Day Three - Rained out at the Magic Kingdom

The day started out great. The Magic Kingdom (Like DisneyLand in California) was decorated for Halloween already, with orange and black streamers and Micky - Mouse Pumpkins all over the place

We went on the Jungle Cruise. I had forgotten how corny the script is, as we travel through the various rivers and see the fake animals.

We then went on Splash Mountain. We were afraid that it might be too much for Andrew and Gabriel, but they did great. Gabe even has his hands up in the picture of us going down the 50 ft drop. The convinced the adults to do it again. This is the picture of Andrew and Gabriel after the 2nd time through.

Andrew wanted to say Hi to Goofy

We went on the flying Dumbos, and the flying carpets, and (Tuesday) went on the flying Dino's. They are all about the same, but the boys loved the rides.

When we were in Toon Town with the youngsters, Phillip, Kelly and Mike went over to Space Mountain. It was closed. We met up about the time the rains decended - about 4:30 or so. We got absolutely drenched. So we went back to the hotel. Phillip and Kelly and dinner resevations for an anniversary dinner, and we had dinner with Andrew and Gabriel. It was a good day, but the rain seemed to dampen things for a while.

Day 2 - Epcot

Okay - we had to find out about the bus system. There was a bike race in the park, so it took us almost an hour to get to Epcot. At the end of the day it was a 10 minute bus ride.

We went on a few rides and stuff. There is a lot to do and see. NEMO - We went on the nemo ride, and then saw some aquariums with fishes. We did see a few clown fishes, but they weren't very funny.

We were able to get "up close and personal" with Bruce, the Great White shark.

The world part of EPCOT has a lot of exhibits and shops from different places in the world. Both Canada and China have incredible 360 degree movie presentations. There are additional, less dramatic exhibits though from France, Arabia, Italy, Norway and other places.

However, the one for America was amazing, and should be seen by every US Citizen.

We went back to the hotel about 7:00PM very tired, but again, it was a good day!

Day one - travel

We flew into Orlando at about 4:30. It then took another 2 hours to get to the resort, the Port Orleans - Riverside.

We took a quick swim in the pool.
We ate at another resort - the Yaucht Club. We had not eaten much all day, so the steak tasted very good. But it was pretty expensive.


We saw some frogs sitting on the room sign.

It was a tiring day, but good.

Sentinals of the Desert

The Giant Saguaro Cactus

We moved to Tucson over 22 years ago. When we first moved some things were way amazing: Amazing sunrises and sunsets, monsoon season, dry washes, rattle snakes, 117 degree summers and the like. The Saguaro cactus was the most amazing of all. Now we have grown used to their regal watch over the desert, but they still have the power to move emotions.

The silhouette of the cactus at dusk is most amazing

They stand straight and tall, and seem to reach to heaven, praying for moisture to help them live in this arid climate.


Here is a young one, probably only about 15 - 20 years old.

A close up shows that though young, it does definetly know how to defend itself against birds, man or other creatures that would take its precious moisture.

When it freezes, the internal cells will freeze. The damage only becomes apparent after a few years.

It may take up to 10 years for a saguaro to die from freezing, depending on its age and the deepness of the freeze.

They start to grow their first arm, or appendage at about age 75. This one must have a few tales to tell.

Tucson Sunset

People normally think of Hot, Dry, Arid country when they think of Tucson. Many of the folks who have been around the world, say that Tucson consistenly has THE best sunsets in the world, and many of the best sunrises. The past few days I have taken a few shots from our roof, from essentially the same spot.

We have had some storms coming through,

I worked hard to not show the neighbors in their activities. The neighbors to the south of us have been a bit suspicious of me being up on the roof so much.

As Louie sang, "And I say to myself, what a wonderful world!"

Family Games

When we get together, we sometimes like to play games. Some of the favorites are QUELF or Apples to Apples.

Ben may not yet be able to articulate his comments, but he does find a way to join in, and the cards are fun to play with.

Peter joined in with his own way to play.

Tiffany was stuck with some really hard "Rules Cards" in QUELF one night.

We also like to go to dinner. Last time we went to Golden Corral, Ben walked out patting his tummy. He ate a lot, and I don't think I have ever seen him Happier.


The server (waitress) took this picture at Chili's a few months ago When we were there for Tim's graduation.

Funeral in Idaho

(I originally wrote this in Idaho, but couldn't get the pictures to upload.)

My father-in-law passed away August 2, after a long battle with cancer. We thought he would go a week earlier but he was a fighter. I flew into Boise for the funeral. Kayleen and I went for a walk. Idaho in August is beautiful.

A week or so ago, the farmer had this field harvested. Then the straw was baled into these huge bales. Apparently, they weigh about 1000 lbs apiece. I didn't lift any, so I don't know for sure.

We saw a field where two combines were workig to get the harvest in.

We also saw this old time harvestor in the farmer's front yard

The fields were beautiful in rows of green.

Robert DeCoursey was laid to rest in a dignified and emotional funeral on August 5, 2008.

We love him very much and look forward to meeting him again in the eternities.