WOW!

I gotta tell you about my Uncle Cal. This past week, Mike and I visited Uncle Cal and Aunt Patti at their beautiful home in Rio Verde (by Phoenix). When I initially contacted Patti by e-mail a couple of weeks ago, she suggested that Cal and Mike might enjoy 9 holes of golf. So when we got there and found out that Cal had already played 18 holes that morning, both of us thought that plans had changed. We were wrong. All four of us enjoyed a delightful 9 holes on the well-manicured and very scenic course on which their home is located. Now that in itself might be noteworthy, but what makes it a WOW is the fact that my Uncle Cal is 85 years old! Yep, 85 and he played 27 holes of golf in one day! That is impressive!


When we finished golf, we went back to their home and played "hand and foot" until dinner was ready. Patti prepared pork chops with dressing and salad and and even made my favorite apple crisp (from mom's cookbook) for us. After dinner, Mike and I got our butt kicked in the card game and shortly after nine, we were all ready to call it a night. As we were making plans for the next day, Cal said he would be quiet when he left at 6 a.m. to go to his exercise class. So the next morning, Patti, and Mike and I slept in while the oldest got up early to go exercise. WOW!



The local casino had a $1.95 breakfast special so that is where we headed when Cal got back about 8:30. Then a bit a gambling and it was off to "The Ranch" to check on Cal's horse.

This is my Uncle Cal with his horse, Wildfire. Yes, he still rides her. Wildfire is 27 years old and had been having some foot problems but they were out a week or so ago. As we talked, Patti and I tried to convince Cal that he probably should not be riding alone any more...

Patti showed us the picnic area at The Ranch, down by the Verde River. And she posed for a picture by the well. I was going to tell you that times were tough for this couple and they were reduced to a simpler life, but no one would believe it. A woman never tells her age so I won't tell you Patti's age. Just trust me when I tell you she is another WOW!

We headed back home around noon having spent a delightful 24 hours with two very impressive people. I only hope I have half of Cal's ambition when I am his age... I don't even have it now!

And now a few scenery pictures, from the area in which Cal and Patti live, because I just can't resist shooting Saguaro.

Cal and Patti's home is just a few miles from Fountain Hills and we were lucky enough to pass through town when the huge spout of water was going off. To get an idea of the size of this fountain, compare it to the palm trees and people in this picture.

Oh and did you know they raise cotton in Arizona. This is harvest time and in the fields you see huge bales ready to be loaded and hauled away. These pics were shot "on the fly" on our way home.



And now we are getting ready to head to Tucson to spend a couple of days with Bonnie and Barry at their home. Happy Thanksgiving to all. I am thankful for our life and for all of you who care enough about us to read my ramblings!