It seems that only yesterday we were wishing you all a healthy and happy 2019 – and here we are at the 1st of April!  How does this happen?!?

The first three months of the year in Scottsdale are always busy. Even if the Super Bowl or NCAA finals are not in town – the WM Open Golf Tournament draws from all over the world and begins ‘the busy season’.   And we are never left out – have to spend a little time on that infamous 16th hole – –

 

Rolling into February, the family celebrates LOTS of birthdays – ALL month long, as they range from the 8th to the 27th.

 

 

 

Dorthy’s turn on the 27th.  She, also, got to celebrate many times over.  First up the party at Belmont Village – –

 

 

 

Then to Barb’s for another party – –

 

 

 

 

 

All during February, Mom and E got to enjoy a wonderful program at the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) for Dorthy’s birthday.  Banner Health has partnered with MIM to create an exceptional program for dementia individuals.  The program is one afternoon a week for 5 weeks for the dementia patient and a caregiver.  It provides time to enjoy music through museum exploration and music activities, utilizing that amazing proven link of music to memory.  It also provided fun Mother-Daughter time;-)

 

Then the surprise of all surprises!!  All that weird weather this year provided a sight rarely seen in the Valley of the Sun – – SNOW on the McDowell Moutains.  With the entire valley encircled by snow capped mountains, we thought we were back in Salt Lake City;-)

Come On Man – it’s time for Spring training as The Boys are Back in Town;-)  Those first several games were on the chilly side – but it was good to see ‘Those Boys in Blue’!

 

March and good weather also brought lots of friends in to visit – especially those from Park City.  Always on everyone’s list of things to see is MIM!  And, of course, G & E are always happy to show off their ‘home away from home’, especially as the museum begins looking forward to its 10th Anniversary next year.

 

E & G DO spend a lot of time at MIM as volunteers.  G wanders the galleries answering questions and keeping visitors out of the exhibits and E does tours – primarily STEM tours with 3rd graders – although just qualified to do the Sr. Dementia tours also.

This year we even broke down and went to the rodeo in Scottsdale.

 

 

The last week of the first quarter of the year was a fun couple of days with friends – but also a somber time.  We were off to Prescott for a round of golf, a dinner at the historic Hassayampa Inn and to hike the Granite Mountain Hot Shot Trail.  This is the trail dedicated to the 19 Hot Shot fire fighters that were killed in 2013 fighting the Yarnell Hill fire.  The trail is 2.5 miles (1400′ elevation change) leading to an overlook at the memorial of the sight where they perished.  Along the 2.5 miles of trail there are tributes to each of the 19 fallen every .2-.3 mile.  Very moving.  Before reaching the trailhead, we passed by Iron Springs, where we all spent many a summer growing up – –

 

 

 

Almost every week, we were off on a trail around the Scottsdale area.  These are much less grueling than the Hot Shot trail – but provide great opportunities for wildlife and as spring finally arrived – beautiful flowers!!

 

 

 

Besides hiking every week – a volleyball tournament for niece Demi was also usually on the schedule.

And so – the first three months of the year are gone.  And, we will be heading east for the beginning of our summer travels in just TWO weeks!!  Our heads are spinning.

Hope 2019 is treating you well – – More from the road in another couple of weeks – E & G