say the least. No pictures that would've been invasive but I have them imprinted in my mind. The dolls they made for the girls were spectacular, the lightening bolts and rattles for the boys were as spectacular.

So the days go onward, the park gets busier, I am enriched by the immersion into another culture that goes back beyond our time yet remains timeless in meaning.

2010

Is off to a roaring start. I moved back into a dorm room at Colter Hall; this building was designed by Mary Colter in the 30's. As someone told me, you're going full circle. But with a few differences, I have single status so I don't have a room mate, my sister is not here, and I am considerably more aware of my direction - at least here. Later will be another story.
Had the home phone and internet turned off, suffice it to say getting the services are a feat in themselves; so I waiting for a payday and got a cell phone and internet. Thus the length of time between blogging. In those days of waiting, I read, unpacked almost everything and am making a list of changes to do for spring when spring fever hits. Plus we endured a lot of snow, well Flagstaff did and they closed the roads in and out for 2 days; but it was beautiful. It still is beautiful, but most of the snow is now melting off.
Someone asked me if I had any resolutions, I told him; one. To have a better year.

Rush of madness over

Now that everyone can sigh in reliefe the best and worst of all holidays is past: Christmas. It amazes me every year how we become so stressed over our expectations in others and ourselves; when it's a time to celebrate the beauty of life.

Did you see the sunrise on Christmas morning? If you didn't here it is for you. My gift.

Destination Phantom Ranch - Made it!

Our Cabin, isn't it pretty?



From outside our cabin. It's like fall the the cottonwoods yellow.

This is the next day; when my left hand was swollen like a blown up glove. I figured I'll go the ranger station and get a cortosone shot. Well, I was surprised by the action.





Last view from the ground as the doctor ordered them to fly me out. I was really surprised - the blisters on my feet, and my calve muscles were sighing in relief.

But I will have to go back down (the Bright Angel Trail!) and do it right by hiking out.

I look forward to the pictures Zac got as he was able to stay on the 2nd night and hiked back up the Bright Angel Trail. Our things were duffled out on the mules.

The Adventures begins...

Started at the Kaibab Trail head about 6:30 - it was actually darker when we started this was after a bit.













Oh My! More $%^&*#$ stairs!!!! If I ever get a house there won't be a freaking STAIR in it!



Finally flatter ground; with the patron saint of patience: Zac. Once we got to the ranger station it was such a relieve to have only 200 yards to go and it was uphill!




On the last leg which is all stairs; it is relieved by the beauty of the inner gorge. Amazing.



Our tour guide to Phantom Ranch

Happy Christmas Eve

my first snowman made on my first day of vacation

Vacation

It's been years since I've taken more then just 2 or 3 days off. Overdue.

The itinerary has changed a little but the basics remain the same;

meet Zak at Las Vegas and spend the night
drive home
do what we can on a limited budget for two days
Hike down to Phantom Ranch
Hike back up (Wish me good luck)
Recuperate
Go to the managers party
Spend one more night at Las Vegas
Come home

Pictures will be forthcoming, in the meanwhile I'll re-arrange, clean the apartment and enjoy just being.

Well my flight out to Las Vegas got cancelled so Zac drove in
We walked and explored, had breakfast at ET and signed up for two nights at Phantom in a cabin
Hiked down - Yeah I made it
Zac hiked up - I got a flight out
Definately recuperated
Enjoyed the managers party - won a toaster oven
Got some great pics at Las Vegas - but I wasn't impressed
It felt good to get home

Life after a blizzard

Being watched from afar 11/28

Sparring

Morning entertainment - two large beautiful bucks sparring.









I switched to my 300mm lens



















I felt like I was part of a filimg crew on "Wild Kingdom" in my own backyard

Happy December, I think

Well it is December. Maybe it's because I don't have a tree that I'm just not in the 'spirit'? Dunno. Baby it's cold outside - it really is.

I am looking forward to Vacation with Zak. I've never been to Las Vegas and am a bit unsure as everyone but one person I know has said "you'll love it". I'm certain I'll enjoy the food, escaping canyon food is always a GOOD thing. I'm hoping to get us tickets for a good show and take lots of photos. I'm sure I'll look around goggle-eyed like a true tourist I might as well wear socks with my sandles. The hardest part I'm having is picking out a hotel to stay at; a little more research is called for.

Other things are planned, including hiking, Flagstaff, Sedona and possibly Prescott. There are many things to see and do here in Arizona as there really is anywhere one goes. The main event is of course my back yard; the Grand Canyon; so that's the main thing.

Well this month begins on a busy note and looks to be continuously so throughout the month with various parties and such I will seek comfort, rest and beauty in between when ever I take a concious breath. I hope yours is filled with comfort, rest and beauty with every breath.

Thanksgiving pictures

Before the swarm. Didn't get an'after'as I was enjoying it as well.




Yes I actually do dishes...when I have to.

Black Friday

Yesterday everything was great, had a lot of people in and out throughout the day at Patrick's. It was funny; everyone consumed a lot quickly at first; then all sat back rubbing out stomachs, then slowly got up and picked at the food throughout the day. Quantities of wine were consumed, laughter filled the air along with various degrees in conversations; one side of the room would talk about religion or philosophy, another side of the room would talk psychology.

So here it is the day after, I'm off. Not going shopping; well I do need to go to the store for Patrick and a few things for myself. I plan on making a turkey soup at Patrick's insistance. I'm out of dill, unfortunately it can't be found here at the canyon. So I'll call it dill less turkey soup except there is dill on the turkey, well was. It turned out well even with the carmelized skin.

I hope everyones black Friday is a safe one as we go into Christmas time. Zak will be here in two weeks! Can't wait to see him.

American Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. The surge in electric bills have begun - as soon as that oven was cranked to start the bird and fixings.
The deer are frollicking and the sun is shining, no snow and none in the forcast at least for now. I'm secretly (well not anymore) hoping it doesn't fly until Zak has left.

The Christmas Jazz station is on my Yahoo radio and in 5 minutes I put the bird in. We've moved the dining venue to Patricks, as he's got more seating spaces, a tv, and we decorated until midnight last night last night. Between the two of us we tend to come out almost as a whole (he's gay, haha. Half of my kitchen items is up at his apartment. I'm not putting up a tree this year; there's enough in my back year. I did put out ornaments and I'm watching a heard of deer wander past my window.

Okay, it's over 1 hour later the skin is darkened (more then I wanted since I spread honey on it - oh well), so it's tented with foil, and the turkey smells really good. It's weird having my house empty of people on a holiday; even in St. Augustine I had company at least the last year I was there. Once the food is put away literally and figuratively I will work on Christmas Cards, and getting ready to mail out one or two packages of presents. I will take advantage of the post office being open tomorrow. It's nice being off for four days. I'm looking forward to doing a few things besides laundry and cleaning the apartment. Maybe get a little hiking and drawing in.

Almost time, the chairs are upstairs as I kneel to post; glancing up I see a doe and a buck pass by. I wonder what they think and say when they communicate; oh to understand would be pretty interesting I think.

Thanksgiving....almost

Next week already. This last Friday seemed to be the LONGEST day at work; we all ran out as that minute hand hit 5pm. We ought to get a clock that at 5 o'clock pm yells the word "Freedom" in Mel Gibson's great rendition. Now earlier in the week it was very busy with a group of people from central reservations visiting. We all took turns showing them around; and they we're kept running from early in the morning until well into the evening. They hardly got any free time and I imagine they went through the mind melting all the information overload upon their return. Still my part was fun as I get a kick out of showing off my 'backyard'.

Today was the first "Art Talk" - I hosted a class at the rec center to go over the basics of drawing. Two people showed, but hey, that's two more then 15 minutes before hand. After we went to lunch, we took in the exhibit at the Kolb. The two ladies with me decided to hike down the Bright Angel trail a little ways; I sat and drew for a little while. It was really breezy and didn't take long for the breeze to whip up and become colder; so I put my things away and headed out. Just in time there was a large group of Japanese visitors heading out with cameras at the ready!

Pulling out the Christmas items I was assalted with memories of last Christmas here. Last year I was excited, for the first time in quite a while, whereas this year I shrug. Maybe it was being with someone to do things together, but I'd rather it'd be in a healthy relationship or none at all. This year it is the latter; so I make the best of it as it's certainly not my first Christmas alone; and I'm sure won't be the last.

Zak will be here in less then a month, I've set my vacation time to spend time with him. And since he's getting a car, to escape the canyon for a little while. It's really not so bad, I'm realigning still and have some plans in the fire for changes, some beginning in the new year getting back to basics. Though if I get any more great catalogs with cute clothing I won't have room.

Not sure if I'll blog about Thanksgiving; I'm hosting it at my house for friends and friends of friends some old some new. Though I'll miss my dear friends in Florida my heart is with you and I am thankful for the closeness we cherish whether we're miles or continents apart.

The middle of...

November, already! Seems all I want to do when I get out of work is come home and either stick my nose in a book or go to sleep early. It's been really nice in the afternoons, though the days are shortened. I go to work in twilight, and come home in the dusk. Pretty sunsets, though the nights are getting longer and all those unspoken words in between.

I got an art table from someone who is leaving so that is set up and is being used - at least it's holding my art supplies - well not the sketchbooks or watercolor paper, except for what is currently being worked on but it's being used for the purpose of it's intention.

Zak will be here in one month! I can't wait. Beyond that I'm contemplating a new year move - back to a dorm room. Various reasons are inspiring me, at least I won't have to live with anyone due to my status. Right now it's just a seed, we shall see what January brings.

In the meantime, (there's that word again)I've got Christmas presents to think of, a visit with Zak and going back with him to Las Vegas to see him off, and/or getting there to pick him up. (he's getting the car but it would be nice to go visit a few places while I can.) and I'm waiting for my hair to grow back in. I do want to see how long I can get it again; this time sans fake color.

Of course I still gaze at my glorious back yard, avoid the elk and deer - especially when wearing my leather or suede coat. They don't seem to like those.

H1N1

The CDC (Center for Disease Control) website states that 99% cases of the flu reported since September 2009 are the H1N1, aka the swine flu. It is a doozy. It definately has different characteristics from the other known flu's as it attacks the bronchial tubes quickly.

Precautions:

DON'T USE ANYONE'S PEN - silly? maybe but think about how the germs from someone coughing into their hand before signing a credit card receipt.

Use your debit card rather then cash - there's already a gazillion germs on paper cash, cut the handling down as much as possible.

Carry towlettes that contain alcohol on you or with you; if you have to shake hands wipe discreetly or say politely "I'm getting over a cold, please understand it is a pleasure to meet you..." if they aren't happy that you're concerned for their welfare well think about it.

There are many precautions presented on the CDC's website; just google CDC.