Zack and Liza Join The Family

Just to prove that it's never too late, Carolyn and I have added two new members to our family. In the last couple of months, we have become parents to Zack and Liza, Havanese puppies.

Zack, 9 months, came to us in August. He's a whirlwind of joy and excitement. You can't be in the same room with him without smiling.
(Can you see the devilment in his eyes?)


Zack got a playmate when Liza joined the family earlier this month. Liza is two. She is a sweet little girl who has her hands (paws?) full just coping with all the energy Zack posseses. She's a good companion for Zack and for us.

Havanese, the national dog of Cuba, descend from the Bichon and were recognized by the AKC in 1995. They came to this country in the 1950's with Cuban immigrants fleeing Castro. All Havanese in America today descend from 11 dogs that were brought into the country at that time.

We have Clay Marquardt and Alice Vandersteen to thank for introducing us to the Havanese. Clay first acquired Bella and then talked Alice into getting Gracie. Alice then encouraged us to consider a Havanese. We're glad she did.

Zack and Liza join our three cats who aren't sure getting them was such a good idea.

Kasey ("Baby K") was rescued and brought home by our son, Matt, about eight years ago. She much prefers being an only child.

Olivia, a short-haired tortoise shell, was rescued by our daughter, Sara, in Long Beach, CA. She likes to be high above the action so she can keep an eye on everything and everybody.

Our newest kitty is Thomas, a Maine Coon cat. Carolyn has always wanted one so she rescued him from a shelter here in Prescott. He was abandoned by his family when they moved to California. Thomas is a 20 pound bundle of love. He's just glad to be wanted and fed. (Second breakfast is his favorite meal.)

Jerry and Karen - Out West

My cousin, Jerry Gardner and his wife, Karen, came for a visit last week. Carolyn and I promised to show them a good time in the land of sunshine. Well, needless to say, it was cloudy and rained. But we did have a good time anyway.

When a bad forecast at the Grand Canyon forced a change of plans, we went to Jerome and Sedona to sightsee and shop.



Two guys with big hats and no cattle! (Who obviously didn't read the sign.)



Now there's a cowgirl who knows how to wear a hat!



We got right in to Slide Rock Park. There were no lines or crowds at all!

That's Sara on the left. She drove from Long Beach for the weekend.


We didn't let the weather get us down. It was hijinks and frivolity every minute.


Fortunately, there was enough sun to allows us to see the beautiful scenery of Sedona

and its wildlife.


The next day, the weather improved and allowed us to go to the Grand Canyon. We had a fantastic day hiking there.


On the Bright Angel Trail we saw Big Horn Sheep soaking up the sunshine.


After a long and tiring hike, it took every bit of energy we had to haul ourselves out of the Canyon. It was a close call but we made it.


Sara too!!!


The next day we visited Watson Lake

and Lynx Lake in Prescott.
And before you know it, it was time for Jerry and Karen to head home. We had a great time and enjoyed their visit. We miss them already.