Sam has spirit! Was there any doubt?

 

You might remember that when Sam needed a haircut back in April, he shaved the sides and made a mohawk. 

Here's the blog post: New do

He's kept it up for months, partly because he heard about Spirit Week at his new job at Benson School District. Last week he collected blue hairspray, red tempura paint and the strongest hair gel he could find, known as "gorilla snot."

Thursday was Spirit Day, so we got up at 3:45 a.m. Yes, that's 3:45 in the morning. Then we spent over an hour creating this masterpiece. We were thrilled that it worked so well! The kids on his bus loved it and he was a hit with staff and whoever else saw him.

On a side note, his profile reminded Sam of the Sleestak from Land of the Lost. (I had no idea what it was either.)

Last weekend was a big one in Benson, with two events we really wanted to see. Sam and Mom Virginia inadvertently dressed as twins. 

The first event was "A Heroes Welcome," honoring veterans of the Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq Wars. It included this wonderful traveling replica of the Vietnam Wall.

Plaques like this explained other recent conflicts. Sam served in the Air Force during these two. It was unexpectedly emotional to see, and to hear some of the stories. 

Next, we took in the car show at Lions Park. Sam hopes to bring his "new" International truck to events like this soon. 

We met up with our next door neighbors, Bill and Theresa, whose 1957 Ford Courier wagon showed well in its first Benson car show. We enjoyed visiting with them for an hour or two and are grateful to consider them friends. 

Back at the ranch, Sam headed out on his tractor and power grader to help out another neighbor, Frank. 

Also last week, Sam got the washing machine hooked up and I washed my first load of laundry at Pumpkin Patch Ranch!

Sam also installed this new, innovative solar clothes dryer. Most would call it a clothesline. We ran the line into the greenhouse to enhance the solar heat, but low humidity in Arizona makes it happen pretty fast anyway. 

We still have to build a platform under the washer and hook up permanent water lines and electric wiring, but it's operational and the dry well drainage works great!

Yesterday we had a spontaneous and totally welcome visit from our friend Marla (right) and her sister Donna. Once again I was having fun and totally forgot to take photos, so I borrowed from their photos online. A couple years ago they contributed lumber from their deck, which we're now using for our garden beds and many other things. We had a great time showing them around. 

Finally, I wanted to show you my latest efforts from painting class. This was so complicated, it took me about 3 weeks to complete and taught me to choose a simpler subject next time. It's from a Grand Canyon scene by Erin Hanson. Hanson original.

Blessings to you all from our Pumpkin Patch Ranch.

Fall brings changes

 

To the weather, that is. Sam and I recently spent a couple nights in the White Mountains. Mom was at Becky's, so we made a getaway!

We mostly relaxed, visited with friends one evening, and took short walks in the forest. The wildflowers attract Sam like a magnet. I like them, too.

Because of the wildfires around Globe, Salt River Canyon was closed. Our usual 4 hour trip extended to 6 or 7 hours, past Roosevelt Lake (above) and Payson, with a lot of traffic from Phoenix.

So on the drive home, we headed east and discovered the beautiful, scenic route through Alpine and the Gila National Forest in New Mexico before dropping down to Safford and home.

The highlight of the trip was spotting this large herd of elk. Can you see them?

The buck on the left kept his eye on us the entire time we were stopped. 

There also were a few elk right in the town of Alpine. 

And more wildflowers!

This goat had the funniest expression on his face. Goats seem to have a lot of personality. Some of you raise them (Brenda!), so you know that more than I.

Someday we want to explore more in this area. 

Last weekend we went on a day trip to Coronado National Memorial with J.J. and Nona.

It's south of Sierra Vista, about a mile from the U.S. border, and such a pretty drive. We've all been in southern Arizona for years, but none of us have ever been here.

NPS website

Incredible views, and really pretty at the visitor center down in the trees, too.

Back at the ranch, fall is in the air, with morning temperatures in the 60's and evenings cool enough to enjoy our first dinner outdoors under the trees. 

Always plenty of humor from both of my companions. 

Sam is back to work driving a school bus, for Benson School District this time, instead of Vail. His commute is half as far, which means more time at home, and only 12 drivers instead of dozens.

What a handsome guy!

I stopped by after doing laundry today to watch him prepare and pre-trip for the afternoon run. It's a brand new bus, and his route is out in the country, which he loves.

Also last week, we brought Sam's International truck to the PPR. It drove fine, but would only go 40 miles an hour because the two-speed rear end wouldn't shift into high gear. 

Sam's excited to have this fun project truck to tinker with. 

Of course, there's always other things to do. Our mechanic has been gone all summer, so Sam change the oil in the Honda. Not an easy job on a small car with even smaller ramps.

We continue to work on the dry well for the washing machine. After going through 3 layers of soil (brown, red and white) Sam finally declared the hole deep enough at about 6 feet. 

Next we dug the trench for the drain, about 8 inches deep.

Sam needed a slope of one inch per foot, so the builder's level we bought years ago came in very handy.

As of today, much of the pipe is in place. Once again, this story will be continued. 

With the cooler weather I've been moving and organizing things, using our garden cart. I get tired of clutter and enjoy making the living areas of the ranch look more tidy.

Continuing my theme of wildflowers, this is a volunteer I've never seen before. 

And Sam trimmed back the vinca in the pot on Mom's deck and brought a few stalks inside.

Have a great week, everyone!