New this week...

So much for our lofty goal of putting up 2 gallons of maple syrup. Unfortunately the propane stove I bought with such high hopes at a tag sale last summer didn't make the cut as it took over 2 bottles of fuel and 26 hours of kitchen stove time to put forth the 1 1/2 quarts you see here, but we had fun and there is always next summer for which another sugaring plan is in the works!

Viva Las Vegas!

Jon had an almost 2 week business trip out at Nellis AFB and Mason and I got to tag along. We stayed here: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/lasri-residence-inn-las-vegas-south/ and used that hot tub, pool and tennis court every single day.
So Vegas was OK, larger than life is the only way to describe it. Didn't love it, didn't hate it, could never ever live there! Highlights were the Lied Childrens Museum and the Public Library, hey it was open on Sunday! The Ethyl MM Chocolate Factory had an impressive Cacti Garden that was splendid even in February.
Hoover Dam/Lake Mead was rather awesome; refer to above photo taken about 9am on Groundhog Day, approx 58 degrees and a gorgeous day to be outside.
But the Grand Canyon was unbelievably spectacular and for the record made the whole trip worthwhile! Even though it was overcast most of the pictures came out brilliantly. Pictures in slideshow are too small to really show off the colors so click to enlarge for a better view, also look for the little ribbons of choclate milk, thats the Colorado River.
After spending a hour in Hermits Rest trying to warm up (it was in the 20's) and eyeing a storm that was moving in, we left sooner than we wanted, alas no sunset pics!