Let the good times roll in January!

The past six days have been marvelous because I've been on vacation: exploring and showing off Arizona to my friend Teresa from Maryland. We had a great time beginning Thursday afternoon through today.
We were able to see Montezuma castle and the Montezum Well up near Sedona. It was so beautiful there with cool breezes (rare) and picturesque backdrops! We loved hiking around a bit and taking a few pictures. At the bottom of the well, one man brought his ukaleli (sp?) and played some beautiful calm music while the water rushed out from the well and down the rocks on its route. It was a little damp and cool down there and very pretty. We enjoyed eating at a local restaurant and looking at arts and crafts.
Saturday we saw the Desert Botanical Gardens. Who knew there were so many varieties of cactus to be seen? Some of my favorites include the "creeping devil cactus," that grows like a long snake. It can literally take over the area if you let it, that little devil. It grows along the ground and literally creeps up and will grow onto things if you let it. I also loved the Madagascan palm, like a little palm tree with leaves growing off of an almost flat top. The white hairy cactus was called, "Old Man of the Andes," and I've always wondered the name. Now I know. :) Those were just a few to name.
Some other events included exploring Mill Avenue, checking out Rawhide Old Western Town, and the contemporary art museum in Scottsdale. We also loved hearing Elder Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles answer questions from young single adults all over the area during a special fireside.
It was great trying out Lucille's BBQ in Tempe and hosting friends for a Monday night Mex-fest dinner at the house. Teresa will be missed as will good times had by all during, "exploring your own town," week. (Its cheaper than most vacations!)