The Crouses

I spent two weeks (3/17 - 3/31) in Apache Junction (Phoenix) visiting with Jim and Sharon Crouse.  I was in the Air force with Jim from June 1958 thru May 1961.  We went through basic training together, Air Police School and then were stationed at Ramey AFB in Puerto Rico for two and one-half years.  In 2008 Sharon and I went to the Ramey AFB reunion that was held at Davis Monthan AFB in Tucson, AZ.  She got to meet Jim and his wife Sharon (confusing huh?) and we all got along famously.  Here's a picture of the Crouse House in Apache Junction, AZ.

Jim and Sharon are jewels and made me feel like a member of the family.  Sharon even insisted on doing my laundry (it didn't take much convincing) and either fixing me dinner or finding interesting places to eat out.  We did spend quite a bit of time at the American legion and the VFW.  One of our favorite lunch spots was the Mamoth Steak House that had a magnificent view of the Superstition Mountains.  On this day we were joined by Sharon's mom "Marge" and their daughter Sue.

On my last day in Apache Junction Jim and Sharon took me to lunch at Tortilla Flats, AZ.  This sounds like a Mexican food restaurant, but in the 1800's it was a stagecoach stop between Globe, AZ and Apache Junction.  The road between AJ and TF goes through part of the Superstition Mountains and the scenery was magnificent.  Here is a one shot of the scenery and one of the restaurant in TF.  For a better view of the pictures, just click or double click on them.

If you're interested click on this link for a few more pictures of Tortilla Flats and the scenery along the way:  Tortilla Flats

I departed Apache Junction headed for New Mexico at about 1:30 PM on March 31st.  The mountains on the way out of town are alive with wild flowers.

Bubbles

On Friday, March 26th I flew to Sacramento to attend the memorial service for Sharon’s aunt “Bubbles” (Yoshiko Jane Keikoan) who passed away March 17, 2010, at the age of 82.

Most of us remember Bubbles (pictured above) from her later years as a doting aunt and were not aware of her accomplishments as a basketball star and champion bowler. She and her sister Abu (yes that Abu) played for the Youth Buddhist Association’s (YBA) Sacramento Saints basketball team.

Bubbles is the first girl in the back row, left.

Abu is in the back row, second from the right.

Abu is the second girl from the left in the bottom row

Bubbles is holding the ball in the bottom row

These young ladies were feared in the west and in 1950 they won the championship and then went on to beat the championship team from the State of Washington. Bubbles was known for her aggressive play.

After basketball Bubbles became a very enthusiastic bowler and in 1998 was inducted into the Japanese American National Bowling Association’s Hall of Fame.

Bubbles was the third child of Yoshisuke (Father) and Kane (Mother) Keikoan. She had two brothers (Rye and Shoji) and two sisters (Abu and Dorothy). Bubs is standing on the left in this family photo. Bubbles was predeceased by Dorothy and Rye and is survived by Abu and Shoji.

Bubbles (as did most of the Keikoan family) grew up with Pat Morita who later became a movie star. You will remember him in the Karate Kid movies.

Bubbles was a stunning lady in her youth. For a few more pictures click on this link: Beautiful Bubs

We love you Bubbles!  Hold a spot for us!

Superstition II Hike

On Wednesday, March 24th I made my second Superstition hike and decided to see if I could climb to the top near the Flat Iron peak.  You start at about 2,000 ft. at the parking lot and the trail climbs to the top at about 4,300 ft.  I made it to approximately the 4,100 ft level, but decided that the last mile and another 200 ft. elevation was not going to work for me.  Following is a view from the start of the trail and then a couple from the 4,100 ft. level:

If you are interested in the rest of the hike and can see it here:  Superstition II

After the hike I stopped at the Mamoth Mine, saloon and steak house for lunch.  This was a working gold mine in the 1800's and has now been turned into a gold mine atracting tourists and locals for the good food and entertainment.  It sits at the foot of the Superstitions.

View from the dining deck of the Mamoth Saloon