Some much needed R&R...

After a tumultuous weekend of hiking and working 14 1/2 hours on Sunday, I spent Monday and Tuesday lounging around the apartment and staying off my feet... (living the dream does have its advantages). I did some cooking and some spring cleaning and opened the windows (you can do that when the temps are in the 70-80 range) and watched some DVR programs that I recorded. Also worked on planning my next visit back East... (since none of youse guys seem to want to come out here). Tentative plans have me back in the New York/New Jersey area sometime around the middle of July. Need to coordinate further and check airlines and see how many of my friends are willing to shelter "America's Guest" for a time while I'm visiting... (don't all jump at the opportunity at once, but any offers will be gladly considered). I am also trying to squeeze in a trip to Iowa for my cousin's daughter's wedding on August 1... (I missed Nicole's and I missed visiting Amelia last time so this is a good opportunity to see them again). I will keep you posted as my plans come together... (I don't know if I want to leave the balmy, 115 degree "dry" heat in July but one must make sacrifices for one's friends). There are no security gigs this week, so me and Flat Stan are hanging out... (for those unfamiliar, Flat Stan was sent to me by my Natalie and her class. He is a character from one of her books and I am sharing my apartment and adventures with him, taking pictures, and recording our visit before returning him to Natalie. If I have explained this already, too bad, because it's my blog). Flat Stan has played volleyball, went hiking in Sedona, went to work with me at Phoenix Stadium, sunbathed by the pool and we are playing golf later in the week...

Met with some friends and played volleyball out at our favorite courts Wednesday night... (wind was pretty strong but we had a blast). The same people show up for volleyball , so we decided to meet and play on our own rather than wait for E&A to schedule it. We're going to try and make it a regular occurrence from now on... (God knows this old man can use the exercise). The courts are well-groomed sand, there is music playing, food and drink available, and softball fields, batting cages and other sports related stuff to do. It is also next to a water park which may come in handy prior to game night when the weather becomes Hades-like... Another "easy" day on Thursday was followed by a round of golf this morning at the course around the corner from where I live... (Flat Stan came with and drove the cart and took some pictures of the herons and ducks). Holy cow, do you realize what has happened?? I am actually "talking" (writing) in the present tense... this happened this morning. I have caught up to today with my blogging... (never thought it would happen). This is a truly momentous occasion. I will celebrate with a salmon and wild rice dinner... (it is Good Friday after all. Even though I have a room booked at Satan's palace for eternity, I still like to observe the rules once in a while. Good karma and all, you know?).

Flat Stan and I are going hiking again tomorrow on South Mountain... (supposed to be beautiful views of Phoenix from there). Then we are going to Majerle's Sports Bar to watch the NCAA basketball games... (Go West Virginia and go Butler). Plans are in the air for Easter Sunday... (since I don't have work I will try and find an Easter service somewhere and then worship at the Holy 18 holes of the Lord). Like I said, my room is booked at Satan's Palace... Happy Easter and easy on the chocolate to all my friends and family and all their friends and families... Love you guys.