J and K Adventures: Arizona, March 21-23, 2014

To jump back a hair before dropping into vacation mode....

Kat and I had long discussed harvesting the timber on the property. Lot's of reasons, all sound and rational. We both had reservations, me more so about cutting down a tree, but our plans are to improve the house with the profits, enjoy it and be able to sell it for what it is worth. Also, we plan on calling in some hoedads to replant the hillside for the next generation.

With that said, it was less than simple, we called in a logger that swore with the 3 remaining fingers of his right hand that he was interested. Turned out not so much after stalling for 3 weeks. Another company made flowery promises and only supplied weeds. A very drunk logger at a bar offered to do the job as he polished off his 3rd double bourbon on the rocks but I didn't feel comfortable with this guy around machinery. Another company was hot to trot but we found out later they were going to give us less then half of the dollars the trees were worth. We finally got turned onto Tyler, Scott and Zane from Circle S logging who are honest and the kind of guys you want changing the landscape around your house (thank you Della W. for the positive direction).

Before the cutting began

Fallen like matchsticks

TIMBER

Nice logs

loading on the truck

First load down the road

The first load of logs went out on March 20th and we left on the 21st. Our immediate destination was Scottsdale AZ for the wedding of Kathy's nephew Joe to his lovely fiance, Ellen.

Roy and Lavona picked us up at 9:00 sharp, (punctual as usual) and we drove out to the Eugene airport and caught the 11:00 Allegiant flight direct to Phoenix with nary a hitch. Jon picked us up, drove us to get the rental car, and we were sitting out by the pool with cold drinks by 3:00. Jon had rented a large 4 bedroom/2 bath house in Scottsdale where we could all hang out and relax in a casual setting. Jon, Sharon, Roy, Lavona, Matt, Gretchen and baby Carsen all ensconced under one roof.

We left at around 6:00 in casual attire, (my favorite kind) for a pre-wedding dinner at a Mexican restaurant. Margarita's, and every known alcoholic beverage were on display and the bartender looked crestfallen when I only ordered a virgin gin and tonic. Dinner was long but tasty and it was fun watching the various personalities interplay when I had no true vested interest. There were only nine Duersts and family representing Joe, so there were 62 strangers, some more strange than others.

Go Ducks even in Arizona

So glad Roy and Lavona could attend

Lavona enjoys the warmth

ahhh, assuming the position

Jon shows his form

Matt and Carsen

The pool in the backyard

Waiting for a margarita

Ellen and Joe

Sharon and Kathy wanted male mariachis in tight pants.....guess not!

Jeff observes the party

Kathy and Gretchen

Saturday, March 22nd

It was a very relaxing start to the day. Breakfast and then several hours of pool duty. So nice with hot sun, cool drinks and a symphony of birds singing out their favorite classics. Bouganvilla in full bloom, giant cactus playing sentry in the yard and lots of laughter and smiles floating on the breeze.

Jon and I took a 2+ hour break at a local Indian Casino where I did my best to pay restitution for past paleface misdeeds. We got back at 3:00, cleaned up and got into our Sunday best and were out the door by 3:30 for the wedding shoot. Pretty amazing feat rounding up 8 individuals and leaving on time for the event.

The setting for Joe and Ellen's wedding leaves me lacking for words. Expansive grounds, landscaped to take full advantage of surrounding mountains. Flowers, cactus, water features, expansive lawns and impressive building where all you have to do is raise your nose and sniff to enjoy the not too subtle smell of money, and then some.

The wedding site

Jon and Sharon and their soon to be married son

What a nice looking family

Waiting for the festivities

I was somewhat bummed out to find my Ducks playing Wisconsin in March madness at the same time as the wedding. I was able to disappear for a few minutes to a local TV to catch a score or two. I wanted to wear my Duck baseball cap to show my colors but Kat nixed the idea saying how it clashed with my tie and jacket.

Watching the Ducks play Wisconsin

The outdoor wedding was beautiful, heartfelt, emotional and short which pleased the entire congregation. We then all loaded onto shuttles to transport us to the reception where again, the liquour flowed and the crab puffs and lamb chop appetizers were consumed in eye popping quantities. After a long hour of social mixing, dinner was served in a room that was decorated by a cross between Ralph Lauren and Disney. The family sat at a table that groaned under the weight of enough glasses, silverware and dishes to feed Section 212 at Matt Knight arena rather then the 8 of us.

Dinner was excellent, the mood relaxed and the atmosphere playful as we celebrated the latest Duerst family to come into existence. The best part was being able to dance with my sweetie! I also enjoyed watching Roy who is 84 strut his stuff on the dance floor, (he can still bust a move). We all had a good time, dining, dancing and people watching. My only question, how do women walk, let alone dance in 4+ inch heels? Talk about being a slave to fashion!!

The cocktail hour

Delicious appetizers

Amazing decor

Mr. and Mrs. Duerst

First Dance

Mother and son

Roy and Lavona love to dance

Sunday March 23, 2014

A day of peace starting out with breakfast at IHOP where the pancakes are hearty and the coffee is plentiful. It was then just a matter of soaking up the sun, swimming, noshing, laughing and watching March Madness at it's very best. Hamburgers over the grill for dinner and a birthday cake, ice cream and 4 part harmony on the birthday song in my honor - can it get better? I doubt it!