We are rounding the final bend in our vacation. But there’s still one more important stop, Prescott, AZ. Way back in the 1980’s, John and I moved to Hopkinton, MA. In our little cul-de-sac, there were four houses and all of us in them were about the same age and had kids all about the same age. We became fast friends and the time we spent there was idyllic (and often pretty wild.) Sadly one by one each of us moved away. But I think we all agree that it was some of the best years of our lives. We’ve already been to visit Sophie and Al in North Carolina and today we are off to see Eileen and Jim in Prescott, AZ.
But first a stop at Walnut Canyon National Monument. At the visitor’s center we see a short film about the native people who used to live in the canyon. They hunted and gathered and did some limited farming. Their houses were built into the overhangs in the canyon walls. Their existence reminds us somewhat of the way the ancient people in Font de Gaume, France lived 35,000 years ago.
We arrive at Eileen and Jim’s around 2 PM. We are so happy to see them.
There are hugs all around.
Jim, who is an expert guitarist, entertains us with some of his greatest hits. His songs are a wry commentary on life in general and politics in the U.S. I would say that he probably wouldn’t be a hit on Fox News. But we enjoy his sense of humor.
And, of course, under the heading of “Will we ever learn….” we manage to put away a vast quantity of wine. Not our record number of bottles but still quite a few. We vow to not have wine tonight. We’ve decided on margaritas instead!
