For My Sorority Sisters

This post goes out to my Sorority sisters. No,no, not a real sorority. I am talking about an imaginary sorority, where you still get to sing and dance, and even pull pranks on your sisters, but have to have sex with the same guy every night because you are old and married. Also, you do not need to memorize the Greek alphabet, but instead, get to sing David Allen Coe and Mica lyrics at a high volume in front of frightened elderly couples and children. We are onto something here! I am pretty sure you get to laugh a lot more in our imaginary sorority, but I could be wrong. My research is limited, since I majored in protesting in college, which included protesting the Rush week. I am glad I did so, because they were complete dicks to my orphaned, yet devoutly religious and Republican friend Tiffany. Did I mention that she was an orphan? Within years of her rejection, she became a Lesbian. Parents, watch out, the Greek/sorority system made her gay.

Speaking of homosexuality, I was also not a cheerleader in high school, though people are constantly assuming so, due to my cheerful-as-fuck attitude. I was a cheerleader of sorts, but only for my fellow students dealing with depression, coming out, getting sober, or questioning authority. I didn't really have a uniform, unless frizzy hair and eyeliner counts, and was neither sanctioned by the administration, nor recognized in the yearbook. I am pretty bitter about the whole experience.

I assume that this new imaginary sorority will fill the gap left by a lack of appropriate social interactions, but am hoping not. I am expecting anything but appropriate from my new Sistahs. Welcome to the Ridiculous, Ladies!

This One Time, At Grand Canyon

It is a good day when I get to say on air...

..."Gilla Monster reported in the Laundry."

The properly identified Salamander was later released into the wild.

Classic Fashion is Back!

Whether I am entertaining, socializing or cooking, I love to be dolled up in 50's style dresses. The look is very complimentary to my figure and personality. The drawback of my favored style is that the dresses are uncommon and often over simplified. I am very happy to have found the Whirling Turban online today: http://whirlingturban.com

The dresses are detailed and hand made, so they cost more than shopping at a department store. While I have been enjoying browsing through all the beautiful dresses, I have noticed they do have a few off-the-rack designs at a much more affordable rate. Happy browsing and shopping, girls!

Utah! Kodachrome, Grand Staircase Escalante & Bryce

Until July, Pete and I did not have matching days off of work. As soon as our schedules started to mesh, we got to adventure further out of our village. I love hiking in the Canyon, but this last month and a half has been a dream! Our first real weekend away was in Utah(!) Pete found us a cabin at Kodachrome Basin State Park. http://www.utah.com/stateparks/kodachrome.htm

There were only six cabins, each equipped with a charcoal grill, tiny refrigerator, bathroom, air conditioner and beds. It was very calm and quite. We could access hiking/biking/horse trails right from our cabin.

http://www.redstonecabins.com/

We had been experiencing a dry spell in our high desert home, so sitting on our porch and watching the storm roll in was particularly beautiful. Right out our front door we had a view of the rock spires called "hoodoos" (rhymes with voodoo) which are one of Utah!'s claims to greatness.

(You can see a hazy rainbow through the yellow storm cloud.)

We went for a 6 mile round trip hike to Lower Calf Creek Falls, which is part of Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument.

http://www.blm.gov/ut/st/en/fo/grand_staircase-escalante.html

It was hot and sandy hike with a great payload at the end of the trail. Or great diversions along the way. Our favorite part was playing in the creek after we finished out hike. Next time we may wade up the creek in our chaco sandals instead of keeping to the dusty trail. I am glad I had so much water with me! We saw several groups of hikers bringing a half a liter of water for the hike, even though the signs and literature warned about the heat and need for massive amounts of water. Pete even brought my water filter (Christmas present from my Pops many years ago!) along as a precaution.
One of the advantages of dating a marine is he may over prepare on occasion, but is never under supplied.


Here is the 120 foot lower calf creek falls we hiked to. I wanted to go swimming in my chonies (that would be slang for undies) but a family showed up and ruined my fun. Pete of course was prepared and got to swim!

We did an 8 mile loop hike in Bryce Canyon National Park through the Peekaboo, Navajo and Queens Garden loops. Here is the Wall of Windows. Many many hoodoos in Bryce!

And here we are after we hiked out!

Sedona by Air!

We just returned from a weekend away in Sedona. Pete told me he had a surprise for me early one morning, and that I would need to get my pack set up for a long hike in hot temperatures. I was awake all night filled with smiles and anticipation. I could not get any sleep at all! We woke up at 4:15am and I got ready in record time (10 minutes!) Once at the door with my gear, Pete told me I did not need my pack, but just what I was wearing. We stopped by a clearly closed Starbucks for morning beverages, and after standing around for a while, Pete fessed up that we were waiting for a van to come pick us up. The van arrived, towing a trailer with a hot air balloon basket on it! Here are some photos (out of order) from our adventure!De Rigging.

Our fellow balloon just after launch

filling up with cold air first

Sedona 7 Canyons Area

Thumbs up for Balloon Travel!

Launching!

Love.

Flagstaff's Schultz Fire: Pictures and Links

These links are helpful in day to day life, but particularly helpful right now.

http://twitter.com/coconinocounty

http://twitter.com/CoconinoNF

The Shultz Fire is 40% Contained. Yes! (o% does not sound as nice.)

There is a $2,500 reward offered for anyone giving information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person whom abandoned a campfire in Shultz Pass, causing out beautiful inner basin and Locket Meadow to burn. Oh, and Flagstaff. I like being hopeful, but this will be a difficult case to solve. If you have information call: 928-527-3508.