Rocky

I should also add that I will have a somewhat difficult time planning vacation until after my current custody situation is settled (in a couple of days) and the Arizona Legislature and Governor Napolitano agree on a state budget and the lawmakers adjourn Sine Die for the year. That might not happen until June 30 or the first week of July.

I am most enthusiastic about Patagonia Lake State Park. Sonoita Creek feeds the lake. It is most refreshing in the summer compared to Tucson or Phoenix. As Z can verify, the park is on the road (State Rt 82, I believe) between Patagonia and Nogales. But it doesn't present the feel of either Mexico or a hot, desperate desert. I love photographing wildlife and birds in the area, as well as the variety of landscapes. Last summer, on the dirt road from Patagonia (the town, not the park) to a Nature Conservancy Preserve on Sonoita Creek, my kiddo and I happened upon a lethargic diamondback (no, not Curt Schilling), but a real reptilian sort, with a huge bulge (probably a mouse) in the middle, sitting sunning itself on a mild, cloudy afternoon. I might be able to dig up some of the photos and send them by email to interested parties. By way of disclaimer, it was indeed alive, but it couldn't seem to get itself out of the road. I shot it, but only with my camera. AND (the most important part) all of the pics were taken from the safety of my rental vehicle. BUT, desert dwellers might be familiar with the Ocotillo plant, which might resemble a stiff, upside down octopus with tiny leaves and orange flowers. Well, what I thought I was familiar with was soooo different from what I saw on the short trip from Rt 82 to the state park (not snakes) but thousands of Ocotillo, more richly green than any I've ever seen in the Phoenix area. And that was only the beginning of the wonderful scenery, Again, it rained that day, in the middle of hot, thirsty days in Phoenix. Then, in Tucson on the way back to Phoenix that evening, again, in the middle of severe drought conditions, it deluged and was truly lovely.

I love you guys, but Thursday is the day... I have great anticipation for it too... only mine is called nervous. :D-->

no need to apologize to me for not wanting an outing in Phoenix in summer months. I've lived here too long to be ignorant of the related facts. Last summer, I went to Patagonia Lake State Park. It was lovely. Cool, rainy and very pleasant. I'm not physically up to camping, but I'd love to hang out there for a daytime get together. Flagstaff is also nice, but I've been there more often. However, if there has been and will be enough rain to support wildflowers in the area, I'd love to photograph up there. Someone ought to try to get Simonzelotes to join in the event too. He lives in Phoenix.

Hey Hey Fellowshipper, I can only wish it were a joke... hopefully I didn't offend anyone by posting that link, but that is a real member of the Arizona House of Representatives. Don't think he's had the foundational class, silly fellow (him).

Thanks niKa. Guardian ad Litem is coming to visit this evening. When he phoned, he actually came out and said he can't see allowing Amy to live with her mother. Sooo... I stay the course. Report card, received on Friday, should help. Mostly A's, one B+. And that's essentially for the time frame since I first got full custody.

Yes, #8 seems like it wasn't there before. Missing is the old gymnasium that lacked heating when I was there. It would have been in the NE corner of the campus, further North than anything shown on the diagram.... I think. The link below, if it works, is to a satelite photo, from mapquest.com http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?size=...o%2b%2bHw%3d%3d

And John, your pictures are wonderful for bringing back memories and a feel for the 1970s and early 1980s. Btw, wasn't the dorm that now houses the teachers' hall of fame once called "Owens Hall"?

Hey ExaJesis, back in 1986, when the Great Exodus began, the eloquent Mr. Shreve, if my memory serves me, was working for the US Postal Service in Mesa, Arizona. I have no idea if he still lives in Mesa, or works for the Post Office, but a quick search at http://www.ussearch.com shows 6 John Shreve's in Arizona, one in Mesa, and 3 others in the Phoenix area, 2 in Tucson. If anyone knows his middle name or initial, that might help find, but obviously since no one has seen him, we hope everything is well with old friends.

I kinda remember him. I know another one also. http://www.azleg.state.az.us/MembersPage.asp?Member_ID=89

you got it. one week from today.

Thanks chums. Because the ex has a tendency to be loco in da cabesa, Amy told me her mother asked her how she was doing (the last six weeks, since I've had full custody), because even though she would like custody, she wants to know the kiddo is ok (she's doing some work on acceptance and adjustment) "in the event" things don't go as she wants. I think my task is to go to court and talk about Amy, even though the other parent thinks she going to have a chance by discrediting me as opposed to giving the court assurance about her bonehead husband. So, thanks and I think it's all going to work out this time (for a change).

niKa, I assure you, I "FEEL" your pain. It's been about 5-6 weeks since I first got emergency custody. My young 'un is doing so much better than when the other parent was freer to allow her spouse to interfere. We go back next Thurs., as she put it "for all the marbles". As long as I stay on track between the ears, it will be fine here. You definitely have my prayers.

Well, niKa, that's an outstanding guess, but it actually is right after my little monster baby (that's his name, monster baby...but the kind of monster they have on Sesame Street, not Elm Street)... leaves a treat for the scientist in all of us (see ex-cath's post speculating on my LEAD experience ) But, HEY, they have to get some exercise sometime.

Thank you, Simon...get thee behind me... :D--> Well, I've had a playful kitty that for brief moments seemed like he had some chemical help... but, more often, we've had this guy be quite uptight about real or imagined cats visiting neighboring yards, the divider wall or on the roof next door. Needless to say, this guy doesn't have a pal to hang out with on school/work days because he "doesn't play well with other(s)(cats). He loves humans and thinks he is one, but there have been times when he could have used either valium or prozac. And, usually quite mellow, and always affectionate when his humans first get home, there are predictable times when he can be seen racing around our meager 2 br home. I bet some of you with cats know when that time is...

tiny chocolate eggs (just a little bit bigger than bunny do do) and starburst jelly beans.

A brief respite from the joviality to wish niKa and anyone else close to OKCity today, the anniversary of the bombing of the federal bldg, comfort, peace and all the blessings they could garner from their own families, as times like this give cause to reflect and be thankful for those we love...

Jesus we know (or knew), Paul we knew, but who the he77 is Victor??? get thee (some) behind, Simon.

Ah, so many people here with tax induced dementia! brwaaaaaaahahahahah!

Right Rev. Tom, The Diamondbacks had a big inning yesterday! First decent game all season. And in this one, a rookie created... a three run homer. And if they don't keep winning, the earth at the B.O.B. could become without form and void! And, Tommy, it's the CUBs that keep saying wait until next season, not yet the Diamondbacks.

Why would we be in a fellowship?

And Bruce also said to Sally, "If I told you you had a nice body, would you hold it against me?" And who amongth uth hath silver hair yet, anyway? oh, ye who approacheth the big 5_?

idle hands, sheesh! silver tongued orator? better get a real doc to check that bp and hdl and ldl before you become silver HAIR fertilizer! hahahahahaha

If I were a firkin, I wooda wanta more uh dat fine homemade cohnbwed at Empwohwia! Give me more. Hope there's not been much stormin in Norman lately... Since the original Stormin Norman is so far removed from Iraq (where he first became a household name about 12-13 years ago) that he is not even one of the broadcast media consultants explaining all the gubmint... ah, never mind.

The priest, the rabbi and the minister all wondered, " Can firkin fly?"