Good Golly Miss Mollie!

Sure do miss my Mollie Dolly...just look at those puppy dog eyes! Her ears perked up and she cocked her head when Adam called her name. She plays favorites----Daddy being top of the list. I try not to take it personally.

Mmmmm...Doughnuts

Mmmmm...forbidden doughnuts. It has been many years----at least over 5----since Adam and I last attempted doughnut-making. Why such a long time? Well, it may have had something to do with us almost burning my parents' house down. But enough of dwelling on the not-so-savory past, let's instead focus on our oh-so-tasty present. Homer would be proud.

Sock Monkey Rx

Mom always has the best medicine for cheering me up, even if it is a bit unconventional for my age. This time, it is a colorful sock monkey that, "takes all your troubles away!" It arrived on Wednesday, and is now clinging with magnetic arms and legs on the lamp near my bed. Over the past 5 or so years, whenever I ended up in the hospital, my mom would buy me some little creature. Even though I'm not a little kid anymore (and thankfully not hospitalized)-----getting a lamb, monkey, bee or several fuzzy flowers makes me feel better. Knowing you are loved is one of the best sources of encouragement anyone could have. Each time I see that silly sock monkey, I smile.

Waterproof

Not that I would forget, but I put my little sister's SAVE the DATE up on the fridge in plain sight. I can't believe that in just over 100 days she will be a married lady. When I think of watching her walk down the aisle with my dad, seeing her happy smiling face, I get emotional. Who wouldn't? At my own wedding I cried, my sister cried, my friends cried and one little girl -as I walked down the aisle- was overheard by her mother to say, "Goodbye Kendra, I'll never see you again." Maybe this is why we cry? After the wedding is over, even though we remain who we are and continue to see the people we care about-----we change. Everything changes. Not necessarily in a bad way, but in a way that we know that the person we were before will never be again. Okay, enough with the drama. I'm actually extremely psyched about the entire event. But you better believe my lashes will be waterproof.

Signs and Wonders

On my way outside to soak up a bit of early evening sunshine, I happened to notice this illuminated cross on the wall.

Muskie Madness

Absolutely the best gift a daughter could give her Xavier loving dad on his 50th birthday. Well maybe I had nothing to do with it. But still, I did put Xavier winning it all on my bracket. All that positive energy has to count for something?!? Right? Happy Birthday Dad! Go Muskies! Beat Pitt!!!!!!!

Irish Eyes Are Smiling

Happy St. Patrick's Day! "The Redhead"---as my dad lovingly calls my mom on account of her fiery red hair---sent this St. Patty's wish my way. And now I pass it to you. Yesterday Adam asked me to remind him to wear a green tie or something so he wouldn't get pinched. Now, what I would like to know is who would REALLY pinch him at work? Seriously?

Urban Cookie Monster

Over the weekend we happened to sample some delicious cookies from Urban Cookies. Apparently, they were recently featured on Rachel Ray. Not that I am a big fan of the redundant "E-V-O-O" gal, but she (or more likely her people) got it right focusing on this Phoenix shop. All of their ingredients are organic and of the highest quality. They make four specialty cookies and make them so well that it's hard to pick a favorite: Urban Cookie, Simple Urban, Urban Tropic and Urban Trail. Yesterday evening I decided to make my own gourmet cookie. I made a special trip to Sprouts to pick up the essentials and couldn't pass up a block of chocolate with "Quality" written right on it. Surely this would ensure my success---oh and did it ever. Fantastic!

A-Doodle-Do!

Next door to Hollywood Regency Vintage, we happened upon two roosters occupying a space currently being renovated by the owner. The not pictured chick was sadly cowering in the corner. Poor guy. It was obvious that this alpha male had pecked a section of it raw. I'm just happy for the glass that separated us from the cocky, confident one. Well you knew that one was coming...don't act surprised. And now, your moment of Zen:

Phoenix Art Museum

Stark, quiet, and still, yet clamoring with centuries of creative voice----I adore most museums.

Seuss Tree

Not sure the name of this peculiar tree...with yellow pom pom blossoms it looks like something from Dr. Seuss.

Tribe Territory

When Britty and Dom flew in last Wednesday, we decided to attend the inaugural game of Indians vs. Giants at Goodyear Ballpark. Goodyear is a brand-spanking new spring training facility that will soon be home to both the Indians and Reds. The Indians are here currently, and the Reds will join starting 2010. Can't wait! Considering the three years we spent in Tribe Territory, and Adam's strange fascination with Indians memorabilia even B.C. (before Cleveland)---I had some appropriate attire to root, root for the "home" team. Dominic unabashedly wore his Reds cap---the mark of a true fan. The opening ceremony featured a live instrumental performance of The Star-Spangled Banner, the mayor of Goodyear, military and children on the field holding large parachute stars and a fly-over by fighter jets in V formation. Oh the Red, White and Blue!Our seats were on the berm---lawn---and we spread out a large beach towel for the three of us to soak up some sun and snack on our packed picnic lunch. As Slider, the team mascot, headed our way, Brittany remembered something from our shared past. The son of one of the pharmacists we used to work with was the mascot for the Cleveland Indians. Now...we didn't quite trust our memory. Kind of doubting whether this were true or not I decided to head over to Slider and ASK. It went a little something like this:

"Hey Slider...Are you so and so's son?" he leans down and softly whispers "yes" trying not to break character for the children...

"Well Brittany and I used to work with your father at the pharmacy!"

whispers again something to the effect of, "No WAY."

Anyway! Small world! AND a great day for a ballgame!

Hotel Robertso

Hotel Robertso has seen a heavy spike of visitors for the months of January and February. All sojourners have been from Ohio and seem to desire only two things: sunshine and temperatures above ass-freezing. We were happy to accommodate and even found a way to throw in a few extras like a day-trip to Sedona, cacti photo-op, or rock climbing.

Take recent guests Mr. Underwood and his wife Ellen. Their long weekend stay sported perfect 75 degree temperatures, blue skies and sunlight. Both had never been to Arizona before, never to the southwest and Mr. Underwood had never once in his life flown on an airplane. When asked about his first flying experience he expressed disappointment, "I expected more "g's"---like a roller coaster or something."

Before checking in, they checked out downtown Phoenix attending their son-in-law's shielding ceremony. After seeing Adam receive his shiny new badge, and get his picture with the county attorney they headed out for lunch. Mountains were never out of their line of sight and the names of each one given: South, Estrella, White Tank, Camelback. Lunch over, they rode happily west to their destination---and the rest of Friday was spent in a state of calm reminiscing and relaxation back at the apartment...errrr umm hotel.

Saturday stood ready and willing for a day-trip to Prescott. Only about an hour and a half north of Phoenix, the elevation can drop the temperature by 15 degrees or more. The scenic route added an hour, was lacking in bathrooms and put the travelers on a 2-way switchback mountain road to Prescott. Upon arriving, the couple and their hosts first spotted the local Safeway where the bakery had just taken crusty french bread out of the oven. This combined with salami, cheese and olives made for a tasty picnic snack.

Parking at the courthouse, the four walked the square of tiny artisan shops for a couple hours. On a whim, the tour decided to venture toward Jerome but after a wrong turn and the growing lateness of the day this notion was scrapped. By chance on the way out of town, the group stumbled on a place called the Granite Dells. Something akin to the Garden of the Gods in Colorado with giant boulders protruding suddenly out of the earth. It was the best of spots for a family photo op, shenanigans and climbing.

A very bright satellite, so bright and big to cause everyone to doubt whether it was heavenly at all, shone prominently along the path home. The remnants of the setting sun were a dim glow in the west with mountains only faintly visible. One last stop at the Rock Springs Cafe for a slice (or two or three shared) of their famous pie and a cup of coffee ended a day that we hope was as memorable for our guests as it was for us. Come again. We'll leave the sun on for ya'.