Trying to Stay Cool

As I try to stay cool on this 115 degree day in Phoenix, I thought I would make a list of the things that help me stay cool.

I love adding these to my water. They have really helped me drink more water and less pop.

Very Yummy! I guess the Colorado peaches will be here in September. Can't wait! And it will still be very hot here! They are very refreshing.

Misters are extremely important! They make some attempt to keep you cool as you walk from store to store.

Okay..maybe these don't keep me cool, but they sure do taste good!

Flip flops are the shoes of choice. I found these cute ones at Target today.


Of course these are lifesavers. It's amazing how much cooler they keep your car.

Hopefully only one more day of this intense heat.

Cheri

I can't believe this week is half over. Summer if flying by. I had a great time yesterday working at the Back to School Clothing Drive. By Friday, they are expecting that over 9,000 kids will have come through the doors. I worked with the Stitches of Love group. 90% of their items had been handmade. I couldn't believe how cute everything was. I even wished they had come in a few sizes larger! Every child received one new outfit (of their choice), uniforms for school, books, shoes, and underwear.

Today, I was at Sylvan and did some Sam's shopping this afternoon. We found these really good crackers, called Risotto Chips. They are made from whole grain brown and Arborio rice. They are suppose to be better for you than regular chips. And the best part is they taste really good! It's always a good thing when you find healthy food that doesn't taste healthy! hehe



I also had a meeting with a lady at our church who heads the community outreach programs. Once a week, I will be working with Burmese refugees to learn English. It is a great program that just started in March. I really did not know much about refugees before meeting with her. What these people have had to endure is just amazing. The people in the refugee camps wait 10-15 years to go to a new country!! That means living in shacks with no services that we take for granted every day here.



It is suppose to be near 116 the next few days. We stayed cool tonight with one of these yummy treats.



You know it is summer in Phoenix when it only cools down to 100 in the evening. The only relief is that the sun is not beating down on you.

Hope you are staying cool wherever you are!

Cheri

Busy Day

It has been a very busy, but fun Monday. I began my day working a few hours at Sylvan. I am filling in the next two weeks for a teacher who is working at a different center. It is a reading camp which is right up my alley. I'm only working Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, so I still have a few mornings to sleep in! ha! It's also good practice for getting back into the swing of 2nd grade. I ran to super Target afterwards, to pick up only one thing, but made a pass through the dollar aisle, and ended up buying several more things. I could not believe all the great stuff I found to use in my classroom.

This afternoon, we ran to Staples and Walmart. Our church is doing a Back to School Drive with the Phoenix Rescue Mission. They are asking people to fill a back pack with school supplies for an inner city student. I was able to find most of the items on the list, but need to go back to Target and get the last few things. There is definitely a need in south Phoenix. We then went to see the movie Despicable Me. I had heard a lot of good things about, so I was anxious to see it. And it was cute! Top off the evening at In- N- Out and it was a perfect day!

I need to get to bed early tonight. I helping with another back to school clothing drive with Apha Delta Kappa. It is from 7:30-noon, so it will be a very busy morning.

Cheri

Life in the Desert: Part Three

I thought today, I would focus on some other highlights of Arizona that don't have four or more legs. Here are a few reasons people live in Arizona and would even consider putting up with the critters and summertime heat:









And of course you couldn't forget probably the number one reason (at least it was for my family) why people live in Arizona:

305 days of pure sunshine!

Have a good night!

Cheri

Life in the Desert: Part Two

Before I continue with my Life in the Desert post, I wanted to talk about an artist that I saw at Borders tonight. His name is Elijah Bossenbroek and he plays classical piano music. He was the guest performer tonight from 7 to 9. He was so good. In fact, we bought two of his cd's, which I had him autograph! I would highly recommend checking out his music.


Okay now back to Life in the Desert part two:

Being from the Midwest, I have always been used to critters found in the great outdoors. Opossums, mice, a few snakes, and rabbits to name just a few. Well, along with those, Arizona has a few others. I talked about the scorpions last entry. Now it's time to look at the lizard. These little guys are everywhere! You can find them in the backyard, the parking lot, the garage, and even in the flower pot! Some people might be offended by these quick footed reptiles, but they do help with the insect population and maybe even with the scorpions. I at least hope so!


Now not to mention the rattlesnake would be a true disservice to this slippery reptile. However, a few people that read this blog have some problems with snakes, so I decided to cut the pictures. Let me just say that there are 13 different types of rattlesnakes in Arizona!! MOTH (man of the house) has only come upon 1 while hiking. I was not with him at the time and the camera was in his backpack. Suffice it to say, the picture did not happen. I'm not sure what I would have done if I had been there.

Now it would not be unusual to see these folks walking down the street in your neighborhood.

They don't call it the wild west for nothing!!

I'm always amazed at the people who let their dogs and cats run free in the neighborhood. While the Javalina is a herbivore, the coyote is not! Wake-up people!!

Well, I feel like I have talked enough tonight. I will be back tomorrow with Life in the Desert: Part Three.

Good Night!

Cheri

Life in the Desert: Part One

Monsoon Season is here!! Those of you that know me know that I really love a good thunderstorm. Unfortunately those are a rare sight about 10 months of the year in Arizona. However, come July and August, the desert puts on quite a show! I always thought it was strange when I use to visit Phoenix and everyone was so excited when it rained here. Of course I was coming from Ohio where it rained all the time. I was kind of sick of the rain. But after living here for three years, I understand their enthusiasm. I loved the smell of rain today!

Of course not everyone shares my excitement!

Another thing that is just part of the Arizona territory especially in the summer...

My parents have had six in the last few weeks. Fortunately we have had none! I'm not sure what I would do if I found one besides freak out. I definitely don't go bare foot when I'm at their house!! I'm hoping we live to far "in the city" that they couldn't find us!! It's probably wishful thinking!



It's time for bed. I will be back tomorrow for Life in the Desert: Part Two.

Cheri

Errands

It has been a busy day of running errands. My mom and I always have a list.

We started our day here. I was not really looking for anything in particular, but it's always fun to look around here. A few months ago, I found a shower curtain that I kind of liked, but I didn't get it. I saw it there today and was glad I had not bought it. I guess I change my mind too much. My mom found a couple of things though.

I love this store! We always go here to get our fresh fruits and vegetables. I bought some peaches and strawberries that I can't wait to eat. I found a new peach and angel food cake recipe from another blog that I want to try. I can remember years ago, picking our own peaches back in Kansas. I must say this way is a whole lot easier and cooler!




We met my dad for lunch here. I'm so glad Arizona has one of these!





Next on the list was a visit to this wonderful store. I happily left with a cute shirt and some equally cute Steve Madden black patent flats. It is always so hard to find shoes with heels that I don't walk out of.


And finally...



What shopping trip would be complete without a visit here!!!


Have a great night!

Cheri