Random things

We got another pet tortoise. This one is named Edward and is over 70 pounds. He is too big to live in the same part of the yard as our baby tortoises, so Karl built him a temporary pen and burrow until he has time to do something fancier.

I learned how to make a string of chili peppers. It was fun and I have more to use up. I grew Anaheim chilis. They are pretty tied up like this (it's called a ristra)-- I learned how on the internet. I like the thought of decorating with things from my garden.

We found a 2 inch long scorpion in our hallway a couple of days ago. Karl's sister taught us a nifty way to get rid of them. Hang a piece of duct tape down until it sticks to the scorpion, then wad the scorpion up and throw it away. No squishing required, since they are hard to squish anyway--and like to play dead and then run away.

We're making it through the heat. The kids like to go outside in the morning when it's not as hot. I'm excited to go to Moab and Fairview soon! It will be cooler and there will be lots of pretty scenery!

Jeff driving Moss Wash

Jamming, Camping, Etc.

Yesterday we made freezer jam. Since strawberries are in season and we love homemade bread and we had run out... it was inevitable. Well, I thought it might not happen because I was tired from cleaning the house, but Karl helped me (and the kids got ignored for a few minutes) We made a ton, probably about 3 gallons. It was fun and delicious.

This week we got out tax returns. Yea! OK, well we will probably save most of it. But we are going to buy some sun screens for the south and west windows of our house in an attempt to save on AC, since those windows make our house the equivalent of a solar oven in the summer. I'll take a picture after we get them.

Our tortoises are growing and the are cute. Miranda loves to run and check on them. We are even starting to notice that they have personalities-- pretty amazing for a tortoise. We planted four prickly pears in our back yard that once grown can provide tortoise snacks. Karl says it is one of the healthiest tortoise foods available, with all the right blend of nutrients. We also have vitamin fortified tortoise pellets (For more information, Karl is the resident tortoise expert).


Last week we went on a fun five-day campout around Kingman, Arizona and the old Route 66. We started the trip with Karl checking on his geocache. Then we camped out with some good friends at Lake Mead. The kids had fun playing in the lake and in the dirt and the adults got in a few games and some talking. From there we met up with some off-road friends of Karl's and drove the Portland Mine trail, Sleeping Princess, Secret Pass, and Moss Wash.

We stopped at an old mining town called Oatman. They had semi-wild burros wandering around the town that you could feed carrots. We also saw a mansion that mine owners built out of concrete to attract investors. The kids had fun chasing a dog named Diesel around--he got tired of them after a few days. The last night camping we stayed at a campground at 6,400' and it was 26 degrees and snowed that night. Brr! The following day on our drive home we stopped and played in the Big Sandy wash. Only in Arizona do you get snow and swimming on the same day!

So, now that were back home (base camp as Karl says), it's taken us until yesterday to get all cleaned up again (depending on your definition of clean--maybe it'll take a few more months). It's also getting warm, 80s during the day and I'm dreading July.

I hope next week is just as interesting!