Tortilla Flats

I am at the Superstition Saloon here with good friend Greg. This was a stagecoach stop built in 1904 and is located in the Superstition Mountains of Tonto National forest in Arizona. Since I sold my Harley, Greg was kind enough to loan me his wife's Harley for this great day-ride. I sure miss my bike in this perfect riding weather but who needs the expense of a bike when someone will loan you one. Same goes with the car that Gene and Sara loaned us for 3 weeks. A special thanks to some great friends.

Happy birthday Julie

You only turn 50 once and this is Julie's time. Son Brent and his wife Sandra opened their beautiful home for us to trash for this 50 th. party. Brooke put the party together and got out invitations, and we were surprised with several friends coming from Washington State as well as many from Arizona. We are blessed with so many close friends but can only visit for a short time with each person at these functions. Julie and I will take memories of our wonderful family and friends back to England with us this Saturday

Bob and Kristen

We took a side trip to Newport Beach California. Here we celebrated newly weds, Mister and Mrs Bob Bond, who were just married in Hawaii. Bob is Julie's boss at Barclay's bank in England and has been a long time friend for both of us. Kristen, a California girl is now the new 'Bond' girl and is a wonderful lady. We wish them all the best as they start their new life in London.

Bogey

Here's Bogey, our faithful Cairn Terrier. Bogey turned 10 years old last month so we are celebrating our time with him. The morning walks he takes us on are his favorite pass time. He's the only family member that I have that never complains. It was a tough decision to not take him to England with us. We decided that he was better off here watching over our pool while we are gone. Daughter Brooke and her little dog live with Bogey. We miss him a lot

Arizona

Here we are back in Arizona enjoying the 80 degree days and these beautiful sunsets. This is the time of the year that we love the most, and is the reason we moved to Az. in the first place. Julie and I are here through Thanksgiving and are making the most of our short time with our family and friends.

Guy Fawkes Bonfire Night

November 5 th is a celebration of the capture of Guy Fawkes and the safety of the King. In 1605 he plotted to overthrow the King and blow up the Houses of Parliament. To carry out this plot, Fawkes and his conspirators got 36 barrels of gunpowder into the cellar under the house of Lords. Before it was set off, Fawkes was captured, tortured and executed. This celebration every November 5 th is commemorated with fireworks and burning effigies of Guy Fawkes on a bonfire. This was done in Stoke park, which is a 5 minute walk from our flat.

Halloween

I'm a little behind on the blog, too much golf I guess. Halloween is celebrated here just as we Americans do. Stores, Pubs and Restaurants are decorated for the holiday. Parents dress up the little ones and get them around to all of the neighbors for treats. Here at our door is the pirate Charlie and his beautiful sister Georgia.