NASCAR

     We experienced an new piece of American culture a week ago. Tom won four tickets to the NASCAR truck race at Phoenix International Raceway. I only with that these pictures could include the sound and the smell of racing.  It is loud, as in take out the hearing aides and put in earplugs loud and the smell is pure toxic exhaust that you can see in a haze floating up from the track. We were in the 35th row but still experienced the full "glory" of it all.
 It was fun and there were two spectacular crashes and a few blown up engines but no one got hurt.
       Quite a few of the fans were dressed in NASCAR gear with their jackets and hats covered with sponsor logos and their favorite driver's numbers. We ate tasty foot long hot dogs and visited with a lot of the people around us who are frequent attenders at the races.  Some fan's had brought their RVs and had camped together all week before the big races even started. I guess that is part of following the major races just like the football tail gaiters. Some of these fans follow their favorite drivers from race to race all over the country.
     I'm glad I went and I really enjoyed it, but I'm going to stick with horses instead of horse power. If I had the money to follow a sport, it would be to follow the cowboys racking up points at the major rodeos and heading for the National Finals. Spending a rodeo week there in my RV with my barn girl friends and some fine Pendelton evenings would be the best. Yep, you gals would all be invited.

Mesa Natural History Museum

Shark teeth above a double door into the museum

Lots of dinosaur bones. The real things that were dug up in Arizona.

Wonder what kind of saddle you use on this guy? Then how do you get up on him? Can he cut?

Meet Kit Kat

     Our grandson Tate, Devon's youngest boy,  is a real animal person. He is the one who has always cuddled our dogs and was eager to ride and groom our horses. He has wanted a pet for a long time but his family's busy active life full of sports, travel, and not much time at home because of both parent's jobs as teachers was not a good environment for a dog or a cat. Knowing Tate's continued desire for a pet of his own to love and care for Devon and Nikki came up with the perfect solution, a guinea pig !

     Meet Kit Kat. In reading about guinea pigs I learned that they have individual personalities, develop a bond with their caretakers, communicate with squeaks, chirps and noises, and show affection. I got to listen to her talk to me on the phone. Kit Kat will be just right for Tate.
He informed us that PetCo had all kinds of things for Christmas presents for her but we had to be sure that they had a picture of a guinea pig on the label.  You can bet that she will be getting a few gifts from Grandma and Grandpa.
     I love this picture. One can tell that Tate is in  love with this little critter.  Good job Mom and Dad  in nurturing your son's heart.