Life's Adventures

Blogging about life's adventures and books...

Adventures past, present, or future. And my books--then and now. 

Although summer doesn't officially start for another three weeks, here in Tonto Basin, Arizona, it's started for me. True, we haven't hit triple digits yet, but it's only days away. I've opened the calendar, and I'm making plans to be away from here as much as possible.

I should get FDW to take me to the lake this week before it's too awfully hot. I prefer Apache Lake, and I don't really care about fishing anymore. A couple of hours sightseeing and eating a packed lunch will do me just fine. Should we take Amigo? That's an adventure I can do without. The dog refuses to stay on the boat and whines incessantly if he can't be in the water.

The first week of June, we'll be dog sitting for the kids which means Phoenix. No cooler, but their place is bigger with a super AC so we can spread

out and chill. Plus, I won't be tempted to clean or do any of those other things that drag my efforts away from writing. Book four in the Chocolate Martini Sisters Mysteries is begging to be written. I've got a book of Christmas short stories on the burner too.

The third week of June we'll head to cooler Prescott and stay in "the cabin" at my sister's. Her hubs did a fantastic job of building a little getaway on their property, and sis put her usual artsy touches to it. This will be the first of many stays this summer. It's bare bones but we have full run

of the main house too. It's our anniversary so we'll be taking in a concert and dinner in quaint Prescott.

July is still sketchy. I have book events, doc appointments, and trips penciled in, but I'll wait to see what adventures we can ink.

August is birthday month...I will soon be making plenty of plans to get out of the heat and celebrate me!

What are your summer adventure plans? Or do you live in one of those places where summer at home is an adventure?

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

TRIPPIN' THURSDAY
RV LIFE PART SIX

Although our friends at the RV ranch have been coming and going, now mostly gone, FDW and I have still been busy-busy. We celebrate both Solstice and Christmas which means double the fun (and double the hectic activity). I’m guessing many of you split your holiday in a similar manner in an effort to celebrate with family and friends in more than one setting. I’d love to hear about your activities, so leave a comment.

We have had some feathered and furry friends hanging out with us. The javelina (wild pigs) have made a couple of trips through the park. I

never seem to get ahold of a camera quick enough to capture them.

I did find the time to get out with FDW fishing one day on my favorite lake around here, Apache. The pictures tell the tale. I was

Chilly but beautiful

bundled in four layers for the first couple of hours, but since we’re in the desert, it warmed up enough that I could peel out of at least two of the layers.

First fish of the day

Singing with my sister

We had a great time at Acker's Night in Prescott, Arizona. This is a celebration of music and Christmas. All the stores around main street stay open and host

In the town square

live music of all kinds. There's hot chocolate, wine, food, and fun.

We celebrated Solstice with our son’s family at their home this year. So glad they’re back in Arizona so we could make the visit. Our custom on the farm was to have a dinner on Solstice Eve with food from our fields. We’ve now changed that custom to make dishes that represent our combined heritage. This year, we had foods that were Irish, Welsh, English, American Indian, and French. We had our dinner, then headed outside for the Solstice Fire. Our ceremony involves honoring Mother Earth and the Four Directions. We relate

these to our past year and what we’ll look forward to in the year ahead. I was the leader this year. And my three-year-old granddaughter had her own Direction for the first time which was North. She listened intently to the first two Directions and amazed

us all by actually speaking to her Direction and what it meant to her. Of course, there was a fair amount of marshmallow roasting, too. On Solstice Morning, we exchanged gifts. All things potty are a big deal to a three-year-old, so Nana’s and Papa’s gift of a doll that wets was a huge hit.

FDW and I are back at the ranch to unpack and repack for the trip to Prescott tomorrow. We’ll spend Christmas with my mom. Christmas Eve will be food and fun for any family members than can make it. We’ll wake up with Mom on Christmas morning. 

Since this will be the last post before Christmas, let me wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas. I’d love to hear how you celebrate the holidays.

The Apache Trail - Risky Road to a Beautiful Day

Part of the road seen from the water.

Tortuga Thursday 

In 2012, on the plains of Northern Arizona, two families joined forces and began the trials and tribulations of building a small family farm with nothing in the bank but love.

Happy Tortuga Thursday. Since Frank and I have been in Tonto Basin all week, I'm a little short on farm news, so I'd love to share some pictures of Apache Lake. I don't get out on the water very often. I decided to not get a fishing license this year since most days I write. But I love an occasional lake day, and I hadn't been on Apache Lake in many years.

On the road. Water below.

The road in is narrow, dirt, and a bit treacherous. The Apache Trail

There's a story of someone who lived in a cave.

hasn't changed in decades. It certainly keeps the crowds down so that one of the most gorgeous lakes in Arizona isn't overrun.

The evidence is there.

Rusty waits for Frank to catch a fish.

It was a beautiful day.

Apache Dam

There are areas that look landscaped.

Rusty licks the fish before it goes into the water.

The scenery changes.

A relaxing day to read.