The new decade began with a great deal of joy and friendship, which provided lots of pleasurable memories;-)  Thank goodness we didn’t know what was in store for us!

Days and evenings were spent with lots of hikes, dinners, golf and concerts with friends – as well as many hours of volunteer work at MIM.

Between friends (the Miller’s) and us – we managed to coerce the Raney’s to visit for a few days and take in a Booker T concert at MIM, along with several evenings of dinners and an afternoon at MIM.  This was followed up with a Herb Albert concert with the Miller’s and many other concerts before the walls came tumbling down;-(

There was also a quick trip to Tubac (just south of Tucson) for a much anticipated golf outing with the Bolton’s.  Unfortunately, Tubac did not live up to the hype – so no pictures.

The Giss’s surprised us with the acquisition of a new coach, which needed a ‘shake down’ trip.   So, they spent a few days with us to show off the coach, visit MIM and have several dinners to regale each other with coach stories;-)  While in town, they contacted another retired Deloitte partner who had just recently relocated to the Scottsdale area (the Murray’s).  Turns out Don Murray has QUITE a car collection, which he moved into a warehouse building near the Deer Valley airport.  Of course we had to see this – and maybe even pretend to be a race driver of a magnificent Porsche?!?!?!

 

Before the walls came crashing down, we also got to attend a couple of Haley’s volleyball tournaments in California.  In order to make the drives to and from interesting, stops were made along the way to see sights often heard of but never visited.  One such stop was the Annenberg Estate, which included a special exhibit on totem poles and masks by master carvers from Canada (the Hunt family) as well as interpretive totem poles by Herb Albert!  This special exhibit of Albert’s work came to our attention at a concert of his at MIM – and, well we just had to see it.  This stop was well worth it, and we will return for a tour of the inside of the home.

Then – on to the main attraction.  After 10 years of every winter weekend spent at niece Deme’s games – it was Haley’s (No. 33) turn;-)

 

The February birthdays also got to be celebrated before the brakes were put on gatherings.  First up sister Barb, then Demi (who got a new computer from Auntie & Unclie!!), and finally Mom Dorthy;-)  Happy celebrations all around.

 

There was golf before AND after the shut down.  Including a beautiful morning with the Clarke’s at Mountain Shadows – –

 

Thank goodness the greater Phoenix valley is home to 1/2 the major league teams for Spring training – so we got to see all but one of our games before sports went away;-(  This was opening night for the Dodger’s – and it was still cold!!!

St. Patrick’s Day was the beginning of the end.  Just a few more activities before we said good-bye to everything.  One of those included this little leprechaun – Mom.

The week before St.  Patrick’s Day, there were several Celtic/Irish concerts at MIM.  These are always lively and happy.  Would love to have them back now;-)

 

Since MIM is very much a part of our lives, it was only fitting that we orchestrate a visit with various of our Vi friends.  Again, quite grateful this took place before the museum was closed.

 

Since mid-March, the world has been quite different and very challenging.  Our saving grace was that golf courses were not closed, nor were hiking trails.  We continued to play golf two days a week and hike a day or two a week.  When the trails became too crowded, the neighborhood sidewalks became our outing.  There are many different streets and pathways around our home to walk our 4-5 miles a day!

 

Visits to Mom took a new look – Mom inside and us outside with phones in hand.  At least we could see each other and enjoy our Starbucks together.

 

Thank you Arizona for deeming golf an essential service!  It certainly was for us.  Don’t know what we would have done without this ‘break’ twice a week;-)

 

 

The time finally came when there had to be something else to take our mind off quarantines, new cases and deaths.  It was decided that a weekly drive should provide a diversion for the better part of one day a week.  A friend suggested Arizona Highways as a source for out-of-the-way, interesting day long drives.  This made us sooo happy.  These trips were always quite interesting – sometimes fording creeks – and always including miles of dirt roads.  The good news is that social distancing was not a problem as rarely did we encounter others on these outings;-)  A lunch was packed and a good spot with a view was found for tailgating.

The first week the destination was the Agua Fria National Monument and Pueblo La Plata, an ancient pueblo from about 750 years ago.  The journey here took us through cow pastures!

 

The next week the destination was Mt. Ord – only about 12 miles of dirt road this week.  And, the views were fabulous!

 

The next week the end of Cave Creek Road was calling.  And – we had company this week.  The Bolton’s joined us – traveling in their car and keeping distance during stops.  Today’s journey took us through creeks, around horses and into a cattle round-up;-)  How fun – –

 

Next up – Crown King.  The trip there was much more interesting than the destination itself.  Tucked away was the original “Cordes Station”.  So much different than Cordes Junction today.  And then the little town of Cleator.  The pictures speak for themselves – –

 

Next off to the Verde Valley and the Salt Mine Road.  After passing an old Salt Mine, the end of the road took us to ancient Pueblo dwellings (about 300-400 years old) and an excellent lunch spot.  The long way home – through Payson – was in order.  This would allow us to visit the Tonto Natural Bridge AND the DQ;-)

 

 

The next week we were on our own again.  So – off to Prescott via Wickenburg and Yarnell Hill.  First stop was Iron Springs, where we spent lots of summers growing up, to take a walk down memory lane.  Humpty Dumpty has been a landmark on the road for over 70 years – he always let us know we were there!

 

Unfortunately, Gary celebrated his birthday during quarantine time.  We managed to find a pizza and take it to a nice park setting to enjoy the outdoors – without people;-(

 

Easter was also unusual.  No brunches or gatherings.  Since Mom was in lockdown, her facility had a drive-by celebration.  The residents’ families were very creative in their decorations and the residents, as well as staff, enjoyed the day.  They were also quite surprised that almost 100 cars showed up for the event!!  Happy Easter!

 

Finally – there was a fly-over to thank all the first responders – –

 

Thank goodness – through all the quarantining and social distancing, the animals continued to be about and the desert plants continued with their ‘life cycles’ providing beautiful sights on our walks and hikes.

 

The past two and a half months have been difficult, but there has been much to keep us busy and beauty wherever we went.  Some friends have also been enjoyed and ‘visited’ on a much more frequent basis through FaceTime and Zoom.  There was also a lot of activity during the months prior to ‘covid’ where we enjoyed family and friends.  Bottom line – even though things have not been ‘normal’ – the first six months of this year have been pretty good.  ALL our family and friends are well and we have them in our lives;-)

Much Love to All – E & G – healthy and happy!!