Caitie: I wish I could bottle 'em

We went to Payson and the Mogollon Rim over the weekend. It's tradition for us to make this trip at this time every year; we celebrate our wedding anniversary by going to Payson and staying in the same hotel we stayed at when we eloped back in '89. Back then it was known as the Swiss Village Lodge, and had a really nice, cozy restaurant attached. The restaurant is no more, and the hotel has changed hands more times than I can count... well, not really, about three times, I think. I can count to three. Anyway, it is now known as the Payson Inn. If you're ever in the area and need a place to stay, I highly recommend this hotel. When we got to town, it was getting late, so we did the usual... went to Wally-Mart. I love this particular Wal-Mart; the aisles are nice and neat, and it has a nice atmosphere. I could spend all day and night there... really, I could! As soon as we entered the store, Caitie said "toys" and that was that... we were in the toy department before you could say the phrase "we'll go there in a little bit, right now we need to look at shoes and mittens." We eventually got around to looking and buying shoes and mittens. We also bought some snacks and then headed to the hotel. We didn't get to sleep until around 2am, so when there was knocking on the hotel door four hours later, around 6:20am, we weren't too pleased. When I heard a man call out "you call for a plunger?", I thought I was having a nightmare; the plumbing problems I thought I had left behind for the weekend had followed me to the Payson Inn! But after some yelling from both sides of the door, so they(Michael and the 'plumber') could be heard, thick doors, and all, we realized it was a mistake, and the man with the plunger moved on. Did I really just type all that? I'm thinking about clicking on the backspace button and letting you have the last 90 seconds of your life back... How do I get mine back? Anyway, on to more interesting things... anything has to be more interesting than a plunger story, right? I'm beginning to wonder... Maybe it's best to tell the story with the help of pictures, that might make it more interesting. But before I do, I must tell you about three things I wish I could have bottled and brought home with me:

1. The water. I could tell a difference in their water and Glendale water; my skin drank it up! And boy do I need whatever I can get my hands on to help my skin.

2. The fresh air; love the clean, crisp air.

3. The smell of pine trees. Can't get enough of that wonderful aroma.

On to the pics...

We stopped at the Taco Bell in Fountain Hills to grab a quick bite before hitting the 90+ miles it takes to get to Payson. Love their Fresco menu.

We decided to grab some cinnamon twists before hittin' the road. The guy takin' the order was a talker. He started when we ran into him going into the restaurant, he was on break, and then he showed up behind the counter to take our first order, then the dessert order as well. Each time he was full of conversation. He's from Texas... that explains it. If you know a southerner, or are a southerner yourself, you know what I'm talkin' about. ha

At the Payson Inn. This is the lobby and registration desk. Michael is on the right, checking in. Pretty Christmas tree on the left. Caitie and I waited in the SUV; saves time. I took this pic from the SUV.

Just entered the hotel room. We were lucky to get a non-smoking room on the first floor; we got the last one. the hotel was packed!

Lovin' the neat and orderly aisles at the Wal-Mart in Payson.

Caitie wanted all these items, but she ended up with only the pink purse on her wrist. Take a close look, it's there. It's actually a small camera case, but I thought it made a cute purse, and so did Caitie.

The next morning.

We stopped at a Giant gas station/mini-mart to get some snacks before heading up to Woods Canyon Lake. This huge crane thing pulled in to get gas. It was interesting to watch.

Our trusty mini-laptop travels with us.

Woods Canyon Lake.

We saw snow on the ground; there wasn't much, but it was nice to see.

Caitie standing by the Woods Canyon Lake sign. She's tracing the embossed letters with her fingers.

Two guys fishing. I was trying out my new telephoto lens.

We drove up a nearby dirt road in search of 'reindeer'(elk). There were lots of people chopping down Christmas trees. I took this pic with my new lens while Michael was driving on the dirt road. This is the view out the windshield.

While driving down that same dirt road, Michael was starting to turn left onto another road while at the same time I was trying to take a pic of a road sign that was on the right... that didn't go well while holding a package of M&Ms in my lap... they spilled all over the floor of the truck; but it did make for a good photo-op. No need to cry over spilled M&Ms, just take a quick pic. ha Colorful.