January, 2017 we took our first cruise – a Jazz Cruise in the Caribbean.  It was decided another cruise would be in the future IF it was through the Panama Canal or to St. Petersburg.  Within months of this decision, friends Jim & Rebecca emailed saying a cruise through the Panama was on their radar.  No grass grows under our feet – so we were signed up within minutes of that first email!!  It seems that friends Debby & Richard were also enamored with the suggestion – so we had a merry band of six aboard the Oceania Marina on April 6th bound for a voyage down the west side of Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, through the Panama Canal, Columbia and Grand Cayman;-)

April 5th we rented a car and drove to Long Beach, CA, where we would board our ‘floating Magic’!  The harbor was beautiful that evening and Long Beach was very busy preparing for the Grand Prix that was to be held the following weekend – –

Our hotel overlooked the Queen Mary and the harbor.

Some of the Grand Prix of Long Beach race course.

April 6th we boarded the Marina and were on our way;-)  Our first night took us a long way down the west coast from Long Beach to San Diego – a VERY exotic port (ha ha!!).

See our room just below the BIG forward ball?!?!

A beautiful sunrise on day 2.

Past Point Loma.

Toured the fabulous San Diego via a hop on-hop off bus;-)

The ‘at sea days’ were often spent getting massages (sorry – no pics of that little exercise) or in cooking classes.  The best part of those was eating what we cooked.  Especially the Mayan Cocoa Pots;-)

Do we look the part??

We had a great time with our friends Jim and Rebecca Malone and Richard and Debby Giss – AND ROCKY PALOMAS!!

Chicken, goat cheese and apple tacos AND a Rocky Paloma – YUM YUM.

Egg class included galettes, frittatas and the Mayan Cocoa Pots with a Mojito;-)

In another evening we will be in Mexico – see you then.

Cruising the Pacific – E & G on another new adventure with friends;-)

The Boys are Back!!  It is March and that means Spring Training is in full bloom in Arizona;-)  For Gary, all the childhood memories come flooding back as we take in several of the Dodger games out at Camelback Ranch – complete with Dodger Dogs, nachos, peanuts, root beer floats, etc. etc. etc.

Lets Go Dodgers!!!

Saw lots of talent, old and new.

Of course, there were more volleyball games for niece Demi – –

Another nice dig, girl;-)

And then there is always Spring Break!  This year it was granddaughter Haley’s turn for a trip in the Bus (which also included planes, trains and automobiles).

Haley’s first solo flight!  Arrived safe in AZ.

We all hopped into Magic and took a short drive up 89 to Williams, AZ – gateway to the Grand Canyon.  AND a great stop on Route 66;-)

Exploring Historic Route 66 in downtown Williams.

Haley enjoyed her first Dairy Queen on Route 66 – an original.

Now for the train – All Aboard the Grand Canyon Special for a quick trip to the South Rim of Grand Canyon NP.  Just before boarding, we were ‘held up’ by a few rough characters –

The Wild West show at the Williams train station.

The Grand Canyon Railway taking us to Grand Canyon National Park.

And then – there it was!  The sight that stunned President Theodore Roosevelt into silence.  After he recovered his voice he said “In the Grand Canyon, Arizona has a natural wonder which, so far as I know, is in kind absolutely unparalleled throughout the rest of the world . . . Leave it as it is.  You cannot improve on it, and man can only mar it.”  Thus, it was established as a National Park in 1919.

We all enjoyed Haley’s first visit to the Grand Canyon.

The immensity of the Canyon is indicated by its outsized statistics – the canyon chasm is 277 miles long and up to 18 miles wide and its average depth is one mile.  A ‘bucket list item’ for many is to hike the Bright Angel Trail to the Phantom Ranch.  While we didn’t quite make it that far – we did take our turn on the trail – –

We are off – on the Bright Angel Trail.

We also had lunch in the Arizona Room at the Bright Angel Lodge, checked out the historic El Tovar Hotel, Kolb Studio, Lookout Studio and the Hopi House – –

Went shopping in the Hopi House.

Then we walked the South Rim Trail and ran into a couple of these guys – –

Haley’s first close encounter with an Elk.

Beautiful vistas along the way.

Time came to reboard the train and head back to Williams and Magic.  But Wait!!  we were robbed!!

These guys looked suspiciously like the robbers in the morning Wild West Show.

Our adventure proved to be fun, enlightening and awe inspiring.  A good time was had by all – and all were exhausted;-)

But, not too much time to waste.  Up early the next day and off to Bearizona, where we drove through a wonderful rescue facility to see wolves, bison and bears – –

What a motley crew!

We saw wolves…

Bison (not sure what the tongue is after here).

These two bears seemed to be playing “King of the Mountain” in the tree.

These guys were not about to let the crows get ahold of their carrots.

The otters had a palyful romp..

I think we interrupted the bobcats nap.

One of the best parts of Bearizona is the raptor show.  They ruffled OUR feathers/hair as they flew barely above our heads!!

The owls and falcons flew over and through the audience.

This crow was on duty to collect donations at the end of the show.

Then there was this beautiful guy!  Would NOT want to meet him without the glass between us.

The jaguar never stopped pacing.

Another day ended and we headed back to Magic for a birthday dinner for Gramps – complete with peanut butter pie and a Route 66 cap to remind him of the trip 😉

An early birthday for Gramps!

Just like that, March came and went.  But, it left us with some wonderful memories (and great pics).

E & G – happy as always;-)

What would February be without all the Biaett girls’ birthdays?!?!  This was a special year as niece Demi turned ‘Sweet 16’, sister Barb was ‘double nickels’ and Mom Dorthy was on the backside of the 80’s;-)

Happy Birthday to you.

Happy Birthday to all y’all.

When you are 86 you get to celebrate all month long – over and over and over again –

A little more celebrating.

February Birthday celebration at Belmont Village.

And I thought the Minnie Mouse hats were a hoot. This takes the cake.

Between all the birthday celebrations we tried yet another new activity – The Arabian Horse Show at Westworld in Scottsdale.  Neighbors invited us to an event so we got a backstage look and talk on the history, breeding, raising, training and showing of the Arabian.  Beautiful animals – –

This little gal pranced quite nicely as a very informative presentation on the history of Arabian horses was given. 

Then we had a chance to watch some of the competition.

Then we were off to Tucson in Magic for a Tiffin Rally, where we attended informative sessions by various vendors whose products ‘run’ our coach.  Our home base for the week was the Pima County Fairgrounds with 300 other Tiffin coaches!!  We all looked alike;-)

 E is standing in front of Magic – fourth coach from the left.

The birds eye view from G’s drone;-)

Of course, there was more volleyball.  February always brings a HUGE 3-day tournament held at Cardinal Stadium, which brings in teams from all over the west.  Boy – is it noisy in that place!!!

HUGE tournament at the University of Phoenix Stadium.

Niece Demi (2) is digging it!

Two happy members of the cheering squad.

And so the second month of 2018 is suddenly gone.  What will March bring??

See you again soon – E & G from Scottsdale

2018 is here and we are off and running.  First stop LaQuinta for a fun filled three days of visiting, eating, golfing, eating, visiting, hiking – – and a ‘friendly’ tournament of Wizard with friends Debby, Richard, Rebecca & Jim (our Panama cruise buddies)!!  The weather was beautiful, the accommodations A-One and the company was – PRICELESS!

La Quinta Golf Club provided beautiful views, both landscape…

… and wildlife.

The National Preserve area provided a little exercise.

Interesting graffiti along the way.

And – what would January in Scottsdale be without the Waste Management Open ?!?!  E&G worked a shift in the concessions stand on Monday in order to have passes for the entire week;-)  G spent most of the day Wednesday following several players around with his camera (no cameras allowed Thursday – Sunday) getting just the right ‘shot of the day’.

Rickie Fowler.

Jordon Spieth trying to help his putt with body english.

Phil Mickelson tipping his hat after sinking a long one.

Rickie Fowler coming out of the sand. Ball is just above the cameraman’s hand.

And E&G spent most of Thursday on that infamous 16th hole – –

Early – – and still fairly calm.

Of course there was lots of volleyball – watching niece Demi almost every weekend;-)

Go Girl!!

Good get!

Nice serve.

And several concerts at MIM.  There have been so many really fun, entertaining acts already this year – including Al Jardine from the Beach Boys.  What a nice walk down memory lane;-)

January ended in a flash with that beautiful Full Blue Blood moon over Scottsdale – –

Another year is on its way.

E & G up and running;-)

Here we go – Round 3!  The Schusler family (or Shoe Crew) arrived on the 26th and we celebrated – AGAIN!!  There were more presents to open, feasts to be had, visiting to be done and LOTS of activities.

Olivia, Haley and Kira trying to be patient waiting to open gifts.

Christian’s Dad, John, and his wife, Joyce, joined us for a couple of days with the granddaughters.   We had another Christmas dinner – this time a southwest Christmas menu of tacos, tamales and tortilla casserole on the patio on a beautiful warm December day;-)

A good time was had by all on this awesome winter day.

Time for activities!  Trying to keep 9 & 11 year olds busy is a real challenge!!  First up – music making – –

This year’s Christmas poppers contained all the makings of a one octive xzylophone.

Great Grandma Dorthy – “What song are we playing this time??”

— then off to manicures – –

The girls had a spa day…

…with colorful results.

— make-up by Demi – –

Demi provides a makeup lesson.

–that torturous game of Twister;-( – –

Butts Up!!

–and tree climbing – –

up a tree without a ?????

In the Phoenix area – what would the holidays be without Zoo Lights?  We were really lucky the night of our visit as both Fiesta Bowl team bands were at the Zoo for a little friendly competition before the BIG game.

Thousands of lights – enjoyed by all.

Our three little monkeys;-)

Up close and personal with the Washington Huskies mascot.

Of course – G & E could not let the girls come to Phoenix without taking them to the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM).

Off to MIM – always a hit.

Guide Gramma was giving the girls the VIP tour.

Kira plays the Theremin.

Olivia enjoying the Gamelan.

There was also a fun afternoon at the Train Park – –

Giddy-up….

and train ride – go figure – at the Train Park?!?!

As they say – all good things must come to an end.  2017 was about to be over and 2018 was on its way.  To say good-bye to the old year, we all had an exciting evening at the Scottsdale Princess where we dined, rode the ferris wheel, ice sleds and the Christmas Express train around the Lagoon of Lights, had hot chocolate and made s’mores and met up with lots of princesses;-)

A warm fire and s’mores – what could be better to bring in 2018?!?!

A visit with a princess.

Another year ends and a new begins.  How fortunate we have been!

We wish all good things for you in the coming year;-)  Thank you for all your kind thoughts as you have journeyed with us through 2017.  Hope to see and hear from you in 2018.

With Lots of Love – Elizabeth & Gary – xoxoxoxo

For about 12 years now (except 1 year when the races were cancelled due to lack of snow), we have headed to Beaver Creek (BC) the first weekend in December for the only World Cup Ski Races in the US.  Admittedly – we are Ted Ligety ‘groupies’ and he has taken 1st place many years at these races.  It all began with the 2006 Olympics in Torino, Italy – when we were sharing an apartment with Ted’s parents as he won his first Olympic Gold Medal;-)  The whole experience was unbelievably exciting – never to be forgotten.  So – each year we trek to BC to remind us of that incredible February day and to watch Ted be interviewed, race and enjoy his new little one, Jax.

Steve Nyman and Ted Ligety being interviewed in advance of the races.

Ted, son Jax and Grandma Cyndi.

While the races were NOT cancelled this year as they were last year – there was VERY little snow except on the race runs (FIS & BC had done an incredible job of prepping the race course so the races could be held).  So for the first time ever, we got to walk the golf course we stay on because it was not snow covered.  That was a good news – bad news event – –

Oh crap! Who knew, ski races and no snow, we should’ve brought our clubs.

The next couple of weeks were filled with activities.  Friends from Park City came to visit and we had a nice evening and afternoon with Sarah and her sons, Cash and Tor.

Enjoying Scottsdale Christmas with Cash and Tor (Mom Sarah taking the photo).

There are always lots of volleyball games on Saturdays with niece, Demi – –

Niece Demi’s volleyball season is up and running.

— and our annual trip to the Desert Botanical Gardens for the luminarias.  The last several years there has been a special exhibit during the holiday season, so we get a 2-4-1 experience – the luminarias and the special exhibit.  This year it included the sculptures of Jun Kaneko (discussed a few posts back when there was a similar exhibit at the David Wright House).  An awesome evening;-)

Fun to see the Jun Kaneko ceramic sculptures rising out of the desert!

By this time – the full Christmas season was upon us.  The Biaett’s loaded into Barb’s car and ventured to the Illuminations display.  Thousands of lights ‘twinkling’ to various Christmas songs amaze you as one drives through in the car – with hot chocolate at the end;-)

Illuminations

The Biaett Christmas ornament.

Then it was Christmas morning and presents were a plenty!!

Opening packages at Barb, Andrew and Demi’s on Christmas morning.

After presents, breakfast and brief naps we were on to round 2!  Everyone appeared at our house for Christmas dinner, good cheer and thankfulness for a wonderful year.

Getting ready for Christmas dinner at our house.

From our house to yours – we hope you had a wonderful Christmas celebration!  We now had to get ready for round 3 – as the Shoe Crew was on their way for more celebration;-)

Elizabeth & Gary at home in Scottsdale

In the continuing effort to seek out new experiences, we turned off the highway in Monument Valley in route to Beaver Creek, CO (for the World Cup Ski races).  This is one of those places where one says every year  – “We should stop here sometime and do a tour”.  This was the year!

First stop was Goulding’s Lodge, which also housed John Wayne and crew back in the filming days where Monument Valley was a favorite location for John Ford and John Wayne.  Thank goodness there are newer additions to the Lodge and this was not our room – –

John Wayne’s Living Quarters during filming.

After a VERY short night of sleeping, we were on our way to meet up with our guide, Harry, at 6AM.  Gary was in heaven – as Harry is also a photographer and made sure that we were in all the right spots as the sun came up and created colorful reflections and sun bursts.  The pictures speak for themselves – –

Waiting for sunrise near the Totem Pole.

Bazinga.

Love the early morning light and the look of  ‘fire’.

Perfect shot of ‘The Three Sisters”.

Shadow resembles the silhouette of a Native American Chief.

More vistas to behold.

Castle Rock in the Distance.

Just that fast the morning was over and Beaver Creek was calling.  But – another new experience was notched on the belt;-)

Sharing beautiful scenery – E & G

Our travels in Magic are wonderful – BUT, so is our ‘stationary’ home.  We are grateful to be able to enjoy both.

The two months at home have flown by and now the Holidays are upon us!  One of the BEST afternoons this time of year is the one spent at sister Barb’s where we are thankful to have time with family and a fantastic feast – –

Beautiful Thanksgiving Table at Barb, Andrew and Demi’s.

Salute!  (Poor Old Gary – always the Man behind the Camera!)

In our continuing effort to ‘try new things’ we experienced a Gelato Fest, the Fountain Hills Art Festival, a new country western restaurant in Scottsdale – Handle Bar J’s, a VERY ‘new to us’ group at the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) – Song of Lahore, and an absolutely wonderful art exhibit of Jun Kaneko Sculptures at the David and Gladys Wright House in Phoenix followed by a lovely brunch at Royal Palms.

This fabulous Frank Lloyd Wright House was built by Frank for his son, David, to give to his wife, Gladys, in 1952 and was one of his last accomplishments.  We LOVE this house – and it was almost torn down to subdivide the land and build 4 or more houses.  Thank goodness someone stepped in and prevented this from happening.  The grounds were a perfect setting for this exhibit on this beautiful morning.

The Jun Kaneko Sculpture Exhibit at the David and Gladys Wright House.

The view of Camelback mountain from the master bedroom.

Of course there was a lot of the ‘normal’ stuff during the last couple of months also.  MANY concerts at MIM and the Scottsdale Performing Arts Center, shifts and tour guiding at MIM, getting caught up on all the annual doctor appointments, many dinners with friends, daily walks to Starbucks in the Kierland Commons where we often see this guy – –

– – -and lots of golf with friends.  What a surprise this was – –

Who knew. 👏⛳️👏👏

So – we have lots to be thankful for and we think that EVERY day;-)

Next up – Christmas!

Hope you, too, had a very Happy Thanksgiving – E & G

One more stop – a week-end with the Shoe Crew camping at Kern River;-)  They were ready to try out their new trailer and we couldn’t wait to see them and have a fun time enjoying the river, hiking, playing games AND eating s’mores – –

Heather, Christian and family (and their new trailer) near Lake Isabella, CA.

The smoke from fires was with us again – but we still had FUN!

Hey, here’s a shot that actually has gramps in the picture;-)

This beautiful blue heron watched the kayakers until they got too close..

…and then headed up river.

Back to communing with nature in the Sequoia National Forest.

Haley led the way. She seemed to always be 20 yards ahead.

Love hugging these Giants.

On a hike, climbing always seems to be in order…

….sometimes even climbing inside of a tree!

Gramps, Gramma, Kira, Haley and Olivia.

What a wonderful summer of family, friends, exploring our National Parks, golf, experiencing a Total Eclipse, enjoying plays of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and creating many NEW adventures.  What better way to end the summer than with family on a camping trip;-)

Magic is now ‘put to bed’ for the winter and E & G are gearing up for the holidays.

Much love to all…E&G

Where have we been?!?!  It seems like ages since we took the time to get a few pictures and stories here.  Perhaps – because we have been soooo busy;-)

Golf was the story in Sisters/Bend and the Shakespeare Festival was the story in Ashland. Our good friends – Priscilla and Steve – have become great supporters of the Festival and encouraged us to join them.  So, we found a parking place for Magic at Emigrant Lake just outside of Ashland – where beautiful mornings and evenings were enjoyed.

A beautiful sunrise at Emigrant Lake in Ashland, OR.

Then – off to plays.  The Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF) began in 1935 and has grown to producing eleven plays on three stages during a season that lasts from mid-February to early November.  While it does include Shakespeare’s plays, it has also included 341 non-Shakespeare plays since 1960.  Thank goodness for the two of us;-)  Although Gary did consent to ONE Shakespeare play along with the 4 new, experimental plays.

The set of the Merry Wives of Windsor at OSF.

Fortunately, we were prepared for the evening from our Deer Valley concerts – as this play was on the outside Elizabethan stage and it POURED – –

The rainstorm soaked the actors but we were dry.

Of course, there was a visit to the Saltmarsh Ranch to see what the Weaver’s have been up to out there as well as several lunches, dinners and morning ‘Coffee Talks’ put on by the OSF with them.  Many thanks to Priscilla and Steve for encouraging us to spend more time in Ashland – and for their hospitality.

Time always goes so quickly – as it did here.  Magic was packed up and after another travel morning we were at Bandon and ready for another annual golf outing with the Malone’s;-)  Yet another year when the “Weather Gods” blessed us with unbelievable clear skies and warm days.  Now if we could just get the “Golf Gods” to bless us with unbelievably GOOD golf – this trip would be perfect!!

The highest point on the Bandon Trails links with Jim and Rebecca Malone. 

The landmark dead tree on the Old MacDonald Links.

Beautiful scenery from just about every hole.  Notice – NO jackets!!

Four of these bandits were ransacking one of the trash bins when we returned from dinner one evening.

And then – another five days have passed and the stay in Bandon is over – –

A gorgeous farewell sunset during our last night in Bandon.

Another new experience – a trip down a portion of the Oregon and Northern CA coast that had not been traveled before.  Of course there were stops for coffee breaks, lunch or just looking at the scenery and playing in the surf along the way;-)

Working our way south en route to Santa Rosa, CA…

…we found lots of great scenes…

..took time to enjoy the sounds of the surf and wildlife…

..and almost got washed off of a rock.

And then – amazingly – the scenery turned from ocean to Redwoods in an instant.  Magic (and we) got to camp among these ‘Old Guys’ one night.

Ahhhh!!  Just the type of road we LOVE.

Next stop – Santa Rosa to meet up with more good friends – and a little golf along the way.  Our caddies in Bandon gave us a tip about a little 9-hole course just north of Santa Rosa on the Russia River and designed by Alister Mackenzie (Augusta National & SpyGlass) that we HAD to check out.  And – so we did.  Beautiful – and funny;-)!!!!

This sign greeted us on the 2nd hole of the Northwoods Golf course;-)

Beautiful course – but, Gary ricocheted off of a lot of redwoods here.

We enjoyed the company of several friends while in the Santa Rosa area.  Monday night was a lovely dinner with Pam & John in Sonoma and Tuesday was spent with Suzy and Rick in a whirlwind day of golf at Sebastopol, lunch at Bodega Bay, a wonderful walk through the Armstrong Woods and a lovely, relaxing dinner at their home.

More redwoods with friends Rick and Suzy.

This red tail hawk suspended itself in an air draft at the top of a cliff near Bodega Bay. 

A very unique hotel whose rooms are Airstream travel trailers.

Wednesday afternoon and evening were spent with our old neighbor from Park City – Larry – at his new home in Sebastopol.  A true tree house – –

Larry’s beautiful new home in the middle of a redwood forest.

We had to hug one the trees growing up through his deck.

And so went the last two weeks of our Summer adventures!  Oh yes – there is one last weekend – with the ‘Shoe Crew’.  More on that later;-)

E & G & Magic winding down the summer