2012: Chapter 28 - Mayan Calendar End

OK, the world didn't end on December 21, 2012 but I had fun in Sedona anyway. I drove up after work on Thursday to be there for our nephew, James. His first visit ever to Arizona included a trip to the Grand Canyon with a buddy, Kevin. After a grand (canyon) sunset, they traveled to Sedona for a cabin overnighter. The electric blankets kept then warm all night. I filled them with coffee and cinnamon Pop Tarts in the morning and bid them adieu as they left for Flagstaff to enjoy breakfast with a friend.

I headed into town to find a vortex to await any possible 12-21 happenings. The Airport Vortex seemed to call me so I hiked up and sat for a while. I chatted with a couple of women then kept hiking till I found a quiet place to sit and meditate. The active winds whispered quietly in my ears and also shouted loudly in the canyon.

I took the opportunity to visit and join the Sedona Heritage Museum. That is a place I will definitely spend more time exploring. While lying in bed awaiting sleep I realized that slumber on the longest night of the year was a good thing; the next day would bring longer days. Yay - more light!

See you all next time...
M

Nephew James and his buddy, Kevin in front of the cabin

Airport vortex cairn to commemorate 12-21-12

Airport vortex cairn and sign

Beautiful morning color on Sedona mountains

2012: Chapter 27 - It's All Relatives

Cathy & Wayne. That is, Aunt Cathy & Uncle Wayne. Yep. They came for a visit, yay! Their Monday visit prompted me to take the day off work. I came up the day before and tidied up for them. It was nice not have any projects to tackle, but I really missed having Bill around. Most of the leaves are on the ground and I just love walking through them - crunch, crunch crunch! That sound beneath my feet carries me back to my Michigan childhood.

My childhood included being the flower girl in Cathy & Wayne's wedding. There is a funny story to that. Apparently at the reception there was no place for me to sit at the wedding party table. So everyone scooted down a bit and I sat between Cathy & Wayne! For years I thought I married Uncle Wayne. He got stationed in Arizona and I missed them for many years. Later when they finally moved back, I thought they were so cool (I even had a crush on Uncle Wayne). Their Arizona stories mesmerized me. In fact, those stories were the reason I moved here.

After a nice Indian Gardens lunch we shopped in town. It was fun having them all to myself. Aunt Cathy is one of my mom's younger sisters. Having lost Mom & Dad several years ago, I now realize that Cathy & Wayne are parents to me. They've known me since before I was born and everything about me. They've traveled with me on my lifelong journey. And just like my Sedona electric blanket, their unconditional love wraps me with love and warmth.

I love growing wiser with each passing moment.


Cathy & Wayne's wedding August 27, 1960. That's me at 4 years old!





Cathy, Me, and Wayne shoppin' Yay!



2012: Chapter 26 - Yummy Breakfasts

Two yummy breakfasts this weekend. The first one was thanks to us. The second one was thanks to the Hanson's.

As you know, more than several months ago we turned off the gas (and smelly pilot lights) of the very old gas range that came with the cottage. The place smelled a lot better but it came at a big price - no cooking except for the microwave. Fortunately, Dean, from Yavapai Bottle Gas hooked up our new stove during the week and VOILA breakfast got cooked on Saturday morning. It was delightful.

Also, the final hookup of the dishwasher was very exciting, thanks to my wonderful husband.  We've been hand washing and drying dishes for the past 15 months in the cottage.

Friday evening we had a little fun and went to downtown Sedona and eagerly awaited the arrival of Santa Claus on a firetruck. The holiday singers were very cheerful while the hot chocolate brought welcome warmth.

Saturday afternoon we quickly checked friend Joy's place then were off to visit our good friends, the Hanson's. Our travels took us through Jerome, a certified ghost town. We lunched there at 15 Quince, a very delicious Mexican restaurant. The rest of scenic journey over Mingus Mountain to Prescott was full of windy turns. That is the twisting and turning type of windy (long I), not the wind (short I) type. It was great to see the Hanson's and also other friends, the Lueders.

Delightful conversation was followed by a wonderful Italian dinner in town. A short walk found us at the city square and starting up of the holiday lights. Such fun!

We slept at Hotel del Hanson and in the morning were treated to another wonderful breakfast. Homemade waffles, blueberries, butter, syrup, coffee and of course, bacon - YUM! Thanks Dave and Sara.

Oh yeah, Dean from the gas company lit our furnace pilot light. But in our attempt to start the furnace, we accidentally extinguished the pilot. Aargh! Got to figure out that stuff - You Tube, here we come!

Until next time...

Michelle (AKA The Pioneer Woman)

The new stove in it's rightful place...

Holiday singers in downtown Sedona