Reflections

Don't forget to check out my post on Sunday, April 1st, for the zombie housewives GIVEAWAY.

Bike Graveyard

Between Phoenix and Payson, along AZ State Route 87 (Beeline Highway), this huge graveyard of bikes can be found.  This mount of bikes of every type and other rusty vehicles can be found in every inch of this fenced-in space.  It caught our eyes and we just had to check it out.

Don't forget to check out my post on Sunday, April 1st, for the zombie housewives GIVEAWAY.

Four Years Laid Off

Four years ago, March 27, 2008, I was asked to come into my boss’s office for a chat.  Chat!!!  I knew what it was about because the week before, four of my fellow employees were sent packing and laid off.  He proceeded to tell me how bad he felt but he had no other choice.  I was to immediately pack my personal things and leave.  They had my severance package and last paycheck all ready for me to take home.  I was a bit miffed when they felt the need to watch me pack my stuff.  I spent over 8 years with this company and never stole from them (except maybe a pencil, pen, paperclip, eraser and etc. that may have jumped into my purse and went home with me).

 I have to admit that at first I was happy and relieved.  I worked as a Civil Engineering drafter/tech for around 30 years and never really loved my job.  It paid real well, so I stuck with it.  When I got home, I had to give my hubby the bad news.  As you probably guessed, he wasn’t happy about it.  I immediately got on the computer and filled out the necessary paperwork for my unemployment benefits.  This sucked!!!  I updated my resume and started the awful task of job hunting.

The first two years were a blur and not happy ones.  In October, I turned 50 and our bills were starting to suffer.  We had to dip into our savings to help keep them paid, but that was demising quickly.  I made major changes in ridding unnecessary bills and getting a better deal on the internet and cable.  After two years of job hunting, I only got two calls for interviews.  To make things worse, our mortgage company was not working with us to get our payments lowered.  My unemployment benefits ran out, the bills were way behind, our mortgage company was shitheads, and we didn’t know what to do.  We decided to check into bankruptcy, but after a year of dealing with a crappy lawyer and it possibly affecting my husband’s business, we stopped it.  We called our creditors and worked out payment plans and they were happy to help us. 

Things are looking up today.  My husband’s business is doing real well, and has been a lifesaver keeping us afloat.  He isn’t pestering me about getting a job.  We short sold our house, paid off some of those debts, and have only two more to go.  We are hoping to be debt-free by the end of next year, yahoo.  Two year ago, I met a wonder person, friend in Sharon, and since then things have gotten better for me.  I am doing things I just dreamt of such as making money doing artwork, writing books, taking road trips all over the state, and being able to photograph everything.  My hubby has been incredibly supportive of it all.  He is proud of the Zombie Housewives book Sharon and I have coming out on April, 1, 2012, telling all his friends and family. 

I want to thank all the readers and followers on my blog.  This blog was started as a joint effort with my buddy Mike to chat about anything paranormal.  Today, it is a place to share my crazy road trips, photos, Wild West history, ghost stories, and anything personal.  Thank you for your support!

Being published on April 1, 2012

Don't forget to check out my post on Sunday, April 1st, for the zombie housewives GIVEAWAY.

Arizona Rangers

In 1901, because of all the gambling, prostitution, cattle rustling, copper and silver mining in the Arizona Territory, the Arizona Rangers were formed to keep things under control.  The territory was known as one of the last Wild West places, with many outlaws and lawmen drawn to the allure the desert had to give.  The densely populated towns, especially near the Mexico border, were inhabited with outlaws and the territory became inundated with corruption.

The Arizona Rangers were a group of skilled horsemen, trackers, marksmen, which consisted of a Captain, one Sergeant, and 12 Rangers.  Patterned after the Texas Rangers, these accomplished men were armed with the best horse and weapons to round up the unruly outlaws.

After 7 ½ years in operation, and after 107 men served with the rangers, the Arizona Rangers were broken up.  “On February 15, 1909, the Arizona legislature repealed the act establishing the Arizona Rangers. The vote to disband was vetoed by the Territorial Governor, but was overridden by assembly because of political pressure from county sheriffs and district attorneys in northern Arizona.”

In 1957, a group formed as a non-profit corporation was called the Arizona Rangers.  Today the Arizona Rangers are unpaid volunteers, and work with law enforcement officials and officers.  They also offer community service and work with the youth.  

Awesome Antiques

The Art & Antique Corral store in Payson caught our attention with its amazing display in front of the store.  What we didn't expect was all the unbelievable antiques, stones, and quirky Arizona items we found inside. The owner's dog was adorable.  She followed Sharon and I all over the store, and even out in the back where there was a couple old doors we wanted but had no room to put in Sharon's car.  I could have spent all day at this place and not seen everything.  It is a must see if you love antiques.  It sits along the highway coming into Payson from Phoenix.

Our little watch dog.

Casting Shadows

One of the fun things we like to do is cast our shadows at sundown.  Here are some of my favorite shadow pictures.

Main Street - Tombstone, AZ

Schnepf Farms - Arizona

Globe Jail - Globe, AZ

abandoned house - Chandler, AZ

abandoned farm - Stanfield, AZ

Inside the Ox Bow Inn

I did a post earlier about the history of the Ox Bow Inn and now I am posting more photos I took of the inside of this wonderful historic place.  I am also throwing in some outside photos too.  This was the place where the "Finding Bigfoot" town hall was held.

The bar area is where the meeting was held.

A tasty drink before the town hall meeting.

The back of the Ox Bow.

Stairs leading to the second floor which was being remodeled.

The banquet hall.

Hotel rooms in the back. (Not being used at the moment.)

The oxen wore this to plow.

The back where the rooms are located.

Carved into the bar.