Joe's Farm Grill

Craig and I decided to try someplace new on Father's Day -- a restaurant a friend told me about a year ago. Joe's Farm Grill! It's a 60's style barbecue/diner grill located in what was formerly a 60's style ranch house on the edge of a new retro-style neighborhood called Agritopia. We looked at homes there when we were house shopping, but decided it was too close to the new 202 freeway.

The 60's style sign!

Plenty of seating inside, outside, and at picnic tables under the trees.

We were sitting under the misters on the patio when I noticed this sign by the tree next to us.

The thought of a scorpion infestation made me want to move, but Craig pointed out that it was probably a good way to keep kids from climbing the huge trunk of the gigantic old mesquite.

The restaurant is surrounded by flowers and garden patches. There's an actual farm onsite where they grow their own organic greens, veggies, and herbs. There's also a coffee shop and farm produce stand. Almost makes me want to move to Agritopia!

This a/leaf symbol is the insignia for the neighborhood Agritopia. I always get a laugh when I see it because last year the cops busted a grow house in the neighborhood. Does that look like a pot leaf? And the name Agritopia now reminds me of the fictional suburbia, Agrestic, in Showtime's Weeds.

I fully intended to take photos of our food, but the batteries on the camera went dead. Craig had a BBQ combo with baby back ribs, barbecued chicken, pulled pork, coleslaw, and onion rings. I had a farm salad with fresh greens and veggies topped with curried chicken salad. Yummmm. But we both agreed that the wide variety of hamburgers and sandwiches look like the best items on the menu. So we'll be back one of these evenings when the place is less crowded to sample those burgers with fries and onion rings!

And I'll bring the camera with some extra batteries next time!

If you want to check it out, go to http://www.joesfarmgrill.com/!

Smoking Kills

Someone sent this to me and I thought it was pretty funny. (Pardon me if I'm a sicko, but we had derelicts lay carpet in our house in Washington State and it took a year to straighten out the mess. So this guy looks familiar!)

Happy Father's Day Craig!

I got a wild hair yesterday and decided the best thing I could give Craig for Father's Day was yardwork. Specifically, trimming all the shrubs in the front and mowing the grass so he wouldn't have to this weekend. What was I thinking???

Here's the good news. I didn't electrocute myself. And the bad news? You'll be needing a new outdoor extension cord Craig! Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. I cut it in half with the hedge trimmers.

It took me over three hours, including trimming all the dead stuff out of the razor sharp yucca. Ouch! While I was working, a Mexican landscaping truck circled three times. I think they were trying to figure out whether to offer me their services. Or maybe they wanted photos of the clumsy gringa doing her own yard work. In the meantime, Milt's Lawn Service showed up across the street and finished all the grass, shrubs, and trees in less than an hour. Afterwards, the man and wife team lit up cigarettes and gawked at my lack of progress. The woman with her gravelly smoker's croak yelled across the street, Lady, you're one hard workin' woman. Translation -- you don't have a clue!

Later in the afternoon, we got our first monsoonal dirt storm of the summer. And it nullified the clean courtyard. I KNEW that would happen!

Summer's Here!

Today's June 19 and it looks like the weather is finally turning. We've had a record streak in June of below 100 degree temps dipping into the lo-70's at night. Seriously, anything in the 90's here in June is wonderful! I've actually been sleeping with the windows open! But the forecast for tomorrow shows 103 with gradually increasing temps up to about 107 by mid-week. But it was a glorious ride while it lasted. I don't have a comparison from 2008, but I got my electric bill today and it was much lower than last year! I'll take it! And they're even predicting a possible monsoon storm for today. It'll probably be a dry storm here in the valley (evaporates before it hits the ground), but the high is still supposed to be below 100! It's the little things in life! HA!

Here's a video with some beautiful beach pics to kick off the summer!

I'm as Corny

As Kansas in August . . . but it's only June!

Dorothy, we're not in Kansas anymore. What's up with the corn!

And what's with the mountains and palms in the background? Definitely not Kansas!

This bird looks evil! Like something out of Edgar Allan Poe!

Another gorgeous Arizona evening.

And I managed to catch a bird in flight in this sunset photo!

Fat Boy!

This nasty thing loves to scare the crap out of me when I'm walking into town along the airport strip on Isla. He pops out, I screech, throw my arms in the air, and end up with coffee, crystal light, or whatever I'm carrying all over me! He's Fat Boy!

Some Isla Sketches

Dazed and Confused!

For some reason, Craig and I both thought yesterday was Father's Day. I don't know where we got that idea! Anyway, I had even reminded Michael to be sure and call his father yesterday.

We got up yesterday morning and decided to take a bike ride. While we were out, in honor of Father's Day, we stopped at the local grocery store for breakfast rolls and a newspaper. We thought about going out for lunch, but decided to get a rack of ribs from Sam's and some potato salad and just veg at home. Finally, Michael called in the middle of the afternoon. He had just gotten off the phone with a friend and had reminded her to be sure and call her father! The conversation went something like Why? Because it's Father's Day. Father's Day isn't until next week! LOL

So Father's Day is NEXT Sunday! Now I have the opportunity to actually do it right? Get Craig a card and little gift and go out for lunch!

While we were riding bikes, I once again spotted something bizarre! Remember the dog grooming van from Dumb and Dumber that looked like a big puppy dog? Well, we saw a pig mobile!

The sign on the Pig Van says No Butts About It! Love the little piggy tail.

And look at the snout on that mini-van!

A Duckling!

There's a new kid in town!

It's a duckling, and it's not ugly!

Is this adorable, or what!

When Craig came back with the duck report this morning, he said there were two new mallards with a duckling. I wonder where the other ducklings are? Craig said maybe they hadn't hatched yet, the eggs got eaten, etc... We're a little puzzled because we usually see a mom and dad with each set of ducklings. Craig said these look like two hens because the male usually has a dark green head. Hmmmmmmm. I hope they keep an eye on this baby and fend off the coyotes and cats!

Indulge Me a Bit!

I know all of you have probably seen my photoshows over and over, but you'll have to indulge me! I'm enjoying looking at them since I'm in the planning stages for a new trip! This one's from the Isla Mujeres 2007 trip. A little adventure in October/November where I stayed out on the airport strip.

(Click on the sound button and you can also enlarge it by clicking on enlarge screen.)

Lucky!

Love this guy! I think I need to buy his CD!

And speaking of lucky, we are getting such a break in the Phoenix area right now! They predict another week of below average temps with mid-90's and no 100 degree temps. That is really unusual! Usually June is beastly with highs up to 115 and above. The only bummer is that the overnight temps are low enough (it's horrible -- ha!) that the pool has to be covered at night. I haven't been swimming as much because getting the solar cover off by myself is a beast! But it's wonderful being able to open up the windows in the wee hours and wake up to the sound of the birdies chirping! Ahhhhhhhh. We just took a bike ride in the dark and it was actually cool!

In addition, I'm finally planning that return trip to the tropics in late October! Isla's the definite winner, so I can't wait! : )

I'm Lucky and Life is Good!

Roadside Shrine

Sometimes in Arizona, I feel like I'm in Mexico. Actually, I guess most of it was Mexico until the mid-1800's (and claimed by Spain before that), so that's an easy explanation for the cultural similarities.

On our roadtrip to Globe several weeks ago, we came upon this little roadside chapel/shrine. I made Craig stop so I could take some photos. I think it was probably decorated especially for Memorial Day because there were many lit candles and photos of loved ones.

I'm not Catholic, but sometimes I think I missed my calling! I love all the shrines, symbolism, candles, and ritual. Here's the Catholic Church in Miami, Arizona. It also reminds me of Mexico!

(I think it's definitely time for a trip south of the border!)

A Tisket, A Tasket . . .

Uhhhh -- ICK! I've been saving this one for awhile. Have you ever seen anything like this? On our road trip to Miami, Arizona a few weeks ago, I popped into a few antique shops. In all my years of antiquing, this was a first. It was labeled a cadaver transport basket. Ugh. I didn't open it up to see the interior! I collect vintage wicker, but no thanks!

I think people used to be a lot smaller? I wouldn't trust a wicker basket to hold me!

Fishin' in a Wooden Boat

I was looking for another song by Keola Beamer and just happened across this guy. I really like this song and the lyrics! It reminds me of all the little pangas on Isla.

If It Walks Like a Duck!

This is a sad tale of three little orphans. A rag tag band of two different species. Originally, we used to see the little brown duckling with the mom, dad, and five other ducklings on the lake. First there were six, then five, then four, and gradually all the ducklings disappeared except for this one. We think probably feral cats or coyotes got the siblings. And now mom and dad have left this one to fend on his own. Then a week ago, these two white ducks appeared on the scene. They showed up on the middle pond in the neighborhood along with a little bridge at the water's edge to help them get in and out of the water. Evidently, some kids in the neighborhood got the ducks for Easter (I can't believe people still DO that!) and the ducks, of course, got too big to keep at home. So they abandoned them at the lake. The only problem would be that they're totally tame and have no idea what to eat other than bread and crackers that people feed them.

So they've now banded together as a pack of beggars. The minute the white ducks see any humans approaching on foot or bike, they're immediately out of the water and running in that direction quacking loudly for attention. It's hilarious to watch. They're waddling as fast as they can go! Last night we were walking with Saby and she didn't even deter them. Unfortunately, she would love to get at them, and I have a feeling that they won't be long for this world since there are plenty of feral cats and coyotes in the area. When we saw how desperate the three seemed for food, we went back to the house, locked Saby up, and got some bread. This morning, the two white ducks were sprawled on the grass sleeping. I thought they were dead at first. Probably just sleeping off their carb hangover.

Another Saturday Night!

Saturday evening was once again beautiful and cooler than normal. We decided to grab the opportunity to take a bike ride before the blast oven returns. The sunset was sensational!

Here's the flip side in the southern sky. The moon even made an appearance!

Aloha!

I saw this cute toddler's Hawaiian shirt in an antique mall and it made me pine for the tropics. Makes me want to book a return trip to Kauai or Isla for October! Hmmmmmm. I may have to throw a tropical tantrum and start searching for cheap airfare! : )

A Vivid Thursday Sunset

Phoenix is known for its sunsets! And they get much more dramatic when we have stormy skies! Last night we hopped on the bikes so I could snap some photos of the sunset. Earlier, a dirt storm had blown through, so I'm sure that pollution made the sunset even more vivid!

The sunset started out with ribbons of pink in the southeast.

I guess it would be a sailor's delight, because the sky was certainly red tonight!


In the west, the sky looked really fiery.

I'm Baaaaack.

I'm back and the watermelons I bought before I left are still good! I can't believe it. Fresh and Easy (get your mind out of the gutters) had regular size melons for $1.98 apiece on Memorial Day weekend, so I bought three!

The plane ride back was rather bizarre. I was seated next to a little old lady (I'd estimate mid-80's) who was reading a periodical with stories about real life Angels. A religious magazine. Seated in back of us were two couples from Tulsa who wanted to impress everyone on the plane with their coolness.

Since one guy was seated across the aisle, they were yelling their constant conversation back and forth the entire ride. And it was all fairly foul, even before the drinks got rolling. One of the guys was bragging about his female neighbor who didn't have any grass on the playground. Words like labia, braided hair hanging to the knees, etc... were being thrown back and forth. I was trying to finish my Jodi Picoult book, but the way the seats were staggered, the guy across the aisle was yelling in my ear. The little lady next to me would grimace with every foul/obscene word and phrase. And it escalated to shit's, asses, etc... as the drinks multiplied. I'm not exactly a nun, but it got downright annoying. When you're in a bar or restaurant, you can move. They were headed to Reno for their big gambling trip -- supposedly staying in a $2000 a night suite. They were all trying to impress with big talk about expensive resorts in Phoenix, Lexuses in the garage, million and a half dollar houses -- but somehow it was lost on me! HA! And the $2000 a night suite? I went to a retirement party in Reno about five years ago, and it wasn't Vegas. Craig and I thought it was kind of the poor man's Vegas, but maybe it's changed since then?

When the plane was headed down on its final descent into Phoenix, one of the dumb broads suddenly remembered she really had to 'pee'! She yelled (and I do mean YELLED) at the flight attendant -- Can I go PEE? A male and female flight attendant both told her to stay seated and to wait until everyone deplaned. The minute the wheels touched the runway, she tried to bolt from her seat and run down the aisle to the back. Fortunately, one of the husbands grabbed her and told her to sit down or they'd have security on that plane dragging her off. She then started yelling Clean up on Aisle 10! mixed with other obscenities. And the poor little old lady next to me would grimace with every foul word.

Some people -- you just can't take them out anywhere! Anyway, we were all relieved to get off the plane and away from Miss I'm Going to Reno. I usually travel with earplugs, but this was the one time I forgot them! And I also couldn't find my I-Pod before I left, so there was no escaping that obnoxious crew.

Well, I need to get off the computer and do something!!! Craig had the house all picked up and cleaned when I got home last night. What a guy! : )

Pimp Your Ride!

I noticed all these old cars outside of antique malls in Joplin, Missouri and they look pretty good! In particular, this black and red ??? was really pimped out!

Looks like a gangster mobile!

A chihuahua in the back window!

Check out this interior!

Buick

And I think this was a Packard?

I think I'd take that sporty black and red model with the fake leopard interior, but that old Buick might be fun to try and drive. I saw an older couple wheeling down the road Monday afternoon in a 60's era white Buick convertible. I couldn't get my camera out in time, but they looked quite stylish! Their white hair matched the paint job and upholstery!

I'm actually hoping to make my way back to Arizona in an airplane this evening! Not to complain, but I added it up and I've spent over a month in the past year in one part or another of Kansas. I'm clicking my Ruby Red Slippers again!

There's no place like home! There's no place like home!

Yes, I am SO ready to be at home!