Oct/Nov. visit fro. Donna and Fred

We have been at our home in Arizona about 3 weeks, settling in and enjoying the quiet.  Not many of our friends are in residence . Toni and Richard who winter here from Oregon invited us for dinner along with Sandy  and John.  Then a second invitation from Toni and Richard with Linda and John with whom they have bought a fishing lodge  in Alaska.  Lots of interesting friends! We will enjoy visiting them in Alaska. We are also back playing regular pickle ball at the Carefree  Resort. 

Our friends Susan and Brian from Roberts Creek BC/ Vancouver, are also here and joined us for dinner at our house. 

Donna and Fred arrived and we promptly went for margaritas !!!!!. at our favourite happy hour bar, the El Encanto!  Since it was Friday we had to Also go to Harold's bar and then to the Buffalo Chip to watch the live  bull riding and the dancing. The band is western and the place is hopping !!!!! We have never seen it so packed. Outside there are bonfires burning  by the corrals , even a rider on a horse is in the mix! It was a great evening......,!

On Saturday we did a little tour around the towns of Carefree and Cave Creek to give Donna and Fred the lay of the land.

Donna and I made a trip to Costco ......we were standing by the wine in Costco chatting away when a couple came up to us and said they had been driving behind us trying to get our attention as our car was belching white smoke .....they had been unable to get our attention and said to each other, well, let's hope they are going to Costco!!! Sure enough there we were! 

We had left Jeff and Fred basking  at the pool. 

Donna and I have been collaborating on meals, and watching the London Tennis each day with the guys. The weather has been all over the the map....hail, rain and sunshine.

One morning Donna and I were in the kitchen  chatting over our morning coffee when All of a sudden a bobcat jumped off the roof onto the tree in the courtyard. We did manage to snap a couple of pictures before he disappeared. 

I should say at this point that Donna and Fred have brought us a set of three candle holders which Fred has made out of sections of birch trees?..they are so beautiful and I LOVE them! Donna, has brought a box of delicious brownies fromMartha and a package of pumpkin brittle she has made. We are so spoilt! 

We went out to the Grotto Cafe for brunch.......a funky cafe that makes great food and coffee.

Tuesday, Jeff is coordinator at Pickle ball and then him and Fred climbed  black mountain. Donna and I were headed  for the shops...crate and barrel and others. After a rake around a few stores we had a bite to eat at True Foods,an organic restaurant where we enjoyed soup and an appy. We head back home as we had an appointment with Preston to view the Boulder House. It s a magical mystical place! Person is so knowledgeable and generous with his time. 

After an hour viewing the property and hearing the stories of its history we departed to the Spotted Donkey  Cafe for happy hour margaretias and a snack.

Then It was a quick stop off at the local store for some meat and home for tennis.

Jeff and Fred got a bonfire going out the back of our property and we got a fire going inside to ward off the chill! 

Another bbq and more vino and a fine meal!

Bellisimmo!