Leaving Tucson - Thanksgiving at David's

As we got ready and now have actually left Tucson, we reflect on our all too short of a visit with our long time friends, Tom and Maryann Graue.  The four of us were almost inseparable for six weeks and we thoroughly enjoy each others company.  We laughed like teenagers,, admittedly at George or Tom's expense.  We visited with little Emme, the sweetest little preemie in the world.  We were able to help Tom do a few projects for their daughter and Emme's mom, Carrie.  We took side trips together to Phoenix and Las Vegas to see our friends and to play a little golf.   We dined out and dined in, ate a few breakfasts together, sat on their patio until after sundown and just in general did what friends do ... had fun together.  By the way, if you plan on coming to the southwest, the best time to enjoy Tucson is in October and November, the weather was just outstanding.

 

 

Is that Tom or George?? Can't tell from the back end!!

 

 

The finished product, a new fire pit -  looks pretty good but again," you get what you pay for", Carrie!!

 

 

 

Pima Air museum - Tucson.   Does anyone recognize this workhorse of WWII?  No not Tom, the airplane!

Nice chip Pat,  thought you didn't like to chip?

 

 

Sitting on the Patio. 

One our favorite things to do as we wind down from a day of relaxing, just being with and talking to Maryann and Tom.

 

 Emme, you are a miracle and so beautiful --- Carrie you have a precious young lady!

 

We are back in Colorado to be with our family for the holidays.   David and April hosted the family turkey feast and everything was just terrific.  What could be better;  Kris, Amy, and  the Super Ks joining David and April to celebrate and give thanks?  Thanksgiving maybe the kickoff for the Christmas season for some but for us it is a time to give thanks - thanks  for all that we have, the life we enjoy and for the family and friends that mean so much to us! 

 

Grandma we are so happy to see you, Welcome back!!!  Do you think Grandma is happy to see the Super Ks - Kasey and Karsten? 

David and April -- thanks for making this day special for all of us!!!  Great food and a lot more!

You went above and beyond -- everything was just perfect!

Do these two ever take a bad picture?  Amy, what is that --- gang signs??

The Feast begins - what no Amy?  Oh yeah someone has to take this great picture!

 

To all of our friends and family, we are so thankful that you are in our lives! 

 

Visitng Friends in Phoenix and Vegas

Sitting at our friend's, Tom and Maryann, kitchen table in Tucson one night we all decided it was time for a road trip.  Since we had already decided before we left Colorado, in September, that we were going to stop in Phoenix to see George's high school classmates, Sue and George Summerfield, we planned the trip to include a stop in Phoenix.  We also wanted to drive up to Las Vegas to see a couple more friends.  Kris and Amy wanted us to stop by and play golf at Karsten Golf course located on the Arizona State University campus (did they name it for the future golf wonder -  Karsten Cannode????).   We had not seen Bob and Elaine Boudreau, our friends in Vegas, since the time we all spent together in Germany back in 1979.  Our other friends living in Vegas, Steve and Margie Breslow,  camp hosted with us in Colorado in 2009.  It was decided that we would leave our motorhome in Tucson and to pile into their car and stay at Luke AFB in Phoenix and Nellis AFB in Vegas. Things could not have worked out better.  We drove to Phoenix, played golf at Karsten, met Sue and George for a nice dinner, plus we also attended the Arizona State Fair.  After a few days in Phoenix, it  was off to Las Vegas where we met up with Bob and Elaine.  It took all of a few minutes to travel down memory lane back to our time in Germany and the trips we took to France together.  Our military friends never seem to forget the time we spent together and always treat us like family members, no matter the time or miles that have separated us.  We also introduced Tom and Maryann to our camp host friends.  We met Steve and Margie at a great crab restaurant and proceed to crack a few crabs while catching up with their adventures and travels to Alaska and China.   

We stayed at the Air Force bases in Phoenix and Las Vegas and the accommodations were in a word...fantastic!  Since there was four of us we opted to stay in TLF  (temporary living facilities), which are former base housing quarters that the Air Force has set aside for traveling military members.  Retirees can stay in them if they are not being occupied by active duty members.  Check out the pictures below of our accommodations!  Not a bad perk for serving 20 +  years in our military. 

Traveling with Tom and Maryann was like four teenagers in a car, on a week long road trip;  we had a general plan of what we wanted to do and see but for the most part we winged it!  What an adventure!  It has been a very long time since we went somewhere without plans,  flying by the seat of our pants, and traveling with friends who make you smile and laugh at every turn.  It was also the first time we visited Las Vegas and did not gamble...no time for that stuff, too much friendship time, taking in a comedy show, and just enjoying ourselves and our friends.

 

 

Red at night, sailors delight! 

The sun setting over the Arizona mountains was a sight to behold.

 

 

Full moon over Phoenix after a spectacular sunset 

 

 

Tom and George sitting on the back patio of our house at Luke AFB.  Not a bad start to our little side trip.

Karsten golf course! Karsten did you know they named a golf course for you ???

Coming in off the 18th -- a beautiful but tough course...just like our grandson!

 

 

 

 

Pat, George, Sue and George Summerfield - it is always nice to see old friends

 

Arizona State Fair

 

Overlooking Lake Mead



 

This was the base commander's house on Nellis AFB...now it is....

 Casa Cannode and Graue's villa at least for a few days!!!!

 

 

 

Our friends ...Elaine, Maryann, Bob and Tom

George is trying to crack open a crab,

 lucky for him the beer was a little more filling

Pat with Margie and Steve... George is hiding in the background!

 

The drive back from Phoenix through Flagstaff and Sedona was breath taking with all the fall colors

Beautiful Sedona, Arizona surrounded by mountains and a must see if you are in northern Arizona.

 

Please enjoy your time with family and  friends, we never know when that time will come when that may not be possible.  We thank God for all of our friends and family, you all mean so much to us and we hope and pray that you are in good health and are enjoying life to the fullest.