April Already!

Where did the season go??? 

I have a couple things to share today and if this internet connection will allow me to post, I'll give it a try.  Sure hope Dish is working on a solution for the SLOW speeds and intermittent disconnects.  Very frustrating for us heavy users.

Paul and Rose Neuman sent me these fantastic photos about the Washington mudslides.  The site just requires you to hover or slide across the photo for the "before and after" shots.  Hope this link works for you.

Mud Slide Photos

I've also received several emails with photos from friends who are returning to their frozen homes.  This first one is Lyndsay Beck at home in sunny Nova Scotia.

 

This photo is from Lucie Bourque from Quebec.  At least her driveway is clear!  She's not complaining too much though because she says the skiing is great.

 

 

Mark and Cindy Nelson at Site 1324 have to leave before their cactus plants explode into blossom.  It looks like they may all open at the same time so should make a fantastic display.  Watch for them in the next day or two at the corner of Sandy Desert (west wall) and Mountain Mirage.  I may see you there with camera in hand.  Also.....this same type of cactus is about to bloom again over on Coyote Trail. 

 

 

 

You may have seen this photo of a table top I took at the spring Woodworking Show.

Dave was gracious enough to call me and offered to show the OTHER table tops he has made from that same gigantic tree.  The Forest Service gave Dave access to the tree.  He salvaged this part of the trunk and the rest of the tree was burned in a forest fire.  Dave imprinted a time table into the table showing its origin in 1550 where it first grew between Boise and Sun Valley in Idaho.

 

These other pieces are from a tree with a double trunk.  Looks like two grew together.  With such an unusual shape, Dave went to a friend Arden Greipp who is a well-known artist here in Palm Creek.  Arden painted pictures of Dave's son working on his ranch.  What awesome gifts!

 

Joyce was an integral part of the table process as she had to help with the finishing layers of preservative.

 

 

The season is definitely drawing to a close.  Many folks have hit the road headed to their other homes and others are SLOWLY taking their time waiting for the snow to melt before they hurry off.

 

The Alfa Rally is in full swing this week so our rangers and staff have been VERY busy getting them settled.  I have a whole line of Alfa rigs right across the street and so far they're all very pleased with our resort and the accommodations.  There are going to be 120 rigs here for the event.

 

Now that the hustle and bustle of season is ebbing, I should get back to the keyboard more often so stay tuned for more frequent postings.

 

 

 

 

Here come the desert flowers

Spring time is in the air.  The snowbirds are starting to pack up for their migration to the north and the cactus flowers are starting to bloom.  Our weather has been FANTASTIC all winter and today was another perfect example.  I went for a nice long bike right this morning and stopped to admire the flowers along the way.  This might be a boring post to some, but I certainly enjoyed the ride.

The first point of interest was this cluster I found at Site 1331.  I never saw a succulent plant like this before.  I'll have to stop back later to catch someone at home so I can get more info about it.

 

 

LOL....check out this cute planter. 

 

These are some awesome blossoms for such a small plant. 

 

This cactus is really showing itself off!  So many pretty blossoms. 

 

As I drove down Oasis, I couldn't help but notice a couple houses in a row that had these gorgeous baskets of hanging flowers on their palm trees.  It really looks nice!

 

 

Look at these flowers!

 

 

The cactus flowers are amazing.  I just stare into the big blossoms and admire the soft colors.  Such huge blossoms for such a small plant.

 

 

Even the white ones have soft tints of green and yellow.

 

 

The common bottle brush plants are in bloom now too.  The finches sure love the taste of their sweet nectar.

 

 

 

ohhhhhh....this yellow one is a beauty!

 

 

 

No pictures of people today but there were lots of folks out enjoying the sunshine.  I especially liked seeing so many neighbors out just gathering in small groups to chat and say hello.

 

Thank you to one and all of you who plant flowers while you are here.  All the potted plants, hanging baskets, and small garden lots really add to the beauty of our resort.

 

Remember to "take time and smell the roses".

 

 

Shows with Incredible Art and Talent

I could hear the rush and hiss of the hot air balloon passing overhead so hurried outside to wave to John Ross as he floated past.  If a balloon ride is on your bucket list, take advantage of it here and view our beautiful resort from above.   Look for the info up at the Activity Office.

 

 

I took one photo of our table at the Fashion Show and then put away my camera.  Shame on me.  We were treated to some great vocal music by a duo of women accompanied by the same band that plays at the NPA events.  Very nice!  Lunch was great and our residents were volunteer models with all the pretty clothes from Dillards.  It was a fun event.

 

 

Another gorgeous weather day to enjoy the woodworkers show.  Fantastic!  What talented folks we have in our park.  They're certainly dedicated to their hobbies and turn out wonderful creations.  Sure is too bad that Tom didn't have that owl for sale!

 

 

As an avid bird watcher, I drooled over this wooden wreath too!!!

 

Here is certainly a table top to be proud of.

 

 

 

 

The arts and craft people were set up in the ballroom.  More beautiful stuff.  This basket weaving was spectacular.

 

 

The photo club was set up across the hall displaying some of their fine work.

 

 

 

 

 

I certainly tried to stuff the drawing box for this owl photo they were giving as a door prize!!  Dang!  I envy the winner of his one!!!!!!!!!

 

 

Today (Sunday) is the big Pottery Show!  Congratulations to another group that spares no effort at presenting their wares.  Lovely decorations, great door prizes, fun auction items, ...and nice snacks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There were many items for sale (and very reasonably priced!).  What a great way to stock up on gifts for the next year.  Thank you to one and all.

 

 

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WOW!!  I received this photo in an email from Gail Krause:

"Incredible snow squall lead to a 96 vehicle pileup that shut down a 15 kilometre stretch of a major highway on Thursday in Toronto, Ontario.

Thought you might find this interesting.  Looks like a 'clean' haboob!!"

Gail Krause

 

I'm certainly happy to be spending this winter here in Arizona where we have had exceptionally beautiful weather day after day all winter!

 

 

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To those folks I see departing the resort this week......don't hurry home too fast!