With the blink of an eye, six months have passed – and you all have been left hanging;-(  It’s just that the calendar has been so full this blog has not received the attention it deserves.  So – it is catch up time before a 77 day cruise consumes us!!!

The picture below may look a lot like New Year’s Eve BUT it is really Vi at Silverstone’s Anniversary Party.  There has never been a look back (or a second guess) to the decision to move here.  It has provided carefree living and many new friends who have provided fantastic views on life;-)

Ever the organizer, E took on the Alzheimer’s Walk the first week of November.  Various forms of dementia affect so many in our age group AND it ultimately killed Mother.  So – when the Vi staff was preparing to support this walk it seemed that the residents should join in.  A plea went out to all the Vi hikers to help E celebrate a birthday by walking in this event in memory of someone dear to them.  Almost 30 friends (and residents) responded AND helped raise almost $15,000!  It was a beautiful day all around – –

It all made for a very wonderful birthday – AND, it was capped off by an elegant dinner celebration at the romantic Lon’s patio at the Hermosa Inn.  If you ever need a special place for a celebration – this is it!

Of course, we all know at this age a birthday is not celebrated in just one day.  It goes on for maybe a week or two.  So, E was off to the historic Castle Hot Springs with girl friends for a celebratory week-end.  This all inclusive resort is an oasis in the rugged, remote desert northwest of Phoenix.  Originally the ‘hot springs’ brought indigenous people here for medicinal purposes.  After becoming a ‘resort’, guests endured a five hour stagecoach ride to reach the springs.  The arrival of the railroad in 1898 brought new interest in the springs and it wasn’t long before celebrities and dignitaries from around the world found their way to this oasis in the desert.  In the 1940’s the resort was used as a military rehabilitation center for veterans – including John F. Kennedy.  Unfortunately, in 1976 a fire destroyed the iconic building of the resort and soon it fell into disrepair and sat vacant.  In 2014 an Arizona couple purchased the property and reconstructed the property honoring its legacy.  Reopening in 2019, it is now a very special place to rest and relax and has become an annual retreat for E;-)

Thanksgiving was rapidly approaching and families were scheduled to visit.  Therefore, it was necessary to find things for teens to 70 year olds to do.  Many friends were consulted for suggestions.  A great one is the Museum of Illusions.  When one walks in – it doesn’t look like much.  But grab a ‘guide’ and have them get you to the right picture spots – and it is a BLAST.

After all that fun, the next stop was Wonderspaces in the Scottsdale Fashion Square.  Another great photo opportunity – –

The Desert Botanical Gardens is another staple for visitors.  They began special exhibits in the garden many years ago with Chihuly in the Desert, which was lighted at night.  Now there is something new to see every year – each year trying to outdo the last.  This year metal sculptures intricately cut out and lighted provided incredible sights.

Now, an annual occurrence is to get together with the Clarke’s and check out the Canal Convergence in Scottsdale.   Again – every year is different and it provides an excellent opportunity to have dinner with friends;-)

Then we get to the holidays.  This year was a little sad as niece Demi moved to Wilmington, NC the first of November.  BUT – with modern technology, she was able to have a seat at out Thanksgiving dinner;-)

It had now been a couple of months since any travel had been done – so how about a staycation at the Princess where all the holiday lights could be enjoyed?  What a great idea as they have a veritable plethora of Christmas lights (more than 10 million!!!) to brighten the evenings.

Just like that, another year was gone and Christmas and New Year’s was celebrated.  This time Demi was in Phoenix – so she actually sat at the table – –

Our best wishes to you all for a wonderful 2025 – With Love E & G