ALL THE BEST TO EVERYONE IN 2013

Our daytime high never made it out of the mid 40’s & subsequently, I never made it too far out of the warm house.  Our usual morning walk in the quiet desert, a little raking in the Cactus garden, & that was enough of being outside for me.

Didn’t have any photos for tonight’s post so it was little Rascal Buns to the rescue.

Hadn’t planned on starting my bathroom paint project for awhile but with nothing else to do today, I moved up my indoor schedule.  Sitting in my recliner watching television is not my idea of a mentally productive day.  Besides, if I have to listen to those two annoyingly repetitive words, ‘fiscal cliff’ any longer I am going to go absolutely & completely bonkers!!

It was one year ago today we bought our cowboy hats.  And where did we get em?  TOMBSTONE ARIZONA OF COURSE.  Kelly’s first one & my third.  Lots of colorful characters on Tombstone’s main street that day & my camera was able to catch a few of them:))

WYATT & THE BOYS HEADING FOR THE OK CORRAL

And a close call for little Louie as Jean & Skip stressfully waited for a Vet in Brawley California to perform a type of surgery on Louie that we had never heard of before.  A TALE OF A TAIL.

After reading my Sunday night post, GYPSY had a few more thoughts on aging:))

And on this last day of 2012 I say thanks to all you folks who have inspired me to keep this blog going for another year.  I thank everyone for their patience & understanding.  And I also thank readers for giving me the encouragement, purpose, & confidence to pursue my hobbies of writing, photography & travel.  Kelly, Pheebs & I wish everyone out there all the best in the coming 2013 Year.  Bar none:))

Oh, & what will the Bayfield Bunch be doing for New Years Eve??  Same thing we do every year……sawing logs:))  And no, it’s got nothing to do with a lumber business.   zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

GROANER’S CORNER:(( And, it’s not so much the Fiscal Cliff that concerns me the most about the coming year as it is…the Physical Cliff…….AL.

-------------------------------------------------------------
- Tourists see the world, travelers experience it.
- Home is where your pet is:))
- "If having a soul means being able to feel
love and loyalty and gratitude, then animals
are better off than a lot of humans."
(James Herriot)
- The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails -William Arthur Ward
- The only thing better than right now will someday be the memories of right now...AL.
- It is not so much having nothing to do as it is not having the interest to do something....AL.
- OUR PHOTO ALBUMS -https://picasaweb.google.com/117858411710794543295/
stargeezerguy@gmail.com

 

AGING….A FEW THOUGHTS

Never thought too much about getting old when I was younger.  Don’t suppose too many younger people ever do.  Been on my mind lately though.

---

Aging is one of those not talked about subjects.  Almost right up there with the seldom talked about subject of death.  We all make lots of jokes about aging.  We folks that are doing the aging that is.  Comedians love us, & it’s a good thing.  Humor is always a sure fire way to deal with gray area topics.  Seems if we make lite of our poor memories, aching backs, failing knees, hair loss, & dentures, it somehow staves off the inevitable reality a while longer.  Makes it all a little less serious in some way.  And, if we can laugh about it, we don’t need to cry about it.

---

I, like many others when younger, just figured getting old was for old people.  Never had the interest or the time to think one day I might be an old person myself.  Not likely to happen & if it did, I would cross that bridge when I came to it.  Guess what…..it’s bridge time.

GUESSING THIS LITTLE FELLOW AT A PYRRHULOXIA (SILVER CARDINAL) >>>

On the reality side of things, with all the humor aside, aging can be a sobering & serious matter.  One that eventually cannot just be brushed aside or continually quipped away.  Sooner or later we all have to deal with it.  No exceptions.  To a point, many including myself, take the Cavalier approach for as long as we can.  You know, ‘I’m too young to get old’, ‘ain’t gonna happen to me’, ‘my best years are ahead’, blah blah blah.  And, who wants to talk about getting old anyway!!  But eventually, whether it be the sudden knock on the door of a heart attack, stroke, a cancer diagnosis, debilitating illness, or slower memory loss leading to Alzheimer's, the time comes for all of us to realistically look at ourselves, where we are, what condition we are in, where we want to go & how to handle the crossing of another bridge.

---

I, like many, have noticed the tell tale signs creeping up over the last few years.  The stiffness in the joints, short term memory loss, tiring easily, confusement sometimes over seemingly simple things, slower reaction times, poor sleep, weight gain, reading difficulties, intolerance to winter’s cold & summer’s heat.  Longer recovery times from illness.  The list goes on & on but it is such a gradual process it can be hard to notice.  One of the first signs I had years ago was the difficulty in getting back up off the floor.  Seemed like such a simple thing at the time.  I’m not at the “I’ve fallen & can’t get up” stage yet, but I’m not springing up onto my feet as I once did either.  I’m at the ‘having a little trouble getting my socks on stage’. 

Every individual ages differently depending on circumstances whether they be mental or physical.  Family genes play an important role as does how & where a person grows up, type of employment or recreation.  I’ve known for about 10 years that my legs someday would probably be my Achilles Heel.  And, so they are.  But, I can’t complain.  I’ve not had any major surgeries or serious malady’s through the years.  Doctor’s visits & hospital stays were few & brief.  However, at 68, this past year has seen some changes.  More medical appointments in one year than I had in my previous 67 years all put together.  Aging?  I think so………….

---

Attention grabbing signs have increased & become more noticeable.  Irritability level is up, my tolerance level for many things has dropped.  I haven’t seen that witty humorous guy I used to know for most of my life.  Where did he go?  Where did my patience go?  How & when did that slip out the door on me.  Was I not looking in the right direction.  My lack of patience is especially noticeable when it comes to computers & new electronic technologies.  Seems to be a struggle now trying to understand things or taking the time & having the interest to understand things.  And, it is that ‘lack of interest’ that has ramped up this past year & scares me the most. 

CACTUS WREN

It seems as people grow older & become elderly, their world begins to shrink around them.  And it seems it begins with a lack of interest in things that were once important, enjoyable, & yes…. interesting.  Hobbies fall by the wayside, outings become less, friends become fewer.  Is it really part of the aging process.  For some of us, it probably is.  Say, what was it I was just writing about anyway………     

---

Finished my bedroom paint project this morning.  Even remembered to put the paint can lid back on the can too:))  

COMING DOWN THE HOME STRETCH

 

FINISHED:))

GROANER’S CORNER:((  A retired husband is often a wife’s full-time job.
-------------------------------------------------------------
- Tourists see the world, travelers experience it.
- Home is where your pet is:))
- "If having a soul means being able to feel
love and loyalty and gratitude, then animals
are better off than a lot of humans."
(James Herriot)
- The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails -William Arthur Ward
- The only thing better than right now will someday be the memories of right now...AL.
- It is not so much having nothing to do as it is not having the interest to do something....AL.
- OUR PHOTO ALBUMS -https://picasaweb.google.com/117858411710794543295/
stargeezerguy@gmail.com

FRIDAY I HAD THE JEEP’S STEERING WHEEL IN MY HAND:)) TODAY, A PAINT BRUSH:((

Ran out of oatmeal so had a donut for breakfast.  That is definitely not a good way for me to start the day.  Any kind of dough product first thing in the morning generally leaves me feeling like I swallowed a lead cannonball.  My body goes into overdrive trying to process the dough wad leaving me energyless.  Not too darn smart again Al:(( 

TRAPPED AIR BUBBLES UNDER A THIN COATING OF ICE AT THE DESERT WATERING HOLE

Not a whole lot going on today. A bit cloudy & kinda on the colder side.  Kelly headed off to Wickenburg for some groceries (oatmeal) & Thrift Store cruising.  I worked on getting myself into paint mode & was soon busy with my bedroom paint project.  Finished another wall & finally completed the chimney.  That was not an easy job, with all the tiny holes in the bricks & mortar.  I’ll not be doing that again!!  Many trips up & down the ladder took a toll on my legs.  Kelly picked up some Aleve today so I’ll try that & see if it helps.  If not, I’ll try something else.  Folks have mentioned Motrin & Excedrin.  And, Kelly said, no Tylenol pain meds at the Wickenburg CVS store.  Clerk said she didn’t know why.  Strange eh…………….

 

AM HOPING TO FINISH UP THE BEDROOM PAINT JOB SUNDAY

Winter is a great time to be out & about walking, hiking, biking, or Jeeping in the deserts of the south-west.  For the most part, no bugs, no Rattlesnakes & no Scorpions.  No energy draining heat or humidity.  Nice.  I think one of the big attractions for us in the west are the sweeping vistas.  The wide open spaces.  The ability to see for miles upon miles in any one direction much of the time.  In Bayfield we are surrounded by Pine trees, forests, & farm lands.  We are also only a mile from Lake Huron which of course is almost like living by the ocean.  Quite a change in our surroundings twice a year & it is this changing environment which keeps my interest…..interested:))        

WE ARE SOMETIMES HELD UP BY HEAVY DESERT TRAFFIC

Always quality photos & posts over at BOX CANYON BLOG.  Check out Mark’s December 24th post titled, ‘THE MAN IN THE WINDOW.  I always enjoy his human interest approach, his imagination & his creativity.   And of course, his superb photography.  He sure knows his way around a camera.

MARK’S CALENDAR COVER

When Kelly picked up the mail today on her way back from Wickenburg we were surprised to find a package from Mark.  In it we found a quality 2013 calendar of Mark’s photography.  What a great idea & how thoughtful to send us one with an included note & card.  The card is from an original watercolor by Mark’s wife, Bobbie.  Be sure to check out the beautiful watercolors at BOBBIE JOHNSON ART.  Between Mark & Bobbie, they sure have a wealth of talent going for them. 

BOBBIE’S WATERCOLOR CARD >>>

Two new Blog Followers to welcome today.  DiAnn from CHIRICAHUA SKY ISLAND, RODEO has joined the Bunch.  That Chiricahua mountain area of New Mexico & Arizona sure holds many nice memories for us.  And, ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER also joins us on our travels.  Really like the header picture at this site.

 

GROANER’S CORNER:)) After the Great Britain Beer Festival, in London, all the brewery presidents decided to go out for a beer. The guy from Corona sits down and says, "Hey Senor, I would like the world's best beer, a Corona." The bartender dusts off a bottle from the shelf and gives it to him.
The guy from Budweiser says, "I'd like the best beer in the world, give me 'The King Of Beers', a Budweiser." The bartender gives him one.
The guy from Coors says, "I'd like the only beer made with Rocky Mountain spring water, give me a Coors." He gets it.
The guy from Guinness sits down and says, "Give me a Coke." The bartender is a little taken aback, but gives him what he ordered. The other brewery presidents look over at him and ask "Why aren't you drinking a Guinness?" and the Guinness president replies,
"Well, I figured if you guys aren't drinking beer, neither would I."

-------------------------------------------------------------
- Tourists see the world, travelers experience it.
- Home is where your pet is:))
- "If having a soul means being able to feel
love and loyalty and gratitude, then animals
are better off than a lot of humans."
(James Herriot)
- The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails -William Arthur Ward
- The only thing better than right now will someday be the memories of right now...AL.
- It is not so much having nothing to do as it is not having the interest to do something....AL.
- OUR PHOTO ALBUMS -https://picasaweb.google.com/117858411710794543295/
stargeezerguy@gmail.com

STANTON TO YARNELL…ALONG THE OLD STAGECOACH TRAIL

NO, THIS IS NOT THE OLD STAGECOACH TRAIL, IT’S HIGHWAY 89 BETWEEN YARNELL & CONGRESS

We had heard of Indian Petroglyphs somewhere up around the old gold mining town of Stanton.  Also heard there was a narrow but drivable back road leading up through the Weaver Mountains from Stanton to Yarnell.  Our goal this morning was to find those two objectives.

WE ARE HAVING SOME FROSTY MORNINGS

 

EARLY MORNING ICE PATTERNS ON A DESERT POND

While in Wickenburg’s ‘Safeway’ store a week ago we both searched the isles for Tylenol Pain Meds.  Everything on those shelves but.  Tylenol cold products but no pain meds.  Asked at the Pharmacy counter where the Tylenol was & this is what we were told.  “We have not had Tylenol pain meds for a about a year now because of the big recall.’ What!!  We had never heard of that & found it hard to believe but the lady was insistent that the recall which had begun in 2009 was still in effect.  We talked about it on the way home & we couldn’t find any logic in the ladies statement.  Kelly called the CVS Pharmacy in Wickenburg after we got home….same story, no Tylenol.   Tylenol in Canada but no Tylenol at the Dollar Store in Congress.  Obviously, from reader’s comments, there is definitely Tylenol in America.  We just haven’t found it yet:((

COUPLE OF OUR NEIGHBOR’S OUT FOR A MORNING STROLL

Kelly came across a newspaper article this morning that fits me to a T.  And, I am sure it fits many other men as well.  "GET OFF MY LAWN" WHY SOME OLDER MEN GET SO GROUCHY

Had ourselves loaded into the Jeep & out the gate by 8:30 this morning.  Quick stop for gas in Congress & it was off to the  little RV mining community of Stanton Arizona.  With a warming sun beaming in the windshield we didn’t mind the cooler outside 35 degree temperature as we headed east.

APPROACHING STANTON ARIZONA FROM THE WEST

With Stanton rolling by on our left we followed a rough & tumble road veering off to the southeast.  First time on this road so lots of new things to see, but it was the Petroglyphs we were looking for.  Never did find them.

THE HILLS AROUND STANTON ARE ALIVE WITH COUNTLESS PROSPECTOR’S & THEIR DIGGINGS

What we did find was lots of evidence & activity regarding the mining of gold.  These mountains & hillsides are home to countless prospectors living in tents, shacks, RV’s, vans or whatever.  A few have even built sizeable houses.  I figure those are the guys who actually found some real gold & quickly built a real house with their loot.  Mine shafts can be seen on the hillsides, pits in the ground, digging machines scattered about & just about any barren inaccessible area there is, somebody will be there somehow mining for gold.  Some of the pick up trucks & ATV’s passing us had some pretty grizzled looking characters inside.  We hear there is a lot of ‘firepower’ here in these rocky cactus strewn areas.  Lots of ‘No Trespassing’ signs as well.

  

With no Petroglyphs to our credit we doubled back to Stanton for a drive through.  Seemed to be a lot more RV’s here than a month ago when we were here with Jean & Skip.  For a little old wild west history about Stanton, check out Jim & Sandie’s post over at WHERE ARE THE DIXONS TODAY.

   

THE NORTH SIDE OF STANTON ARIZONA…ORIGINAL BUILDINGS

Back in the wild west mining days an old trail linked the town of Stanton at the base of the Weaver Mountains to the town of Yarnell at the top of the Weavers.  This would have been the way travelers would have made their way from the desert lands to the south up the mountains to the higher grassy & treed plateaus of the north.  A stagecoach made this perilous journey & today the Bayfield Bunch made the same journey as well. 

FROM STANTON OUR DESTINATION IS YARNELL, SOMEWHERE ATOP THOSE MOUNTAINS AHEAD

We picked up ‘Stage Coach Road’ in Stanton & began the slow climb to the north.  All the usual twists & turns & of course all the usual beautiful scenery.  The road narrowed at a few points where two vehicles could not have passed.  Somebody would have to back up.  And, some of those points had hair pin turns in them so you just kind of eased yourself around the corner watching closely for someone else easing themselves around the corner coming the other way.  Now, having said that, let me say, this is a great drive & I would recommend it to anyone.  The road was in good shape & can easily be done in an SUV or higher clearance car.  There are some bumpy spots but not bad.  No big rocks & no deep ruts.  Only one dry wash to go through & it’s no problem.  Of course that was today & I wouldn’t want to try the road after a rain storm or a heavy snow fall.  At the Yarnell side you can find this road just a few hundred yards south of the Road House Restaurant. 

CROSSING THE ROAD’S ONLY DRY WASH

 

 

DESPITE A FEW BUMPS, A FEW NARROW STRETCH’S, & A BIT OF DUST, THIS IS NICE ROAD WITH GREAT VIEWS BETWEEN STANTON & YARNELL

And, it was the Road House Restaurant where we stopped for breakfast.  Been awhile since I had myself a good mess of bacon & eggs & the Road House sure did it up good.  Just the way I like it except they got my toast wrong.  Rye instead of Sourdough.  Not being a complainer of course (ya right) I happily chowed down anyway.  Definitely would recommend the bacon & egg breakfast here.  Kelly had a bowl of clam chowder which she also said was very good.  This is a popular place for travelers on the road between Prescott, Wickenburg, or Phoenix.

 

What’s a stop in Yarnell without something from the Yarnell Cornerstone Bakery so Kelly zipped in for some donuts.  From there it was a quick stop at the well known & slightly legendary hardware store for a paint roller.

 

KELLY EXITS THE BAKERY WITH A COUPLE BAGS OF GOODIES

  

THERE IS STILL FROST ON THE CORNERSTONE BAKERY’S FENCE & THAT IS YARNELL’S WELL KNOWN HARDWARE STORE ON THE RIGHT

It was nearly noon & time to head back down the mountain to Congress.  Highway 89 is a newly paved winding road tumbling down the side of the Weaver mountains.  It is often referred to as the Yarnell Hill.  Well, it’s quite a hill.

WE BEGIN OUR DESCENT

   

WE ARE BACK ON THE VALLEY FLOOR

A few weeks ago we received an email from long time readers & fellow RVers, Doug & Michelle from Kingman.  They were passing through the area on their way from Quartzsite to Prescott & wondered if we would be home today.  We would:))  Nice folks for sure & it was nice to meet them.  I’m always a bit nervous meeting new people but I could tell after a bit they were folks we would have things in common with & be comfortable with.  I like when that happens

<<< DOUG & MICHELLE

It was early afternoon before I checked our blog site & noticed that miserable Spam comment.  In deleting it I accidentally deleted a legitimate comment but was able copy & paste it from our Hotmail account back into the the comment section.

 

Rest of the day was quiet as I enjoyably began putting tonight’s post together…:))

TONIGHT’S MOON

GROANER’S CORNER:((  Did you hear about the great new restaurant on the moon?  The food is excellent, but there's no atmosphere.

Q. What do you call a clock on the moon?
A. A lunartick.

Did you hear NASA wanted to study the effects of the moon on an aging individual, so they decided a few years ago to resend the late Neil Armstrong. Unfortunately, they canceled this because they were afraid the first words from the moon in 30 years would be: "Houston? I have fallen, and I can't get up."

-------------------------------------------------------------
- Tourists see the world, travelers experience it.
- Home is where your pet is:))
- "If having a soul means being able to feel
love and loyalty and gratitude, then animals
are better off than a lot of humans."
(James Herriot)
- The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails -William Arthur Ward
- The only thing better than right now will someday be the memories of right now...AL.
- It is not so much having nothing to do as it is not having the interest to do something....AL.
- OUR PHOTO ALBUMS -https://picasaweb.google.com/117858411710794543295/
stargeezerguy@gmail.com