Cuzins from California

We have been enjoying the visit of my first cousin and his wife from California who are here for a wedding of a friend.  They were here a year ago as well.

At the last minute we decided to go for lunch at the Arizona Culinary Institute.  The website made it seem we could "walk in" but I guess they wanted reservations, though they didn't appear busy.  They kindly made it work and gave us a tour of the place which we hadn't done before.  We had been there several years ago with ND friends.  I had the pork chop.

The three course meal included a dessert tray to pick from...cheese cake, creme brulee,  chocolate cake, and a trio of samples. 

I decided on the trio.  The school is a French style institute and for $28 K you can enroll for six months and have a 98% placement after.  One current enrollee is a 60 year old retired thoracic surgeon.  I guess she wanted to learn how to cook after eating on the run all her life.

We went for a walk after and ate light the rest of the day.  Fun experience with dear cousins.

Two white herons couldn't get along; it looks like they both wanted to use the same bathroom. {;>)

On our walk I was reminded of a walk in Santa Fe a year ago with my California cousin's older sister...

Do you see the similarity?

Five Months Is a Long Time When You Are a Kid

Early September was still beautiful at the lake.  Fall has some of the best days on Eagle Lake.

But in Texas it was rainy and the weather reflected our feelings as the AF personnel headed off for deployment in their big C-130 cargo planes.

As the planes left we started the nearly 20-
week countdown till they would return. 

In September we said farewell to some of our dear friends in Detroit Lakes where we had ministered for 7 months.

We closed up the cabin till the Spring after another great summer.

On our last day at the lake the sunrise was gorgeous.

Back home we harvested a huge apple crop sharing the bounty with friends.

Then it was off to Texas to celebrate two birthdays in early October and visit their school.

Birthdays in October are common in this family. 

We made a quick trip to Big D where we celebrated a second birthday in the family. 

The end of October is Halloween and another birthday... but this time the celebrant was absent.

We took in some boy scout activities... this one at the Air Force  Base visiting the first responders.

We came home but Tutu flew back to spend another couple of weeks to help make the time go by and was rightfully crowned queen for her efforts. 

Then while the Texans and Grandma went to Santa Fe for Thanksgiving with cousins....

We spent Thanksgiving with friends up north.

So fun to be with friends, if not family at Thanksgiving.  Thank you, Kvernens for including us.

Then came December and the Luikens were back in Texas.

We took a quick trip to New Braunfels and San Antonio and visited a beautiful park with crystal clear spring-fed water.

Then finally came Christmas. 

And through technology Daddy was able to watch the gift opening though thousands of miles away and 91/2 hours ahead in time.

The long awaited day had finally come and many hours enjoyed playing with the gifts after the opening.

We ushered in 2019 and headed West through New Mexico. 

Driving out of Texas started out a bit scary, but the ice soon melted. 

We settled in Scottsdale again, a favorite for several years and are enjoying the mild temperatures.  I also see that the Great Blue Heron which we have up north in the summer, has learned that Scottsdale is a pretty good place to hang out during winter up north.

Fountain Hills is a favorite place to visit and walk and definitely attracts our kind... old folks.,.and some really big Herons.

Burrowing Owls don't even have to burrow in Arizona to make their nests.  Their nests are provided for them.  They are such interesting creatures.  Who can't love their eyes?

This bird, on the other hand, had no help in carving out a pretty impregnable nesting area in a Saguaro cactus.  

Then came today when the planes that left in September returned in January.

Some very excited youngsters had been counting down the day until...

Daddy's boots were on the ground and they were in his arms.   Welcome home Daddy, we all missed you and are proud of you!