First Post-July21, 2007

OK. Now that I have spent a good few minutes figuring out what font to use on my new blog, I can get down to it. This is not the font I thought I chose, but whatever. Apparently, it is the font I am supposed to have.

I decided to start this blog on the advice of my psychic friend, Robin, who also suggested the title, sarahzona. I think this will be a good way to stay in touch with everyone and I can post pictures easily. Thanks Robin!!

Blogging also seems like a good way to process this amazing journey we are on. So far, I am completely in shock and overwhelmed by the fact that we actually moved from our beloved home(and neighbors) on Darrow Ave, and our wonderful family and friends. I know we have shaken up the lives of people around us as well, but that could not be avoided. I think our relocation will be embraced more and more as time passes, and hopefully this blog will help with that. I also hope it will keep us close to everyone we care about, and perhaps bring some new people into our lives. Maybe this is a journey for all of us!!

I don't know exactly what I will write about each post, but will try to keep the focus on our new Arizona lives, and definitely document with photos! Feedback would be greatly appreciated :)

My husband, two sons(10 and 6 1/2), and I have just relocated from suburban Chicago to Arizona. I think central northern AZ is what one would call it. We are about 40 miles south of Flagstaff, in a town called Camp Verde. The population is about 10,000 and growing. So far, it seems to be a friendly, family oriented community.

Our new house is set on an acre of land, with fruit trees in the front and red dirt in the back. I think it's a nice balance for now. Right now, we have apples, pears, plums, figs, and peaches on trees. The apricots have gone for the season, and I have no idea when the pecans and pistachios will show up. They need constant watering, so I move the soaker hose around every day. Not a big deal. We have our own well, so no water bill! More on the well later.

Our back yard actually has two sections. A little grassed area behind the house all fenced in with a stuccoed wall, and the red dirt part, also walled in. The grassed area will be perfect to dig a pool in, and right now we have an above groud deal so we can spend more than two minutes outside without shriveling up from the heat of the desert sun.

Speaking of the heat, we arrived at the hottest time year. The temp has been passing the 100 mark every day since we got here. In the evening, it cools down to 85 or 90, which is completely comfortable to go for bike ride around the 'hood. It is a dry heat after all! We are told it is humid right now, because of the monsoons, but has nothing on Chicago humidity. I have not been drenched in sweat once. Not bad, huh.

I am going to try to post a picture now, of the boys in our pool. This cyber stuff is totally weird for me, but growth as well.