Adiós, Desert Heat!

Well, tomorrow morning I'm leavin' on a jet plane for the mountains. But no, not the rocky mountains. I'll be heading NW to the high Sierra Nevada Mountains near Mammoth Lakes, CA, and will be there until August 17th. It is currently snowing there, and 55 degrees! A little cooler than the 106 degrees we've been getting here in Phoenix lately. I will continue to update my blog as often as I can (although I will only have internet access about once a week when I get to town). Please stay tuned!

Here's some info for you in case you want to send me some love:

Holly Banks
c/o Reds Meadow
P.O. Box 395
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546

phone: 503/302-6090

A Year of Unemployment

It's been exactly one year since I was last employed, standing on the dock of a lighthouse following gray whales with my binoculars. At this time last year I was packing up my room in a beautiful beach house overlooking the ocean and lighthouse, cramming my life into my jetta. I was headed back to the valley not knowing where life would take me next. Little did I know I would end up in the Sonoran Desert, far from the ocean, the whales, sea lions, and happy, free-living people who loved the earth as much as I do, not taking little things in life for granted. I traveled a lot that summer, seeing Yellowstone for the first time, discovering my love for photography, and taking a road trip with the boy through Yosemite, Vegas, and into Arizona where he would be starting a new life. I told myself I would not be able to live here. Being mid-August, with no air-conditioner in the vehicle we came down in ('76 VW Bus), it was too damn hot, and there were not enough people like me.
But a month passed of being unemployed, and I decided once and for all, it was time to take a little spin in life and live in the desert for a while; see what else can be thrown at me. So then I went through leaving more behind: my closest friends, rain, TREES, and of course, my family and dog. It was rough at first; after a few months being jobless and having no friends depression set in, and I became cranky and irritable. We started making some friends, all guys of course since that's all Erik works with, but eventually I met their wives and girlfriends. Now I hang out with all of these people once to three times a week, and am back to being happy. It still gets lonely at home when Erik is at work, but I've been hearing so many stories about peoples' horrible jobs and them wishing they were "free" like me, although I do wish I could find something full-time that I can enjoy down here.

But in the meantime, the mountains are calling for me. In one week I will be flying to the high Sierra Nevadas where I have spent my summers growing up and riding horses in the back country. I'm taking a job I used to do taking out day rides on horseback, which I really do love since I get little kids running up to me and asking me if I'm a "real cowgirl", and wanting their picture taken with me. Then there are all the LA folk that come up for their vacation in the mountains, who dress hilariously for a horseback ride, but that's what's great about being on the lead horse, I can laugh and laugh secretly at their pink sandals and shorts and they have no idea. Then there is the feeling of being on a horse, breathing in the fresh mountain air, with not a care in the world, but to just be alive. I will be spending my summer doing just that, and taking a day off here and there to get out and take some photographs. I won't have internet where I'm going, but will still update you as often as possible (the town of Mammoth Lakes, CA is about a 45 minute drive up the mountain from the resort I will be working at, where I can find Wi-Fi at cafes here and there). I'll be living in a little one-room cabin amongst the ponderosa pines, and wildlife. (click on the title of this entry to take you to the Resort page.)



But of course I will be back in the desert on the 1st of September, hoping to find a full-time position THEN, maybe with Arizona Game and Fish, maybe at a bakery. Who knows. I just hope there is more down here to offer for me then. I'll miss Erik while I'm gone, but we've gone through many long-distance shiznit before, we can do 3 months again. And he promised he'd come visit me ;).

A Weekend in Sedona

We beat the heat this weekend and traveled on north to Sedona to go camping and hiking. It was sooooo nice up there, with high temperatures in the lower 80's! We found this amazing primitive campsite tucked in the trees near a creek where the 3 dogs could play, about 5 miles from town. There were 9 of us total, and we had a blast!

While Robyn, Erik and I went hiking the following day, Adrian, Alynda, Jimmy and Nathan went mountain biking. We spotted so many color variations of prickly pear flowers, and century plant flowers. There were tons of longhorn beetles paired up in the yucca... must be mating season!


Prickly Pear

Century Plant



I love Sedona. It's so much more vibrant than Phoenix, but of course more expensive. The houses, buildings and pavement there are all shades of red to match their surroundings. It's a quaint little hippie town, with lots of art shops, cafes, and ...psychics?


It was a great weekend, but Erik and I got home exhausted and a bit sunburnt. All worth it though!

Happy "90 plus 1" Bumper!

Today is my grandpa's 91st birthday. He (we all call him "Bumper") still has a young spirit, and is one of the most motivated, loving, and strongest people I know. He takes walks every day, shoots pool, tells stories and is on his feet more than on his bum. He now says that he is '90 plus one", and next year he will be "90 plus two". Never "91" or "92". He is so very loved by his kiwi wife, 4 kids, 16 grandchildren, and soon-to-be 22 great-grandchildren. We all are looking forward to the day he is "90 plus 11"!

Below is a poem my uncle Mike wrote for Bumper's birthday. It's very enjoyable, and gives you an idea about the entire 91 years of his life (yes, it's long, but how else is one supposed to fit an entire 91 years of life into a poem?!)

He says he’s not 91. He’s going by 90+ for awhile
OK, we’ll give him that, how can you resist that contagious smile?
Mom was caught by it 65 years ago, then turned his head with her guile
Soon they were dancing and smooching, and finally walked the aisle

But whoa, wait, hold your horses, that’s not where it all began
25 years had already passed before she met “the man”
In 1918, May 29th there was a tiny town called “Leigh”
In rural NE Nebraska, deep in “Colfax County”

A simple, humble farmhouse heard his first little cry
His Mother Mary held him close and Papa Joe was nearby
There was also his sister Leona and mostly Czech was spoke
His dad had a working farm but wasn’t content under that yoke

The tavern business became his thing, and they moved to Clarkson town
Then Weezer came along, which led to many a showdown
Rainold would stomp young Alden, until the inevitable day came
When Alden grew up and pinned him hard. They’ve never been the same

In the tavern, light or dark, they were badass, punk, pool sharks
Many a “wannabe” fell to their skills, and the air was blue with remarks
But the “Old Man” wanted an upgrade, so off to Schuyler they moved
A city boy now, of high-school age, his prospects were much improved

Mama Mary complied, if she could have her chickens and garden
A wonderful soul, a little shy, and always wearing her apron
She worked at endless chores, perfecting colaches and strudels
She even worked the café when needed, cooking oodles of meat and noodles

The “Old Man” now, was warm but strict; his hair lay black and slick
His talents came from Bohemian genes, he was serious Czech ethnic
Making a deal, serving a meal, playing a song or telling a joke
He’d hold your attention with a twinkly eye, and a fine smelling pipe of smoke

One high school year, young Joe took a job, and worked in a fine drug store
Christmas was nigh the ladder was high as he worked on the fancy decor
Some cutie walked by and caught his eye and the hammer slipped out of his hand
Down it crashed through the glass and perfume, he can still hear the reprimand

Dad moved them to Crete, no small feat, so Rainold could go to Doane,
Here he polished his talent to sing, and learned to make music his own
His Tenor voice, a gift from the gods, can fill a church with sweet sound
A touch of Divine will come to mind, you know the good Lord’s around

Then all life changed because of the war, so off he went to fly
Earned his commission and his wings, and waved his old life goodbye
Off to the South Pacific he flew, an unknown future beckoned
Until such time as he ended up in Alameda stationed

OK, we’re back where we started it seems, for now he met his Kiwi
A blind date or two, his freedom was through, ‘cause she kinda liked the Khaki
Here was class that rocked his world, sent him right to the moon
And he’d started out so humble, cleaning the saloon’s spittoons

They made a good life in the Navy, 20 years of challenging moves
Four kids kept them busy and growing, lots of work, parties and booze
They did several shows to lighten up the crews, Mom even did the hula
The “Princess Papooli” was a big hit then, something about her papayas

A pilot he was, but that’s not all. He worked for Naval intelligence
A contradiction in terms perhaps, but it did require some prudence
High-level clearance was part of the job, some talks were not allowed
He served the country long and well and of this career we’re proud

He retired back in Oakland but it wasn’t over still
With mouths to feed and lots to learn, they bought in the Oakland hills
Only in his forties now, smart and fully alert
He jumped into the insurance biz; it took skills and lots of effort

He kept the music going too, singing gigs and directing choirs
We all enjoyed it and got involved, practicing for hours
Music was a cornerstone, with Mom’s piano playing
When it was good and harmonious, it was just like praying

He had a client, Harry Ford, who liked his charisma and style
He lured him to the art school scene and made him stay awhile
The president’s “special assistant” he was, development was the gig
Besides the work, he later discovered that the artist within was big

Several years and off again to the College of Holy Names
They hired him away from CCAC; they needed his skills he claims
The view was better and the nuns were cool, but after some years he knew
That since he was in his sixties now, it was time to bid adieu

Retire he did, for sure this time, except when he worked for his wife
Bennett tours was the lucky group, he quit when she threatened his life
But exotic cruises were part of the perks, so fancy travel ensued
After many years of work and toil, he found his spirits renewed

What to do, what to do, here’s a man not meant to idle
Three careers, a masters, three languages and a mind far from addled
It occurred to him that with time on his hands he just might like to paint
So back to CCAC he went and studied without constraint

Water colors everywhere, you should see the portfolio fine
Grandma Moses’ got nothing on him, his command of color and line
He’s a true Bohemian spirit; music and art are his soul
He moved beyond the left-brained world and discovered what makes him whole

Thirty five years on Harbord Dr. and now just too many stairs
So they moved to Alameda, where their history began with such care
Eleven years here and age had its way with some major physical crises
Mom lost her marbles and he needed work on his carotids and poor knees

But science is a wonder and with meds and scalpels sharp
All returned to normal and neither are playing the harp
So another move ensued and off to Salem and Mel
At first it didn't go so well, Mom thought she was in hell

Then a cottage opened up, by a pond with swans and ducks
A beautiful spot, lush and serene, really quite deluxe
Much happier now, they both allow, ‘cause they’re really independent
They’re back to fat and sassy again and very much more vibrant

The painting’s on hold we’re sad to hear because of that bent up finger
And sometimes he gets dizzy spells that worry this old singer
But pool is ok, any time of day, don’t play him for money, you’ll lose
And one of his greatest pleasures is an afternoon’s sweet snooze

It’s a huge legacy he’s created with Mom; the numbers are off the charts
Four generations are thriving today, there’s nearly thirty-nine hearts
Four kids, sixteen grands, nineteen greats and in the oven three more
Its babies galore that make his heart soar, for their Bumper they adore

No one is more surprised than he, of this clan he and Mom conceived
If he’d been told as a youth that this would be the truth, he may not have believed
But here it is, for the world to see, and those in the know agree
It has to do with that contagious smile, this master of the "nosyninky"

Ninety plus years is ok, but we want a hundred and one
We just can’t get enough of him; he shows how life can be done
Sinner and saint, he’ll go sans complaint, when he gets the call from above
Sure in his heart and mind, that we’ll forever share in his love

Hummers

I've done my best to make our deck look purdy, with cacti, succulents, and hibiscus plants, but a couple of months ago I noticed hummingbirds flying around searching for food. I'm sure there are plenty of flowers around for them to pollinate, but I felt bad for them considering the heat is getting so bad down here... I have always wondered if my feeding them would really disable their migration patterns, but after much researching on the matter, I found that it wouldn't affect it. I hope this is true, because after I put a feeder out, they are around almost every minute of the day! Sometimes even 2 fight over it. I feel happy since it is so hot out, they must be using so much energy just to stay hydrated. And I noticed it's not always the same bird coming back to feed, there are several different species a day that come to the feeder. I love it because I can enjoy them from the comforts of my couch :).

Can't get enough of the Outdoors!!

Well the other day we were called up to go on yet another spontaneous camping trip, so we quickly packed up and drove east to Queen Creek Canyon. Erik and I went with another couple and another friend, and Robyn and I spent the first day watching the boys climb and playing with the dogs. The weather was great--about 90 degrees, with an occasional cloud cover, and warm at night.

Where we hiked to to get to the good climbing spot we had to do a lot of climbing ourselves, with 2 dogs that are definitely not good at climbing up rock walls themselves, so with one of the dogs (especially since she had a broken toe) we put her in Adrian's pack. She just sat there and didn't mind a bit! The other dog is a little less docile, so we had to lift him up high rock faces, which was pretty entertaining as well.
While Robyn and I hung out below where the guys were climbing we noticed a chunk of rock that didn't really seem right... I got closer and realized it was a lizard! But not small like the ones we see everywhere scurrying around. This was about 10 inches long. I found out later it's called a Clark's Spiny Lizard. It posed for a while so I could get a decent shot, then darted away when it was tired of sitting there.
In the end we had a great campsite (primitive camping of course), with good times as always, just the 5 of us. Thank God for "cooler" temperatures that weekend of 90° days and 70° nights!

Salt River Tubing

The past week I got together a floating trip down the Salt River with all our friends down here in Phoenix. In the end about 11 people came, and we spent 5 hours floating down the river on inner tubes! It was fantastic. Now that the weather is about 106 degrees and increasing, that's pretty much all one can do outside. It was very refreshing, although the Salt River is pretty dang littered. That was depressing. But it felt nice! I would not recommend people bringing their families on a trip like this though, with small children, since the higher proportion of people on the river are drunk or smokin' the dubee. It was PACKED. ASU graduation was this week so of course most of the them were graduates partying it up down the river. It was entertaining though.

Sorry, no pictures for this one. Chances of losing a camera or ruining it would be pretty high!! So I will leave you with this comic: