MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE!!

Merry Christmas Eve from lovely WARM Arizona.  On the OTHER hand, I woke up to rain this morning.    It's not one of their crazy storms, just nice quiet rain, the kind that makes you want to stay in bed. This was yesterday's sunrise.  I just love the pink skies.

I did have a bit of a problem yesterday however.  This is Control Panel 101.  There are FOUR different panels to navigate.  You might think this would be easy ... just tap the icon to start up the heater.  There are at least two or three things you need to do BEORE you tap.  On this morning, no matter what I did, I could not get either the heater OR the hot water heater to work.  

Oh Joy!!!  Instead of calling on Dan, I called on Canada.  When I purchased this rig, I received the phone number of my personal representative who resides in Canada where this thing was built.  No matter when you call, they answer.  Ryan is his name and he's a Saint.  After listening to me describe the problem, he said "easy peasy".  Turn the main control screen off ... count to 3 ... turn it back on.  It resets everything.  TA-DA!!   It worked.  

When I turned the heater on before the gas, it went into lockdown mode.  Reset the main control screen and it resets the mode.  Heater works .... hot water heater works.  Easy peasy is right.

A bit later, I set Cooper up for a few hours and we were off to the top of Mount Lemon ski resort.  Yessiree ... in the middle of the desert is a mountain with a ski resort at the top.  

It being the week of Christmas, everyone was off work and on their bikes riding up the hill.  No WAY said I, it's WAY too steep for bicycle riding.  But climbing ... I could do that.  This guy climbed to the top while the guy/gal at the bottom belayed him.  Lots of picture taking followed.

The higher you go, the farther you can see.  It's interesting, because as you drive along, you think you are in the desert ... when really, you are in a big valley.

I should have been a geologist because the rock formations fascinate me.  Layer upon layer, then this piece falling off the top of the hoodoo.

SURPRISE!!  We even ran into a little snow from the last rain.  Maybe this rain will bring a little snow for Christmas.

Though there were quite a few people up there, the ski lifts were not running.  You may remember me talking about this little town almost burning down a few years ago, but you can barely tell it happened now.  There is a new hotel with lots of rentable cabins, and road work all through town.  Too bad for us, the restaurant we came to for lunch, was closed for Christmas.

BUT WAIT ... there is a place called the Divine Bovine in Tucson.  Burger Central!!  Believe it or not, Habit Burger closed down.  This humongous burger and a bowl full of French fries is a suitable replacement.  They are so big, Patty and I got the "kids" burger and fries.  It was double what I can eat, but I ate it all!!!

Back home, Mr. Cooper was still sleeping.  He's waiting for Santa to come by.  So if you see this guy, please tell him Cooper is in ARIZONA!!!

This was my view last night before bed.  What looks like a full moon, is only at one quarter.  As you can see by the flag, it was a tad bit windy as this storm came blowing in.

I hope everyone is having a great time with family and friends.  Remember the reason for the season!!!  And be good, because Santa Clause is coming to town TONIGHT!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE TO EVERYONE!!