Wisconsin is tough to beat, weatherwise, in July and August, but come

January and February, warmth and sun and an occasional round of golf is good for the flagging spirit.  This year we had the good fortune to spend the month of February in Sun Lakes, AZ - just outside of Phoenix.

Ron and Muriel Isaacson who have a lovely permanent home there, were waiting to greet us when we arrived, and a week or so later accompanied us to Rocky Point, on the Sea of Cortez in Mexico, (a 2 1/2 hr.  drive), for some serious pot buying and a few Margaritas along the way.  Becca described this three-day trip as our vacation while on vacation.

Medford is well represented in the Phoenix/Tucson region during the winter months.   While there, we shared a few liquid refreshments with the Isaacsons, the Bachs, the Amachers, the Fales, Josie Coyer, and Ellie Dahl.  We also visited with John and Millie Kindshi.  Unfortunately, John was in the hospital recovering from a serious head injury sustained in a recent fall.

We capped off our visit to the Southwest with a trip to Tucson and a memorable visit with Betsy and Sam Lowry, and Penny and Chuck Corey, old friends from Pat's highschool days.  A day was spent at the Tucson Rodeo, and because of the dry conditions, we all made a special effort to drink plenty of fluids.  We actually persisted in this effort until 2 AM on two successive nights.  Betsy and Sam live in a lovely new home in the community of Saddlebrook, just north of Tucson.  They have a panoramic view of the nearby mountains and just about anything anyone can ask for is available to them in this ROBSON community. (Click on this "thumbnail" to see Saddlebrook)

Chuck and Penny live in Alpine, AZ - a thriving metropolis boasting a population of 300+ souls on a good day.  Their stunning log home is nestled into the side of a mountain at a 7000 ft. elevation.  Their backyard is a one acre field which abuts thousands of acres of National Forest land,  and plays host to hundreds of elk who enjoy eating anything Penny tries to grow in the way of ornamentals or edibles.  We made a gallant effort to help the Corrys reduce their oversupply of wine and other potables during our one night visit - which is probably why we didn't happen to see any of the elk while we were there.

It's a long drive out to Phoenix from Medford.  It's even longer coming back.   We logged nearly 5000 miles.  The sun and warmth as well as the friends and shared experiences all combined to make this a Memorable Vacation - and it is so recorded.