Winter 2014 - Chapter 4

,I'll start this chapter as we leave Gallup on Sunday morning.  It had been cold in the night up there in the mountains, so we didn't hurry to leave.  At that altitude the overpasses get a little frosty and I didn't want to be slipping and sliding into the semi's that were dominating the highways.  They outnumbered us little guys at least 5 to 1.  And as I mentioned in an earlier blog, posted speed in this part of the country is 75 which of course means at least 80+.  

It took about 1.5 hours to get out of NM and into Arizona:

Our route changed soon after that to a smaller, less traveled highway heading South to avoid going all the way to Flagstaff.  This route would take us through the most beautiful part of our country that I've ever seen.  

Going south this map shows how we entered The National Forests where the trees were tall and everything very green:

Heber, AZ is in Apache Sitgreaves National forest in the heart of Navajo County, AZ and lies at an elevation of 6627 feet..  Nose bleed country for sure.  As we traveled south through Tonto National Forest it got prettier and prettier.  But not very good phone reception, as a conversation I was having kept getting cut off.  Dropped calls brought back memories Of our travels through Wisconsin.  Here are a few pictures, however none do it justice. It's 50 times prettier in person.  

Then as we came closer to Phoenix we began seeing less trees and more cactus.

We arrived in Sun City West mid afternoon, exhausted  from the elevation changes, all we could do was unpack and shop for a few groceries. We went to Sunday evening Mass, thankful for our safe travels and then connected with friends here in town.  We love the house and hope to get all of the  move in business done tomorrow.  A few house Pics:

Master Bedroom

Living room

Patio

View from the Patio

More view/ orange tree and on the other side of the yard is a lemon tree.  I'm hoping they ripen this  month!!

And of course happy hour with friends the next day.  No coats, no snow, nothing but SUN!!  Darlene is a friend from our old neighborhood outside of Chicago.  We met in 1987 and became fast friends.  Her husband Sonny is not in the picture, but they live out here in AZ full time now, and love it.  Ed is our friend from 3M who we have known at least 30 years.  He and his wife Helga (also not pictured) have a winter home here.  John and I are Blessed to have such good friends.  

Tuesday, Nov. 11, had to wait for the Plumber to fix a leak in the bathroom before leaving for the day.  It was another beautiful sunny day, but you will all soon get tired of hearing that.  However, I am not getting tired of saying it.   The Desert Botanical garden. 

The perfect altitude for growth.  1000ft.

The docent who lead our tour insisted I take her sun visor to protect my eyes.  As you can see I was very well protected.  

The family who lived here must have been very small.  However it was very cool inside, so they built it with a great plan to survive these desert temperatures.  

This was their kitchen.

Beautiful glass sculptures that light up at night.  

My favorite part was the butterfly house.  The monarch migrates to Mexico for the winter, but the warm temps keep them here.  

Wonderful day in the sunshine.

 A quick session on the way home and I think it is best to end chapter 4 here as LOSERS!!  We will scratch this Casino off of our list.  I think a Bloody Mary, Dinner, and a soft bed is in order.  Nighty, night!!