Happier News

We have had the pleasure of spending the last 3 weeks with our friends Rick & Pam Sechrest. They are the ones responsible for our working at Lake Siskiyou 2 years ago, and are fun people to be around. They travel with 5 cats! Rick had bypass surgery 1 1/2 years ago in Washington, and they were at the hospital with Laura when I had my surgery.

Rick does some amazing work with his scroll saw, and before parting company the other day, presented us with a beautiful piece with Loons on it! Words cannot express our delight in this piece which will always occupy a special place in our home.

Rick & Pam are now on their way back to Oregon & Washington for Dr appointments, before heading to Alaska as workkampers near Denali Nat'l Park for the summer. We would be going with them if we hadn't committed to Michigan this summer. We wish them the best of times.

I have included a link to their "new" blog, and Rick is putting a link to their web site. Visit their web site to see some other "beautiful" examples of the work he does.

I'm Mad As H...!! Update

Got new cards yesterday, Thank you Chase. Got access to our account online today, guess what? 5 other charges out there. 3 from 2/14, (Valentine's Day) for dining, (ain't that sweet) each for $125. Boy, am I in trouble! 2 others, one for $457. According to Chase, all were from overseas! My suggestion of the other day still stands! Oh, and today, Laura/Mom/Grandma had 2 phone calls asking for additional info on our mortgage application done on line. We "think" they are unrelated, but.....? Still checking that one out.

Stay tuned. :-)

I'm Mad As H...!

Guess it's my turn. Phone call from credit card fraud dept., "Just verifying a $900 + vacation package internet charge on your account". "I don't know what you are talking about!" "That's why we are calling. We have stopped it, and have put a HOLD on your account." So now, since it was an internet charge, the account is on HOLD, and new cards, new account # have to be issued. Fortunately, they will send the cards to us in AZ, instead of sending to MI, Thank You! And then there are the people to contact. So we don't get paper bills that need forwarding, many monthly charges are automatic, cell phone, internet, insurance, satellite TV, medications.

As far as I am concerned, people who commit credit card fraud are as bad as the scumbags that prey on old people (ok, so maybe I fit that category too). Throw them in jail, throw away the keys, just leave bread & water! Gee, want to hear how I really feel? :-)

Triangle T, Cochise Stronghold

On Tuesday, 2/26, together with friends Rick & Pam, we visited the Triangle T Guest Ranch for lunch. (About 15 miles east) The Triangle T is the 2nd oldest guest ranch in AZ, and was the location for Cochise & his band's summer camp for years. During WWII, the Japanese Consul General, Nagoa Kita, and thirty-six of his staff were held as war criminal detainees for their direct participation in spying and planning the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Other items of note: A fairly well-preserved guest book (c. 1930) found in 1996 lists as references the home addresses of the Rockefellers, the Vanderbilts, and other contemporary socialites. Many diplomats and dignitaries including President John F. Kennedy, General John J. Pershing, and Dr. Leon T. Silver, a director of NASA (who had his Cal Tech geology students complete their thesis at the ranch each summer) were among the ranch's distinguished guests.

The immediate area has served as the location for many motion pictures and television productions including the TV series, "Young Guns," and the movies, "Geronimo" and "Tombstone." Western films featuring John "Duke" Wayne and the film "3:10 to Yuma," which starred Glen Ford and Van Heflin, were filmed on location at the Triangle T.

Since we were so close, we then drove to Cochise Stronghold. There is a GREAT little campground there, but too small for our rig. The picture is on the interpretive walk at the end of the road. No, we didn't do any rock climbing, waiting for Cindy & Joe. :-) Yes, Joe, we know we were close to your Aunt & Uncle's, actually within a mile or so at one point.

The Pool Champ!

In most of the RV parks we visit, they have Pool tournaments, for the last couple of years, I have joined in, but never managed to win anything. Tuesday, Valley Vista had a "mixed" pool tournament, I asked Laura/Mom/Grandma if she wanted to go - well ok. Twice as many guys as gals, so each gal had 2 partners. As luck would have it, in the FINALS, she had to play against HERSELF (2 different partners), and WON both 1st & 2nd place! I need a drink! :-)

Benson update

We have seen snow flakes, but nothing sticking to the ground. But we can see fresh snow on mountain tops in the distance - good place for it. I'm including some pictures taken while in Bullhead City. 2 are of Grapevine Canyon (on the way to Christmas Tree Pass) where there are many petroglyphs. Yes, that's me having climbed up the rocks to see the other side, I hope to post additional pics on the web site soon. The other pic is one of two roadrunners building a nest in the tree next to our trailer. Who knew they made nests in trees?

Benson, AZ

We are now in Benson, AZ, having stopped overnight in Casa Grande Tuesday. Made a stop in Tucson to get estimate for damage done to the trailer by the blowout, $1900! And probably 4 weeks before they can get all the parts needed. Weather has been nice, breezy, but in the low 70's. But, forecast is for snow! tomorrow with some rain, low tomorrow night of 28! We are at about 3700 feet elevation here. We are parked near friends Rick & Pam, have had dinner both nights with them. That's all for now.