Our Vacation to Sedona, AZ. Radisson Poco Diablo Resort

On Dec. 27, we took off for a vacation in Arizona. The first day we drove to Prescott and enjoyed our stay there. The next day we took the scenic drive through Jerome to Sedona. It is one of the "America's 120 Most Scenic Drives" from the Reader's Digest book with the same name. I am trying to slowly work our way through the book. Here Kirk is standing at the Tuzigoot Monument where Native Americans lived in the 1200's.

Sedona is famous for its beautiful Red Rocks, which surround the city.

We had a spacious room at the Radisson Poco Diablo Resort.
It has a view of the golf course with the red rocks in the distance.

Welcome to Sedona!

One day we drove up to Flagstaff and stopped at the Cracker Barrel Country Store.
The Oak Creek Canyon Vista area was a fun place to throw a few snowballs.

Sedona is the New-Age center of the US because of the "vortexes" that are there.
There are palm readers, auro photographers, UFO tours, etc. all over town!

We went off-roading twice, meeting the Pink Jeeps coming and; going. We were in our warm 4-wheel drive Road Runner at 70 degreees, while the jeeps were open in the 34 degrees snowy weather. Brrrrr!

Kirk bought a turquoise-inlaid pocket knife at the western shop in Sedona.

The last night we were there it snowed. The snow outlined the layers in the red rock, to make a beautiful photo opportunity.
We drove back through Oak Creek on our way out of town. It was beautiful!

Here we are at Slide Rock. (This is where Heidi said that they bring the kids on their way to California. They stop here to play in the creek and slide on the natural water slide -in the summer). We arrived home in the early evening on New Year's Eve. What a wonderful trip!!!

Sedona on Dwellable

My 20-Hour Sleep Test

On Monday evening 12/19 I checked into the Sleep Disorder Institute across the street from St. Jude hospital. (My endocrinologist wanted me to be tested).There are 6 bedrooms used each evening for overnight sleep tests. There were 5 "guests" there, although I only saw one. It took about 30 minutes for me to be "hooked up". I had 5-6 electrodes put around the back of my head to test my brain waves during sleep. 2 were put on my forehead, 2 on my cheek bones, 3 on my chin. Then I had 1-2 EKG ones put on my upper chest. 3 on my side, and 3 on each lower leg, to test for leg motion during the night. Then I had loose bands put around my waist and ribs to test "effort" in breathing.
The most common disorder discovered during this type of test is Sleep Apnea (where patients quit breathing many times a night. This is hard on their heart, and keeps them from going into a deep sleep. This can really affect their life, weight, energy levels, etc. A small face mask is prescribed. It is hooked up to an air machine that blows air down the windpipe to keep it open all night.)
I was lastly fitted with a small air tube into my nose & mouth, in case I needed a mask during the night. Amazingly enough, people DO sleep with all of these wires attached! There was an in fared camera above the bed which monitors our movements during the night. As we sleep, technicians sit at a monitor and watch the "waves" (it looks like a seismograph) from all of the electrodes. They also monitor the TV screen. Each technician watches 2 guests all night long. Those who are discovered to have SA are fitted with a mask and air machine during the night, and then monitored to see the improved quality of sleep. They leave early the next morning with a prescription for a mask & machine, etc.
I had originally thought I would be able to leave the next morning and had a full-day scheduled, including another doctor appt. Well, since I don't have SA I had to stay until 5pm to take a 2o minute nap every 2 hours!! I was pretty bummed to think I'd be stuck there all day and silently had an argument with God about it! After praying, I realized that I had asked God to help me focus on Jesus this season and not get lost in the usual "hustle & bustle". Well, I got to stay in my jammies & robe all day, drink tea, not go anywhere, and read! I had Kent Hughes' book on Christ-mas and the new book, "God in the Small Stuff at Christmas" with me, so I had a relaxing day after all. I had to take a 20 minute nap every 2 hours (to see how sleepy I am during the day). I was actually wiped out when I drove home at 5pm! The 20 minute naps just got me to sleep, but then I was awakened, so I felt unrested.
If you dare, scroll down and see the horrible picture of me when I was all hooked up.
The thing around my neck is the wire box that is hooked up to the cable when sleeping. They hung it around my neck when I wasn't in bed. Fortunately, the first thing in the morning the face tubes, leg electrodes and loose bands were removed, so the rest of the day wasn't too bad. The person who "babysat" me all day is a polysomnograhpic specialist. She went from computer to computer analyzing the data and typing up reports & recommendations. I should hear from my doctor within 10 days.

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Since Thanksgiving

Since Thanksgiving we have been very busy!
Here are a few photos to get you cuaght up.
The weekend of Thanksgiving Jeff & Heather went on
their 1st-Anniversary-of their-first-date.

I woke up for work one morning and saw this layer of fog covering LaHabra but not the hills.
It was really unusual!
After having our entry & hall repainted, Kirk & I put up the
lettering from www.wisedecor.com.
It was so easy.

Then I had a parent from our school paint a trellis, ivy, leaves, etc.
to add to my "French Cafe" look.

A fun shot from our backyard this week.

Luke's Graduation party on Saturday, 12/19. About 35 well-0wisher came.

Today during our service we have skits, songs, Christmas carols & special music around the theme of "Grace & Truth." It was written by Rick & Heidi Garside
and was EXCELLENT! Here Heather is singing with the Praise Band.
Heather & Teri Elfelt sang a duet beautifully.
Jeff's folks, sisters & brother-in-law came to hear Heather. :-)

Sorry, this one didn't get turned around. This the how the garden outside
the sanctuary looks in the Fall. Isn't it pretty!

Philip & Abby are working their way around Granada re-doing every plot of ground!!

A Lovely Thanksgiving Day

We met at Robin & David's at 4:00 pm to enjoy their newly renovated backyard.

A fountain will go where the milkcan now is.
Philip drew the plans for this clever use of space.

Luke, Jerry Stevens, Grandpa Seelye & Robin

We all walked the 2 blocks to Philip & Abby's newly-made studio apartment.

Jessica, Melissa & Anni Weins shared the day with us.

Grandma emerging from the spiral staircase upstairs.

Abby made a delicious salad & cheese, apple, nut snack -yum!

The day had gotten up to 82 degrees, but it cooled off when the sun set. The fire from the brazier gave us a little warmth so we could eat outside.
You can see the front door in the background.

Grandma's Chinese friend, Queenie, is in the US while her daughter attends Biola.

Anders is getting so big!

Kirk & Jerry looking over Abby's new cookbook that she's trying out

Is was so nice to get to know John Jensen, Chris's dad,
who was out from Ohio for the holiday.

We walked back to R&D's for dinner & dessert. What a lovely afternoon & evening!
We have SO much to be grateful for!!

A fun Day at Oak Glen

We stopped at Wood Acres to pick up our usual Arkansas Blacks. We have been visiting this apple farm for over 15 years! It was hard to see Jim Wood looking so frail. Kirk & I both left a tract for him (each without the other knowing it). Hopefully, he'll read them and think about God's offer of salvation.

Jeff enjoyed seeing the places where many of our family
photos have been taken over the years.

The cute couple!

The old couple!

We went on a mile walk that starts near Los Rios Rancho.
Here are Kirk, Heather & Jeff jumping up and down on the floating dock.

See all the ripples in the water they made!

A tranquil setting

Walking through the oak trees, back toward the apple selling area

Then we drove over to Riley's farm where Jeff remembers coming when he was in Jr. high.
The place was fairly deserted except for a few of us.
This goat did NOT want Kirk to stop giving him a head rub! It was fun to watch!