Settling In

   We've been here four days now and starting to settle in. We've done some exploring around Prescott and Prescott Valley so things are starting to look a little less foreign around here. The dogs have become our buddies and we spend a couple of hours every day taking them for walks in the surrounding hills and trails. Here's a sample of the views we get during our walks:

One amusing image I found on a trash can designed for dog walkers to deposit their dogs' deposits:

  Speaking of Radar and Spike, yes, they are well-trained. They walk and heel, sit/stay, come when you call them, etc. Oh yes, and they go absolutely batshit crazy if anything anywhere near the house makes a noise, moves, breathes, farts... you get the picture. Yesterday a Jehovah's Witness came to the door. They won't make that mistake again. Emily, the homeowner, has been receiving lots of packages and the dogs go nuts with every delivery. The backyard sprinklers are automatic. Whenever they turn on, you guessed it. Otherwise, they're wonderful.

  We played golf today although the course was nothing special. We played with a local father and son and had an enjoyable 14 holes. Penny and I were done after that as it was getting windy and cool and we were hungry and tired. Oh, and neither of us could hit the ball by then. I'm chalking it up to the three hour time difference. That is, I'm pretty sure I hit my tee shot on 14 about 3 times zones away. There is a terrific looking layout nearby the house but I figured we needed to warm up on something easier first. After today I think we still need a warm up.

  Our first real grocery outing was today and, if you haven't shopped for groceries in the U.S., the selection is both enormous and interesting. It took a lot of willpower to not fill the cart with every new thing we saw. There's time yet. Tomorrow's plan is chicken and green chile enchiladas. If you like Mexican food then this is the place.

  The weekend is wide open so no idea what trouble we'll get into but I'll be sure to let you know. Watch this space!