New Year's Day-Winter Wonderland.

 A dream come true. During our numerous visits to Sedona beginning in 2000, I have been amazed at the indescribable beauty of the Red Rocks glowing in the sun, BUT, I have only seen pictures  of  of the area covered in snow. They look awesome. Since it does not snow much here, and when it does it melts quickly due to the intensity of the sun, you have to luck out to be around when such an event happens. This New Year's Day 2015 was that day for us. The entire day. WOW. The steady snow shower  began  the morning of the last day 2014. It snowed continuously with NO sun popping out until 9 a.m. New Year's Day morning after accumulating eight inches of glorious powder. Then came the sun. Mike and I, dressed in our warmest snow gear, armed with our cameras, piled in the jeep and went exploring. The views were out of this world. Exquisite. Enchanting, Breathtaking. Colorful. No words or pictures can capture our whole experience of  those 7 hours of prowling the area. One day later the white fluff was gone leaving the red rocks naked once more. How thankful I am for the chance to enjoy those snow filled hours.

A dream come true. 

Under Thundermountain at Posse Ground Park.

Mike taking photo of Bear Mountain off Dry Creek Road. 

Unusual spire formations near Broken Arrow.

Our front yard under 8 inches of power.

Alpine glow on the mountains at the end of the day. Taken from our back deck.

Near Doe Mountain.

Thundermountain later in the day. Snow has begun to disappear.

Wilson Mountain.

Coffee Pot rock.

Christmas Letter 2014

    

   2014, our first full year of retirement in Sedona, has gone by quickly in many ways and yet it seems so long since our move from Texas.

  Much time has been spent  this year working on home projects, both inside and out. Mike relocated literally TONS of rock in our yard as part of his landscape transformation. Bushes, trees, flowers and GRASS have been planted that with time will grow and add greenery to the otherwise red rock that prevails. On the inside we added screen doors, built an entertainment center, and installed wood blinds on most windows.

   We had tons of fun with  friends and family that came to visit and look forward to sharing beautiful Sedona with others this coming year. Mike’s  Jeep allowed us to scout out new places and trails that we could never experience with our car. Each new hike becomes our favorite until the next one and I never tire of snapping photos of  our adventures. 

  I have gotten back in the habit of walking 2+ miles each day, helping me  shed some weight and enjoy the fantastic weather and scenery.

    The sad part of this year was losing our 14 year old dog Biskit who died suddenly in September. He was my first dog and very special. It will be awhile before Mike, Cookie and I stop missing him. A  “playboy” until the end, he brought laughter and fun into our lives each day.

   The three of us made a long cross country trip to Ohio this November and  had a great time with my family.  Thankfully, we left  just before the bad weather and snow hit. After covering the multitude of  miles in our small car, we arrived safely back in Sedona with tired butts and bodies.  Don’t think we will be repeating that trip in the near future!  It will be air travel next time with Cookie staying at the kennel.

   I have made some wonderful friends this year at work and church, but it will be some time before Sedona truly feels like home. Meanwhile, I thank the Lord for all His blessings...thru the good times and the hard stuff. He is good.

     Merry CHRISTmas ! 

Thoughts on Faith....

Unbelief asks, “How can this be?” (Luke 1:18–20) Faith asks, “How shall this be?” (Luke 1:34–37)

  I go on not knowing—
  I would not if I might,
  I’d rather walk in the dark with God
  Than walk alone in the light;
  I’d rather walk by faith with Him
  Than to walk alone by sight.
                  —Helen Annis Casterline

Loss of My "Big Boy Biskit"

  After 14+ years of unconditional love, fun, joy, playtimes, kisses, and walks, Biskit, the wonder dog of my life, died suddenly and unexpectedly on Monday September 29th, 2014. We had enjoyed a perfect morning together. Went on our walk, played with his squeaky ball, rolled in the new grass, snoozed by my chair during lunch time, asked for his treat....and then something happened. He took a few unsteady steps, collapsed and died. 

  My heart breaks, and tears overcome me as I try to work through my grief. I tell myself, "he was just a dog"...but he was more than just a dog to me. His big fuzzy body kept me warm in bed at night, his rambunctious energy infused me to exercise with him, his never-ending love for his squeaky ball and toys brought me laughter and joy, his sloppy kisses made me feel loved, his sense of time keeping for his meals got me up at 5 a.m. each morning and 6 p.m. for supper, his gentle behavior and self-control  when hurting gave me respect for his "smartness", and his care for sister Cookie deepened my appreciation for his sweet nature. 

  Beside my pure love and enjoyment of Biskit, the  Lord used him to teach me SO many lessons over these years. Consistent discipline brings results and transformation, unconditional love, rebellion has consequences, perseverance through trials, enduring pain with self-control, patience for the things desired, and joy in all circumstances, just to name a few.

   I have a brain bank filled with 14 years of memories with my precious Biskit. I lay him to rest, not knowing how or if the Lord uses our animals in heaven. Regardless, my memories are eternal. I might not ever see Biskit again, but I am always able to turn to my treasure of special thoughts that are never ending. I am thankful the Lord gave me the perfect first dog and allowed me 14 years of devoted love to my furry four legged child, Big Boy Biskit". 

 Kisses and Hugs. 

13 Weeks. Taken the day I traveled to Georgia to pick him up. 

First Christmas

Kissing Santa

Time with Dad

The Rope 

In the tub

The Ball

Selling his kisses

The Pink Pig

The Tennis ball.....one of hundreds

Snoozing in the afternoon

Helping with home improvements

Bluebonnets and the Red ball

Six weeks

10 weeks

Getting beautified

Snoozing

Bed head

With Grandma and Grandpa

Being silly

Day in the sun

Toy overload! 

Looking on...serious

Bluebonnets with mom

Travel in the car

Haircut

The Family

Orange Ball

Dirty Boy

Looking Handsome

My Sisters and best friends....

My sisters Sherri and Debbie are my best friends. It hasn't always been that way. Lots of fighting and fussing with each other at different times in our lives. BUT, as the years roll on we have grown close and love to spend time together reminiscing. 

Christmas 2013 in the Red Rocks!

Our slim Christmas tree.

This past year has flown by and as I predicted in my last Christmas letter it has been filled with adventure, stress, emotions of all sorts, fun, and CHANGES galore.

  Mike and I did quit our jobs, sell our home, get licensed as pharmacists in Arizona, buy a  smaller home  in Sedona, liquidate several rooms of furniture and “stuff”, pack up our belongings along with Biskit and Cookie and  finally made the journey across the country in July to our new life in the Red Rocks of Sedona.  Our dream come true!

   I will not bore you with the details….because there are VOLUMES..but just say things went fairly well considering all the issues that had to be addressed.

    We have been here almost 6 months and it is beginning to feel a little like home.  It is going to take me longer than I imagined to settle in and make new friends and routines. I actually missed working ( go figure) and  found a part time job in a pharmacy close to our home. Never thought I would be a retail pharmacist again but I am getting the hang of  it and enjoy the staff  and patients. The average age of  Sedona residents is 56...so there are plenty of seniors that need medication and help.  (Me included...I am now 60 years old and Mike 65!)

     Mike has been busy working on house projects especially the yard. Just as he made our Texas  home beautiful on the outside with his gardening skills, he is on his way to making this home picture perfect! 

     We bought a jeep as planned and have had a blast exploring the countless beautiful areas nearby. Arizona is full of trails, roads, canyons, and places to check out and Sedona is THE most spectacular area to begin. 

      I have found a wonderful church home with great people and preaching that is the highlight of my week. I plan to get involved with activities there as well as joining the local camera club and learning to capture the exquisite beauty of this area in photos.

     Hopefully this time next year Sedona will feel more like the home I want it to be. We are looking forward to visits from family and friends.

Red Rock view from our neighborhood. 

Finding my way.....

So much has taken place in the last few months. Moving far away from my home of 30 years in Arlington, Texas to Sedona, Arizona, trying each day to figure out my new reality..retirement / new place / new home / new climate / no job / no friends (yet)...... Great new church home however! Praise the Lord. Learned a new song (to me) in the service this week that brings me back to my foundation in Christ.

 All I have is Christ

I once was lost in darkest night, yet thought I knew the way.

The sin that promised joy and life had led me to the grave.

I had no hope that You would own a rebel to Your will,

and if You had not love me first I would refuse You still.

But as I ran my hell-bound race indifferent to the cost.

 You looked upon my helpless state and led me to the cross.

And I beheld God's love displayed You suffered in my place.

You bore the wrath reserved for me, now all I know is grace.

Now, Lord, I would be Yours alone and live so all might see

The strength to follow Your commands could never come from me. 

Oh Father, use my ransomed life in any way You choose.

And let my song forever be My only boast is You.

Hallelujah! All I have is Christ
Hallelujah! Jesus is my life!