Casa Grande National Monument

This large building was built back in 1300ad by the Hohokam tribes. 3000 tons of limestone, sand and clay to build. Logs were floated down the river for beams and saguaro ribs were also used in abundance. This 4 story building likely a temple or place of some sort of worship has windows and openings that align with the planets to determine seasons and time. Times for harvesting, planting, hunting, etc. The roof structure was erected over the building in 1932 to protect from sun and rain. This monument was the nation's first legally protected national reserve starting in 1892. There actually was a whole city unearthed here. But the big house is the main structure still standing. "Casa Grande" it was named, by early spanish explorers.

Okay enough history. Our day started at the visitor center. There is a 20 minute video, a souvenir shop and a museum attached. We were fortunate as the friendly interpreter there let me try out all the handmade wooden native flutes. For which I have a keen interest. Have you ever heard a low haunting deep melodic sound that puts you in a dream like state. Well now you can. I plan on buying one in the near future. There were alot of hands on things that the kids could do like feeling rattlesnake skin and minerals and different kinds of plants. They loved it.

When we went out to the monument, there were hidden speakers playing the beautiful flute music which added to the scenery and the whole experience. It was very tranquil and I felt like I was walking on very important ground. There are metal doors attached to the monument so you can't go in but Maysa managed to crawl under one when we weren't looking. We found her a couple seconds later and had to coax her back out as we were afraid of being hollered at by the ranger again. The kids enjoyed poking their heads through all the holes and we even spotted a gila monster climbing walls inside. It was a fun time and I plan on dragging all my canadian visitors out here.

The history of the Hohokam people is one that deserves respect and our continued preservation. They were a people that were keenly aware of how to survive well in the desert. Eventually drought drove them out and the remains of their culture are ours to learn and discover.

Tonto Lakes

Oh Arizona is great. There are canyons, volcanoes, lakes, desert, mountains, pine trees. Possibly everything nature has to offer except the ocean. Sorry George, no ocean front properties in Arizona. Anyhow, Tonto national forest is massive. Lots of beautiful lakes all stemming from USA's largest manmade resevoir, Theodore Roosevelt Lake. Of which Phoenix and valley consumes their water from. Well after we visited the monument we drove further and ended up going through a beautiful canyon with lakes and valleys. We stopped at burnt corral lake which had an excellent sandy beach for swimming. Then we drove further up the canyon and found canyon lake which also had some great boating and swimming areas. We're definetly planning on coming back here. Only 1 1/2 hour drive from our house. Now we're talking about getting a boat!

Tonto National Monument

This is a really great site to behold. Ancient cliff dwellings in the side of a beautiful mountain with picturesque scenery. Sound like a good day? It was, for the most part. Well, our adventure started at the visitor center. We looked around, read some of the history and posts. Then asked where we pay. The kind lady at the desk said, oh we're only accepting donations today.

Okay, so we started off on the trail. Nobody stopped us. Beautiful day, sun was shining. Of course we were the only ones out there seeing as Arizonians are afraid of their sunshine. Well halfway up the winding trail we come across a small barrier. I am not brilliant and so I figured it was just a closure to bicycles or wheelchairs. Didn't think about it much, just crossed it like a fool. Then further up the mountain we came to some breathtaking views, took some pictures, drank some water, kept going. We're almost there, getting excited, we come across a second barrier. This one actually had a sign attached. All it said was "beeware of bees". Okay, I grew up on a honey bee farm, whatever, we're going through.

We get to the dwelling, which is breathtakingly cool. We crawled through the rooms, Elena tried out the stone whetting. We took alot of pictures. Then Dan noticed two bees, so we decided maybe we oughtta go.

I must be real ignorant because when we returned to the visitor center, a new park ranger was there and he was furious to say the least. His question to me: What the heck made you go through two barriers in a national reserve? Big oops. He almost called "the law" on us. He said those bees are africanized and he shuttered to think what could have happened to us. Well, we are ignorant and not too bright for going through the barriers but if my poor canadian fool self would have known that the bees were africanized, I would have hightailed my family right out of there.

I was upset that we were not warned before we went on the trail and upset that the ranger tore at us for 20 minutes afterwards. Seeing as he was watching us in his little spy hole the whole time. The yak.

However the whole experience was fun, except for the last part and I'm sure glad we didn't get killed by the killer bees. One thing is certain, I will never be so ignorant to cross a barrier again, even if things look safe. It really is a fantastic place to behold and the scenery and landscape are lovely but, if you plan of visiting be well informed if conditions are safe, before you go up.

Homeland

Okay I'm not homesick. I can't even ever see myself moving back to Canada. But I do miss my family and reading my Grandfathers journal last night helped to remind me of the rich heritage and blessings I recieved while growing up in the prairies of southern Canada.

I have found that alot of Americans know very little about Canada. I can't exactly blame them for it, why would they care? My friend here actually said- Oh, now I have an exotic friend! I chuckled and said, Oh Canada's not so different, just colder. It is a common joke among Canadians to laugh at our American neighbors and their remote knowledge of their northern neighbors. Questions like- Canada? Do you leave your dog sleds at the border? Do you live in Igloos? Do you know so and so from Ontario? But for my sweet American friends today I will ode to Canada and maybe enlighten them on some simple facts that make it a cool place (literally).

My great grandfather grew up in Utah during the late 1800's. After losing his dear wife and two firstborn twins he decided he needed new air. He wanted to see for himself what all the talk was about the Northwest territory where land was being handed out like candy in a parade. He was one of the first emigrants to farm my homeland in south Alberta Canada and hardshipped five long years of hording mosquitos and working new land. His efforts paid off and his backbone was passed down through the generations right to my own father who still farms some of the same land today. My canadian farm roots run deep.

My fathers side of the family is fiercly proud of their heritage and wave the flag tall and firm during Canada day ceremonies. Thats my father in the picture. (Yes they were appalled when we made the move to Arizona, but mainly cause they'll miss us and 'how will you stand living in a hot hole'. Oh, Arizona isn't so bad, even to a canadian fool. So back to my ode to Canada, what do I love about you:

trees, mountains, fresh pine, wildlife, white christmases, glacier lakes, cool breezes, hiking, spots where there is no civilization as far as the eye can see, victoria island, maple leaf, maple syrup, geese, multiculturalism, fall harvest, horses, hutterites, gardens, family, skiing, ice skating on lakes. Oh there is more to mention, but I won't for now.

Now many of my canadian friends and family ask- why did you move to Arizona? We actually lived here when we were first married but moved back to Canada after 911 for various reasons. My husband dreamed daily of coming back and finally convinced me it was time after our first winter in Edmonton- city of ice. We endured alot of icy roads and heart stopping temperatures. My husband has had several close calls in his semi with ice and cliffs as well as several boughts of bronchitis and pneumonia, it was time to migrate to warmer temperatures and sunny skies.

Arizona is heart warming. Friendly people, gardens to plant at any time all year, outdoor activities year round, no more icy roads, less taxes, cheaper housing, cheaper gas, cheaper everything- it all adds up for us. Though Canada-land of my fathers, I will not forget you and definetly won't hesitate to visit every July, Arizona is now our home, hopefully a place to settle and establish roots of our own.

Hobbies, Hobbies

I love hobbies. Everyone needs one, or two or five. My husband has different interests than me which makes things interesting. He is into airplanes and motorbikes and the latest technology instruments like palm pilots and cell phones whereas I am interested in antiques and ghost towns and museums and flea markets. So opposite but still we manage to have alot of fun together. Believe it or not, you can learn hobbies from the internet.

Last year my husband bought me a violin, a life long passion and dream finally come true. Its never to late to try something new! I had about four lessons, then managed to learn alot of fantastic fiddling tricks and songs off you tube.

Speaking of something new, I have joined a polynesian dancing class. Lessons were free and I thought- what the heck. Watch out- white girl doin the hula! Never had I imagined myself moving my hips in such a fashion. I am jutting them in ways that I didn't think possible. So much fun and exercise is once again my friend.

There are so many things I am interested in and would like to try. I also want to enroll my children in all sorts of classes but they have already informed me that they are NOT taking the polynesian dancing class for kids. My daughter watches me and says adamantly "I'm not movin my butt like that!" So maybe we'll start with tap and ballet.

Did I mention that I am an avid reader. I generally read anything within the PG range. Some of my favorite authors include: Dean Hughes, Janette Oke, Richard P. Evans, J.K Rowling, Tolkien, Grisham, Lee Nelson, Jack Weyland, oh the list is too long and now you are getting bored.

If I could leave the reader with a message today it is this: It is never too late to try anything new, go for it and remember that alot of patience and practice is required. This is something I adapted from my mother. I remember her enrolling in classes of all sorts while in my youth.- she was a big learner and I like to think I am that way too. If you got this far, thanks for reading today!

Sugar free/ fat free desserts! for real

Sugar- the sweetest poison. If we all knew the toxic chemicals and processes that are done to make refined sugar, and the complete and potential effects it can have on the body, we would never eat it again.

Okay, I'm one to talk. Those who know me well, know that I don't steer my bandwagon in the iron rod fashion when it comes to food. But I do like to educate myself as much as possible. Lately I've been on a low sugar kick. I have tried to utilize other sugar options for homeade treats and desserts. Maple syrup- (I miss you, please come to Arizona.) excellent alternative for sweetening desserts. Maple syrup will help eliminate the toxins in your body and it is rich in B vitamins and minerals. Dark chocolate- at least 70 percent. I indulge in one piece per day, it too is rich in vitmins and will eliminate toxins in your body. Molasses- very strong flavor, choc full of vitamins and minerals, only a little will do, mix with honey. Honey is what I mainly use but beware, it actually has more calories than sugar and you don't need to use as much because it is so sickeningly sweet. It is also full of good stuff too. I have heard of using stevia for cooking but have never tried it because it is so exorbitantly expensive. Stevia is an ultra sweet herb- no calories and will not cause tooth decay. Aspartame, nutrasweet, splenda- DON"T EVEN GO THERE- do you have a death wish- enough said.

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So my blog today is 2 of my favorite fat free sugar free recipes for your enjoyment- pig out and don't even feel bad!@

I use unsweetened applesauce instead of margarine or butter in my recipes. It makes for a light and springy texture. You will love it. You do have to pam the pan though.

Raisin/ Oatmeal Cookies

(or dark chocolate oatmeal)

1 cup unsweetened applesauce

1 1/4 c honey (or maple syrup)

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

-stir it up then add:

2 1/2 cups ww flour

1 tsp baking soda

2 cups rolled oats

1 1/2 c raisins or dark choc pieces

mix, stir it all up together

Bake for 10 min on 350

.

Maple Banana Loaf

3 mashed bananas

1/2 c applesauce

2 eggs

1 c maple syrup or honey or combo

mix it up then add:

2 c whole wheat flour or rye or spelt

2 c rolled oats

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

Mix it all together, pour into a loaf pan

Bake 350 for 1 hour

Saguaro National Park

Word has it that ten plus years will go by before we've seen enough in Arizona to no longer qualify as tourists. Do I want to become a 'local' and quit enjoying the land of the sun- NEVER!

Labor day took us to Saguaro National Park. Saguaro- a prickly horror, the supreme symbol of the American southwest renowned for its personality and all too human shapes.

So we spent the day panning for gold on dried up stream beds, hiking a trail to an abondoned homestead and turning rocks to catch a glimpse of the dreaded scorpian (which we never found.) We caught glimpses of several types of lizards, a jackrabbit and lots of chipmunks.

We may have been the only family out hiking yesterday. You Arizonians don't appreciate your heat! Try being holed up in minus 50 for 8 months straight with your toes feeling slightly of frost bite whenever the door opens!@ Welcome to Canada- (it really is a lovely place by the way, just don't forget your dog sleds at the border.)

Back to the gold, we wondered off the path down a dried up creek bed into a lovely canyon and started planning a trip to disney. Sparkling rocks everywhere! Dan found a chunk and started talking retirement, I was imaging our weekend mansion on the shores of Puerto Penasco, the kids were rolling their rrrrrrr's and giggling. Aaah what fun to be canadian fools, we later did run into the source of the shiny rock embedded into the larger canyon walls. My environmental science college days rang a bell in my head and the mineral hematite entered my mind. We didn't strike it rich afterall. But the fun and laughter we shared as a family made us wealthier beyond the richest world of fools.

Our afternoon adventure took us to the Collosal Mountain Cave Park. Collosall is a great word to descibe this ancient underground wonder. With a constant temperature of 70 degrees and a feeling of absolute stillness one could know where their solace lies. The tour guide enriched us with stories of train robberies, prison hideouts and a possible treasure embedded within. The kids were wide eyed wonders. Plenty of bottomless pits in the cave so we held on tight. We then visited La Posta Quemada Ranch where Dan picked up a large tortoise and let the kids pet it. Oh, we are but poor canadian fools. Unbeknownst to us we were later enlightened that the innocent little reptile could die from the exposure to human bacteria and we could die from touching the salmonella crawling all over its nice little shell. Ah we'll live.

Next stop, a real true Arizonian ghost town, watch for the post!

Our move to Arizona

After two years in the cold harsh white north we finally made to the move to the land of the sun. (By the way, the picture of our van is mid April- I had to shovel that all out!) And a long time comin!@ After appoximately 10 grand in immigration fees and a sweet sale to our edmonton house we are here!@ Yay