Sochi Olympic Games - the Roundup

A couple of years ago I wrote about the Summer Olympics in London.  I watched a lot of those Olympics, and had a lot to say in three separate posts.  Of course I included McKayla Maroney's classic "not impressed" face.

I have watched some of the Sochi Winter Olympics, but not nearly as much as the London Games.  Why?  First, the games are smaller.  Second, I've just been too busy to watch much.  Third, I don't want to say I'm "not impressed," but I'm not as interested as I was in the Summer Olympics.

Having said all that, there have been some interesting events during these Olympics.  The weather has not been exactly conducive to all of the events, but that is becoming more commonplace during the Winter Olympics.  You would think the International Olympic Committee would be able to find a location where it's winter this February - maybe somewhere like Boston, Buffalo, Chicago, Minneapolis.  Heck, even Atlanta might qualify this year.

While the weather hasn't been impressive, a few of the images are iconic.  She's no McKayla Maroney, but Ashley Wagner does do a good impression:

I think this has been referred to as "disgusted."  Another unforgettable image was that of Bob Costas:

Yuck.  I really do feel for the guy.  I've always liked Bob Costas, so pink eye isn't something I would wish on him.  As most moms will tell you, it's not something they would wish on anybody.  The only thing that could have been worse would be lice, and we really don't want to talk about that.

It has been somewhat of a mediocre performance so far on the part of the U.S. team, but all the events aren't over yet.  Hey, maybe we can pull out a bronze medal in women's figure skating! (I know, but I'm not saying). In all seriousness, congratulations to all of the American athletes.  You have endured years of training, fears of a terrorist attack some predicted was inevitable in Sochi and mixed weather.  Well done!  

cindy

All About Arizona - Flagstaff

There are few places in Arizona where you can get all the seasons.  Flagstaff is probably the best one of those places.  Home to Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff is a great little college town and the best all season destination in Arizona.  Phoenicians know it's the best kept secret in Arizona.

We recently visited Flagstaff for its winter amenities.  It has been a bit warm for early January, but that didn't stop us from downhill skiing at 9,000 feet.  Well, at least some of the family did some skiing.  I'm a wimp and couldn't even complete a lesson.  Look at my son striking a cool skier pose after only one lesson:

For most of you who are cursing the snow right now, I'm almost embarrassed to say most of the snow at Snowbowl this week was artificially made.  However, based on the number of foreign tourists, I'm pretty sure Snowbowl is one of the best skiing locations in Arizona.  How many states can boast the warmest winter temperatures and awesome snow activities about 2 hours north of the swimming pools?

We also managed to find a little snow for sledding.  Although they weren't open this trip, there are dedicated cross-country and sledding facilities that we enjoyed a couple of years ago when the weather was more characteristic and the snow was deep.

The best part of Flagstaff is that it is a great year-round destination, especially for Phoenicians.  In the summer this is one of the best places to escape the oppressive heat.  The temperatures in the mountains are usually 80-85 degrees in the dog days of summer.  The smell of pine is in the air and the hiking is amazing.  It's still a "dry heat" in Flagstaff so the humidity is low too.  Most people think Arizona is a great place to live because of the warm desert temperatures in Phoenix, but we know it's because we can experience winter and summer temperatures in the same day, at least in the winter months.

In addition to the weather, Flagstaff is a cool place to visit if you want some authentic Route 66 motels and history.  It's a huge railroad town, so be careful where you stay.  Years ago I made the mistake of staying in a nice hotel in the wrong part of town.  I listened to freight trains going by with whistles blowing every 15 minutes.  Don't worry, there are plenty of other places to stay without the trains outside of your window.

Flagstaff is the place where "we're-not-sure-what-it-is-but-it's-not-a-planet" Pluto was discovered.  You can still visit Lowell Observatory and see the stars and some cool astronomy history.  It was a little cold for us thin blooded desert dwellers, but it was worth the drive up the mountain at night.

The best part of Flagstaff?  It's the location.  Yesterday we came back home to 70 degrees just in time to watch non-stop coverage of the impending blizzard that is looming over most of the country.  (Sorry, I just couldn't help it.)

Stay warm and dry my friends.

cindy

All About Arizona - Desert Winter

Today Sun stretched out to kiss Moon,
Tenderly touching the midnight clouds
Until they blushed in purple hues.
Shy Moon faded, slipping a wan glance at her suitor.
Sensing no return embrace, Sun draped his rays
Over the shivering shoulder of a waiting mountain,
Awakening the desert

Saguaro lifts his arms to the warmth.
Javalina collectively shuffle to the shade of creosote.
Coyote dogs slunk
After a night of howling and carousing.
In single file Quail whispers
Good morning to her briskly moving brood
Under azure skies.

Sun beams, strides warm
Patiently steadfast, this steward of the day
Lingering then, yearning, reaching back
Toward twilight tendrils and tomorrow's chance
To kiss his Moon.

cindy

Roses in Winter

I love Arizona.  When we moved into our house, I noticed the previous owner planted about 25 rose bushes.  I'm not as good at maintaining them as I should be, but they are very forgiving.  It's the time of year when the roses come out again and I couldn't resist.  This is Peace:

I wish I could remember the name of all of them:

I do remember this one - it's a Tiffany rose:

God is good!

cindy

Winter Solstice

That pink glow is a snowstorm about 70 miles away.

I'm so blest.  I get to see this view every day on my way home.  Today I just had to stop near the Pima reservation to snap these.

I know this isn't a traditional winter scene, but I wouldn't trade this for all the snow in the world.  (Plus, we can drive up to that pink area for snow if we want some).

cindy