Anne Murray

Last night we went to Anne Murray's Christmas Concert. She spent the first half of the show doing her hits from the past 30+ years and then the second half doing Christmas songs.

Her band and backup singer have all been with her 24+ years, one guy since 1969. Quite impressive!

Mini Golf in Arizona

On Tuesday Lois, Dad, Kendall and I played 2 rounds of golf.

On this hole our balls were really close after our first shots!

It was a beautiful day to be outside.

Thursday Kendall and Dad went back to play the other 2 courses after Thanksgiving dinner. See Lois' Blog for Thanksgiving pictures.

Family Has Arrived

Family has arrived for Thanksgiving week. Mom, Dad, Lois, Julie and Asa are here from Maryland, Ohio and Florida. Pa and Asa playing with trucks and cars.
Asa helped decorate cookies for the kitchen Christmas Tree.
When you're almost 2, the water has to be colder than in the 50's to not dip your toes in!
"Hi!"

Bunko Hosted

This Saturday was my turn to host Bunko. Thanks to Kendall's mom for a great Peach Glazed Pork Chop recipe dinner was a hit!

Some roses I picked up to spruce up the kitchen. They reminded me of my wedding flowers.

Sun Rise, Moon Set

This was the scene as we pulled into the race Sunday morning. The sun was ready to peep up over the mountains as the moon was thinking about going to bed.

Another Win

Another race in the desert. At the start line. This is called a Land Rush start where they all take off at once and see who gets to the corner for the first to get the advantage. Kendall was there this time!

Coming into the pit area. It was a timed race and no need to fuel this time, so no pit stop. Just lots of dust!

It's all in who you know. This handsome fellow gave the lady a ride back to the trailer from the finish line.

Yes, first place again! And no, it's not the same picture re-posted. Notice this time there is no plaque in his hands. They didn't have it and will have to get it sent out.


A flat tire on the trailer on the way home. These guys are getting good at changing these things.

Chocolate Cake

Today I attempted to make Mom's famous Chocolate Cake, and it was a success! I must say it was quite the intimidating process. Kendall was my assistant - after all he watched Mom make it twice and got hints when we were home in October. Can't wait to see if tastes as good as it looks!

AzHHA

AZ is the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association. Tonight I was one of the 13 graduates of the class of 2006 of Emerging Healthcare Leaders from around the state of Arizona. It is a 10 month program with LOTS of reading and an all day meeting once a month to discuss topics related to leadership and healthcare. Hence the name! Kendall was nice enough to sit through the dinner with me.

Sunrise

This morning was an awesome sunrise. This is the view from the front door. I wish the camera could have captured the true beauty.

Hockey

Thursday night we went to the Coyotes vs Oilers hockey match-up. We had a resounding 6-2 win over Edmonton! Not to be too proud, that merely got us out of the basement.

The Best Husband in the World!

I went to work Tuesday morning after being home in Maryland for the long weekend. I was surprised by Kendall with an awesome bouquet of flower waiting for me. Every one in the office had fun watching them open from buds. He says he is proud of me and my accomplishments. I think he is pretty terrific himself!

Beautiful flowers

View from where I sit at my desk. Unfortunately I got the back side of the bouquet.

Katie's Found!

We heard about Katie's in other Blogs, but had never been there! What were we thinking?! We were finally able to fit Katie's in Saturday evening after Kendall worked so hard all day.

Dad and Mom always know what to get -- the sugar free/fat free treat of the day. Too cold to eat outside!

College Interview

Can this little girl really be old enough to have a college interview?

Urbane, Karen, Whitney and Blake were at the Home Front on their way to Grove City, PA where Whitney was scheduled for an interview on Monday.

Chocolate Celebrations

Phebe had chocolate cheesecake for dessert Friday night Rachel called this her "Chocolate Dance"

This would be Emma's Chocolate Face!

Cutie Pies

Emma and Rachel with one of their many stories.

Snack time with Uncle Kendall

Counting Pa's change after looking at the state quarters.

Emma even got Uncle Kendall to read a story

The girls snuggling in with Pa

Sights and Tastes of Home

A fire in the fireplace to ward off the chill in the air

Deer in the yard

Snow flurries as we left this morning

Cinnamon Rolls

Mom's Famous Chocolate Cake

From my Sister Lois' Blog:

Saturday, April 01, 2006
Mom's Chocolate Cake

In my home community in western Maryland and among those in my extended family, Miriam's Chocolate Cake is well known and brings a pretty penny at MCC auctions. Everyone says, "no one can make it like Miriam makes it," and I think they're right. But I try anyway. Here's her recipe, so take on the challenge and give it a try yourself!

Mom's Chocolate Cake

1/2 cup butter
1-3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/3 cup cocoa
2-1/4 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1-1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup sour milk
1-1/4 cup hot water
1-1/4 teaspoon vanilla

Cream butter and sugar together. Mix in eggs and vanilla. Add flour, cocoa, and salt, then add sour milk and mix well. Dissolve soda in hot water and add to mixture. Pour into a greased 13 x 9 inch pan. Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes or until it springs back when lightly pressed with finger.


Mom's Chocolate Icing

3-1/2 cups Domino brand granulated sugar
3-1/2 tablespoons Hershey's cocoa
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup half-and-half

Mix all ingredients except vanilla. Bring to a full rolling boil and continue to boil for about 3 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when drips of icing hold together and form a soft ball when dripped into a cup of cold water. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla. Set the pan in a bath of cold water bath. Be careful not to let any water get into the pan. Cool for 10 minutes. Remove the pan from the water bath and beat the chocolate slowly until it begins to lose its shiny gloss. Quickly spread on top of the cake before the icing hardens.

For this one truth I am eternally grateful: You're never too old to lick the beaters!

Kendall the Master Plumber

This weekend we went home to Maryland to visit the folks and Kendall updated plumbing fixtures.

Kitchen sink

Added filtered water and also changed garbage disposal.

Guest bath toilet and sinks. Also in the master bath that is being redone - he connected the sink and fixed the shower.

Fall

The temperatures are in the double digits again and the mornings are cool. Fall has even managed to come inside the house to a few places.

Page, Arizona

We were in cool northern Arizona this weekend for another race. We get to see some awesome scenery where the races are located.

Kendall coming into the Pit area.

Finished! (Note the triumphant sign)


And of course, first place again!

As we were leaving they called Kendall's name again. This hasn't happened before, but a local Honda shop donated a $100 gift certificate to the fastest rider in the race who wasn't a Pro. That would be my guy!

Denver Again

It was back to Denver for another business trip. We were greeted by a double rainbow at the airport.

How fitting for a princess! The first night we were in a castle on the north end of town. Then I moved downtown where the conference was being held.

"Meet me under the bear." This is at the Denver convention center. You needed spots like this with over 3,000 in attendance so you could reconnect with your group.