Working Vacation

Recently we left the hot, dry desert heading towards green, humid North Carolina. I took a photo of the Tempe, Arizona Town Lake on our way up and out. The next day, after this photo was taken, the 10 year old man made Town Lake disappeared! The lake went down the river! The rubber bladder (dam) that holds the one billion gallons of water back burst without warning. The lake drained quickly. The hot AZ sun is believed to have caused the bladder deterioration, as well as the plan that the water that was supposed to flow over the bladder to keep it cool just never worked! No one was hurt and hopefully a better idea will emerge from this.

The trip was somewhat stressful with two dogs and a baby on a full plane! We had to change planes with a layover and no plans for a potty break! But we made it without any accidents and zero plans to ever do this again! On the positive side the weather was nice and we were treated to daily afternoon thunder storms! We made it back to Arizona just in time to miss a heat wave that hit the area while we were gone. Although it has been over 110 here--it's a DRY heat and I think it is better than a WET heat!





We started unpacking as soon as we arrived. We worked well into the night and only finished the kitchen. Three bedrooms, office, bonus room, dining, living and family room to go. Then the unthinkable happened...vomiting, diarrhea, aches-pains for the next 2 days! This virus hit all 5 of us and we're not sure who took care of the baby while we were down and out. Somebody did though. We were well as fast as we became ill. We didn't finish unpacking, instead took the next two days checking out the beautiful area. I may have found a vacation home--I left some clothes there just in case !

I loved this hibiscus I saw there. I was surprised that there were not many flowers in yards or along the roadway. I offered to plant the empty flower bed and pots for my grand daughter. We found a Lowe's close by and most all of the flowers for sale are the same as what we grow in Arizona. I bought and planted whatever the clerk said would do well in the area--update--everything still alive and well! There are tons of butterflies in the area and I spent a lot of time taking photos. I'm trying to identify all of them, well maybe...

Cute road sign in the area. The magnolia tree in the front yard was in full bloom! Grandson had to install an invisible fence to keep the two dogs in the yard. The little Chinese Crested was zapped a few times before she learned her boundaries and now is happy chasing new critters! The little dachshund doesn't need a collar as she won't leave the patio! I noticed that none of the yards are fenced in NC, unlike home, where every house is surrounded by some type of fencing--mostly six foot block walls. I like the look of the wide open space but I feel more secure with our high walls.

We are planning a return trip in October--if we can wait that long! The Lil' Guy is growing fast! Came home just in time to unpack, and pack for a three-day art retreat in the cool little town of Pine, AZ. Always good to be home if only for a moment!