Season's Change

As winter is upon us, I find myself torn between eagerly anticipating snow and wanting just one more day to soak up the warm, lingering sunshine.

The past month has been busy as usual, both at work and home.

Our little pup was diagnosed with canine parvovirus. We left her at the vet being told she had a 50/50 chance of survival. 5 days later she was on her way back home and a few weeks later, she's up to her usual antics.

After 14 months in Arizona, we finally made our way to the Grand Canyon. Ryan and Patricia planned a fabulous 3 day, 2 night backpack into the canyon from the South Rim. We traveled the Hermit Trail, Tonto Trail, and up the Bright Angel Trail.

We had beautiful weather, perfect campsites, Ryan's now famous "Pretty Cool Canyon Pasta", great friends and of course - sore legs. We were lucky enough to see rafters on the river, which brought up daydreams of a month long rafting trip through the canyon! Although the canyon is Grand, and views from the rim are breathtaking, I can now say, the only true way to experience the canyon, is to be in it. 3 days was nowhere near enough.

A last camping trip for the season included 9 friends and 5 dogs at Cedar Mesa, UT (a favorite of the Scarborough's). We hiked at Bear's Ears and visited Natural Bridges National Monument.

For once spending a few weekends at home, we were able to explore more in our "backyard".

A co-worker invited us to a Yei Bichei ceremony in which her daughter was dancing. It was our first of hopefully many ceremonies during our time on the Navajo Nation.

In a few short days, we are off on a whirlwind tour home for Thanksgiving. Visiting Sue and Sanford (Happy 75th Birthday!!!) in Scarsdale, NY then on to visit mom, pops and the family in PA. It will be an exhausting trip, but we can't wait!!!!!