Our visit with Betty and John

Last Thursday we went to Phoenix to visit with our dear friends, Betty and John.  We hadn't seen them since they visited here last September, so it was great to catch up!  The bonus in us going to their house is that we get to see their kids and grand kids as well, AND, their weather is much warmer than ours!

The flight down was totally uneventful, and Betty, John, and son Jim met us at the airport.  As our flight landed about 12:30, we went out to lunch at one of their favorite lunch spots - Pudgies!  They had great sandwiches and wonderful cookies, too!

We spent a lot of time chatting and catching up, as well as doing some touring in and around Phoenix.  We visited the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM), which opened fairly recently, and was just amazing!  They display musical instruments from around the world and from the beginning of time.  We saw displays from Europe, Canada and the US.  We didn't have time to do Asia, so the MIM is on the list for next time.  It was fascinating to see that all of the countries shared the same basic instruments.  I always thought that the bagpipe originated in Scotland or Ireland, but it turns out that all of the countries had figured out that you could (literally!) use a dead animal as a musical instrument! 

There were dozens of amazing guitars and stringed instruments, as well as a variety of horns and flutes. And of course, bones and skin for drums and drumsticks.  We highly recommend this museum if you are in the Phoenix area and plan on it being a full-day event!  They also have a section of the museum devoted to mechanical devices, like the player piano and music boxes.  We were fortunate to be there on a Friday at 4:00 pm when they play the Apolonia - a huge mechanical music machine that sounds like a full orchestra!  It was used in dance halls and theaters in it's hey day.

We visited with Leslee and her kids but somehow we didn't get any pictures of them! Katelynn and Matthew are getting big, and Leslee is keeping busy with kids and work.  We saw Jim, Kristy and Ashley, and Jon, but not his boys.

We spent some time in Scottsdale - always a fun place to visit!

Betty, John and Jim are in the process of moving the business from a leased office to the small apartment at their house that John had built for Betty's mother years ago.  It's a great space, consisting of a living room, bedroom and bath, and a wee kitchen.  It has a separate entrance, as well, so perfect for a home office.  On Monday John, Jim and Lee did some moving of drafting tables and equipment from the office, and the computer guy came to make them operational.  Once it's all organized, it's going to be great, and you can't complain about the commute!  At this point, they are still trying to figure out where everything is going to go, as it's definitely smaller than their leased space. But we've no doubt that they will get it all worked out!

And then, all too soon it was Tuesday morning and time to come home!  Thanks for a great visit, Betty and John!  We're looking forward to seeing you next year!

Pugies - a great lunch spot!  Jim, John, Betty and Lee

Betty and John, after decorating the alter at their church

A beautiful fountain in Scottsdale

We thought these table and chairs were adorable, and no, we didn't have any ice cream

As you would expect, Scottsdale has great pottery.  We loved this story teller with her many, many children

How do you like our new car?  OK, we got in the van next to it!

This was one of the many fascinating instruments at MIM - the Octobase.  The instrument is so tall that the person playing it had to stand on a step next to it to reach the keys and strings.

This bagpipe left no doubt as to it's origin!  It started out as a calf.  Yuck!  You have to wonder who thought of it originally!

The Apollonia - it filled up the wall and all of the instruments moved as they were played.  It was a treat to be able to hear it in action

Betty and John's pond.  The lilly pads were in bloom, and the fish were fun to watch.  They have had an issue with cranes, swooping in and grabbing the koi right out of the pond!

Jim and his daughter, Ashley, with their Halloween decorations.

Dinner!  We even got Ginger in the picture.

Betty and John's great room - this is the addition that they put on last year.  It's a wonderful space.

The other end of the great room.  Big enough for Betty's piano.  Notice the collection of dolls on the wall.

Office move - phase I.  The drafting tables and computers are ready to go.  Can't wait to see pictures of it when the move is complete!  Betty's office is in what was the bedroom.

We had a great time, and also enjoyed the last bit of summer that we're going to have for awhile!