Tuesday, August 8, 2017

Arizona Highways TV

A while back I found this program on the TV.

It was all by chance.

Up early one morning, the TV had been left on our local NBC channel from the night before, and a program I had never seen called Arizona Highways is what was on at 5:00 AM. Usually that early in the morning there is only infomercial on.

I can't remember exactly what that first episode was about. I believe it was from the Tucson area. Bisbee. Nogales. It was during the time we began going to Ajo. Anyway, ever since then I have it set to automatically record each Saturday.

I have searched for some time looking for links to previously aired episodes, but all I could find were clips at some of these links:
  • Arizona Highways TV on Facebook 
  • AZ Highways TV - When I clicked the link from FaceBook it switched to this automatically.  It appears she is branching off or going out on her own. Or something?
  • Robin Sewell is the star of the show. Her Facebook page has the same address as above.
  • Arizona Highways is the magazine and does advertise on the show. Some of the places Robin visited are there along with others can also be found here.
  • Roadside America is a decent website for information on all 50 states. Reviews are helpful.
  • Desert USA is another site for information.
Each episode we watched led me to search for the places Robin was talking about, which then led me to other sites with more information, even some scenic roads. By the time we get to do some of the adventures in the file, we shouldn't miss a thing!

We have already done a number of them, while others have moved up the list since our recent vacation to Flagstaff, the Grand Canyon, Sedona and other places in between this June. We've decided to make it a goal for the next few years to explore our own state more. Fortunately living in the southern part of the state means we have no choice but to travel north on the Arizona highways to get to Utah, Colorado, and east to New Mexico. Most are through Indian Reservations that exhibit a lot of history, and canyons with some of the most extraordinary colors of rock and incredible formations.

Our next BIG journey is going to be next March in celebration of our 40th Wedding Anniversary. We are doing a double header per say but as it refers to NASCAR, not baseball. Five nights in Las Vegas, two nights in Williams, and another five nights in Phoenix.


Stopping in Williams will give us the opportunity to check out a few location from this weekends show.

Like:



Route 66 Zipline takes you over the Grand Canyon Blvd at speeds up to 30 mph., forward and backward. Actually, it's backward, then forwards. Yikes!

At $15 for a single or $12 each for a couple surely worth checking out. A fun way to spend about 20 minutes, if it's not busy and we only ride once.


How about playing in a BIG sandbox! At Big Toy Playground you get to try your hand at the Skid Steer aka "Bobcat," the backhoe or go big with the excavator. Sessions are 90 minutes or 3 hours. Or as my husband said, "Go to the rental yard, rent one for the day and play in our own yard!" 

I have a feeling we won't be doing this one! 





Bearizona might happen if we choose not to take the train.


We could always check out The Grand Canyon Deer Farm.


Of course, there were also places to eat on the program as well.

Like South Rims Wine & Beer Garage.


"I am often asked about one of the unique aspects of our bar - a jet black 1967 Pontiac GTO parked inside. When we pulled up the floors during the building renovation, we found a fully intact car lift and grease pit left over from the building’s origins as a Route 66 gas and service station.

As fate would have it, we had just recently finished restoring that GTO. Wow, talk about kismet! We knew right then and there where the car was to reside, and thusly created the South Rims Wine and Beer Garage.

That’s our story, and we’re sticking to it! Stop by and enjoy a glass of the Arizona’s finest with us; we sure look forward to seeing you!"


Another place suggested was The Red Raven.


That pretty much covers what was on the program.

I have had this excursion in my file for a long time. Taking The Grand Canyon Railway to the Grand Canyon is something I would really like to do.


Back in 2006, we took the "grand's" up for the Polar Express. What a magical experience! They were four and two and as cute as can be.


Here is the information for tickets.



We will need a place to park the RV, and there are a few options.


Grand Canyon Railway RV Park is close to the Grand Canyon train, but it is one of those parks that resemble a parking lot. Yes, it's kept very clean, and the sites are level. Nothing wrong with that. After having spent 5 days in basically an RV parking lot at the track and will be spending another 5 days doing the same thing in Phoenix, I voted for The Canyon Motel & RV Park.


Trees! There be trees in this here park!

Trees like these are the one thing I missed from Northern California. We have trees here in Yuma, and not just palm trees. There is something about tall pine and redwood trees that just comforts my soul. To walk among the giant redwoods is so mesmerizing. The hikes we have done up there, are still so vivid in my mind. A time when a camera wasn't glued to my hands. I use to hang out at the tent (yep, our first years were in a tent, when not with the parents in their motorhome), while hubby did some hunting. With 90 acres in the Siera's that his parents owned were the perfect place to explore. There was even gold! Malakoff Diggins was about a half hour away. Oh, the memories!

Back to where to stay when in Williams. The only way to find out the rates or make a reservation is to call, so I did! A deluxe site with trees, $45.26 a nite, booked! They were very friendly and accommodating. 


This one is a bit out of our way, but we did pass it on the way to the Grand Canyon back in June. It almost looked like it was closed down.

Yabba Dabba Doo!


I will agree with the writer of this blog, Messy Nessy Chic. I found it while searching for more information about the park.

"The soundtrack of Flinstones cartoons broadcast continuously over the park’s tinny loudspeakers, echoing eerily between the dusty, dilapidating houses of Bedrock’s famous residents from a bygone era.  Built over 40 years ago during the Route 66 roadside attraction craze, this lonely concrete replica of a cartoon town has seen better days."

As you can see from their website, I think they still live in the Bedrock ages. Bless their hearts. Reservations are by phone only. When I called the number, it just rang until a message came on that said, "answering service off."

Yes, it has seen better days, and it also looked like you camp along a fence that is right off the highway. The couple pictures I took of it got deleted because they were so blurry. (I needed the space on the teeny tiny card I had to use because I left my big card back at the RV in Flagstaff. Hubby found and bought me the larger card at the General Store in the Grand Canyon Village so I could capture our time at the rim.) I doubt we will ever stay there, but if you decide to check it out, please drop me a link so I can see how your adventure in Bedrock was. I'm curious!

I found a few other places to eat while researching the area:





Keep in mind, you are within 45 minutes of Flagstaff. You are also in the Kaibab National Forest. Both of which have some spectacular scenery, along with fun and exciting things to do. This is what we did the last time we stayed in Flagstaff.

Happy trails to you....!

Saturday, August 5, 2017

The Simple Woman's Daybook {August Edition}




For Today
August 1, 2017


Looking out my window... watching another monsoon blow through. 



The winds that arrived before it were swaying the branches creating a moving shadow on the window that the kitty keeps reaching for. 

To cute!



I am thinking... we need to go back to the beach! `



I am thankful... for the time we got to spend with the family. Time just flew by. 




One of my favorite things... right now is watching this kitty just being a kitty! Ever so often I tell her how lucky she is to be alive. She still has some respiratory issues and has a vet appointment next week as well. Next week will not be one of my favorite things!


I am creating... some bees for my garden! It began when the family was in town. In an effort to quiet down the littles I suggested they go outside and hunt for rocks they would like to paint. And so it began...


Before I knew they had a dozen different painted rocks from ladybugs to a Batman sign. The ladybug, a butterfly, a heart, and a cactus headed back to Florida. The rest will find homes in the garden. For now, they are still displayed on the dining table. I've even made a few more bees. 




I am wearing... my favorite Lula Roe's. Have you tried them? For someone who spends most her days in lounge wear, they are perfectly comfy.



I am listening... to the pounding of rain on the roof. The thunder is crackling so loud it vibrates the windows. With every storm, there is a rainbow. I haven't seen one yet but I know we will.

 I am hoping... the test and appointments next week produce some answers.
Prayers. Prayers. Prayers.

I am learning... how to mix doTERRA Essential Oils.


In my kitchen... the "grand" and I hatched a dinosaur!


In my garden... the weeds are taller than the planting boxes. After the extreme heat had baked everything, my vegetable garden season was over. Then the weed eater broke. Then the John Deer died! It will take a couple of weekends to get everything back under control in preparation for the fall garden. 

YEAH, bring on the cooler weather!

Post Script... If you are interested in the doTERRA Essential Oils, my daughter-in-law can help you out. Just click this link and send her a message.

Shared quote...



A moment from my day...


For about a half hour the rain was coming down so hard, even the frogs came out from their homes. Every year, usually before the first monsoon, things are secured, and all the drains are cleared of any debris. Oops! With all the excitement of having the family in town, we brushed it aside. Didn't take long to deal with it, just got a little wet.

Closing notes... started this post on Tuesday, but unfortunately I didn't get it finished. I worked on it some more Wednesday before my 'Grand'ma Day started. Come Thursday I found myself wiped out and barely got my housework done. Friday was a slow day with no energy or brain power for that matter. It took almost all day to get my Five Minute Friday done and done on Friday to boot! I was determined to get that much accomplished. I was successful with that and felt I should be able to complete my daybook the next morning. 

It was such a beautiful morning we decided to tackle some of the yard work. With each break, I wrote a part or finished and added a photo here and there. Finally, after dinner, I was able to put my closing notes together.

Far from a Simple Woman right now but will continue to find the time to enjoy the simple things along Our Journey Through LIFE!

If you enjoyed reading my daybook and would like to create your own, HERE is the link to the format, guidelines and complete list of prompts.

Friday, August 4, 2017

Five Minute Friday ~ Try


Our prompt for this weeks link-up is: try.

On your mark, get set, go!

Over the last month and a couple weeks, we sure have been tried and tested.

Our faith has been tested. Our love. Our limits.

Trying our patience. Trying our best.

Testing of Your Faith
2 "Count it all joy, my brothers,[b] when you meet trials of various kinds,for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." James 1:2-4
Trying to remain positive in what ever direction we are traveling will be taking us.

Trying to understand my role, my place, my time so to make the journey as pleasant and as stress-free as possible. Complete and lacking in nothing.

I've even been trying to find some places to explore that will give us a break when we need it. Every time I think I have a few good ideas developing, something happens that causes them to fizzle out. Dates aren't available and the ones that are don't work. The distance compared to the time we'll have doesn't work out either. Or the campgrounds don't have sites our RV will fit in, leaving RV resorts that are nothing more than parking lot's with a few trees and a pool. 

Don't get your knickers in a bunch! We've stayed at some really nice resorts a few times. They are well manicured, and for the most are well maintained. Some even escort you to your site and help you back in. But try as I might, I am not a cookie cutter Rv'er. I need to have tree's, lots and lots of trees, maybe a creek or a lake. The ocean.

STOP! Already! Rules are rules. I had added my verses before I started the timer.



Thanks for stoppin' by! Please continue to keep our family in your prayers. Once we have answers and know what we are dealing with, we will share more information. Prayers that it is something simple. 

Wednesday, August 2, 2017

If Your Eye is Healthy

While watching Good Morning America  this morning, they had Matthew McConaughhey on and during his interview, he mentioned his favorite bible verse while describing how he named his child Matthew without actually naming him, Matthew. 

I loved how he came to name his son. Click the link above and watch the video.



I had the perfect picture to use it with!


Sunday, July 30, 2017

What Happened to July?

June ended with a kind of fog rolling over our journey. If we were still in California, fog rolling in in June is called June Gloom!

Keeping our balancing while juggling on a unicycle going across a tight rope, describes how it has been feeling.


To catch up, I'll begin by spinning off the prompts from FMF that I missed while figuring out some of the paths to take on an adventure that literally just fell into our laps.

Like this adventure that was surely a blessing to find this teeny tiny kitty, near death in my drive way.


Had I not found her that morning, she wouldn't have survived the 115+ degree day we had. She was called Faith! There was a reason she was where she was and where I was for this to all turn out like it did. She was one very sick kitty. Given a 50/50 chance of surviving the weekend. We didn't get to bring her home for another 2 weeks after it looked like she was going to be okay. She is surely creating some comfort around here. For two weeks she was loved on by this little girl and since by this little man.


I also had the pleasure to watch these six play around for a full week. These kiddo's created some incredible memories that will stick with them for years to come. I can't believe how fast they have all grown. The oldest ones are in the middle of their high school years. The young ladies are ending their last year at middle school or junior high. While the two youngest are very eager to begin the 1st grade.


Of course, we were missing four others that fill in the last of the grammar school years as well as the middle school gang. Let see, all that adds up to; 3 - 1st graders, a 4th grader, a 6th grader, 3 - 8th graders, a 10th grader, and an 11th grader. Wow! I did have the opportunity to see them briefly for an afternoon the beginning of July. We will get to see them again next month, too. Knowing when always brings me comfort! Try as we might, getting schedules to coincide with everyone has been near impossible. Fortunately, we have a plan. Something else to look forward too and brings even more comfort.

If you think raising kids can go by fast, watching your grandchildren grow up seem to go by even faster.

With so many blessings and the comfort knowing God leads the way, allows us to collect so many memories while we continue to take some time to play on our journey through life!

And play is just what we did at the beach with this little man!


It was a much-needed escape from our hot days, even if just for the afternoon before it was time to pick up his brother and sister. I have wanted to check out the sandcastle competition in San Diego for a few years now. We went a long time ago when our kids were teens and have been wanting to get the "Grand's" to it someday. That day finally came, but it was with only one! Insert a sad face here.




While exploring Imperial Beach, we found a few options that just might work for future visits. It also allowed me the opportunity to find many items on the 9th Annual Scavenger hunt that @Clickinmoms does each July. I posted some of my photos on my 365 Days a Year page. Other's are on my Instagram page.

Like any "Grand" time a "Grand" Finale is needed to celebrate the wonderful time we had.



 Oh and what about that new addition to our family?


In the beginning, Bella just nosed and licked her a lot. Now they are best buddies! It's almost like Bella has a baby she never had, and Faith has a mommy she never had.


That pretty much covers what's been going on around here. Other than catching up on the yard work, our first week back to normal, well as normal as it can be for us, was just as busy as it had been all summer.

School started this week for the "Grand's" in town which means Grandma Wednesdays resume. I can't believe how fast July went. Or the year for that matter? Is it too early to say Fall is just around the corner? I am looking forward to the weather it brings and giving my dead garden some new life. Each year I learn something new about gardening in the desert.

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