2015

Palo Verde Again

by jdfulkerson

On January 27, 2015, J.D. started a long term contract job back at Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station. Yes we are back to 67 mile commutes each way four days a week. But is is nice to be back where you know so may people.
As the Prius (bought back in 2007 for when J.D. first started at Palo Verde) was creeping up on 200K miles, and really starting to show it's age, we reluctantly decided to update things. We traded the Prius in for a 2010 Honda Insight with only 40K miles on it.

Remembering Kara

Kara, our wonderful Rescue Sheltie, died in her sleep January 29, 2015. Right where she loved to sleep, at the side of Sierras Bed. We knew she wasn't feeling good the night before, as she was slow moving. Nothing gave us any alarm to a problem.
We had adopted her on 7/23/2011, and she wasn't with us all that long, but she had a loving and caring family at least for part of her life.
She joined our family as a very skittery dog. Constantly trying to escape. With love and patience she calmed down and enjoyed her life with us. Her favorite times were when we would go on a trip, she loved traveling and being with her family. Those times actually helped her alot in calming down. Her favorite prank? Taking a piece of clothing from the hamper and leaving it outside. Sometimes something of Sierras just to have with her when she napped. She had her personality. After a breakfast where she got some human food for a change, she left a sign that she enjoyed it. A work glove next to her food dish. At least we THINK that showed she liked it.
She will be missed, the Cats definitely miss her, especially her buddy Girly.

 February 1, A foggy day in Phoenix

February 1, 2015. Phoenix is hosting the NFL Superbowl. We also get a nice, rare foggy morning

 Feb. 22, A Day at the Zoo

 We had some free passes to the Desert Botanical Gardens and the Phoenix Zoo. The weather was great, and we enjoyed going to both.

 Feb. 28, Sierra finishes her first knit hat

Sierra made good use of a loom and created her first knit hat.

 Mar. 21, The Stage Calls, Sierra answers

 

 Sierra was part of the cast in a Barry Goldwater High School musical production of Once Upon A Mattress. She was in most of the dancing parts and had some other bits as well. It was exhausting, but she enjoyed it.

 Apr, 4, Sierras 17th. Birthday party

 Sierras 17th Birthday party at the Desert Ice, Ice Rink. Everyone said the party was "cool".

 Apr. 12, Vertical garden provides Strawberries

Gardening in the desert is always hit or miss. We tried a vertical garden project with Strawberries and Carrots. They did very well.

May 19, Mushroom Minifarm 

I've been wanting to try growing mushrooms. Something you just don't find at the local Farmers Markets. I found this kit on sale at Home Depot and gave it a try. It worked very well and the Oyster Mushrooms were used in a creamy wine Marjoram Mushroom pasta sauce.

May 23, Sierras First Trail Ride

We were at Old Tucson Studios and had the chance to let Sierra get her first trail ride in. She really enjoyed it and is looking forward to many more.

Sierra ready to go to France!

Preparing for a 14 plus hour flight from Phoenix to Paris.

Coronado Island

 While Sierra was in France, Sue and I took a quick vacation to San Diego. We visited some of our favorites; Seaport Village, the trolleys, the beach. We drove to Coronado Island and wandered around the Del. Saw a lot of fun shops. Stopped by Summers Past Farms on the way home to see what they had new.

 7/23 - 26 Minivacation in Flagstaff

7/25 - Took a mini-vacation to Flagstaff, Visited with Kat and Scott. Went to the Flagstaff Arboretum and saw the piece Scott was showing there. Nice cool break from the Valley.

8/10/15 Sierras first day at school as a Senior

Last school year in High School started 8/10.

 Sierras Senior Photo

Sues Jack-O-Lantern for 2015

Sierra in Day of the Dead, her Halloween costume.

Getting ready for Thanksgiving dinner

Sierra helps to prep the turkey for Thanksgiving dinner.

Merry Christmas