Overland Expo and Flagstaff

May has been a busy month for us.  A couple weeks after our trip to Dallas, we headed to Arizona for the annual Overland Expo.  David and I both have a little trouble explaining what it is.  I tell people that it's like a trade show for extreme camping.  It's extreme to me anyway. ;)  

 This cool trailer is more my idea of roughing it!

 While David looked around at vehicle stuff with our friend Dan, I admired the beautiful evergreens.  I'd like to have this in my backyard!

 There was more than enough to keep Dan and David occupied for most a day!

 Once they'd seen all there was to see, we went into Flagstaff for dinner.  As we were walking from the still functioning depot, a rumbling sound told us this guy was near.  I don't think I've ever been quite that close to a fast moving train before!  It could blow your hat right off!

The next day, David and I headed out on a scenic drive by way of dirt road to Sedona to see his cousin, Paula Jean and her husband Jess.  Dan and Leila went to the Grand Canyon, then we met back up in Page, Arizona for the next leg of our adventure.

Buffett or Bust

Earlier this month, we set out with friends to see Jimmy Buffett in concert in Frisco, TX...again.  David and I were there 2 years ago just before the Joplin tornado.  We were also there in 2007 for yet another Buffett concert.  I'm always afraid that each will be the last.  I hate the thought of him retiring, but I suppose it will happen sooner or later!

 Friday night, we decided to check out Billy Bob's for some barbecue and a concert by The Band Perry.  The food was good, the music was okay, but the people watching was the highlight of the evening.  Lots of interesting sights and outfits!

 Saturday morning, we headed to Ikea.  For David, Christina, and I, it was a first.  I loved it!  I especially grew attached to this little chaise.  It was so comfy!

 David liked this leather couch.  He's just pretending to sleep...I think!

 We had dinner at La Hacienda Ranch before the concert.  We all agreed - incredible food.  It was so delicious that I'm still thinking about it.  The mango margarita wasn't half bad either!

 We had seats in different places at the concert, but it was still lots of fun!  Jimmy puts on a great concert every single time.  I hope we get to see him again!

Better Late Than Never

For about three and a half months, the little chalk board in our dining room has wished us a happy new year.

 April seems like a reasonable time to bring that sentiment up to date, so I changed it to this reminder:

Pleasant Valley Sunday

After playing on Saturday, I decided I should get something done on Sunday.  It wasn't really work, as the weather was perfect.

 Somehow, the shed had become so cluttered you couldn't really step in there to do or find anything.  So I cleaned it out a bit.

 I planted some marigolds that were free to me, leaving room for a cucumber plant or two.

 David washed my car and his truck - aren't I lucky? :)

 And I spray painted our big outside table and two smaller ones so that they'd look as fresh as our new chairs.  It was windy, but it worked and they look great!  I even painted the mailbox.  It rusty and pretty ugly, but it looks fresh and clean now too.

After a while, I figured some hammock time was in order.  Being a devoted inside dog, Riley isn't quite sure what to do outside when he's ready for a nap.  Since he thinks furniture is for dogs, I got out a lounge chair and put it in the shade.  He hopped right up there, knowing it was just for him.

Sunday evening we had supper with my parents.  They'd had to be out of town for Easter, so we enjoyed what would have been our Easter dinner, complete with Jello eggs. :)  It was all so good!  After dinner, we sat around a campfire for a little while and enjoyed the beautiful weather.

It was a great weekend!  I really wish it didn't have to end, but I heard a rumor that another weekend is on its way.  I hope it's true!

Saturday At Spring Creek

 I love spring weekends when the weather is nice.  Let's face it...I love most weekends.  Spring and nice weather are just bonuses.  Last Saturday, while David got the mower going for another season and made our yard look nice, I had a play date.

 I met Christina and Heidi at the Spring Creek Tea Room for lunch.  The tea room is located in an antique store and has become quite a popular place.  They open at 10:30.  We arrived at 10:00 and found a table...but just barely.  If we'd come just a few minutes later, we would have been on the waiting list.

I've never had a bad meal there.  This time I chose a chef's salad, which included strawberries, red pepper, almonds, sprouts, croutons, ham, turkey, and things I'm sure I'm forgetting, all resting atop a bed of greens.  It was delicious, and barely needs the tasty dressing.

 The company was the best part of the day, followed by the food.  Coming in third were my big finds.  Cast aluminum garden tools, above, and a $12 Longaberger basket, below, were the treasures I brought home this time.

It was a great time with friends, and so nice to come home to a freshly mowed yard!

Mulch Much?

(Written on Sunday) Yesterday, we spent 12, yes 12, hours whipping our yard into shape.  Someone before us put in all this rock, sectioning off about a third of the back yard.  If we don't keep up with it, it becomes a mess of weeds and ugliness.  Last summer, we didn't get any mulch put down and it was really looking bad this spring.  

So...off we went to the landscaping place with the truck and dump trailer for 6 cubic yards of mulch.  That doesn't really sound like a lot...but it is.  A. Lot.  But we got it done and are happy with the results.  It hurts today to stand...or sit...or walk...or move, but it was worth the effort.

 When we weren't cheering on the Drury Panthers to victory today, I was doing this.  David got me a hammock for Christmas, and I love it!  It's so comfortable!  Riley might be a little jealous.  I think he wonders where the dog hammock is!  It's awfully nice to kick back and just enjoy a job well done.

Water for Elephants

I love the book and movie Water for Elephants.  A traveling circus seems like such a fascinating and foreign life.  It's lucky for me that we have a circus headquartered right here in our town AND David knows the owner.  When we were gifted with tickets to see the show while they were in town, we happily accepted.  The seats were great!  This first shot is taken without a zoom.  We were just a few rows up from the floor.

 The big cats are a new-to-us part of the show.  They are beautiful and so regal.  They reminded us so much of our own two cats at home, albeit a bit larger.  The mannerisms are very similar though!

 The circus was in a different location this year, mainly because this big guy is TOO big for their usual venue. Bo is incredibly graceful for such "big boned" critter.  He really seems to enjoy the crowd's applause.

I should have taken more pictures, but I was too busy watching with my mouth hanging agape.  I didn't get even a single picture of the motorcycle stunts, but I think that may have been my favorite part.   

 Or maybe the sparkly costumes are my favorite.  Or maybe Bo.  Or maybe the high flying trapeze artists.  Or maybe the little elephant that is really a dog, or maybe...  I can't choose.  I just loved the whole thing!