More flowers for Mary

Matt has reduced his complaints to an eye-roll and a questioning, "Really?"   

I respond with smile and a nod, jump out of the van, and start snapping pictures.  It is just too difficult; I must take photos of this amazing explosion of color!

(Smiles...I did confuse one older man who stopped to see if I needed some assistance.  Oddly, he didn't seem pleased when I held up my camera and said, "Thank you, but I am GREAT!"  Wonder what that was about?)

Hear tell from some Texans, Lady Bird Johnson is responsible for the prolific roadside wild flowers.

Seems they are right...Lady Bird deserves the credit!

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

I too love these flowers, Mary!  Yesterday, I took close-ups... Today, I took photos of the colorful carpets of flowers--

I hope you are all enjoying spring!  

(I wonder on what subject I should next focus my camera?  What would be best to vex the lad?  Any suggestions?)

Not to forget the gorgeous berries...

National Museum of the Pacific War and Home of Admiral Nimitz Museum

WOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOW!!!!
One of Matthew's and my favorite museums!  It was exceptional!  The huge museum was "divided" chronologically, by battle, and by area.  For each, there were photos, original items/materials, oral histories, large military equipment, videos, computer inter-actives, and audio machines to summarize the glut of information provided.  Matthew and I wandered for over 5 hours.  It wasn't enough time.  Luckily, the tickets are good for 48 hours.
We both learned so much...I thought I "knew" quite a bit about WWII Pacific War.  I was wrong.  I particularly enjoyed listening to soldiers ruminating about particular experiences during the war.  (While waiting for Matthew, the woman at the information desk told me that they were still actively gathering stories from veterans.  A living and growing museum--I like that.)
Matt's favorite, of course, were the videos and large military equipment.
This museum was worth the drive!

Matthew with the statue of Admiral Nimitz

Door from the USS Arizona--with damage

Fredericksburg, TX

Flowers

Spring is coming!  On the way to Austin, much to Matt’s chagrin, I would pull over to take close-up pictures of flowers.  Although it is still too early (and too dry) for the “carpet of colors across the desert landscape”, the flowers on the roadside are gearing-up for the big event!

Okay, this was more a "throw rug" of color...

(I wrote too soon...the flowers are in out!  We've had a couple of slightly wet days and the flowers have responded with enthusiasm.  If Matt can live through a few more pull-overs-and-photo-taking, I will get some mixed-color flower pictures to share.)

The trees are also spring-ready.  They are either in bud, or they are showing-off their young lime-green-colored leaves.  These photos were taken in South Llano River State Park, TX.  Texas has so many great state parks; we bought an annual pass. 

Matt The Hiker

Bisbee, AZ

Bumper stickers proclaim—“Bisbee is Mulberry on acid”

I disagree!  Is it an easy-going, laid-back, small town, kind of “Mulberry”?  YES!  Does it harbor people who live alternative, new-age, or old-hippie life-styles?  You betcha!  But, it is also necessary to add “old west” qualities to the description--honest people, tradition/manners, and warm hospitality.

You were right, Nancy!  Matthew and I enjoyed this small town just north of Mexico!  I would like to go back some day, just not on a Thursday.  On Thursdays, the majority of the town stores are closed.

Town and buildings (many were late 1800/early 1900)

Bisbee Museum

Post office

Queens Hotel

"Castle"

Abstract art store

Row of galleries 

Mural on a side street

Bisbee, AZ--from our campsite near the mine 

Queen Mine Tour

Matt LOVED this tour!  We wore cool mining gear--hat, vest, belt, battery/light pack, AND got to go into the mine!

Matt and "the mining tour gear" 

Matt saddling the trolly

Yep, we went down there...

Biosphere 2

One of the 50 "Must See Wonders of the World!"
It really was interesting...I am curious about what it would've been like to have been one of the eight biospherians locked-in for two years.  The tour guide didn't detail that time period.  The focus now--research.
biosphere's website

Largest building in the Biosphere

Matt entering the lock/biosphere

Fruit trees and agricultural experiments 

The rainforest

The ocean

Research project in the desert biome 

Phoenix--Matt's time

Photos by Ruth, Billy, Jeff, and Ruby
Intro and photo captions by Susan (me)--SMILES!
Blog entry by Matthew

Baseball Game--Go Diamondbacks (D-Backs)

the baseball game is so so so fun because I have so so big D-bat  hot dog
and i get new T-shirt from baseball i have so so fun in baseball game is good!!
love
matt

Baseball--serious business!

Matt is thrilled to eat his D-Bat!
(18" corn dog stuffed with cheese & jalapeño and wrapped in bacon)

Jeff and Matt's D-Bats

Horse races at Paradise Turf

We see horses races the #1 horse win
later i bet one horse will win the races but i lost that bet.
love
matt:)

Jeff, Matt and Tom at the races

Matt in his "rally hat" and D-back T-shirt for luck.  

Family out at Longhorn Saloon

we go to bar one girl ask my license because i can have the beer
to drink and singing is so bad.
love
matt:)

Phoenix--Gordon family

No trip to Arizona is complete without a visit to Phoenix.  "Why" you ask?  Well, to see the Gordon family, of course.  This time we were even more fortunate; we got to see all of the immediate family AND a niece/cousin and her family.

(left to right) Mia, Rachael, Ruby, Billy, Ruth, Tom, Jeff, and Nathan
Duke (brother to Tom and Ruth's dog, Duchess)

(left to right) Immediate family--Jeff, Ruby, Billy, Tom and Ruth

Tom, will be 80 April 19th this year...way to go Tom!!!  (Interestingly enough, this is also my Mom's birthdate!)
It is always a joy to be with this family.  We yak, eat, play, eat, joke, eat--yes, more than a fair amount of eating is involved!  Matt and I love this family!  THANK YOU for everything!  (Matt will be writing his own blog about his special time with the Gordons.)