Finally

Finally our background checks and driving records have come in, now it's official, we're part of the Cave Creek Regional Park volunteers. We are scheduled for defensive driving on Wednesday before Thanksgiving...not excited to be driving into Phoenix early morning but if we are going to start our jobs we have to. We will be working at Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area the first two weekends of December. Our December schedule has us either working two days, Wednesday & Thursday, or three days, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. So glad we're no longer in the city.

So what have we been up to; dinners with our son and daughter in law, lots of hiking, making new friends, day trips, hanging around the park and a little work.

On Veterans Day we headed to nearby Anthem, we had heard about their unique memorial to Veterans.

On the 11th day of the 11th month and 11:11am the sun shines through the circles to light the American Seal. We had to go back on 11/12 to get the close up photos.

To all past, present and future veterans we thank you.

                                                                                                                                                       

We keep ending up in Anthem, one day for their farmers market and another day for lunch. Found the best pizza joint we've been to in many a year. The owner is from Queens in New York City, not surprising it was so good. He has put an unique twist on his pizzas. Between my Lasagna and Chicken Parmigiana pizza and Dave's Alba and a slice with eggplant (forgot what it was called) we had enough for two meals. If you ever find yourself in Anthem try Gio's Pizza you won't find better pizza unless you're in New York.

Thanks to our Grand Design RV Owners group we've made some new friends. Mark & Janell live nearby in their Momentum toy hauler, Denis and Val are from Vancouver and staying in the Valley of the Sun for the winter in their Momentum, they happened to be camping at Cave Creek. One evening we got together for dinner at Heart and Soul Cafe a local restaurant. Food was good but the company was better. Seems when you get full time RV'rs together there is no lack for conversation.

We've now hiked the major trails at Cave Creek Regional Park, now we plan on doing them in the opposite direction.

We took a day trip to Sedona to get the lay of the area and to take a short hike. Beautiful city but a bit too rich for us.

Church built into the side of the hill.

New home that sits below the church, I imagine the view was much nicer before it was built.

Every morning we are treated to watching hot air balloons over the valley.

Our new friends Mark and Janell have a boat and graciously invited us to spend an afternoon with them on Lake Pleasant. Thanks so much for a fun day.

In case you think we've been playing the whole time we haven't. Aside from taking care of the day use area we were asked to do a bit of trail maintenance. With horse back riding allowed on the trails there does need to be some cleaning up done :).

We have bird feeders going and every day we are treated to their antics.

We've enjoyed some amazing sunsets and look forward to many more.

As Thanksgiving is fast approaching Dave and I would like to wish our family and friends Happy Thanksgiving. We are thankful for so many things but most importantly for the family and friends who have enriched our lives.

Until next time...