Back on dry land and back to ‘reality’.

The Shoe Crew (Daughter Heather and family) moved from Lemoore, CA to Ridgecrest, CA.  They, too, are embarking on new adventures.  With a Navy retirement after 20+ years, son-in-law Christian obtained a job with a Navy contractor in Ridgecrest – so the family was off to new digs.  And, we went to check out the new home and surroundings.

Our first stop in all our travels is the Visitor Center.  Ridgecrest was no exception and we had quite a morning – –

Checking out the Visitors Center in Ridgecrest, CA.

So…what time is it really?

Buds.

Thinking of Keith while trying to replicate the infamous family “butt shot”.

A horse/burro rescue operation is also nearby.  We were given a ‘tip’ to go get a bag of carrots before our visit.  It sure made us popular!

The burrows loved the carrots.

Where are my carrots??

When we finally got back to Scottsdale – there was lots more volleyball with niece Demi –

More volleyball..

The cheering section is always there;-)

This family has a lot of February birthdays that finish with Mother Dorthy’s.  This year was the BIG 85 celebrated with family and Phyllis (who reaches 85 also)!!

The whole fam-damily.

Bookends at 85;-)

Celebrations are fun – especially with family.

From us to you – E & G

The New Year brought something exciting and new to us – a cruise.  The only way E was to ever get G on a boat was to include some kind of music – thus a 7 day Jazz Cruise in the Gulf.  We departed from Ft. Lauderdale – so our ‘cruising cousins’ Julie and Mike came from Sarasota to spend a few days visiting, giving us cruise tips and to see us off.  We had several days of sightseeing, eating, visiting, eating, visiting – you get the drill!  One adventure before the BIG cruise was a river boat ride along the inner coastal – –

Thanks to Cousins Julie & Mike for showing us the sights around southern Florida.

With lots more animals – again different from our norm – –

Big time reptiles.

Why would anyone do that???

And LOTS of BIG yachts!!!

Several Magics could fit on this yacht.

Finally it was time for us to board and to be on our way.   The cruise was acquired thru a silent auction at a fundraiser for The Musical Instrument Museum.  So, you can imagine there was LOTS of music.  And there was – Jazz from noon to midnight every day going in three different venues (sometimes 4).  One could come and go if trying to see another act at the same time – whether vocals, drums, brass, strings – it was all there.

Leaving Ft. Lauderdale for a week of great music.

Sometimes outside around the pool – –

There was always music – even at the Pool Parties.

And lots of venues inside – –

In the ships theater and many other spots, both large and small..

Although there was plenty of listening to do onboard, we also had the opportunity to see several Mayan ruins on the daily excursions.

Costa Maya was a “Disneyland Port” –  an area constructed specifically for the cruise ships.  And we suspect specifically because the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins were just opened to the public (in 2002) with no way to get people to them!

Chacchoben was a Mayan settlement that flourished about 350AD, but dates to 200BC.  The site was officially reported in 1972 and excavated and restored beginning in 1994 and continuing today.  A short bus ride away from the port we saw this ancient history.

Chacchoben Mayan Ruins in the Yucatan.

Even older than us!!

The ruins were something to see – Costa Maya, not so much;-(

Next stop for us was Cozumel and the Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins, which are a UNESCO site.  Again – quite an experience.  We could have easily spent a day here but, the ship’s schedule did not allow that.  In fact – this was the biggest disappointment of the trip as we traveled 7 hrs only to have 50 minutes at this site:-(!!!  It was something to see and, as said, a whole day here would have been wonderful.

Chichen Itza was one of the largest pre-Columbian cities and existed from 600AD – 1200AD.  It was a major regional capital, centralizing and dominating political and economic  life in the northern Maya lowlands.  Due to its size, population, and period of existence the architecture here is diverse.

El Castillo – the main Temple at Chichen Itza.

It is amazing how advanced they were in their building and incorporating the sun and astrological calendars into their structures.  During the spring equinox the sun hits the right-hand ‘steps’ of the building and create a ‘light’ serpent down the edge of the stairs ending at the serpent’s head at the bottom.  AMAZING!!

This site was a HUGE complex!  Unfortunately, we only saw a portion of it – and saw that in a rush.

The old marketplace.

Lots of carved images.

The Great Ball Court – one of 13!

If you are ever in Cozumel – do NOT miss this.

As is true of all good things – this too had to come to an end.  But, there was still one more day of Jazz, good food and new friends.

One of our favorites – Cyrille Aimee.

A champagne farewell with friends.

The music was wonderful and the Mayan sites were something to see.  All in all – G said he would do it again.  In fact – we are already signed up for a Panama Canal cruise next April;-)  Who knew?!?!

E & G Sailing off into the Sunset

It is good to be home during November and December in order to spend the holidays with the family.

First up was Thanksgiving – with a good compliment of Family AND beautiful weather!

Thanksgiving dinner at Barb and Andrews.

The ‘Girls’

It seems that one barely turns around after Thanksgiving – and there is Christmas!!  Dinner was at our house with the Phoenix family – and a good time was had by all – –

Christmas dinner – before.

Maestro Elizabeth and her ‘whistle blowers’ had a post dinner concert.

Who can’t follow the baton??

Then we were off to Lemoore to celebrate with the Shoe crew – –

Granddaughters Kira, Haley and Olivia – are ready.

Haley got a VB from cousin Demi;-)

Olivia and Kira got bikes from Gramma and Gramps;-)

More off key whistling.

A good time was had by all here, too.

One more celebration – bring in the New Year in Scottsdale – –

Bring on 2017…

….complete with horns and sparklers.

And so – another year ends and a new one begins.  Wonder what new adventures will be had?!?!?!

Happy 2017 to All – With Much Love From Elizabeth & Gary

There are so many adventures and activities written about as we journey around the country in Magic – you all might think that when we get home we just sit on our keesters until we are off again.  WRONG!!  The activities in Scottsdale match those on the road – just different venues and different sights.

Golf is a mainstay – at a minimum the courses around town see us EVERY Monday and Thursday – and sometimes E plays Ladies Day on Tuesday.  And, even here there is ‘wildlife’ to see —

A gallery of birds lined top to watch our steller golf.

One day a week we try to get our exercise outside instead of in the gym by hiking one of the mountains around town.  They may not be the 1,000 – 2,000 vertical feet we get in Park City – but they get the heart rate up just the same.

Lots of signs…which way do we go?

We also get back in to our volunteering routine at The Musical Instrument Museum – the best museum EVER!!   E spends 3-4 days a week there between giving school tours and wandering the galleries or monitoring the special exhibits and G spends a couple of days there, too.  An evening or two a week may be spent there, also, for some great concerts in a fabulous theater;-)

Volleyball games played by niece Demetra also come back on the calendar.  The fall includes the high school team games during the week followed by ‘club’ ball on Saturdays through the spring.  This year she played on the Pinnacle HS Freshman team –

Volley Ball at Demi’s High School.

Sometimes the cheering section grew to include both Grandmothers (as well as Mom and Auntie) – –

Some of the cheering section.

Another good get.

It is really FUN when our friends that we play golf with in Salt Lake come to Scottsdale to play golf for November – and celebrate all our birthdays.  (We also get our Canadian neighbors back for the month to golf.)  Not that we need any of those reasons to party!

Birthday wishes for Rheta, Elizabeth and Laurie. Thanks Linda and Jim.

And – just as is true on the road – the end to every day is beautiful sight;-)

Just one of many beautiful desert sunsets this winter – from our patio.

So – there is no slow down in activity here.  Every day is lived to its fullest;-)

E & G – on solid ground

One  more stop before the mad dash home – The Shoe Crew in Lemoore, CA;-)  There was always lots of activity here with Heather and Haley.  AND, it has tripled with the addition of two new granddaughters – Olivia and Kira (and son-in-law, Christian).  The playground is a good place to work off lots of energy – –

Haley tackled rope climbing.

While Gramma, Olivia and Kira rode the rings.

Remember when you danced around the living room singing to the stereo?  Then created a ‘show’ for the whole family?  Well, we enjoyed a guitar performance complete with looooong line to get in, tickets and front row seats;-)

Haley provided the entertainment.

The concert came after a rousing round of Guestures followed by a photo op – –

Gramma provided the photo bombing.

A staple activity for our visit this time of year is a trip to the Pumpkin Patch;-)  It is sooo much fun to search for that perfect pumpkin, take it home and decorate it while baking pumpkin chocolate chip cookies.

Sooo, let’s go find some pumpkins.

Olivia, Kira and Haley riding the pumpkin train.

Heather, Christian and the girls.

Okay, time to decorate these babies.

Mother Nature’s own decorations are hard to match.

And so – our ‘Summer of 2016 Magic Bus Trip’ ends;-(

It has been a wonderful summer filled with activities enjoyed with terrific family and friends.    We are very grateful to have such warm, sharing people in our lives.  Thank you all for the generosity and caring that you extend to us as we pass your way (or going out of your way to meet us or join us on our scheduled path).

The sights and sounds of our journeys are pictures here and in our minds, but, it is always the people that make our journeys so memorable.

Thank you to all for another great summer and safe return home – –

Elizabeth and Gary from our Magic Bus

So many golf courses and so little time;-)  Travels will take us to out-of-the-way places when ‘rumor has it’ there might be a great course to play.  So – off to Logan, UT and it’s Birch Creek Golf Course.  Only to be rained off the course – –

Maybe next year?!?!?

OK – so, let’s keep moving and try Quail Hollow in Boise, ID.  Blown off the course there;-)   Well then – let’s just head to Bend.  And – how beautiful could it be!?!  Found a wonderful campground in Sisters – Bend Sisters Garden RV Resort.  In our top 10 parks – –

 A beautiful, inviting, well maintained facility.  Love it;-)

The good weather and happy camping make for good days on the course.  Found another great course with incredible views of The Three Sisters – Aspen Lakes Golf Course.

G with two of the three Sisters.

Tetherow Golf Course is a typical links course on the southwest side of Bend.  It was calling us for a round to get us ready for ‘the golf mecca – Bandon Dunes’.  We even got to try out the golf board as our caddie managed our clubs;-)

We just HAD to check out the golf boards at Tetherow GC. 

There is life outside of golf – so, we were off for a little hike at Smith Rock just north of Bend.  Interesting topography and a major climbing area.

Smith Rock – where are you Brian?

One more stop before Bandon Dunes.  Off to see Priscilla and Steve at their Saltmarsh Ranch in Jacksonville, OR – and to check on all the sheep and associated animals.  It always amazes that after a year of absence, we always pick up just where we left off as though our last visit was last week;-)

 Checking out the irrigation pump that draws water from Applegate Creek onto the Ranch.

Guard Llama Lucy keeping close track of her charges.

The Ranch keeps Priscilla and Steve fairly busy, but they always have time for OSF – the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.  So much so that they acquired a cute little condo in Ashland to avoid the treacherous drive home to the Ranch for those late nights at the theater.  Of course, we always benefit from this love of theirs by joining them at morning Coffees with producers, directors and cast members of current productions AND sometimes even get to a play.  This Saturday was a full day of a Coffee, a quick lunch and a fabulous, thought provoking play – VietGone (a must see if in your area).

E made the mistake of asking a question during lunch;-(  Who can get the answer first?

The playwright introducing his play.  See it!!

This was a wonderful couple of days – and we thank Priscilla and Steve for all their efforts to include us in the activities.  We hope to spend a few more days here next year and take in more plays, as next years line-up looks great.

Now – off to Bandon Dunes to play Pacific Dunes, Bandon Dunes and Bandon Trails with friends Rebecca and Jim.  We are all sooooo excited as this is a golfer’s Disneyland – the only downer is the weather forecast;-(!  But – as they say – the round must go on (ugh!)  So, layer up and get out there – –

Trying to figure out the greens (without much luck) at Pacific Dunes with dark clouds looming in the background.

The views from the course were spectacular – AND that rain never came:-)

One day down and ready for day 2 at Bandon Dunes.  More clouds, but this is to be the BEST day as far as weather.  Layer up again and hope for the best.

Day 2 was windy, a little soggy, and a lot of fun. We all managed to clear the ‘grand canyon’ here with our tee shots.

YEAH!  We survived day 2 and are now on to day 3 at Bandon Trails.  What will the weather bring today??

Our rain gear kept us warm and dry during the cloudburst on the 2nd hole.  Good from there on;-) 

Brandon Trails was one of the original courses, wanders a little more inland and contains the highest points on the property.  Including the spot below where Keiser stood and determined ‘this was the place’ where he would build his golfing mecca.  Thank you Mr. Keiser;-)

Taking a brief break at the highest elevation on the golf courses.

It was another great year at Bandon.  The weather was much better than expected (Yes, that windstopper sweater that E wore EVERY day DID stop the wind and kept her quite warm), the caddies made the rounds fun, the company was perfect AND that new knee that G has performed admirably as we walked 18 holes 3 consecutive days.  Thank you Rebecca and Jim for a special few days – see you same time next year!

LIFE IS TRULY GRAND:-)!!!!

On the road home – E & G

One  more quick trip to AZ for E.  Never think of Scottsdale as having a shoulder season – but, there it was right before my very eyes!  None of the snowbirds are here yet – the golf courses are getting their aeration and overseeding – and the restaurants and shops are getting their facelifts for “the season”.   AND – the weather was fantastic (even the little drizzles felt wonderful as they kept the temps down).

The Kierland golf course, one of our favorite courses (and just out our backdoor – literally) is in the process of getting ready for the winter and all the visitors our great winter weather bring to the valley – –

Soon this will be a beautiful emerald green;-)

Apparently the local Tommy Bahama also felt it was time for a ‘redo’ – –

WOW – what are you doing to this place??

BUT – for those addicted to Tommy Bahama’s fish tacos – never fear for there is a new Taco Truck in the ‘hood’,  right where the valet used to be!

And, that old Bobby’s is still in the conversion stage to the Old Town Scottsdale fav – The Mission.  Doesn’t look like a lot has been accomplished since the beginning of the summer.  Going to have to hurry to be open by fall – –

Can’t wait for this one to open!

One doesn’t have to wait for these places to complete their construction as the ‘hood’ new addition IS open for business – The Shake Shack – –

Looks like fun – even if it did take the place of the ‘fountain’.

And, of course, the old favorites are still there and calling your name – P. F. Chang’s, Starbucks and Snooze.

It was a fun couple of days – checking out the changes in the ‘hood’ this time of year and the progress being made to get ready for another winter in wonderland;-)  It was especially nice since the weather was beautiful!!

For those of you we have invited down – you should know that all of these great places are a short 15 minute walk from our house;-)

E is back to G and we are off to Oregon – More soon

Our ‘Last Two Weeks’ (in Park City) – and what a way to end!  It is always hard to say good-bye, especially to such wonderful friends.  So – there were 14 days packed full of those ‘last’ rounds of golf, ‘last’ dinners, ‘last’ hikes and two special events with all the special people in our lives here.

Not only did these last two weeks signify the cycle of seasons – summer to fall – BUT, we had a special event that reminded us of the cycle of life and where we, along with so many of our friends, are right now.  After spending another couple of days on the phone with insurance companies – G & E are now signed up for Medicare, Medicare Supp Plans and Part D insurance!!;-)!!  This, of course, is necessitated by E turning 65 (YIKES!!!!!) this November and Gary turning 70 in April!  We, however, are NOT alone.  EVERYONE is celebrating a similar event – some just do it in greater ‘style’ like our friend Steve, who had a real ‘Barn Burner’ of an event – –

Steve and Marla show that even at their age they can still ‘cut a rug’;-)

Of course, we had to join in.

Line dancing and a riding exhibition kept everyone engaged.

And then the event we stayed in Park City for – Autumn Aloft.  What a wonderful way to end our stay – –

We had the pleasure of a ride in our friends’, Mark and Dianne, balloon.

Up, up and away.

High in the air is a great vantage point for photos.

Kachina and the Moon over Park City on a wonderful still autumn day.

Pilot Mark and his copilot, Dianne.

Hopper T Frog and Gizzmo get prepped for flight. It takes an army to get them off the ground!

They are ready to go.

It was hard to select photos as there were so many beautiful shapes and colors.

As you know –  we can’t go too long without a shadow shot.

A great weekend of ballooning comes to a close.

AND – so does our summer in Park City.

See you back on the road again soon – E & G on our way;-(

As if the scenery, golf, concerts and dinners with friends were not enough in Park City –  we ventured up to Sun Valley, ID for more of the same;-)  Magic stayed parked in PC as our gracious hosts for the week were Eileen and Tom in their new home.

Full disclosure was made before we ventured up and they were fully informed that we would go anywhere and do anything to see Vince Gill – who just happened to be performing at the SV Pavilion during our stay!  Not sure E & T were as enthralled as we were – but, we had a fantastic time at the concert in this fabulous venue – –

Vince Gill and Amy Grant at this wonderful amphitheater.

They even endured playing golf with us – providing the ski resort backdrop and perfect weather for the day.

Eileen and Elizabeth on the Trail Creek Golf Course.

Just to be sure we did NOT get too lazy while visiting – a 4 mile hike to Titus Lake was in order.  Titus Lake sits at the junction of four of Idaho’s wildest mountain ranges – the Sawtooth, White Cloud, Smoky and Boulder mountains – the junction called The Cross!  It is also the headwaters of the Salmon and Big Wood rivers.  The trail was mainly through the forest – until the trees opened up and there was the Lake.  A good time was had by all – including Parker and Roxy – the Raney ‘children’;-)

Plenty of photo ops and photographers on our hike to Titus Lake.

Parker and Roxy led the way, with Tom and Eileen not far behind.

Gary, Eileen and Tom with views of the Sawtooth Mountains.

Where’s the treehouse?

Finally – a view of Titus Lake.

Very calm and quiet.

A quick break before we head back to the trailhead.

Beautiful views all along the way.

All good visits must come to an end – and the best way is with a lovely dinner in a lovely garden.

 Knob Hill – GREAT views and GREAT food.

We really enjoyed our visit and are very grateful to E & T for opening their new home to us. Thank you, again;-)

Back in PC – we discovered that the Muni course has new Tee markers – –

The colors of these cranes have changed from rust to grey over the past several weeks.

Not only the cranes are changing colors.  In the three days of absence – the colors in PC changed significantly – –

Autumn is HERE!!

It is hard to believe that we have been in PC for 2 1/2 months and have only 2 weeks left before Magic is closed up and the road opens before us once again.  But – before we go – there is another round of dinners and several golf games left to be played here.

So – enjoy the cooler weather, football and colors if you are lucky enough to live where you get them.  We’ll be back in touch soon – E & G;-)

Hope you all are not getting tired of the almost weekly updates that say “more dinners with friends, more golf, more concerts and another hike or two!”  But, this is our summer in Park City – AND WE LOVE IT!!

The rounds of golf provide great 5 mile walks and almost always give us something interesting to talk about.  Two rounds highlighted here are no exception.  The first was a wonderful round in Salt Lake with friends Rheta and Tom – where E managed to tie her personal best;-)!!

An 87!!   YEAH!

We were part of ‘the Dawn Patrol’ this past week, along with friend Betsey, at Soldier Hollow in Midway.  The autumn temperatures have set in reminding us that perhaps a tee time before 8AM is no longer appropriate – we froze and the sun is no longer coming up so early;-(  But, the wildlife is out hunting for breakfast – –

One of the great things about early morning golf….

….is the wildlife you run into….

….along the way.

This was our last weekend of concerts – so we ‘soaked up’ every last song.  Especially Trace Atkins, who put on quite a show (in all aspects!!).

Trace Atkins and his band in a terrific performance at the Deer Valley Amphitheater.

Andy Garcia and the Cineson Allstars provided a wonderful evening of Cuban music – –

G especially enjoyed the percussionists.

Sundance has always been a favorite day excursion – but, it just hadn’t been put into the schedule yet this year and time was growing short.  So – a good time to kill two birds with one stone and make this week’s hike Stewart Falls near Sundance followed by lunch at The Foundry Grill.  32 KBUS was off early to spend the day with our hiking partner this week – Jane —

Stewart Falls.  Amazing there is still water!

This hike is a real favorite as it provides beautiful views of Mt. Timp, the Falls – and this time of year – Fall Colors;-)

Beautiful views!

Really!  Everywhere we go and look there is Absolute Beauty!!

Falling into Autumn – E & G