First Stop: Flagstaff and the Mountains

We kept hearing reports of wretched weather in our home territory -- but in Las Vegas and in Arizona it was beautiful -- unseasonably warm for the mountains of Flagstaff, our first stop.

We were staying with cousins Nancy and Walt, generous hosts who welcomed us far too late at night with open arms and a comfy bed!

This was our view from the bedroom!

After the relentless sounds of Las Vegas, the quiet of this little haven was a joy.

Walt took Rick and me to Walnut Creek Canyon where we walked deep into the canyon to observe the rock dwellings of a thousand years ago.

There is little room to maneuver on the paths that go straight down to the bottom of the
canyon. It's amazing to think how people lived here, hunted antelope or were able to grow what they needed to live.

It was fascinating -- looking up or down, the views were amazing.

Here's one of the "houses." No McMansion here!

The vegetation was beautiful, and I fell in love with prickly pear cactus.

It was a special and fascinating experience.

That evening we were joined by Cousin Jim, along with Nancy's son John and both their children.

Nancy made a fabulous fennel-stuffed salmon...

...and we spent many good hours by the warmth of her Aga, soaking up memories.

The candles provided a soft glow, although I suspect the glow of connecting with one another would have been just fine all by itself!

One highlight was story time, which was simply enchanting.

Another was Hamilton (aka Ham), the Jack Russell I fell for in a big way!

It was early to bed for Rick, because the next day he and Walt were hiking to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back again.

Nancy and I hit the road, shopping in Flagstaff, then in Sedona. The Oak Creek canyon road was one curve after another, with dazzling views on either side.

My favorite stop -- Hummingbirds, a wonderful gift shop.

Needless to say, it was all decked out for Christmas!

Meanwhile, our happy hikers were having a great time at the Canyon. Rick found it a little less great (at least physically!) the next day after the hike back up!

A cozy dinner by the fire was just the ticket.

A trio of folk art angels watched over us. I couldn't help but think of Nancy's mom, mine, and my aunt Grace, the three sisters. They'd be simply loving this!

Even Ham was happy as a clam!

It was hard to draw Rick out of bed the next day so we could leave for Wickenburg, near Phoenix. But the thought of pancakes never seems to fail!

The word of the weekend was cozy --

And after the relentless sounds and stimulation of Las Vegas, it was exactly what was needed!

After a wonderful breakfast and lots of hugs, we were off again --

-- from the mountains to the desert!

We were off to see Cousins John and Pat!

Back from a Great Vacation!

Well, I've been a bit absent for awhile -- I look forward to visiting you all soon and thank you for your patience, your comments and visits.

We've been out west -- and then I've been running to catch up, both at work and in terms of holiday preparations. I'm sure most of you are hard at work on that score, too!

So, over a few posts, interspersed with holiday fun, I wanted to share with you some of my vacation.

It started in Las Vegas, where we were at Rick's trade show. There was precious little time for fun there, but I did a couple of things. The first -- the "must do" -- was visit the conservatory at the Bellagio for their annual holiday floral extravaganza.

This year's theme, Winter Wonderland, included a visit to the North Pole, where penguins abound!

I loved the animation -- this guy peered at his plans, lifting them closer for a better look, then gazing about.

This one popped in and out of the igloo.

I liked this little guy with his scarf and sweater.

The polar bear was made of carnations. I was told that doing the display costs $1.5 million. Well, this is Las Vegas. There are hundreds of thousands of flowers and naturals.

The reindeer on Santa's sleigh were made of pecans.

Here's a closer look.

I loved how they used items from past years -- but in different spots and in different ways.

They were still working on it, doing some finishing touches, which was fascinating to watch.

It truly was a Christmas fantasy land.

That night we got off the strip and went downtown. They lit the Christmas tree that evening and it was quite the hopping place.

Santa was there.

So was the Grinch.

And Michael Jackson, too!

We don't know who this fellow was, but he really made an impression!

They say Elvis is dead -- but not in Las Vegas!

There was lots of live entertainment -- a dancing trio...

...a sax player...

...and outstanding and sophisticated shops! (Well, not really, but they were colorful!)

I loved the colorful lights on the enclosure above Fremont Street.

All in all, a splendid night.

Finally, back to the hotel -- where even the guests know how to dress!

Vegas -- you love it or hate it, but it never ceases to have surprises!

Our next visit took us to family in Arizona. Stay tuned!