I Am Woman; I Am Invincible; I Am Tired

The title of today's blog comes from a sticker we saw today and I think it sums up our situation (except for Peter to whom at least two of the statements apply...).

We each enjoyed a fairly relaxing weekend with our host families, occasionally touring the Wickenburg district, writing postcards, doing laundry, eating (am yet to experience bread-in-a-can but am very eager!).

On Saturday evening we all went along to Cinco de Mayo (held here on 1 May just to be different), a community festival held in the middle of town. Good food, great music, really good crowd despite the winds, and jolly good company! To our great joy it was also Prom Night, the venue being the community centre (owned and operated by Town Council) opposite the festival site. Sally's "host brother" was one of a posse who Made An Entrance to Prom in matching suits and matching scooters. Awesome! Sarah and I were fascinated to find out how the Prom Queen / Prom King thing works, too - ah, High School Politics, what joy.

Sunday, a lovely barbecue was hosted at the Snedecor residence (home of makes-a-mean-Margarita Bill and Roberta, Coco the poodle and Abigail the 4-month-old Labra-doodle; hosts to Sarah and me). It was windy but we were sheltered on the patio, and not only were we joined by some really terrific people BUT also two snakes, a couple of Cardinals among many other birds, some ground squirrels and the wood-pile bunny! Best of all, though, was when Sarah discovered the JUST-hatched Quails from the patio nest and we spent quite some time chasing down eleven teeny, tiny, gorgeous fat little birds to attempt to return them to their mummy (mommy?) outside the garden wall. So cute and so much fun!

... Bill and Roberta assure us the five-foot Bull Snake that gatecrashed the party would have been a vegetarian snake who would not have been interested in the least in Mr Ploppy and the other baby Quails.

Afterwards Chuck invited us back to his place for pizza and Moose Tracks (don't worry, it's ice cream and it's GOOD) and we were treated to spectacular views, a blissful oasis featuring a running stream, and unbelievable houseplans for Chuck's under-construction home. Also we were sent around the bend by Sally's host David and his wicked magic trick. He eventually succumbed to our whining and threatening to burn him for witchery and he taught Kirsty/Kristy/Kirsten/Krista - Favouritism based on the fact yesterday was Kirsty's and Jamie's 18th Wedding Anniversary (congratulations, both of you!!).

How rude to have to return to work, today! But first stop was the Chamber of Commerce where we were all blown away by Exec Director Julie and all the amazing things she does along with her staff and 600+ (yes, really) volunteers. Inspirational and interesting - we all made lots of notes. By the way, it was Julie's desk that sported the sign in today's title and no wonder.

Following lunch and retail therapy we then met Town Council manager Gary Edwards at Town Hall for a tour and talk. Council meetings here are filmed and streamed live on the 'net and shown on cable TV.

Bill's Margarita is hitting the spot - more later.