Big catch-up!

Hi All:

Finally catching up after a blogging lapse after Texas. It took roughly forever to drive all across it.

Oracle (north of Tucson) was hot, dry, and one needed to beware of the scorpions, rattlesnakes, and tarantulas, but, that aside, it is a very nice place. We were given a UV light to screen for scorpions in our bedroom by our dear friend Sharon, who explained that they fluoresce. Fortunately, we did not find any during our stay. It was wonderful visiting with Sharon, seeing all her artist friends, and getting a sense of the area. I (Jack) had an encounter with a bed frame, with subsequent infection that needed medical attention. Now on antibiotics, it is gradually healing. Nice Doc in that little town.

Phoenix was HOT, HOTTER, and HOTTEST, the warmest temp was about 113, one needed to drink constantly to avoid dehydration, and direct sunlight was VERY uncomfortable. BUT we saw my cousin Merle, Judy's cousins Sheila and Rich & kids & grandkids, and the latter threw a surprise birthday party for Judy. My old friend Anita showed us the Heard (Indian) Museum in depth (WOW!) and we saw the Bead Museum in Glendale, a suburb. After speaking to the Bead Museum director, we were allowed to take photos and plan to send them some for their publicity. If you ever have the oportunity, do NOT miss these museums!

We stayed at the Biltmore, the premium hotel in Phoenix, great summer prices, wonderful service, posh surroundings.

We altered our plans after leaving Phoenix, instead of HOT Needles and Bakersfield, CA, we drove to Oxnard for the night, then up to Monterey, where we are now resplendent for 3 whole days. We stopped at Pismo Beach on the way to Monterey, and had a splendid view of the Pacific, rocks and birds. This is a business hotel (Portola Suites & Spa in Monterey), no A/C, beautifully located, has a shuttle to the aquarium which we will visit tomorrow, along with Cannary Row, seafront, etc.. Judy is boning up on the place as I type.

I PROMISE to upload a bunch of images as soon as I get them reasonably sorted and edited. I think we will simply crash tonight, there has been some hard driving.

Stay posted............ J&J