McHOOD PARK AT WINSLOW, ARIZONA

I have a few photos to share that was taken on the road. I took a photo of the first pine tree I saw....

One of the things that we notice was  the lack of green grass. I realize that the area was just coming out of winter but due to the recent rains and snow melt I would expect to see a hint of green. What I saw instead was a lot of dead and dying trees.

 

But as we were coming into Flagstaff, Az we begin to see some greening. Also a large mountain in the distance with snow still showing. Sorry about the spots on the window. Phil did clean the glass before we started the trip. Didn't want you thinking there is a moon in the photo lol. 

 

 

Here is a closer view of the snow capped mountain...

 

 

After leaving the Flagstaff area it was like entering another world. The descent down from the higher elevations brought us back into the desert landscape as you can see from this old abandoned homestead.

 

 

After our arrival here at McHood Lake we set up camp then went for a bike ride down the road. Here is a flock of a very large cranes that was coming home to roost. Not sure just what they are but they are very big birds... 

 

 

Here is a close up of them...

 

 

This is the first sunset view from my desk window. Nice.



 

 

Some how I lost track of Phil as I was busy taking bird pictures and he went on without me. So, needless to say I beat him home. Here he is coming up the road. He is doing a great job on the bike in spite of the knee surgery. I am proud of his accomplishment!

 

 

And here is what I have to put up with hahaha. This is SuChi. She gets in Phil's lap so she can get on his desk to stare at me when she wants something. How can one resist that darling little face saying, "hey Mom... can you see me now?"

 

 

This is a great little campground and we are enjoying the people and the sights. But most of all the quiet. We are at the first campsite and new comers tend to think we are the camp host. I don't mind as we met so many interesting people. Today I met a couple from Quebec, Canada. The man is from France and has a bit of trouble with English but is trying so hard. The woman is from Canada so she translates a lot. They are great people and we are looking forward to seeing them again. We have spoken with many of the local natives. Again good people.

 

 

Well, it is that time. So I will say "good nite". Keep on dancing to the rhythm of the heartbeat of life... God Bless

 



 

LAST DAY AT CAMP VERDE, AZ

It looks like Friday will be our last day here in Camp Verde, Az.  Today the truck was taken out for a test run. Found the source of the problem... the fan clutch is out. It's back in the shop and then we are on the road again. Our next planned stop is in Winslow, Az.

Both Phil and I have fell in love with this beautiful little town. It is actually quiet large but most is hidden from view because of the hills, mountains, and valleys. There is a large section of a pecan valley on the other side of town near the river. The soil is rich and plentiful there. The river is prime property area lush and green...

We went down to the park near White Bridge Landing and was amazed at the area. There is a lot of flowing water...

It is also nice to know that there are several places where the kids can access the river and swim. There is also a nice little creek that runs in a valley not far away...

Although the area is absolutely beautiful the real beauty lies with it's people. Everyone that I met is very friendly and has a smile to share. The place is very unique. Seems most everyone keeps a nice neat unique look to their homes also. This one has a planter full of elk antlers in front that caught my eye...

But to me the most amazing sight was the roses. They are everywhere here in this town...

Most of the roses are red but I saw the yellow ones, pink ones, and here and there the "peace" roses. This climate seems to be perfect for them. Every bush I saw was in full bloom.

 

Well guess I will wind this down as I need to get back to bed if we are to leave when the truck is finished up tomorrow. I am looking forward to getting out of this parking lot. It is a busy place with lots of traffic even in the wee hours of the morning I get awoken by trucks. Not conductive to restful sleeping but better then a truck stop lol.

 

Keep on dancing your way through life and may the Angels dance with you...

 

 

 





 

 

 

ON THE ROAD AGAIN

Last Wednesday we left Sun Camp at Tonopah, AZ. So I am picking up where I left off with the blog. My life has returned to normal once again. We loved the stay and the people there but it is wonderful and exciting to be traveling again. I think both of us have gypsy heritage lol.

Coming out of Phoenix the truck blew a head gasket. Luckily, we had plenty of water to get us on up the road. We managed to limp into a truck stop. There we called the recommended local mechanic. He thought the problem was the thermostat which he replaced. The rest of the night was spent camping on the back parking lot. With an early start the next morning we made it about twenty miles down the road when the truck started to overheat again. The mechanic was called again and we patiently waited beside the road...

 Upon looking over the situation he realized he couldn't fix it. But he stayed with us as we limped out way into the next town. He led us over to the NAPA Station. There they checked over the truck and that is when we realized the seriousness of the situation. A blown head gasket and a bit of damage to one of the pistons. But we were lucky, the next person that came in had much more damage to his truck. But still it is going to cost from one to two thousand dollars. So, here we sit on the parking lot of NAPA in Camp Verde, AZ...

We are about six miles from Montezuma's Castle but it might as well be a hundred miles. We can't walk it or bike the distance. Phil is still building up his leg after the knee surgery and my back is still damaged. Speaking of Phil's surgery ... he has done great. Not one complaint and he has pushed himself to the limit. Not to mention that he has a great attitude. I'm proud of him and his accomplishments. He bought a ten speed bike so today we went out riding to check out the sights. This is a very nice looking little town but very hilly.

 

Across the street is the Apache Nations Headquarters...

 

 



Their Headquarters reminds me of a castle. Maybe it was designed to look so because they are so close to the "Montezuma's Castle" park.

 

The lay of the land is very pretty here and I'm impressed with the town itself.  Although last night the restaurant up the hill was hit by burglars. They didn't get inside. They had to really be dumb because the police station is only a block up the road. They made a fast get-away when the alarm went off. I didn't see it but could hear the commotion. Today someone parked a vehicle on the lot and it's alarm sounded. Geeesh.

 

Hopefully, by Tuesday we will be headed down the road towards Flagstaff and Interstate 40. Our plans are to spend a week or so around Winslow, AZ. Then on over into New Mexico and across Texas into Oklahoma to Arkansas. I think we will stay around there while we build back up our money reserves. What with the surgery, a new covered trailer, two new cameras, and now the truck cost we have had a lot going out. But we have faith and life is good. Also, we are not in the flooding and high winds. So, maybe sitting here on this parking lot is a blessing in disguise.

 

So we are putting on our "happy" face and beginning our dance with the angels once more across the highways and byways of life...

 

 

KEEP ON DANCING!

 



 

 

Merry Christmas

 

What a beautiful time of the year. I have seen so many people with the holiday spirit. The news on television is filled with those that step up to help those in need. Everytime I hear about a grinch I hear about someone that is moved to help. It is a great time to be part of the human race.

Christmas is a special time of year for the world. Does not matter what religion you are. The Christ energy effects the mind of humanity... this is a special time in that it is the ending of the age of Pisces and the dawning of the age of Aquarius. This is what the Mayan calendar is all about.

 

As we move into Aquarius the universal mind will focus on peace. There will be a lessening of the negative thinking of man and earth will begin to come back into the perfect balance as it was in the beginning.

 

The rainbow is a representive of the Seven Rays. These rays are of the Christ Light. This is what the Life Master was a representive of. This is what he was trying to teach humanity... to proclaim their heritage.

 

As we move into this new energy I pray that you continue the dance of life and that your life is full of the abundance of peace, love, and happiness. May the thoughts of tomorrow be filled with promise. May you experience the "knowing" that you are indeed blessed. May you have enough of everything you need. And may you....

Keep on dancing!!!

 

 

 

 

THE LASTEST NEWS

 

We are still alive and doing well. Lots of things have been going on with us -- all good. This is a wonderful little community and we are having a great time. I got an early Christmas present. Never thought I would say this but I love the new ceramic commode. Haha. The old one was plastic and began to leak. Thank God it was clean water. Now, I have a real bathroom!  I thanked "Santa".

Some of the ladies got to play Santa's Helpers Saturday as they gathered in the community kitchen to bake cookies for the church...

 

Things are looking very much like Christmas here at Sun Camp...

 



 





 

Phil finished the mail box stand. That is all but the painting of the mailboxes. He is going to paint them white with black lettering. Here is a photo of the stand and another showing the stand with the sign he did...

 

 

The desert can really get cold at night. I think last night was the coldest so far. I slept under the electric blanket. Last week I cut the girl's hair so that I wouldn't have to groom them again until spring. The end results looks something like this...

 

Su Chi is not coming out from under covers. She is our Diva Queen. I have coats and sweaters to keep them warm. So, they will do fine and I don't have to worry about them and the long hair.

 

 

Well, it is warming up outside so I will close and see what is happening in our little part of the world. I am still dancing with angels... hope you are too. But even if we don't see them just keep on dancing....

 

 

 



 

 

 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

 

As we pause to give thanks this year let us give thanks for the love of our families and friends. Let us be grateful that we live in a country where we have freedom. So many have paid a great price so that we may live here in America.

I give thanks that I have been granted the wisdom to know that although I do not have everything I want. I do have everything I need.

I give thanks that I am dancing with the Angels daily. May you dance in your life and may your light shine brightly. Dance with the joy of life and give thanks for all that you have.... God Bless

SUN CAMP GRAND OPENING DAY

Today (Sunday) was the grand opening for Sun Camp and last night Phil did the final check on the sign. All was well. What a sight to behold.
 

Everyone said it was awesome. The sign is near the entrance so it is part of the first impression that one gets. I took the above photo from the road at 9:30 Saturday night.

 

The people here have worked so hard building this camp and it has been a labor of love.  Phil and I joined them in the Church Sunday Services this morning. Afterward everyone met in the kitchen for refreshments. Bob Copeland's older brother and his wife were here. What a delight to meet them.  I met so many new people... hope I can remember the names. There was much laughter and joy shared amongst all. Reminded me of old friends coming together to share "the good ole days". 

 

I have pondered our "mission" here at this camp and I think I have the answer to my question. We are here to help bring new "light" into the group. To let them know that change is happening. The sign is a good example of this. It is refreshing to the human spirit much as a drink of cool water is to the thirsty man. 

 

Change is taking place all over the earth. It is that time.  Some changes are good and some are not so good. As the Mayan Calendar shows the end of an era has come. We are moving out of the Pisces era into the Aquarius era. Earth will not end. It is time to look at what we need to change within ourselves so that we may live in peace and harmony...that we may to dance to the rhythm of life.

 

I have very few photos to share this week with you. Most of my time was spent working as I helped shine up of Bob's home, I raked around the buildings in the RV section, as well as my normal home chores. Not to mention the grooming of the my girls (Shih Tzus). I did get to go down to where Phil was working on the sign...

 

 

 In the photo above he is removing the old sign and in the photo below he is explaining to Bob what he doing as he puts up the new sign...

 

 

And here he is hard at finishing up the mounting of the solar panels at the sign.

 

 

The sign is "awesome"... and shines like beacon in the night...

 

 

While taking Phil's lunch to him down at the sign site I chanced upon a "Horned Toad". I haven't seen on in years. I had them as pets as a child and they were in abundance. But they are fast becoming rare in central Texas. I took a photo of the baby that I found and then moved him out of harms way. By the way they are not kin to a toad or a frog... they are a lizard...

 

 

Blends in good with the rocks, doesn't he. He is at the center bottom portion of the photo.

 

The petigrew falcon came back to harrass the doves again.

 

 

This time I stood very close to the doves and he got the message. It has been several days and he has not returned. Such a beautiful bird but he is not a seed eater so he has to hunt else where. I enjoy the sound of the doves when I sit outside with my morning coffee. They are beautiful to behold and to hear. There is a bird that I think may be a meadow lark but I have not seen one yet. It is a sound that I loved as a child living far out on a country road. It is a sound that takes me back to my childhood summer days. We lived far away from any close neighbor and my days were spent riding my horse through the pastures and creeks. I think that is where I developed my love of nature and animals. My horse was my best friend.

 

It is important to us all to remember back to the good ole days when life was fun, joyful, and freedom was ours to run and play.  What a joy it would be to experience that feeling all over again.... know that you can.  Sure some of you (and myself) can't jump as high or run as fast but you can experience the joy of thinking as a child again. Put down your troubles, your worries, your heavy burdens such as depression, guilt, and all the "what if's" that you carry. It's as simple as forgiving yourself and others...change your thoughts and you change your attitude.... joy is an attitude... so is dancing with the angels... Dance on, my friend, dance on...