Cinco de Mayo: A Journey Back In “Time” when you “Took My Place”

Posted on May 6, 2015 by timfruth

Every year when Cinco de Mayo comes around, I am always ready for a house party. No not because it is an opportunity to drink Mexican beers, but rather I always reflect back to a Cinco de Mayo celebration many years ago. This 5th of May was extra special as I celebrated my 15th anniversary of my first ever Third Day concert.

Lost like a little child
Helpless as a baby
Searchin’ desperately to find
Someone who could save me

Then along came from out of nowhere
Precious as the light of day
You gave me something no one could take
away
When you took my place

Chained like a prisoner
From the day I was born
Blamed like a criminal
For the things that I’d done

Then along came from out of nowhere
Precious as the light of day
You gave me something no one could take
away
When you took my place

You must be thinking, really? What is so special about that? After first hearing of Third Day in the winter of 2000 from a student who introduced me to their music, I was hooked. The southern style with driving guitars and a strong graveled voice just took me by storm. I was convinced this band was the real thing. Faith-based but still a band who could hold their own against any rock band out there. Lyrics that actually meant something backed by and played by outstanding musicians. It was an incredible discovery for me.

Anyhow, I checked out their website www.thirdday.com and discovered that they were playing in the Phoenix area on Friday May 5, 2000 at a local church, The Valley Cathedral located on North Central Avenue, on a tour for their latest album Time. I must say the album is still one of my all-time favorites and is one that I return to frequently.

Without any hesitation, I buy tickets for the family. So Carolyn and I load up the girls, Caitlin and Jordyn, and head out to this concert. This is 15 years ago when Caitlin was all of 11 and Jordyn was 5.

I’m thinking that there was no reason to be in a big hurry, after all its just a “Christian” band playing and they can’t possibly have that many fans. So we stop and eat some Mexican food in honor of Cinco de Mayo at some place fairly close to the church. We finally pull in the parking lot around 6:00. Oh my goodness, we were dumbstruck as there was a line completely around the church and through the parking lot waiting for the doors to be opened. I’m thinking I have blown this one. It is very warm and we are about to go stand in a line that stretches endlessly.

Now Carolyn begins to think and she suggests that I go up to the front and ask if tIMG_2524hey have any special seating for those that are hearing impaired since Jordyn had an impairment. Well Jordyn and I walk all the way to the front and I ask the gentleman about any special seating and he tells me no we don’t but why don’t you guys go on in and find any seat that you think would be a good spot to hear. I’m like stunned, ok so Jordyn and I walk back and round up Carolyn and Caitlin and go back up front and they let us in. This is not an exaggeration, they just let us in. Talk about shameless, well what can I say? We sort of have to laugh about it now but it is what it is. No regrets!

Now we go on in and notice that all the seats on the front rows are taken  by church volunteers who have staked out their seats prior to the doors opening so I suggest that we go to stage left which is probably stage right when you are on the stage and we take our seats on the 2nd row. Soon the doors open and it is incredible to watch the place completely fill to capacity.

Misc 059The warm up band was Jennifer Knapp and we knew her music and enjoyed her part of the concert. Soon the lights went down again and some music starts playing across the speakers and out comes Third Day about seven feet away from us. They break out into “Took My Place” which absolutely tore the place up. They are like right there and I sure didn’t know that the lead singer, Mac Powell, was a southpaw and it was like he was looking right at us. It was an incredible concert and we were blown away on how good this band was. Charismatic, playful, friendly, but yet sincere, and genuine. I can’t find the superlatives to describe how good they were. And as an added bonus, I had brought my camera and Mac would really have some fun making faces into the camera. I just can’t describe it.3rday photo-2

I was completely taken and became a fan for life. We hung out after the conclusion and got a set list from the stage and headed out to the car walking on clouds. This is where my brains engage and I think maybe we can see these guys if we hang around over by their bus area so we drive around to the other side of the church and sure enough there is Third Day. Brad, Tai, Mark, and David have got into some beater van that looked like one of those Ford Econoline models that had long seen better days. Mac is out talking to some people and I think that this is the opportunity to get a picture with the lead singer and my girls. Mac is most gracious and says no problem and I think the picture is a classic. One of my very favorite pictures of all time.

Misc 026I am convinced that I have witnessed quite possibly one of the best bands of all time. They were really that good. Who would have known that I would soon become one of those crazy fans that would actually get to meet and hang out once in awhile with these guys. I posted of our adventure on their old website and was so taken with the group that I went to Arizona Motor Vehicle Division to see if I could get a personalized plate with 3RD Day on the plates. Lo and behold, somebody had given up IMG_2530the plate name about a week prior to me asking for them. Fate? I don’t know but I do know I was changed forever. From Atlanta to Los Angeles, Green Bay to Nashville, Houston to Denver, Albuquerque to Phoenix, I’ve been there to see them. I’ve met so many nice and welcoming Third Day fans from across the country. Many will always be considered friends. It has been quite the adventure and it all started innocently enough on a Friday night, May 5, 2000 aka Cinco de Mayo. It is a day that always means something extra special to me.

Yes I’m a fan. Yes I will always be a fan. I’ve been blessed beyond measure in this incredible journey. I’ve met sports stars, rock stars, movie stars, hung out in dressing rooms, kicked back on tour buses, who would of thought that it all started out on a Cinco de Mayo 15 years ago. I didn’t know at the time that I was living the dream but I do now. So that’s my beginning of a 15 year relationship with the best band in the land–Third Day. Rock on!

Here is a look at their very first video release and was the go to song of the early 2000’s “Consuming Fire“.

Posted in Community, Family, Music, Road Trip, Spiritual, Third Day, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Celebration: We Are Gonna Celebrate Your Party With You

Posted on April 28, 2015 by timfruth

My life has just been frenetic lately as I race around every weekend doing something. It was just a weekend ago last that we were celebrating my mother in law’s birthday. So Carol, this party blog is for you. With that in mind, these Kool and the Gang “Celebrate” lyrics seem to fit.

There’s a party goin’ on right here
A celebration to last throughout the years
So bring your good times and your laughter too
We gonna celebrate your party with you
Come on now, celebration
Let’s all celebrate and have a good time
Celebration
We gonna celebrate and have a good time

Kool and the Gang bring it one more time.

Carolyn and I started the celebrating Friday with a BOGO offer at Denny’s and we brought Carol along to get her free Grand Slam on her birthday. Not to say I’m cheap or something like that but come on that is a great tradition having a free Grand Slam at Denny’s on your birthday. Even Walter White partook of the Grand Slam at Denny’s. If you don’t know Walter, well you should check out Breaking Bad.

Saturday came around and Carolyn and Carol head to the Valley in the party bus (Carol’s sweet Corolla) and I ride with Norm to officiate football. Three games and three games that went very smooth. We were back at Gilbert Christian and that’s a nice field to be on. The last time we were there is when the parent threatened the game EMT and administrator and then me as I got involved. That was the “i’m going to find your family on  Facebook and get them” threat. No threats this time except me with Norm on paying attention. But what else would be new?

I get dropped off after the game and we make our way over to the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Chandler that was forever the San Marcos. It is downtown and a nice property. Our roomIMG_2475 wasIMG_2476 nice minus the vents in the bathroom. I don’t always expect much but dirty vents in a room drive me nutty especially when it is a nice property and there really is no excuse for an easy clean. The rest of the room is in good shape and the young lady at check in is very pleasant and welcoming so kudos to her for her very cheery and welcoming customer service. There is even a wedding in the facility and some fine looking folks milling in the bar area. I check in with my football stuff on and the groomsmen and I have an interesting conversation on who looks better. Funny stuff. http://www.ihg.com/crowneplaza/hotels/us/en/chandler/phxqq/hoteldetail

We get ready for some downtown action after all we have a birthday to celebrate. Caitlin and Bryan have joined Jordyn, Carolyn, Carol, and I for some fun. It is a prom night so there are nicely dressed couples around and the San Marcos upstairs ballroom is hosting the party. First stop is to get on the waiting list at the SanTan Brewery and we walk down to Murphy’s Law. IMG_2471A nice Irish pub with a very healthy craft beer selection mixed in with some Irish beers. The place is active and we sit down for a cold one waiting on our text from SanTan. If you are downtown Chandler, it is well worth a visit. http://www.murphyslawaz.com

The SanTan is a buzz. Place is packed. Waiting lines but very cool. Entire outdoor section with old brick exterior and interior walls. It feels good to be here. They have a big selection of their own craft brews and we eat here mainly burger type food which was very good. Prices are about 10 bucks a burger but the atmosphere and the beer is why this place is so popular. Just a fun spot and we will be back. http://www.santanbrewing.com I’m thinking this might be a step up from a Denny’s Grand Slam but I don’t know. IMG_2473

Onward we go, as the girls look for ice cream and Bryan and I check out Bourbon Jacks. Another very cool night spot. They have a huge list of bourbons and some pricey ones are on the menu. Pappy’s 15 year old for around $65 a drink and we pass but good to know we could have it if we sell much more stuff on eBay. So we get something much more reasonable as in Four Roses for me and Basil Hayden for my soon to be son-in-law and we are checking out our eBay sales and Bryan is wheeling and dealing and re-listing and making sales while we sip away. Our seats are soon removed as they prepare for a band. Another nice spot in Chandler. http://bourbonjacksaz.com

We head on over to the local sports bar to check it out. Coach and Willie’s. http://coachwillies.com It has tv’s everywhere and smaller crowd since we are out  way after 9 but the place looks to be interesting. We meet up with the girls and Jordyn heads back to Tempe, Carolyn and her mother back to the hotel, Caitlin to meet some friends back at Bourbon Jacks and Bryan and I to hang out for a bit at Coach and Willie’s. We eventually head over to Caitlin and her friends and now Bourbon Jack’s is really abuzz. Band is a playing and the place is packed. Caitlin’s friends are there and we hang for awhile but all good things have to come to an end and homeward bound I head back to the hotel. Carolyn and Carol are asleep and soon I join them in the land of the zzzz’s.

Sunday arrives and for the party group, it is breakfast at SanTan. Seriously it is a good one.IMG_2477 I have the SanTan Big Play Breakfast. 2 jalapeño corn meal pancakes | pecan butter | agave syrup | 2 house made breakfast sausage links | two strips of chipotle bacon | two eggs |hash browns | spent grain beer bread, tortillas or sourdough english muffin. Oh it was good. The pancakes were phenomenal! Thankfully we had checked in on Yelp so we got 20% off and oh by the way the coffee was fantastic. Sitting outdoors was a bonus. I say check it out sometime.

We leave and head over to The Lost Dutchman state park and do a nice loop hike on a beautiful morning. I have really enjoyed finally discovering this park. Very accessible with plenty of trails and nice parking areas with functional restrooms.

We end up after the hike eating at the Olive Garden and what a deal. We get the all you can eat salad, soup, breadsticks, and add water for our beverage. Under 25 bucks for the three of us. Hadn’t been in a long time but it was great.

Just like all good things, the party bus has to return to reality and back to Payson we head after a great celebratory weekend. Tightwad Tim taking his mother in law to Denny’s for a free breakfast just was a prelude to a real party weekend. Just maybe I’m not such a cheapskate after all.

A big thanks to Carolyn for suggesting the Chandler downtown area. I hadn’t spent any time there prior to this adventure and “Chandler” we will be back. I just hope the Crowne cleans my vents so I want to return.

Another adventure ends only waiting for the next one. Still #livingthedream

Posted in Community, Craft Breweries, Family, Hiking, Relationships, Road Trip, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Lone Ranger and Tonto Ride Again: AKA Tim and Norm Hit the Road

Posted on April 22, 2015 by timfruth

What would any weekend be these days without hanging out with my friend Norm on a Saturday refereeing football? Norm is one of the most loyal guys I know and we have had many an adventure that sometimes would be hard to believe. But what often goes on while on the road is meant to stay on the road but these past few weekends have had some interesting officiating tales that I must tell.

Those Saturdays have been a coming and a going with some wild adventures in the land of the sun. Every week was bringing a first for us in youth football. Just several weeks ago, we were officiating and it was the last game of the day, we were at a halftime and a bit worn out sitting around waiting for the start of the second half. The game administrator arrives to our quiet area and tells us that the game is over as one team forfeited to the other because they had Powerade on the game field. That was a new one for me. Evidently the league had notified teams that they must keep the “sticky” drinks off of the turf surfaces so they can continue to use school facilities. Now for the escape without confrontation as we all know, refs seem to get the blame for just about everything that might happen in events at a game.

The losing coach seemed to take it ok since they were behind by about 30 points at the half but one of the winning coaches went bananas. I did not run off as I was in the peace keeping mode and wanted to make sure that the game administrator was not going to be pulverized and I sure didn’t want to be the one blamed. Norm and I slowly pack up and head off to new adventures. Game over but game on.

So I take Norm to the Sleepy Dog Brewery in Tempe, (one of my favorites) for a craft brew. That was fun. The workers were great and we had a bartender who told us she was Vietnamese and how her parents were relocated to Arkansas back in the day during the collapse of Viet Nam so it made for interesting conversation. I always enjoy the stories behind the stories.

I think Norm is beginning to be sort of like Norm from Cheers thanks to hanging out with me. Probably an exaggeration but I thought it sounded good. Anyhow we just unwound with a cold one and had a nice relaxing time after a warm day in the sun.

I did have a Groupon that I used for two pints and two take home bottles. (Norm was on my dime with the Groupon). I had the new seasonal stout that was great, Norm went with something more or less normal. Go figure. I got to take home two of the Monje Azul summer ale bottles that Carolyn and I love. It is brewed with Blue Agave Nectar and I think it is a real winner. The down side for the Sleepy Dog is they have no food (except for free popcorn). It is easily found on University Drive. http://sleepydogbrewing.com

We needed food so we went to the newly reopened Minder Binders. Wow. You would not recognize the place from the old days. It is now called The Mission @ Minder Binder. It is beautiful. Reminded me of that show Extreme Makeover. http://www.theminderbinder.com In talking with staff, it took them over two years to open up the new completely remodeled building. The history is interesting as it opened in 1972 and closed in 2005 and sat for seven years until new owners started the rehab. Food was not as good as I had hoped (burgers were a bit overcooked) but I’m sure they will get that right eventually. The courtyard dining area is something to see. I called my friend Max to let him know that his name and number were still carved for all to see in the bathroom. Ok not so much but there is no longer women’s lingerie (bras) hanging from the ceiling lights, no longer do you stick to the floors, the booths are smooth and upholstered, and the bar stools have been completely upgraded. The barn look has been maintained but the rest is totally rehabbed.

Homeword bound, we arrive home to end our weekend journey. Norm to rest, me to continue my eBay Sales.

The following weekend, Norm and I head back to referee and meet up with John another ref from Payson to work several games at the Desert Ridge Jr High field in Mesa and our 4th official is a really nice guy name Tito. These are the tough fields as the players, coaches, and fans are all on the sidelines since there are no boundaries, stands, barriers to keep spectators away from the field. In fact one spectator draws an unsportsmanlike penalty from Norm since the fan is standing next to a coach simulating snap counts to disrupt the other team. Hmmm. Not good but that game ends without any incidents and we are ready for the next one.

Our last game of the day involves bigger players as it is a junior high aged group which I think might include 9th graders. They are big kids and have some good athletes out there. Once again we are in the bowl with spectators and everybody bunched up about 4 to 5 yards off the sidelines. One team was from Peoria and another from Mesa and they referred to each other as the “Eastside” and the “Westside”. I should have known that was probably a bad omen even though neither team was gangster oriented. Kids were pretty good but by halftime it was evident that the Peoria team was a bit better than the Mesa team. Nothing stands out in the first half but we had two unsporting penalties that were really not major but we had a preventive time of talk to the coaches to make sure everything would be copacetic.

Early in the 3rd Quarter, on an attempted extra point, Peoria has the ball hiked over the head of the kicker and holder and as they retrieve the ball and attempt to score, a scuffle breaks out back towards the middle of the field on about the three yard line. The attempted pass fails and I throw my flag towards the two involved in the scuffle and as we move in, chaos erupts. A free-for-all type of brawl breaks out and players are wrestling with each other and rolling around and the benches clear. Yikes, I am totally stunned. It is like a youtube video that you have seen where chaos breaks out at some kids sporting event.

The coaches, about 7 for each team, literally break up the players from the scrum but you now have parents surrounding the fighting behavior and I was just looking to keep my good looks intact. Ok I just didn’t want somebody to whack me in the head. The game administrator was great and the EMTs helped clear and separate. Several of the fans were absurd as they yelled profanity laced comments to the game administrator and others. Police are called and they came in force–something like 9 police cruisers showed up. In reality it could have been much worse. Nobody got hurt which is typical of football fights since they have helmets on and are padded up pretty good. The game of course is over and the teams go their separate ways to discuss whatever they discuss as a team. The game administrator meets with police and several parents who have various beefs and accusations against opposing team coaches. The police patrol the area making sure there is no carryover and do an outstanding job. Game over in an another new way. Wow.

IMG_2418IMG_2417Norm and I pack up and head out and leave the area. (Notice Norm heading off to safety where several of the police cars have parked.)

Norm takes me to meet up with Carolyn at the Beer Research Institute and Norm heads back to Lifeway to get more reading material. Carolyn and I spend the Easter Weekend in the Valley and Norm must travel on alone to Payson.

In retrospect the Lone Ranger had 221 episodes on television with his faithful sidekick, Tonto. By now, me and my sidekick, (my loyal friend Norm) have probably surpassed that number of episodes. The number of Saturday football games we have officiated together must be an outrageous number. The good news is we continue to be renewed. As Norm often asks me, “Why do we do this?” My answer is usually, “Well Norm, what else would we be doing?” It just so happens some days will never be forgotten and we have had several of those already this year. We ain’t got any horses but we sure feel like we are sometimes in the wild west.

Posted in Football, Referee, Road Trip, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

It was only Friday: But Sunday’s Comin’

Posted on April 6, 2015 by timfruth

The Easter Season is always a time of year where I reflect on things in my own life. We all have our ups and our downs and go through some rough black Fridays. So with that thought in mind, I am on to repeating a story I have shared before.

One of my favorite “Christian” authors, Tony Campolo wrote a fantastic book titled, You Can Make A Difference. It is one of my favorites about young Christians making a difference in the world that we live in. It’s really about putting feet to faith. If you have not read it, do, it is a classic.

Anyhow Tony has a great story in the book about preaching a Good Friday message with six other ministers in the “black” church he attends in Philadelphia. He always raves about attending these churches since they just don’t sit back on their hands. Campolo’s story clearly is Christian themed but I think there is a whole lot more to it than just a Good Friday story. For me it is about the darkest of days that we go through, where there seems to be no hope but believing that our lot is about to improve. We all have our blackest of Fridays but can we keep a moving forward knowing that the sunshine will return? In those darkest times, our “Black Fridays” we can believe that there is hope on the horizon as a “Sunday” is a coming. I know it serves me a well. Just remember it was only Friday, but Sunday’s a comin”!

One Good Friday there were seven of us preaching back to back, each us trying to outdo the others. When it was my time to preach, I rolled into high gear, and I want to tell you, I was good. The more I preached, the more the people in that congregation “turned on,” and the more they “turned on,” the better I got. I got better and better and better. I got so good that I wanted to take notes on me! At the end of my message, the congregation broke loose. I was absolutely thrilled to hear the hallelujahs and the cries of joy that broke loose throughout the place. I sat down next to my pastor and he looked at me with a smile. He reached down with his hand and squeezed my knee. “You did all right, boy! he said.

I turned to him and asked, “Pastor, are you going to be able to top that?”

The old man smiled at me and he said, “Son you just sit back, ’cause this old man is going to do you in!”

I didn’t figure that anybody could surpass me that day. I had been so good….But the old guy got up, and I have to admit, he did me in. The amazing thing was that he did it with the use of one line. For an hour and a half he stood that crowd on its ear with just one line. That line was “It’s Friday, but Sunday’s comin’!” That statement may not blow you away, but you should have heard him do it. He started his sermon real softly by saying, “It was Friday.

It was Friday, and my Jesus was dead on the tree. But that was Friday, and Sunday’s comin’!”

One of the deacons yelled, “Preach, brother! Preach!” It was all the encouragement that he needed. He came on louder as he said, “It was Friday, and Mary was cryin’ her eyes out. The disciples were runnin’ in every direction like sheep without a shepherd, but that was Friday and Sunday’s comin’!” People in the congregation were beginning to pick up the message. Women were waving their hands and calling softly, “Well, well.” Some of the men were yelling, “Keep going! Keep going!”

The preacher kept going. He picked up the volume still more and more shouted, “It was Friday. The cynics were lookin’ at the world and sayin’, ‘as things have been so they shall be. You can’t change anything in this world, you can’t change anything. “But those cynics didn’t know that it was only Friday, Sunday’s comin”! 

“It was Friday! And on Friday, those forces that oppress the poor and make the poor to suffer were in control. But that was Friday! Sunday’s comin’!

“It was Friday, and on Friday Pilate thought he had washed his hands of a lot of trouble. The Pharisees were struttin’ around, laughin’ and pokin’ each other in the ribs. They thought they were back in charge of things, but they didn’t know that it was only Friday! Sunday’s comin!”

He kept on working that one phrase for a half-hour, then an hour, then an hour and a quarter, then an hour and a half. Over and over he came at us, “It’s Friday, but Sunday’s comin’! It’s Friday, but Sunday’s comin’! It’s Friday, but Sunday’s comin’!

By the time he had come to the end of the message, I was exhausted. He had me and everybody else so worked up that I don’t think any of us could have stood it much longer. At the end of his message he just yelled at the top of his lungs, “IT’S FRIDAY!” and all five hundred of us in church yelled back with one accord, “SUNDAY’S COMIN’!“ (Compolo, 1984, You Can Make A Difference)

In our own lives it may be Friday but I believe that Sunday’s a comin’.

On that same theme, here is a new song from my favorite band Third Day “Soul On Fire.” By the way you do know that Third Day got their name from the Resurrection Story from rising up from the dead. You see it was Friday and Sunday came, it was the Third Day.

Lord, restore the joy I had

I have wandered bring me back

In this darkness, lead me through

Until all I see is You

Brenton Brown, Mac Powell, Tai Anderson, Mark Lee, David Carr, Matt Maher

Posted in Community, Music, Spiritual | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Bicycle: I want to ride it where I like

Posted on April 3, 2015 by timfruth

Bicycle bicycle bicycle
I want to ride my bicycle bicycle bicycle
I want to ride my bicycle
I want to ride my bike
I want to ride my bicycle
I want to ride it where I like

Freddy Mercury

Michael Stoll and I have been road biking a couple times a week in and around the Payson area. It is my current way of trying to remain in some semblance of shape since running has taken a toll on my hip and this seems to be a bit better on not aggravating my nagging injury.

Usually Mike and I ride around the golf course and up through the Country Club Vista area, out on Tyler Parkway and up 260, through Payson North and back home. That in itself is quite challenging both physically and mentally since riding the streets of Payson is extremely dangerous. The lack of bicycle lanes and lack of signage encouraging drivers to “share the road” is noted often by Mike and I.

For a change, Mike and I decided to head down the Houston Mesa Road and out to Whispering Pines. It is a beautiful day for a ride as the wind has died down and I’m ready to just get some exercise, remove some stress, and enjoy the ride. Sounds good in theory but I don’t much like riding my bicycle. I’m always in great fear which adds to the stress of the day. Mike is a bit more of a risk taker then me. He enjoys pushing himself up hills and rushing down the other side. Me, I just like making it up hills and I do not enjoy the rush down the hills. Now when Mike is with me, I enjoy the conversations that we have and it is most enjoyable. The problem is, I’m slower then: (whatever comes to your mind).

Our journey to and from the Whispering Pines area reminds me of the old parental adage, “When I was your age, I walked six miles uphill to school and six miles uphill home.” Riding to Whispering Pines is like that. It is about 10 miles uphill and another 10 miles uphill back. The Houston Mesa Road has no shoulders so cars roar by you and sometimes very close as some drivers will wait to pass and others are in such a hurry that they just squeeze by you at 30+ mph. You try to ride as close to the edge as you can but it is very nerve wracking. Heading uphill towards Mesa Del, I am beat down but now I have the added worry of cows on the road once we get past Shoofly and a long and windiIMG_1574ng downward stretch towards the river. I’m hanging on for dear life as Mike has done left me in the dust and I’m plodding along. The good news is that there are two signs on Houston Mesa Road that have “Share The Road” displayed. One sign on each side of the road so I feel safer. (sarcasm is noted) Photo is from last summer but thought it was appropriate.

Mike usually waits for me somewhere down the road and he does this time as well. The climb up from first crossing is not for the weak. I’m just happy that I don’t have to get off and walk as my mph decreases to about three, just fast enough to stay vertical. We continue on and I am amazed at the new bridges and parking areas that have been built. They are welcomed great additions to the area with added facilities to use the bathroom if needed.IMG_2364

We have started late on our trek and dusk rapidly approaches as we turn around and head back. I make no attempt to keep up with Mike as I try to get some enjoyment out of my white-knuckle ride. At one point I hit 40 mph on a downward stretch and I am literally scared to death. That is the fastest I’ve gone downhill and I don’t enjoy the experience. From Beaver Valley back towards Payson the climb is relentless and leaving me breathless plus Mike has completely disappeared from view. I’m just plodding along hoping to make it back. Sun has dropped to that dangerous angle that makes it difficult for drivers to see and I’m hoping and praying to just get back in one piece.

Mike being a good guy does wait for me at points along the road–I’m assuming to make sure I’m still upright and moving forward. We eventually get back as the sun sets. Mike raves about the ride, me I’m just happy to be alive. I have to admit that the views are beautiful, the exercise strenuous, but I still am uncertain about this bike riding. I have yet to gain the confidence in my ability to keep the bike upright and as a natural worrier, that safety issue is always on my mind. So that brings me to getting up on my soapbox for a little editorializing of my opinions. And yes I know what they say about opinions but  “You’ve gotta stand right up for somethin’  Or you’re gonna fall….for anything“.  John Mellencamp

Riding my bicycle in the Payson area has always been challenging. I’ve had stuff thrown from cars at me, I’ve been flipped off, I’ve had others tell me to get the “f off the road” and I’ve had some near misses that have made me come close to soiling my shorts.” It hasn’t been an easy thing to do around here but I try.

It is the season for riding bicycles and getting out for walks etc. and it is clear to me that the Payson community (at least at the leadership level) doesn’t much value this type of outdoor experience. I am seeing more and more people get on bikes and ride around but they do so at a great risk. In Payson, the public works director has never placed value on these activities. Instead value is placed on wide road with no bike lanes.  Why in the world do we need center lanes on Longhorn, Main St., and on McLane?

Just check out the new road behind Town Hall and you won’t find a bike lane on it. The current town council and town administration clearly hasn’t made these things a priority. I question why local roads like Main St, Longhorn, McLane, Vista, Airport, Bonita, Frontier, Manzanita, Mud Springs, Tyler Parkway, Payson Parkway, and Phoenix do not have regulation bicycle lanes for a safer riding experience. Why not have bike lanes on the 87 and 260 in the town of Payson. They do on the highway that goes through the Village of Oak Creek and Sedona. (my New Belgium Fat Tire bike I won over a year ago but nervous to ride in Payson)IMG_1232

In the new Town of Payson budget proposals, there does not appear to be a single item concerning active lifestyles outside of some upgrades at parks. Instead we talk carpet. Really? How about a pool that stays open at least through the end of summer. Critics of mine will be glad to point out that it just can’t be staffed due to students returning to school. My answer is bull crap. Just check out Sedona’s pool. They don’t require 10 lifeguards on duty at a time and when I’ve been there to swim during their lap sessions, they usually have three employees, at the most, on duty. Hmm. Wonder how that happens.

Instead the citizens of Payson and the surrounding areas get a pool that is open until the third week in July after opening the last week in May, and it is never open on Fridays and Sundays when people actually might be able to use it. In Sedona, the spring pool hours are now set from April 4 through May 17. The Sedona “Community” pool closes in what month? November! Priorities I say, you won’t find that in Payson.

Gila County could put down bicycle lanes on each side of Houston Mesa and the road could become a cycling paradise for those who want to get some higher elevation type training with plenty of hills. It could be a “clean” tourist attraction where cyclists come and ride and guess what else? Yep, spend their money. Instead in local governance, we will get those who want to line their own pockets running for County Supervisor in the next election cycle. (Mark my words that is already on the backburner as a certain candidate is already lining up to replace the current supervisor).

I would think the quickest way to easy economic development is to improve infrastructure for those who might want to come up for a day or so to  ride their bikes, train, swim, etc. Just check out the Beeline in the Shea Blvd area on any Saturday or Sunday morning. Large numbers gather to ride their bikes in the Fountain Hills area and they spend their money at places around that area. I know, I’ve done it.

Lake Mary Road is packed with cyclists in the spring and summer months. Why? They have identified the road as cycling friendly with large areas for bicyclists and for vehicles to pass. This is what I would call clean tourism where they spend money eating and relaxing and they go home.  They like to hang out in settings that provide outdoor seating where they can converse and have community with others. A simple form of economic development planning.

Clearly my soap box rant will irritate many and I will get de-friended and blackballed for expressing my opinions but in reality you have to make some sort of stand. (The attempts at blackballing me for my views and opinions will be another story forthcoming)

As a reminder, Queen’s video of “Bicycle Race” contains naked models riding bikes. Of course you don’t see frontal nudity but you do see some bare buttocks. That’s my warning and it is what it is. Yep I’m still “living the dream”.

Posted in Community, Cycling, Payson, Road Trip, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Travelin’ Man: These are the memories that made me a wealthy soul

Posted on March 31, 2015 by timfruth

Travelin’ man, love when I can
Turn loose my hand ’cause I’m goin’
Travelin’ man, catch if you can
But sooner than later I’m goin’

Sometimes at night, I see their faces
I feel the traces they left on my soul
Those are the memories that made me a wealthy soul
Those are the memories that made me a wealthy soul 

Bob Seger

So for a moment let me drift back to my 50 Shades of Red post. On Friday, I went back to my skin doctor for some more sun damage removal from my nose and cheek areas. Carolyn threw me out at Paradise Valley Mall since she had to be in Chandler so I had about 3 hours to kill. So I roam the mall, Costco, and eat lunch at Picazzo’s. http://picazzos.com (Organic restaurant.) I like Picazzo’s but I must say they have gotten pricier. Good thing I had that gift card on me.

After eating I walk about a mile down Tatum Blvd to get to my skin appointment and I am now quite red.

So Dr. Cummings gets the ole laser out and it is a steady pulse to the face closing off various vessels. I’m not exactly vain but I figured I would try to get the red out before Caitlin’s wedding. The good news is that the doc noticed I was losing weight. That’s a positive. She also thought my face was looking better. Now that’s a real positive. But more lasers to the face were required. So after multiple zaps like several hundred of them, I’m done. During the process, it actually hurts. One’s eyes are taped shut so as soon as I’m done, the tape comes off, and the water in the eyes just flows. I guess I must have been crying.

Carolyn later reminds me that the pain is the price one pays for beauty. Hmm. Not certain I’m getting much beauty out of it but it is worth the effort to try to undue some serious facial sun damage due to those formative years without sunscreen protection. My advice–never leave your home without it.

After walking back to the Mall area, Carolyn eventually comes and picks me up for the journey back to Payson. While traveling home, Jordyn notifies me that her car won’t start and that she knows nobody with jumper cables so Saturday will get me rolling early.

We are very late arriving to a bbq at the Kane’s house to meet up with some friends and spend some time unwinding.  Good times are had  on the back patio with Mike and Mary Stoll, Claude and Debi Labonte, and the hosts Dave and Ann Kane. A simple warm up of food and all is well. Many fun stories are shared and Mike breaks out the guitar for some music. I must say that Mike is probably one of the most talented individuals I know and I think he could have made it as a musician but he found himself at APS. (Definitely a better retirement program than musician.) The music especially his blues versions with the acoustic are always good to listen to.

The evening ends early for Carolyn and I as since we both have activities scheduled Saturday morning–Carolyn a hike with friends, and me a youth football job officiating in Gilbert.

Saturday morning I pick up my friend Norm Tucker and we head off to make some extra money. For me I’m working for the upcoming wedding for one daughter and for the other’s college education. That extra job is not bad and we get to do something we usually enjoy. We roll by ASU and get Jordyn’s car started (had left parking lights on for a couple days) and head out to Gilbert Christian High School. Oh my! What an absolute beautiful campus this place is. I talk to the guy in concessions who tells me that they have around 300 students and it is built for around 500 students. Two story brick building with a beautiful turf football field right next to the San Tan freeway. http://www.gilbertchristianschools.org It is a beautiful complex.

Our first game is a disaster as one team roll up a 28 point lead early in the 2nd quarter. The game ends as one of the players on the team that is way behind gets hammered on a block that scores the extra point. The young athlete is ok but the fans are up in arms as they charge down and yell at coaches from the opposing team, us officials, and even their own coaches. The only had 13 players to start and their coaches throw in the towel after several parents threaten to pull their young players since they are so overmatched. It is a short game. Somehow the officials get blamed for not being able to prevent this legal block from happening. I did not witness the block as I was umpiring and was checking interior for holds, etc. By all accounts the block was legal and at the point of where the runner was running but the defender never saw it coming. I don’t like those blocks but it is legal contact as it was not away from the action. (Norm and I back in the day.)TimFruth RefMaster (12)

The league is a very well run league and they have a paid game administrator and a paid EMT at each game. After the forfeiture and while resting on the sidelines waiting around for the next game, a young parent, who was visibly shaking, came over to yell at the administrator and EMT and I got caught in the crossfire. One of his most disturbing comments was that he was going to find us on “Facebook” and that he was going to “get” our families as well. I told him that I considered that a threat and I would simply call the police and let them handle his threat of the EMT, the game administrator, and now me plus our families. I even asked him if this was a threat and he answered yes he was going to “get” them. Of course, he realized what he had said and decided that his threat was only a “Facebook” thing so it didn’t matter. That was something new for me. Social media threats. I’m just a tad puzzled.

He leaves, we don’t call the police, and eventually he comes back to apologize. He explained that he had four young kids and he wasn’t thinking and so on. I accepted his apology and moved on. The poor guy already had gray hair and weighed about 130 lbs. I almost felt sympathetic for him since you just knew his wife had probably put him up to this. She seemed to be in the background urging him on. I give myself a pat on the back for not losing my temper and staying calm throughout his tirade. Maturity at last.

The other two games we refereed went without problems except it was flat out hot on the turf. Official high of 95 meant lots of water for us. (Plenty of sunscreen as well)

After the games we swung by Caitlin’s to pick up some stuff for donation. We drive back to Lifeway Christian Bookstore http://www.lifeway.com/to pick up a Max Lucado book for Norm. We go to the Beer Research Institute as it is a microbrewery that I had not been to. http://www.thebeerresearchinstitute.com/ It is a very nice place hidden in the strip mall and serves food. I try the vanilla porter and is very good. Norm had their Mo Wheat but I think he preferred mine. Such is life. I’m going to revisit some day when happy hour is on. Place had a good friendly crowd and looked like it had plenty of regulars.

We eat dinner at La Parrilla Suiza http://www.laparrillasuiza.com/ and it is good. The chips and salsa are fantastic and the steak tacos really hit the spot. Norm goes for the chicken tacos and gobbles them down so you know it was a good choice plus it didn’t hurt that we had a buy one get one free coupon. (You had to know that was coming.)

We get back on the road and finally arrive home around 10 p.m. making for a very long day but one that we will not soon forget. I check the eBay sales and as the weekend ends, my virtual yard sale is now over $500 with about 47 items out the door. Sunday will be my day of rest.

Traveling man I love when I can turn lose my hand ’cause I’m going. You see, those are the memories that made me a wealthy soul. The dream marches on.

Posted in Craft Breweries, Football, Referee, Relationships, Road Trip, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

You know a dream is like a river: A Sunday Trip to Fossil Creek

Posted on March 26, 2015 by timfruth

The River

You know a dream is like a river
Ever changin’ as it flows
And a dreamer’s just a vessel
That must follow where it goes
Trying to learn from what’s behind you
And never knowing what’s in store
Makes each day a constant battle
Just to stay between the shores…

And, I will sail my vessel
‘Til the river runs dry
Like a bird upon the wind
These waters are my sky
I’ll never reach my destination
If I never try
So I will sail my vessel
‘Til the river runs dry

Too many times we stand aside
And let the waters slip away
‘Til what we put off ’til tomorrow
Has now become today
So don’t you sit upon the shoreline
And say you’re satisfied
Choose to chance the rapids
And dare to dance the tide…

Yes, I will sail my vessel
‘Til the river runs dry
Like a bird upon the wind
These waters are my sky
I’ll never reach my destination
If I never try
So I will sail my vessel
‘Til the river runs dry

There’s bound to be rough waters
And I know I’ll take some falls
But with the good Lord as my captain
I can make it through them all…

Garth Brooks

To help with the expenses of life, I have taken on officiating spring football on Saturdays in the Phoenix area. It is a great way to make a few extra dollars even though it really extends your week. Officiating pays well for a part-time job and I get to do something that I enjoy. Besides I get to hang out with my friends Norm and John. But, after a full day of added work, I’m ready to sit right down and watch the river flow.

Oftentimes I find myself dreaming about what could have been, what might have been and what will be.  In those confusing times when life happens, I find that flowing water brings about a sense of peace no matter what life throws at you. Having a daughter getting married, another daughter in college, and having your own work stress issues, I sometimes need that time to just get away and watch the river flow.

Sunday has arrived. Carolyn and I decide that a hike to Fossil Creek just might be what we are looking for. Our stress remover for the week. It is my own spiritual journey where I can God’s presence through the beauty of the great outdoors. (A story for another time.) It is a fabulous day for a hike and we are rewarded with few cars at the trailhead. It is always nice not having the crowds when seeking some solitude. I love these moments that I get to spend with Carolyn alone since that hasn’t always been the case due to various factors but who’s complaining? Not me, I’m enjoying the time alone with my lady, chasing my dream and just watching the river flow.

Today we bring Roxy who is this little dog of ours that weighs all of about 12 lbs and she just loves taking us on a walk. We realize that she may need some help getting out and she might not be the only one needing some help since coming back up from the creek is quite a trek. It is about a 10 mile hike roundtrip to the waterfall and back with a climb out of about 1500 feet. It takes us about an hour and a half to get there and I always am amazed and rewarded with beauty unlike any place in Arizona. The waterfall is the main attraction but just east and west of the waterfall are areas along the creek that you can just sit and enjoy time alone without anybody around. Weekends are often crowded but today–not so much.

Fossil Creek is extra special now since the Forest Service has removed the dam that once diverted water to a small power plant. (Plenty of history to check on if you like.) The area is designated a wilderness area but we are amazed at the amount of trash left behind as we descend into the canyon. I have brought a bag and I am determined to clean up stuff left behind on the trail when we return to the top.IMG_2275

We have brought our Subway chicken sandwich and plenty of water and we are rewarded with a heavier then usual waterfall. As always, we are in awe and it is so relaxing to just sit right down and watch the river flow.

There are a few folks around but they are the quiet friendly type and some are in the water enjoying the coldness of the water and the cleanness of the water. Clear and beautiful.IMG_2278The day is beautiful and we just hang out de-stressing from the daily grinds of a long week. As always, our kids are on our minds as d-day, and I literally mean D-Day, (June 6, 2015) is rapidly approaching as we prepare for our daughter Caitlin’s IMG_2286wedding. We are no different then anybody else as the stress of life can just get to you but being outdoors and being able to talk about the issues really does work for us.

The time pass rapidly and it is time to get up and head out. Knowing what lies ahead (1500 foot climb) is on my mind. It will be trash pick up time and I still cannot comprehend why people just throw stuff down and leave it. It is dumbfounding. It’s not like they don’t have signs reminding you to pack it and pack it out.IMG_2284

Today we find McDonald’s garbage and plenty of empty plaIMG_2288stic water bottles on the way out. I’m carrying garbage and Carolyn now has to carry Roxy during parts of the trek up to where we started. There are longer stretches of no talking as the climb is long and tiring. It is a cardio workout that often catches many by surprise who are not prepared and have little water and poor shoes. Today we pass those who appear to better prepared then what we often have seen in the summertime.

As we approach the top, Roxy has gained new found energy and she has really picked up the pace. We take about 2.5 hours to get up which for us is a bit longer but what’s the rushIMG_2289? My Gap bag is filled with trash. I have done my good deed for the day and it is time to celebrate with trip to That Brewery. http://www.thatbrewery.com Sunday happy hour awaits and we get to sit on the patio and enjoy a cold one or two. I’m a stout beer type and enjoy the Monsoon Mud and Carolyn is quite fond of the Strawberry Blonde. I am still stunned that Payson somehow failed to welcome this group with open arms. Craft breweries are cool and hip and their popularity is continuing to grow. Carolyn and I discuss this almost every time we visit That Brewery and to think Cottonwood got the distribution side of That Brewery. What a loss to the Payson area and nobody accepts the blame. (That’s another story for another day.) Since it is Sunday, they have a two dollar off special on their burgers to go along with $3 pints. Quite a bargain. Food today is not as good as usual but the beer is what we are here for and it does not disappoint. Reflecting on the life I live while sipping a cold one on the patio with my wife and my dog is just another part of the dream.

As the day’s journey ends, I think Garth’s song “The River ” really reflects my feelings. You know a dream is like a river and I’ll never reach my destination if I never try.

I leave you with this haunting cover of the Garth Brooks classic. It is a version I most enjoy.

Posted in Craft Breweries, Family, Hiking, Referee, Relationships, River Trip, Road Trip, Spiritual, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Money, Money, Money–Obtaining the Stash the eBay Way

Posted on March 12, 2015 by timfruth
Money, get away
Get a good job with good pay and you’re okay
Money, it’s a gas
Grab that cash with both hands and make a stash
New car, caviar, four star daydream
Think I’ll buy me a football team
Money, get back
I’m all right Jack keep your hands off of my stack
Money, it’s a hit
Don’t give me that do goody good bullshit
I’m in the high-fidelity first class traveling set
And I think I need a Lear jet.
Roger Waters–Pink Floyd

So lately I have been listening to Dave Ramsey’s radio show about financial matters and I have really taken to this idea of not living with debt. Imagine this, I retire thinking that I’ve got this pension, my wife has a decent job, and I’ll just sort of hang out. Reality strikes. Within two months of retiring, Carolyn is downsized on Labor Day Weekend 2012 and all those nice insurance benefits she is receiving get thrown out the door and life happens. Carolyn reenters the workforce and to make a long story shorter, I eventually become employed in the HR department at the Mazatzal Casino where I can purchase family insurance for about $500 a month which is way less then the $1000 we were paying so I’m $500 to the good each month just on insurance.

Now while all that goes on, our daughter, Caitlin, is getting married this coming June, Jordyn is attending ASU, going to a New York wedding in the Fall, have to attend a Class Reunion in Ohio in August, and the costs continue to climb, and yet I’m on a kick to stay financially healthy without debt, so it makes for interesting choices. Who’s complaining? I’m not, I’m peeking up through the clouds seeing the sunshine and doing all kinds of creative things to generate cash flow. Buy and sell cars, officiate spring football, and now I have discovered eBay. My brother Thomas has been cleaning out the clutter through eBay and has told me how he has reduced the number of storage boxes he has and has inspired me.

Then I hear Dave Ramsey http://www.daveramsey.com/home/ talk about getting cash through eBay and holding yard sales, and downsizing automobiles,  doing whatever it takes. Well out goes two cars, I renegotiate cell phone service, change my auto and home insurance, eat out less, drop the dish, you know cut the costs and sell things. It’s eBay to the rescue.

I have this new found obsession with eBay. Within two and a half weeks, I unload 29 items that were sitting in buckets in the garage of things that nobody would buy at a yard sale in Payson. You know like bobbleheads of baseball players who have long exchanged teams and maybe disappeared from baseball. Guys like Brandon Webb, Conor Jackson, Chad Tracy (who’s IMG_1927he?) and then of course, Randy Johnson, Willie McCovey, Steve Nash, Alice Cooper, Monk, even Sheriff Joe Arpaio. For crying out loud, I’m even selling my favorite band,IMG_1988 Third Day, bobbleheads. (I did have two sets and I am keeping my autographed set)IMG_2073

So I’ve rummaged and scavenged packing materials, I’ve wrote compelling descriptions, maybe not so much, but I’ve spent hours packing them up and dropping them off watching my PayPal account grow by leaps and bounds (ok by about $200) but stuff is leaving the house. The reality is I’m having fun. The shocking part is eBay and PayPal take some serious cash from my sales. But I’m feeling the accomplishment as of today, 29 items out of here. I must be averaging at least $2.00 an hour on my time.

So in this process I have created an OCD monster–me. I am obsessed. What can I sell today? A 2000 Furby? Yup. IMG_2095How about made in the USA Wrangler jeans?  IMG_2123Got those too. Then add the fact that I suffer from Adult ADD and Carolyn is like “Tim, it’s not like we have this big house (1300 sq. ft.) where we can have stuff everywhere.” I’m like “I’m only using the kitchen table, the kitchen counter, the garage, the storage shed, and the computer room. What’s your problem?” “I’m selling stuff”. “Don’t worry, I’ll clean it up later!” But just maybe I am creating and recreating a monster size mess. Oh well, it is a virtual yard sale that occurs in the house in just about every room.

I have eliminated three Costco plastic storage containers in about three weeks and added 200 dollars to the funds. At this rate I should be rolling in the money by next year or will I find another obsession to occupy my time? In the meantime, if you want to see my stash and add to my cash, you can always check out my profile http://www.ebay.com/usr/kingofvice 21 years in the same house equates to treasures long forgotten. So if I ever want to get out of here, I just can’t have the clutter. I’ve got to have the money.

Posted in Family, Financial Security, Relationships, Retirement, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

I’m Walking On Sunshine–The Journey Continues

Posted on March 10, 2015 by timfruth

I feel alive, I feel the love, I feel the love that’s really real I feel alive, I feel the love, I feel the love that’s really real I’m on sunshine, baby, oh Oh, yeah, I’m on sunshine, baby

Oh, I’m walking on sunshine, whoa I’m walking on sunshine, whoa I’m walking on sunshine, whoa And don’t it feel good

Katrina and the Waves sort of a One-Hit Wonder Group. It is a Friday morning and I would have liked to sleep in but the 2005 Mazda 3 is scheduled for a detail since we are insurance poor with four vehicles on the insurance rolls and time to move one on. I drop off my car with Andy from Mobile Auto Detailing to get the car looking top notch and I will just say, they do an outstanding job on making your car look and smell new. http://www.payson-az-auto-rv-detail.com/ I highly recommend Andy for any car detail you might want to have done. The car is going to my soon to be son-in-law’s place where the master salesman–Bryan will turn that baby for some cold-cash. (I’ve got confidence in him) (Update: Sold in hours after being listed on Monday to the second prospect at full listed price.) I have to get rolling to pick up my mother-in-law from the airport since her plane times have completely changed and Carolyn has already scheduled a meeting with a lady to make some sort of garter thing for Caitlin’s wedding dress. Too complicated for me since I’m not understanding all the work that goes into these wedding plans but so be it. Anyhow I head out to pick up Carol in her sweet Toyota Corolla that is fun to drive. Carolyn will meet us later in the Valley to swap cars and drive Carol back home from her vacation with relatives. The airport connection is as smooth as silk, as I have taken Carol’s ride and we head off to Bryan’s to drop off stuff for the wedding yard sale scheduled for Saturday morning. We all head over to Mello Mushroom for happy hour since Bryan has heard good things and I’m always up for half off on just about anything. http://mellowmushroom.com/ It does not disappoint and we get joined eventually by Carolyn and Caitlin for a fun time sitting on the patio. They have some soft pretzels that are the best pretzels I have ever eaten. They also have a craft beer list that just might be the envy of many places and they are half off. Carolyn and mom head back to Payson and I stay since I’m sort of a yard sale junkie and I look forward to moving items out with Caitlin and Bryan. The yard sale is a hit as Caitlin’s designer clothes leave in many shopping bags. We even have some memorable customers like the “tweaked” out one who wants to buy jewelry but has no money and says he’ll be back with his six bucks and he drives off and comes back. It sort of felt like an episode of “Breaking Bad” where Jesse is tweaking out. Eventually the day ends, Carolyn rejoins us after meeting on shower plans for Caitlin and we get to count the take and it is a good day. They will reopen for a time on Sunday for a clearance sale but Carolyn and I are headed for a South Mountain hike. After a nice Mexican food dinner at La Casa De Juana (Jordyn gets to join us) in Tempe http://juanashouse.com/, we head back to Mello Mushroom for a late night time on the patio. I sure enjoy spending time with my soon to be son-in-law and my girls. The opportunity to talk about raising children arises and if nothing else I have some great experiences to share. (but that is for another day)

Sunday morning is upon us and Carolyn and I head to the Pima Canyon Trailhead off of 48th street and are lucky to find a spot to park. Of course we are quite far from the actual trailhead but walking is a good thing. It is an absolutely beautiful morning for a hike on the urban trail system in South Mountain Park. IMG_2110The trail system is phenomenal with many places to mountain bike or hike. It is fairly crowed on the trails but the further we go, the less people we see. IMG_2112We head up National Trail and take a side trip on the Hidden Valley Trail back to the National Trail and up to Buena Vista Lookout area. The views are spectacular and we do our Jordyn poses overlooking the city. It is such a joy to be out with Carolyn just once again enjoying the time and talking about important items to us like Caitlin’s wedding, Jordyn’s college, and the time alone on the trail is magical. It really does feel like I’m walking on sunshine. The trails have become quite popular with both hikers and bikers and that idea of sharing the “road” is essential.        IMG_2115  I have learned that hikers yield to horses and bikers are to yield to hikers and horses. As you can imagine this is not always the case as rules and proper etiquette are often ignored or unknown. We manage to not get run over by bikers and head back down and use the Mormon Trail loop to return to National Trail and back to the trailhead. It really was a beautiful day and it is a credit to the City of Phoenix to have such a fantastic trail system and a way to escape the city. Surrounded by city but in a refuge IMG_2117where you can be alone. I’m so disappointed that I didn’t discover these years ago. These days have continued to lift my spirits and I have enjoyed connecting with family and realizing that these are the moments I will remember and take with me when I am gone. So I am walking on sunshine Enjoy a little Walking on Sunshine.

Posted in Family, Hiking, Relationships, Running | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

50 Shades of Red–A Valentine’s Day Adventure

Posted on February 16, 2015 by timfruth

Valentine’s Day is a special time when you hope to spend the day with the love of your life. There is always a commercial connection since retailers sure hope you break out the pocketbook and spend your way to happiness. Of course being known as frugal most might think I would be a total cheapskate, but I do spend some money on my Carolyn but I am hoping that she knows I love her each and every day.

This Valentine’s Day is no different but the special way of spending it might be somewhat different. There will be no “50 Shades of Grey” watching on this day for Carolyn and I, after all it is a beautiful spring like day and we sure are not about to sit in a darkened theater when we can enjoy this day of redness on an adventurous hike. That is what these two lovebirds enjoy.

Now I have to digress for a moment as I will admit that I bought the book 50 Shades of Grey at a yard sale–actually all three of the books for a total of $1.00–just thinking that this would be an interesting read. After three weeks I hadn’t made it halfway through the first in the series as I just couldn’t understand what the hoopla was all about. Really? Having some older guy controlling a young female with whips and chains and then having his way with her seemed quite odd. I mean, seriously? Women like this stuff? This stuff is romantic? So I donated the books to the Senior Center thinking maybe some of them older ladies could fantasize on my dime. At my age I’m thinking I’m too old to consider bondage and other control mechanisms as ways to enjoy the company of my wife. I can see it now: “Honey, I’m home and I brought the whips and the chains and some leather straps.” If I brought that stuff home my wife would just whoop me (I’m not talking just a spanking) tie me up,and leave me somewhere–like in the middle of the desert for the coyotes to devour. (Ok maybe not) So no “50 Shades of Grey” today; I’m staying with my Valentine color of choice–red. (Digression over)

On Friday, we had traveled to Scottsdale so I could go to my skin specialist Dr. Cummings http://swskin.net and she could laser away some of the 50 Shades of Red that has overcome my face from years of sun abuse. 350+ laser shots later (they hurt) we head back to Payson and Carolyn is determined to get us on the trail come Saturday morning. (This is a great place for skin care.) I’m a bit beat up but ready to roll Saturday morning. I am sick with a cold and sneezing and coughing has overcome me. Breathing is labored but I’m game for this adventure. After all it is Valentine’s Day and I am determined to spend it with my love.

To make the day extra special, our ASU daughter, Jordyn, has decided to join us on our grand adventure planned by Carolyn. I actually get to be with two of my loves and added bonus. Carolyn has picked out the Flat Iron trail in Lost Dutchman state park 5929-888888_1200816757-11as what we are going to do. We meet up with Jordyn at the Mesa Riverview Chick-Fil-A for coffee. Why? It is free due to free coffee February at all Chick-Fil-A restaurants and you don’t have to purchase anything to get a free small hot coffee or a medium iced coffee. Got to love it! Jordyn has picked up our subs from http://www.silverminesubs.com with a BOGO coupon provide by the Entertainment book. Great subs.

We travel to Lost Dutchman http://azstateparks.com/Parks/LODU/ only to find out the park is full and it is suggested that we go to the Water Road and find some place to park and come back in. We find a place and walk back about a half mile to the entrance and we are allowed in for the $7 fee charged for cars instead of the $3 a person fee as in walk-ins.LODU_Park_Map

I’m already tired due to being sick but I just suck it up and off we go another half mile or so to the trailhead. We have been told that this is a six hour hike but we’re tough so on we IMG_1919go. We are going from 2,000 feet to about 5,000 feet and supposedly a 2,000 foot gain in less then a mile–meaning we are headed straight up at some point. We make it to the Basin and I’m now a full 50 Shades of Red due to the exertion and my lack of breathing power. I can’t go on so I figure I can hang out, eat my sub, and check out the views from 3,100 feet. Spectacular! Carolyn and Jordyn decide to move on up to a point where Jordyn have traveled before. We know that today will not be the day to get to the top of Flat Iron.

10974288_10204724291760222_1982465102294178068_oThe girls come back and join me for lunch and we decide to make our way back down the trail and we take Jacob’s Crosscut Trail as a possible short cut to the Water Road. We enjoy this time together just having fun talking and laughing about various life activities like upcoming weddings. Next time I hope to have the GoPro up and running.

Eventually we end up at our vehicle and it has been decided that we are going to check out a couple craft breweries in the East Valley and I’m not going to let this cold stop me from enjoying a cold one.

Downtown Mesa is our destination as we head to the Desert Eagle Brewing Company http://www.deserteaglebrewing.com/#!home/cb47 located right by the soon to be light rail coming through to Mesa. Very cool place and good brews. Carolyn has a pomegranate wheat and I go with the Baja Pilsner. They have a nice outdoor seating area and we enjoy some popcorn and company. So we get to just sit with Jordyn as she sips her water and discuss college, grades, jobs, and whatever else comes up. A very nice time is had and it was even Happy Hour which was a pleasant surprise, but it is time to move on to our next stop, the award winning Arizona Wilderness Brewing Company in Gilbert. After all we were in the Wilderness so this seems like an appropriate place to go. Carolyn has some sort of “blonde” stout and I have the regular stout. Both mighty fine brews. We order some food and Jordyn gets the chicken sandwich but Carolyn and I go for some concoction of pulled pork and french fries. It was delightful! Another spot for meaningful conversation sipping our brews-Jordyn her water.  Eventually we head back to Chick-Fil-A where Jordyn’s car is parked.

You guessed it, back in for some more free coffee. While at Chick-Fil-A, my friend Max Foster calls and I tell him he is interrupting my Valentine Dinner at Chick-Fil-A and he just thinks that is funny. I try to convince him that isn’t so but he sure got a kick out of that one. (As Max would tell me in reference to “50 Shades of Grey” we would have to tie up our wives so they can’t leave, but again I digress.)

Home at last, as this sick guy crawls into bed, putting on Netflix, ready to at least watch a nice romantic movie with Carolyn before drifting off into the land of restless, cough-filled sleep. Nice try, we binge watch four episodes of “The Killing” to finish off season 1.  http://www.amctv.com/shows/the-killing The detectives Sara Linden and Stephen Holder have great chemistry. We just love the show. Dark and dreary Seattle. Great acting. The Killing (Season 1)What’s not to like? “50 Shades of Grey” takes place in Seattle and this show is much better and thank goodness nobody had to get tied to the ceiling. What a great Valentine’s Day! A beautiful time with my beautiful valentine–Carolyn.

Just so you know we did exchange gifts and I won’t go into details but I did receive something with an Aaron Rodgers theme but that is a story for another day.

P.S. Just writing this stuff has turned me “50 Shades of Red”.

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