Wed Renee joined me in the pool. Joined us as we had coffee. Off on a quilt shop hop. Back to Mulqueens where the clerk had a meltdown last year. None this year. We picked out the backing for Renee's quilt. Check-got that done. The clerk was "allowed" to make the 3 cut lengths for me. They only make 1 cut per bolt...but since it wasn't busy, she did. We profusely thanked them. Off to the Scrapbooking, Etc store. That's where I bought the jelly rolls for the quilts I made a couple weeks ago. Off for a quick lunch at Mc D's and then across the street to visit the Three Dudes again. They're now moved into their new space. Stopped at 35th Ave Sew & Vac in Chandler. I fell in love with some kid print there and bought that to make for Jon & Karen. I'm just not excited about the one I made early on-and still haven't finished hand sewing the binding. I'll have to look online for more of it, tho to have enough for the backing. Zoe's Trunk was next, then Bernina SW. Back home for a short rest. Picked up Sharon & Larry and headed to Tia Rosa's. They'd never been there. Margaritas all around. Nice dinner and we still had room for vanilla bean ice cream.

Thurs it was cloudy and a bit of a breeze for our last day in the pool. The sun was out by the time we were done. Coffee and water poolside. Said our good bye's to Larry & Sharon and look forward to keeping in touch over the year and next year when we meet again. Off to the Olive Mill for lunch and a tour. Made a few purchases. Then headed out to Superior for the Boyce Thompson Arboretum. Got some shots of some of the cactuses blooming. Too early yet for the Saguaro's, tho. Some were starting to get white at the tops and forming flowers. Took the high road hike again. Not sure how I did it 2 years ago while holding onto Murphy's leash. The steps sure seemed more steep this time around. I was reminded I was 2 yrs younger then! Back home and time to get serious about the packing. The packmeister had to scratch her head a few times, but managed to get it all in. Grilled pork chops, sauteed mushrooms and steamers mixed vegs. Trying to clean out the fridge. After supper, cleaned out the fridge leftovers and took them over to Kay and Ray (his twin sister Fay) from Texas. They won't be leaving until May so they'll pass on whatever they don't finish.

Up Friday about 6:30. 8:30 we were finally on the road-to breakfast! Crackers & Co for cinnamon french toast again. Made a stop in Paradise Valley to visit Cosanti. This is where they make Soleri brass bells. yep, made a purchase. There'll be a new sound in the back yard this summer. Finally serious about heading out of town. Always a sad sight to no longer see the saguaro's. Went up to Flagstaff and then went down the Oak Creek Canyon. Last year I thought that was the better view than climbing out of the canyon. Renee was impressed. Went through Sedona to the west end of town to the quilt shop. Nothing really screamed out to be taken home. Then further out of town and turn around to get a view of the red rocks. Overcast....wish the sun had been out. Occasionally, it would peak out. We went to the Red Rock State Park. Took a quick little .5 mile hike along the creek. Need to allow more time on another visit. They have quite a few little hiking trails. Saw a bald eagle in a tree top on our way into the park. Some scenic views on the trip along the red rock loop trail. Back through Sedona and up the canyon before it got dark. Back to Flagstaff and checked into our hotel. Looked up some local establishments and picked the Lumberyard as our dinner destination. Small brewery. Had some wonderful red raspberry ale. Great food, too. Back to the hotel and watch the Lionell Ritchie special. Time for some shut eye.

The Boys did not cooperate nor keep quiet from abut 3:30-5:30. We kept trying different things. Finally put them back in the crate and covered it up. They finally settled down after spatting for a bit-must have been making more room for each other.

Got up about 7:30. 1-2" snow outside. Looks like it's already melting. Packed up and cleaned off the truck. Of course, the snow brush is buried deep inside-way out of reach. Went to meet Erica Kragness (my 2nd cousin's daughter). She's Renee's age. I didn't even know she was there. We ordered and were almost finished before Erica and hubby Matt got there. She had gone to a swimming class. By noon, there was about 3-4" snow on the ground. About 20 min out of town, the roads were dry and the sun was out. Was windy then. Made a stop in Winslow, AZ to stand on the corner....even had a red flat bed ford parked there. Back on the road. I drove to the NM state line. Potty break. Renee took the wheel and it stated snowing again. Got heavy for a while and she was following a semi at 55 (it's 75 mph). Snow squalls kept coming and going. Finally, crossed over the Continental Divide and we saw sunshine again! Stopped for gas in Grants, NM and had ice across the whole front end of the truck! Glad I didn't bother to wash it before we left!

Spending the night east of Albuquerque. Heading north tomorrow at Tucomcari towards Witchita KS.