Happy Birthday Virgos!!!!

Just returned from a surprise birthday party for our friend Connie at one of our favorite places... China China. Actually, it was a shared birthday celebration for Connie, myself, our friend Shelley, and Ross and Connie's friend Todd. Our annual "Virgo" birthday outing!

Some of you are aware that we inadvertently started a tradition a few years ago... of making Connie homemade birthday cards. Each year we try to top the one from the year before. After last year's card (we made her a comic book!) we didn't think we could top it. However, I woke up this morning with the inspiration of making Connie into Martha Stewart for a day (or month)! Armed with a Martha Stewart Living magazine cover as inspiration... we created Connie King Living!


Not only did we create a birthday card using the magazine "cover"... but we framed a copy for posterity (as one of her previous cards was vandalized by an over eager dog child!). But we couldn't stop there! We found a magazine called BUST! (Not as racy as you might think.) It appears to be a feminist magazine publication for "women that need to get something off their chest". We printed an 8x10 version of Connie's magazine cover and glued it to the front! It turned out great! You can see me perusing the magazine below. (Photo courtesy of Jon.)



As it turns out, Stephanie (our good friend from China China) is also a Virgo... so we included her in our festivities! You can see us all below cutting the cake with a cleaver... which we were told is good luck! What a fun evening! Happy Birthday everyone!

Oh... my... QUAD! That was so much FUN!!!!

Yesterday we were invited to join our friends Connie and Ross who recently purchased Quad ATVs (All Terrain Vehicles) in breaking in the new toys up in Happy Jack, AZ. Lorrie and Kevin... if the fun we had riding the Quads is anything like the joy that you guys get from your Jet Ski's... then we TOTALLY get it now! We had a blast!!!

We started our day at Con and Ross' house about 7:30am... loaded up their truck and trailer (which we affectionately refer to as the "wagon") with our chairs, picnic goodies, etc.
After a brief, but adventure filled stop at a local Safeway store for some breakfast pastries and Starbucks... we were on our way! After a lovely drive from Mesa to Payson, AZ... and beyond... to Happy Jack we found a great little spot in the Coconino National Forest! We set up "camp" and unloaded the quads... and Connie and Ross headed out on an inaugural jaunt while Jon and I took some time to enjoy the fresh air, the whispering pines... and the beautiful peace and quiet.

The temperature was in the mid 80's which was a welcome relief from the 100+ temperatures that we left behind in Phoenix. It was a gorgeous day!!!! At that point, we were ready for lunch! Except for fighting against the wind, we enjoyed a fantastic tailgate lunch of tasty sandwiches!

After lunch, Jon received a tutorial from Ross on Quad operation... and the two of them headed off on a ride! They returned a little bit later... and Jon was grinning from ear to ear... having a BLAST! At this point, I was sleepy post lunch, and had decided I would forego a ride on the Quad. But... everyone strongly urged me to give it a try, so I was convinced. Jon said I would either "love it" or "hate it"... (and since he so obviously LOVED it... I think he was hoping I would hate it to avoid further temptations!)

I cannot BELIEVE I considered NOT riding! After a bit of explanation, Ross and I set out on a short ride so I could get accustomed to the Quad. FANTASTIC! It was so much fun... I can't even begin to put it into words. It took me awhile to get used to going over rough terrain... but as the day went on I got more and more comfortable with it.

After that, Ross insisted that Jon and I take the Quads out on our own for a bit! What fun! Jon took to Quad riding like a fish to water! Was great to see him having so much fun! But then I realized that I was having just as much fun! Plus... our surroundings were just so beautiful! There were free range cattle roaming all around and they just looked at us like we were crazy!
At one point, Connie and I took a break and went to Happy Jack Lodge to use the facilities, and pick up some sodas. We returned to tales from Ross and Jon of their crazy adventures! Apparently they had graduated BEYOND level ground... and found some hills! I think Connie and I are in agreement that we are not yet ready for such advanced techniques!

Connie and I set out on our own leisurely outing... where we encountered more cattle. Some of which I think were bulls! (Which alarmed me a little bit as I was sitting on top of a RED Quad!!!!) At one point, Connie assumed the lead and suprised me by running headlong into a very intimidating (for us anyway) dip in the terrain! I was so proud of her... but when I pulled alongside her, she was all "That was SCARY! I almost lost control!!!" or something to that effect! At that point, Connie was ready to head back!

Unfortunately, when we returned to camp, one of the Quads decided to have some technical trouble. While Ross troubleshooted... Connie went off on the other Quad to explore. A bit later she came flying down the straightaway practically full throttle... hat swinging in the wind behind her with a big smile! I think she is going for some rougher terrain next time!!!

Took some effort for us to pack up... but I was given the honor to drive the still working Quad onto the back of the trailer! Fun! Was some hard work getting stuff loaded back up... but very rewarding! Felt like we had all had a real workout!

We drove back through Payson and stopped at Macky's for a hearty dinner! Amazing how good food tastes when you have worked so hard! Dinner was topped by some fantastic pie for dessert! What a perfect day!

By the time Jon and I arrived home and got settled, it was at least midnight. I swear... I was asleep before my head hit the pillow! Next thing I knew, I was waking up this morning... a little sore and with a little too much sun, but I feel great!

Now... just need to figure out how Jon and I can incorporate the purchase of Quads, a trailer, a new vehicle to haul them... plus a new house to store all this stuff into our life!