Keep Austin Weird

I arrived in Austin today after being in Salado and Temple, Texas for the past few days helping out Dee Ann. This week my blogs will most likely be sparse because business calls, but I will try to have a little bit of fun. Austin is well known for 6th Street because of the live music scene and the numerous bars all lined up to serve the UT students as well as all of the many visitors that stay in hotels downtown. We are staying in the Hilton right off 6th street, and it is always interesting because of the great people watching and giddy bar hoppers.

I'll mostly be working *really* but, I will try to join other educators in taking in some good old Tejas night life, restaurants, and local flavor. I always enjoy Austin. It is a great city.

Sigmund and the Seamonsters

Seriously, in my childhood, I LOVED this show. Probable reasons: beach setting, funny talking seamonster, the cute red headed older brother. Pure Genius.

Which Life Would You Choose?

I came up with this idea while day dreaming one morning. Here is the scenario: You are offered a secluded cabin home large enough for you and your family. The cabin can belong to you free and clear for you to enjoy the views of wildlife, rivers and mountains. And, you don't have to work. The costs of the dwelling are all paid for and food is provided.

Here is the choice: If you accept the living arrangement, you must reside there as your main residence and you are not allowed any TV, cell phones, or internet. However, you are allowed a regular land line telephone.




SO, what is your decision? Drop "everything" and head for the "simple life?" Would you be willing to give up all the technology and convenience to have a mountain retreat home given to you? Would you prefer to raise your family in such an atmosphere? Could you live without TV and the Internet? Do you think mountain living is for crazy people, so you'll keep your city digs? Leave a comment and tell me if you would take the offer or if you would keep the life you've already carved out for yourself.

Ranch Diva Weekend at the Ruby Star Ranch in Oklahoma

CLICK HERE IF YOU WANT TO SEE THE WILD BOAR ON VIDEO

Hope these amigas don't mind that I posted their mugs...Some of the "Canyon" people got together at good old Brennan's while I was in town. It was so great to see them all since I'd been away so long.

The Southwest and All It's Glory

While growing up in Texas, all I knew about Arizona was that it was a hot desert of a state that we crossed in our family car each summer to get to California. However, after exploring the state during visits and when I lived in AZ during college, I realize more and more how awesome it is. I've grown to love the Southwest including the sagebrush, saguaro, mountains, plateaus, rivers, arid climate, and even neighborhood "desertscaping" that I used to despise. The Valley Of The Sun is ok, but I really love when you head north. We are heading out today. This first picture is of the central valley of Arizona as you head northeast from Scottsdale up towards Payson through the Tonto National Forest :

After reaching Payson we continued our ascent towards Holbrook through the Apache-Sitgreavs National Forest . That area is so awesome because it has pine trees, elk, several lakes. I makes me feel like I'm in Colorado.

Once you reach the town of Holbrook on the famed old Route 66, then you are close to I-40 and New Mexico. On our way out of state I wish we could spent the night here in these wigwams!

Also near Holbrook, there is a chance to shop for rocks and petrified wood at this little dandy of a place:

Once you head east on I-40 from Flagstaff and Holbrook, you can catch a glimpse of the Petrified Forest National Park...
....and the Painted Desert National Park:

Arizona has so much variable scenery, topography, geology and climate. I've been to many places within it's boundaries, but I've still much to explore. I can't wait until I can bring the dreamed camper back and put in some time lounging by rivers, falls, canyons and even cacti.