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Showing posts from January, 2024

E.R. Hiccup

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  When it comes to plans and preparations, I am absolutely certain that God has a limitless sense of humor when it comes to ours! There are a lot of things that happen at the perfect time and at that perfect time the right people are always where they need to be. I say this with a chuckle in my heart, because recently, our elaborate planning was put into perspective by Gods perfect timing. He takes care of us the way we need and things happen according to His plan, not ours.  Let me take this opportunity to offer a little backstory. Every October, we migrate back to our hometown to make appointments at our primary care, our dentists, and our eye doctors in order to maintain our good health. It is very important to us to ensure that we keep ourselves mentally and physically in the best possible condition. Beyond the annual visits we also maintain ourselves by watching how we eat as well as exercising daily. Living this (nomad) lifestyle, we have to stay on top of everything; ou...

Snowbirding

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  There is no doubt that snowbirding, or traveling to warmer  locations during the winter months, can cause some individuals  to undergo major lifestyle changes. However, there are an  endless number of opportunities for new adventures and connections  to be made. There are many benefits to living the snowbird lifestyle, from exploring different cultures and cuisines to building meaningful relationships. It is a way of life that offers a unique and fulfilling experience.  There is no doubt that it may not be for everyone, but for those  who are ready to embrace it, it can be a fascinating and enlightening  way of life. It is true that traveling as part-timer or full-timer can be an incredibly rewarding  and enriching experience if you are energized by adventure and enjoy constantly  exploring new places.  Traveling as a full-timer or part-timer, however, can be incredibly challenging.  It offers a unique opportunity to gain a d...

Loving Your Surroundings

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There is something contradictory about deserts, as they provide both a peaceful environment and a lively atmosphere at the same time. In some places, you can experience such extraordinary levels of silence that even the slightest sound can be heard miles away from the place where it occurs.  The air is filled with the sounds of birds and the buzzing of hummingbirds in other parts of the country, which can make for a very exhilarating experience (something I've learned from personal encounters such as when a hummingbird dive-bombed my head).  There are many people, myself included, who assume that the ground in the desert would be sandy, but they are often surprised to find that it is actually lava rocks, adorned with beautiful sparkly stones, crystals, and petrified wood, which are really amazing to see when you see it for yourself. Additionally, it is also true that there are people who do come to the desert with their metal detectors in the desire of discovering hidden treas...

Palm Canyon, CA

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The rugged landscape of Palm Canyon, Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona is truly a sight to behold. This is our second visit to this breathtaking location and it never ceases to amaze me. The unique combination of mountains, cacti, and palm trees creates a stunning backdrop that is unlike any other area we have visited. The vibrant colors of the plants and flowers (when in bloom) add a touch of beauty to the otherwise harsh and desolate desert. It's almost as if nature is showing off, boasting its ability to create something so stunning from something seemingly bland and barren. There's something truly magical about being out in nature, surrounded by towering mountains and vast open spaces. It's a feeling of peace and tranquility that can't be replicated anywhere else.    As I sit here, I can't help but keep my eyes peeled for bighorn sheep, though I'm not sure if I'm actually seeing any or if it's just my mind playing tricks on me. Regardless, I am a...

The Center of the World

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For Christmas this past year Jerry took Bruno and I to The Center of The World in Facility California. These are the things I learned. It started out with Jacques-AndrĂ© Istel (the founder), who bought 2,600 acres in the Sonoran Desert in the 1950s.   Then in 1985, Michael J. Istel had an unconventional idea, to write a children's book as the first step towards making his concept a reality. His reasoning was that laws are logical and his idea lacked logic, so he needed to find something that no one could argue against. Thus, "The Good Dragon At The Center Of The World" was published, and Istel's book was praised for its engaging storytelling and its invitation to find invisible Good Dragons. Despite being a seemingly strange and even ridiculous idea, Istel, a French-born parachuting pioneer, was able to convince California's Imperial County Board of Supervisors to designate a spot on his property as The Official Center of the World. With no competitor, he even beca...