"Wall of Gratitude and Remembrance"

Desert Princess is having a fantastic year in school this year. Much of the impetus and credit goes to her fifth grade teacher, Ms. Witte and her grade level team. They are quite an innovative group with the many learning activities and projects they think out and plan out for their students. One such project we attended today was called "Wall of Gratitude and Remembrance".

As part of the 5th grade curriculum, a wall is created in each fifth grade classroom to honor the men and women who have served and continue to serve our country in the armed forces. To see this wall is quite moving as each student recognizes an individual that has served in the armed forces and then posts photos and other items on this 'Wall of Gratitude and Remembrance'.

In Desert Princess's case this meant honoring her great grandfather, Commander Cyril Schaller who served our country during the second world war and in other theaters of action. What really made it special was that Great Grandfather attended and participated in this school event, and was able to share his medals, ribbons and commendations with Desert Princess's class.

How very special for our granddaughter to have this opportunity, to reflect on the contributions of others, and to be able to connect to the sacrifices of earlier generations.

"El Tour de Tucson"

What a beautiful Saturday we had today for the 29th annual El Tour de Tucson which is one of the largest road bicycling events in the United States. The El Tour de Tucson was started way back in 1983 and now takes place every November in Tucson, Arizona.

The first El Tour attracted nearly 185 riders while in recent years between 7,000 and 10,000 cyclists have attended. This year, approximately 8600 cyclists participated. In many ways, the El Tour is a family event with novice, intermediate, advanced and professional riders competing each year.

There are 109, 79, 66, and 40 mile courses as well as children's races of 6, 3 and 1/4mile races. The El Tour offers fun and cycling tests for all levels of riders. The route weaves through and around the city of Tucson, which is surrounded by 5 mountain ranges, three of which rise over 9,000 feet. The courses range from rolling to moderately hilly, with the 40 mile route being fairly flat and the perfect course for beginners.

The funds raised by the El Tour de Tucson cyclists support many charities including Tu Nidito Children & Family Services, the American Parkinson Disease Association, Water For People, Ben's Bells Project, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Diamond Children's Medical Center, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

The El Tour of Tucson is really one of those great events that really helps to showcase Southern Arizona, and particularly beautiful Tucson.

"Our Little Angels"

Some photos one cannot pass by. Here is one of Baby Iris, now 2 1/2 that is just adorable. She is such a little sweetheart, and is always making statements to Grandpa like, "For goodness sakes!" "You betcha ya!" and "Grandpa, see my pretty dress!" There is also a picture of Baby Petra, her younger sister, now 9 months, and now motoring quite well around in her enviromnent.

Grandkids Love to Swim!

For the past three years, Piano Man and Desert Princess have participated on swimming teams both here in Tucson and now in the Chandler area of Phoenix. Being involved in competitive swimming has help both to improve not only their swim times, but also to experience the personal benefits that come from being a member of a team. With time, both have come to appreciate required practices, and are now quite enthusiastic as they steadily improve their times from meet to meet. Most important, however, is they love swimming, and are getting plenty of exercise.