Fun in Phoenix

Our journey from the Lake Havasu area in Arizona had us settled into the Phoenix area for a short stint with our friends, Bill and Michele.   We had stopped at a campground in Phoenix last spring on our way home and met both of them on the day we were leaving for the open road.   Their invitation to come and see them in Phoenix was a trip that we had to make.  So it came to pass that we spent Thanksgiving with them and enjoyed some awesome hospitality.  To be parked in their driveway with the conveniences of home (water and electric hook ups) was just the cat’s “meow”.    We are very thankful for their friendship and for letting us stay with them.

Their invitation for Thanksgiving dinner with their family was exceptional and very elegant.  Michelle cutting the bird with her sister, Deb.   Michele loves to cook and is a phenomenal gourmet cook.  You can understand why when you see her beautiful country kitchen – the reason why everyone gravitates to this area to share lively conversations and laughter.  

Bill is a member of the Maricopa Live Steamers (members 300 strong of all ages) which is a club where they try  to keep the history of railroading alive and have young members experience the thrill of operating a locomotive while learning the knowledge of the industry.    During the holidays this club has over 500,000 lights decorating a 1 mile loop of track that give free train rides  during the holidays.  We were on the first “steam” train to pull out, enjoying the evening riding the train.


Some fun pictures of the park before dusk ~ these club members know how to have fun!
Click on this for link to learn more about  Maricopa Live Steamers 

We met one of the Club’s members,  Frank (originally from Pennsylvania), who has created his “circus” trains that we remember as kids.  How fun to see his scaled down replicas.

And then there are some members who like to work with a much smaller scale of train.  They specialize in G, O, HO & N gauge size of trains - almost miniature in size when you are looking at the displays. 

A day trip into Phoenix to enjoy breakfast at Crazy Otto’s Diner with a couple of stops after that - checking out the cooking/dipping oils at an upscale specialty shop with Michele and spending a few hours at the Brass Armadillo Antique Mall to peruse the antique wares from hundreds of vendors.  We put on a few foot miles at this place!


Back at their home, Bill shared with us the enjoyment that they get from feeding the birds in their back yard.   What an unusual sight to witness the hundreds of Gambrel Quail that gravitate to the area when Bill dispenses a menu of cracked corn and oiled sunflower seeds.  Sound delicious?  What was even more amazing was to hear the sound that they make when they are spooked by an unfamiliar sound (like us) trying to get in even closer to view this very unique scene.  This is something that you definitely don’t see back at home.  These birds are quite beautiful.  And of course, other critters come to feast on the fix ins like the neighboring chipmunks and rabbits.  Bill also tells us of the neighborhood coyote that will walk the fence on occasion too.  Wildlife at its best.

Wonderful time spent with good people!!

Our next blog update will feature our drive to Tucson to see . . .planes. . .planes. . .and more planes,  so stay tuned!
Hugs
Kay & Jeff

“Happiness is circumstantial, but joy is internal. Never allow anyone to steal your joy.”