Happy St. Patty's Day

Lake Pleasant, AZ

March 17, 2010

And speaking of leprechauns, Arizona has never been greener in the 4 years that we have been coming here. Early and late rains have hillsides almost green when they would normally be dirt brown. The cacti are showing new growth at the tips. Wildflowers are still pretty minimal. One local theory is that the early rains in December germinated the seeds and then they rotted in the ground. We’re saving our wildflower hike until the weekend to give the flowers an opportunity to appear. BTW, Janice did well on a short hike this morning trying out her old hiking boots.

In the meantime, we’re suffering through wonderful sunshiny 80 degree days and so far, the nicest evening yet. Looking forward to corned beef and cabbage---what else? Just chardonnay--no green beer.

This is our third year at Lake Pleasant, and each year we have cast an eye at the nearby glider strip, wondering if we should try it. Today it was up, up and away (click on lower left arrow on video slide at bottom of page--it may take a minute to load ) for both of us as we took our separate maiden flights. The consensus opinion was that the anticipation exceeded the actual flight (52 minutes for Janice, 32 minutes for me, but then it takes the gals longer.

Nevertheless, we can strike this from the ‘bucket list’ (if it was ever there). I will admit that if I was 20 years younger I would seriously consider taking lessons, as it was pretty fun during my few minutes ‘at the stick.’

On the not-so-fun side, I am in the middle of a chemical peel on my scalp, courtesy of my dermatologist and a tube of efudex. It is at the point where I must wear a hat so as not to gross out faint-hearted passersby. I did ‘expose myself’ to a lady hairdresser today as the pate was getting a bit shaggy. I warned her before doffing my cap and she handled the trim very graciously. Good job!

As we relax in the sun, posts from the homefront indicate a level of substantial concern has sprouted since our burglary (and a couple others nearby). The geezer-vigilantes are gathering, so scumbags beware! We understand that at least one politician going door-to-door to shake hands has been met with some suspicion, but then a certain amount of caution is appropriate when dealing with politicians. This country is finding that out…the hard way.

Annika looks forward to another swim in the lake to chase her ball. She was working so hard the other day that she was squeaking as she paddled. I called a time out. She was aided by a couple of lifeguarding labs who ventured by.