Hiking Club Dinners

Chef Curt is assisting Chef Dan in the preparation of meatloaf for the dinner last evening. The hiking club prepares and serves 7 meals during the season to 100+ resort residents.

Members of the club help serve the meal. Last night mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, and brownies were on the menu along with the meatloaf. We served 130 people in less than 30 minutes.

St. Patrick's Day 2009

Our hosts, the O'Reillys

Irish and "wannabe" Irish gathered for corned beef, soda bread,
cabbage and potatoes and some non-traditional fare

and some Irish "spirits".

A very good time was had by all!

Friday the 13th

This is the third year we have gone with a group of "true Irishman" to an Irish Pub in Tempe, Rúla Búla.


We sit out on the patio and order traditional Irish food (and drink).

The first year I had Fish & Chips, last year Cottage Pie, and tonight I ordered the Reuben Sandwich. We topped off our meal with Bread Pudding. Yum!


This year we drove to a bus stop, took the bus to the Light Rail station and rode the train to downtown Tempe. That was a first for the two of us this year.

Some in the group got into the spirit of the holiday. We had a great time on the bus and on the rail.

We have another party on the 17th.

Washer & Dryer

The delivery truck pulled up about 10:30 this morning. Two gentlemen began unloading a front load washing machine and a dryer. WHOOPEE!


The space in the shed was ready. Notice the electrical box, the overhead lights, the necessary plumbing and water fixtures, and the great looking floor.

Curt installed the flooring on Wednesday. It is a vinyl wood look that came in 6x36 inch pieces. He did a great job. The electrical wiring and plumbing was completed on Monday and the lights and water on Thursday.

And there it is. Tomorrow it will get a work out after we buy the correct detergent.

Desert Critters

This is a photo of the Gila Monster seen on the Hackleberry Springs Hike a couple of weeks ago. These critters live under ground 95% of the time... so some in the Hiking Club were very fortunate to see this one. It was about 18-20 inches long. (Thanks for the photo, Ken.)

The rattlesnakes are out, also. A few of the hikers report seeing them. So far no one has a picture though. Temps are to be in the high 80s this weekend. Just perfect for the snakes.

Today's Hike

Curt went hiking in the area today...

and took the camera along...

and found some of the blooming shrubs.

I spent the morning working on my memoirs. The words were flowing.

The Completed Shed

The guys finished the siding of the shed today. This was the last wall just before lunch.

I remembered why I did not hang around when they were working when I saw Herman on the ladder this morning. YIKES!

The trim is up. One small piece of cement siding to finish the inside corner.

Curt attached the last piece. Now he just has to caulk, paint and other odd bits that can all be done whenever before we leave in April.

They put the hardware on the door. Next week is the electrical, plumbing, & flooring. Then the washer & dryer.

Gourmet Girls

I miss you, too. Thanks for raising a glass.

Happy Birthday, Sharon!

I am so proud of you all for cooking!
See you in April.

Girls' Adventure in Tuscon

While the guys were at the air museum, Carol and I explored Tuscon. We found Old Tuscon & the movie site.

While checking out the block at Presidio Historic District, we found these brightly painted buildings near the Convention Center.

This is the rear of St. Augustine's Church. It is across from the Convention Center.

St. Augustine's Church from the street. It was an opportunity to use my new camera.

Pima Air Museum

We stopped in Tuscon on our way home Saturday. Dennis & Curt spent time at the Pima Air and Space Museum. There were 5 hangers and 2 museum buildings with assorted air craft.


And there were acres and acres of planes in all sorts of shapes and sizes.

This was the presidential air craft for Presidents Kennedy and Johnson.