From travel friends to the many friends at home – AND all the activities that go along.  

Fast upon our heels after returning home was the annual Halloween Party at Vi.  One of the most fun events of the year, and this year we did some planning while in Greece so that G&E could be a Greek Goddess and her ‘man slave’ (who chose not to be in the pic;-( )

It also didn’t take long to get back to the regular Friday hiking in the Sonoran desert – which was missed during the travel.

A new event for us this year was an excursion to the Los Cedros Equestrian Ranch in north Scottsdale.  If one is ever in the vicinity, check this out.  But, call ahead, as they do not conduct regular daily tours.

As described by the facility, Los Cedros is designed to appear as a Moroccan citadel in the middle of the desert some 2500 years ago.  With the feel of an ancient village, it is surrounded by tall walls and huge doors (made of solid cedar wood from trees from the Atlas Mountains forests of North Africa) that protect citizens (or now horses) from enemies or inclement weather.  Inside the walls is one of the finest horse training facilities in the world – specializing in Arabian horses.  This facility is also utilized by the Budweiser Clydesdale traveling horses when they need a break from their road trailers.  AND – our timing was perfect as they were there for a possible celebration if the Diamondbacks won the world series!  (Unfortunately – the world series parade did not occur.)  A special treat – –

The Canal Convergence in Old Town Scottsdale has become an annual get-together with relatives Rick and Suzy.  Every year is different, but always amazes with some sort of ‘lights and fire’!  A good dinner along the canal banks is included in the evening.

While not a particularly ‘special’ birthday, E managed to celebrate for the better part of a month.  G whisked us away to Las Vegas for a Garth Brooks concert the first part of December, and all the hotels were decked out in their finest Christmas decorations – –

There were also celebrations with family and friends.  Sister Barb, provided a days worth of entertainment at Pop Stroke with putting and lunch.  Tiger and group have created quite a fun environment for all ages to enjoy ‘golf’, eating and the outdoors.

Then there was the very special weekend with lady friends at Castle Hot Springs – a lush and magical  oasis in the desert.  The activities here will keep you busy for days – hiking, farm tours, Via Ferratas, biking, yoga, sound baths………  OR, just relax and enjoy the hot springs and a massage;-)  We did it all – and ate, and ate and ate.

Even with all these activities, there was Thanksgiving and Christmas – all spent with family.  This year the Shoe Crew came to Phoenix for Thanksgiving, where we not only enjoyed that traditional dinner but lots of other activities.  Like the visit to the Animal Conservancy in North Scottsdale.

Christmas took many forms this year.  A pre-Christmas trip to Ridgecrest provided more time with the Shoe Crew and the various hand made gifts by the Grands.  Including brownies that didn’t last long – –

Great delight was provided by niece Demi, as she took us to our favorite Pop Stroke again for a wonderful morning and afternoon – and a great visit;-)

Another favorite this time of year is the Desert Botanical Gardens.  Their display of luminarias is always wonderful and this year the celebration of La Posada was enjoyed with its extra special music, entertainment and food.

It is almost the end of the year, and one of the things enjoyed most here in the desert is the wildlife. Some seen on our walks, in the desert, on golf courses or just out and about.The fall is no exception to this–

And so – another year ends.  They all seem to go so fast these days.  Heard this little tidbit recently, and just loved it – “Life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer to the end the faster it goes.”  Enjoy life, laugh and Celebrate You – – –

The Best in the New Year – Lots of Love to All – E & G