March 2011

Lunch in the dome car

The Globe train ride that we were unable to complete last month because of engine failure finally was completed.  We drove the car up this time and turned in our vouchers for a "free" return trip.  We boarded and sat in the dome car in the middle as last time and filled out our slip for drinks and lunch.  We were the first one's on the train and the first ones to fill out our lunch slip.  However, they started filling those orders at each end of the car.  Therefore we were last to be served.  We were nearly back to the station in our 1.5 hour trip up the line, back through town, and down to the Apache Gold Casino, before we got served.  The train ride we knew wasn't much, but the tardiness of the service put a bit of a downer to the entire trip.

Mesa Quilt Show

Of course the next day was another Quilt Show at the Mesa Art Center, so away we went.  Molly picked up a few patterns and a kit to do later.  On our way out, I thought she should get one more pattern that I liked.  She doesn't have to do it right now, but at least she has that option......when she runs out of projects!

Apache Wells Farewell Party

And then that afternoon was the big Apache Wells Farewell Party put on by Cal-Am.  We think it is a little early to be saying "Goodbye", but actually some residents do start leaving by the end of March.  The theme this time was '50 & '60's.  We had hamburgers, potatoes, salad, desert, beer, and wine.  It was a gorgeous day in the mid-80's.  And then that night we had a sponsored dance by "The Cool Band" which actually was the same group and singer that does AZ Diamond at the Broadway Palm Theater, a tribute to Neal Diamond.  They were very good, and we danced our shoes off.

Picacho Peak Battle Field

Union cannon fire

The next day, we were up early, had a Pancake Breakfast at the Rec. Hall sponsored by the Activity Committee and were off to Picacho Peak State Park for a Civil War reenactment of one of the last battles of the war and the furthest west battle which happened at Picacho Peak Pass.  We got there in time for the first reenactment and got a good seat on the hill over-looking the battle field.  The battle lasted about an hour.  The battle they were reenacting, from New Mexico, the Confederates won.  It was amazing how close the two sides had to be to fire their cannons accurately.  There were also millitary tents set up to browse and some other tents to do some sovenier shopping.

On the 15th Molly's sister Jo Ann arrived for the rest of the month.  We had many things planned including a night at the Arizona Opry to hear their unique sound and entertainment, the Rockin' R Ranch country western meal and entertainment, a trip through the Mesa Swap Meet, a day at the Tempe Arts and Crafts Festival, a short day hike in the White Tank Mountains west of Pheonix, a block party pot-luck dinner here in the park, and a lot of quilt shopping.

But the biggest of the planned events was an over-night to the Grand Canyon with a stay at the Thunderbird Lodge, dinner at the El Tovar Lodge, schuttle to Hermits Rest, IMAX theater show, and a drive up the Canyon to the East entrance.  Then we spent the second night in Prescott at the Hussayampa Hotel,  (oldest in town) and coctails at the Palace Saloon (oldest in the state).  Needless to say, it was a very good and eventful trip.  Some of the selected photos that we took at the Grand Canyon are in the slideshow below, enjoy!