One Hump Or Two?

Camelback Mountain is a very popular hike here in Phoenix. It is just one mile to the top, which doesn't sound very hard, but when that one mile is at a 100% incline, up medium sized boulders and an increase of 1100 feet in altitude (facts obtained and then exaggerated from Kevin's gps watch), things become more challenging.

It was super bright up there - hence squinting!

Camelback on Camelback. Despite what you may think, this in not a bum bag (or that heinous word you Americans use to describe it). It's my water carrying pouch!

Rather large Saguaro (or for you non-desert experts: cacti)

Demonstration of steepness:

My little 2-mile-round-trip hike though is nothing compared to my mother who just hiked 70 miles across Spain. She and a friend decided to go on a Pilgrimage in Northern Spain (apparently you spend less time in purgatory this way.) So for the last week they carried all their belongings on their backs, slept in monasteries and struggled along the Pilgrims trail. I find it very hard to believe my mother did this, I personally think she spent the last week at a resort and spa. I need photographic evidence!

Hip Hip Hooray

Hip hip hooray,

Kevy had a birthday!

One more year old,

Life is just beginning to unfold.

And still decades away from the gray.

The day was lots of fun,

And would probably equate a home run.

He received lots of stuff,

27 candles did he puff,

Getting them all out in one!

Apparently the theme for this birthday was the colour red! In true Saltzman tradition he had to try on all his new clothes. However if you look quickly, it looks like he is just wearing the same thing and I take too

many photos of him.

Kevy had many birthday requests, one of which was that we all played Settlers of Catan! And since we are all such a loving family, we let him win (although I don't think Katie was too happy about it)

And this is because: being sung to isn't awkward enough:

Judgemental

Yesterday we were offered third row seats to the WNBA playoffs....The Phoenix Mercury against the San Antonio Silver Stars (who's job is it to name these teams?)

Black Jerseys = Silver Stars. White Jerseys = The Mighty Mercury

We went with the attitude of considering our appearance to be similar to community service. Someone needs to support them, right? But we ended up having a really good time.

The game was really intense, and I ended up getting far too in to it. And am embarrassed to say I would go again.

My biggest regret was not having my video camera. The WNBA has a very interesting fan-base, who offered countless amazing footage moments. I may have matched the fans in intensity but there were many other things that separated me from them. Such as: a biker chain, an Ellen DeGeneres hair cut, oh and a husband.

This is Charles Barkley one of the top 50 players of all time. I learnt that if someone points out Charles Barkley in a crowd full of Basketball fans and you go "Gnarles Barkley, where?" The person in front of you will turn around, and give you a very dirty look, and Kevin will have to jump in and explain that you are from England and don't know too much about basketball.

Moral of the story: Don't judge basketball by who is playing it. A good game, is still a good game. (Kevin will pretend he doesn't agree with this statement, but I saw how much fun he had last night. Don't let him tell you otherwise)

Happy Anniversary

Happy Anniversary to me! I have now been in America for 5 years. Look at me go.

I moved to America at the beginning of September 5 years ago, into my far-too-small dorm-room at David-John Hall. Much has changed since then, but it has been a wonderful 5 years. So to celebrate I have dedicated the whole of September to my anniversary (think of me what you will.)

So far to celebrate we have been country dancing. We had lessons beforehand from an old G-pa Cowboy. We quickly became friends and he started using me in all the demos. He liked to come around and critique us as we were dancing. Apparently I bob around too much. He suggested I keep my upper body still and take smaller steps; "save some energy for when you get home."

We also went out for some good old American BBQ, at a small whole in the wall known as Stacey's. It has been voted number 1

BBQ in Phoenix, and I now understand why. Nothing like good ol' fashioned smoked BBQ ribs, served to you by someone with a hic accent to let you know your in America.

To accompany the celebrations I have been increasing my American knowledge by reading about Abraham Lincoln. My knowledge on America is somewhat embarrassing. I also plan on being able to label a map of America before the month is out.

Since we are only half way through September there is still plenty more time for celebration. I just need to think of more American activities....Ameritivties?

(ps. I still love England, as is evident by my past costumes for halloween.)

Spot The Difference

Kevin and I went for a bike ride with Sean (Kevin's cousin-in-law) on monday, the difference between biking in Arizona and Utah was HUGE!

Can you spot all the differences?

1. No dad in Arizona

2. Kevin's and my outfits don't match

3. My jersey, well Kevin's, is way too big (hint hint, Dad)

4. Lush green v. desert waste land.

5. Cacti! If you look carefully you can see them in the background, they were everywhere!

6. I had to carry my own backpack with Kevin!

7. Kevin is sporting his Cougar pride (he actually got a few comments from fellow riders)

8. There are clouds in Utah!

As fun as it was, 20 miles in the super heat isn't necessarily my first choice to spend a holiday. Maybe next time only 10 miles?

"Yes Master"

Kevin was accepted into the Southern Utah University Masters program for Exercise Science and Conditioning!

Everyone should start preparing themselves now, as Kevin has requested that once he graduates to be referred to as "master." Apparently if you become a graduate student you are ranked up there with Major Nelson.

SUU is the home of the T-birds, which means Kevin has gone from a proud BYU Cougar to:

or if you are/were a nerd and grew up in England one of these:

Either way he now has a halloween costume for life!

You are all invited to Kevin's graduation, which will be held in Cedar City, hopefully in the summer of 2012, where Kevin will receive his "hoodie" (or more commonly known as a hood.) Hope to see you there!

The Grand Canyon State

We have moved from what claims to be a desert to what really is a desert....Utah is a lush beauty of green compared to Arizona!It took us 12 hours to drive from SLC to Phoenix, and this is what I got to stare out for 12 hours, the back of our U-Haul. And when I wanted a break from that I got to look at this: 

Thankfully to make the journey a bit more enjoyable Kevy and I had walkie-talkies, and with code names such as Rubber Ducky and Foxy Loxy how could we not have fun?

It may be 105 degrees today ....and for the rest of the month ....and quite possibly all of next month. But I shall be having the last laugh come November and still wearing shorts while you are bundled in everything you own!!! Except if you happen to live in Arizona or maybe Texas and actually Florida too....But for all you others HAHAHAHAHA