AT HOME IN SCOTTSDALE

The photos are of our backyard looking out on the Kierland Golf Course; and, the pool and flowers around the nearby Kierland Westin Hotel (a 15-minute walk)--all quite beautiful.

It is nice to be settled after ten days of unpacking. We are finding this new spot much to our liking. It is a 25-minute walk past the Hotel and through Kierland Commons (an upscale "urban village")to the nearest Starbucks Coffee Shop, a journey we have made several times already since arriving. Good for our physical and mental well-being!!

The new address is: 15221 N. Clubgate Dr. #1081, Scottsdale, AZ 85254.
The new e-mail address: wlassey@cox.net.
Phone is the same: 520-906-8339.

AT CARTWRIGHT

The calves are arriving in abundance, with the snow all melted and preparations underway for spring farming. Ron, Luke, and Will have largely completed a new garage at Will's place near Cartwright, and a new sprinkler pivot is about finished on the Shaide place north of the farmstead. Mavis says she now has a wireless Internet card for her new laptop, but does not yet have it up and working.

Shawn and Tracy went to California last week to pick up their motorhome, while the four young'uns stayed with Mavis and Ron. A good time was being had by all in the background while we were on the phone with Mavis, Dad, and Marilyn!

Julie, Carol, and Susan were all together in Minnesota for Easter, but Marilyn and Issy decided they had done enough traveling for awhile after driving from Yuma to Sidney. Besides, Marilyn needs to tend to her new blooming flowers, and Issy must keep the grass mowed.

Dad says it is really looking like spring, and he is enjoying watching the new calves as the grass turns green. He says he is feeling good!

IN HELENA

Mat and Maureen really enjoyed their trip to, and around, Costa Rica. Their small ship (about 120 passengers) was a great way to see the tropical coast line, and to explore the small towns and rain forest along the coast. They had a terrific guide who explained what was significant about what they were seeing. It was hot along the coast but cool and pleasant in the high country (7000 feet) around San Jose and in the nearby mountains. They took a zipline (essentially a suspended chair strung on a cable) through the forest canopy--quite exciting and a bit scary. The Costa Ricans were most hospitable and fun to talk to! (For those not in the know, Maureen spent two years in Costa Rica with her parents in 1963-65--at age 1-3).

Maureen has been appointed to the Federal home Loan Bank Advisory Board (nice!), and attended a first meeting in Seattle.

IN YELLOW SPRINGS

Dione, Saul, and Mollie had a wonderful week in New York City and vicinity, staying with Saul's brother in New Jersey, and traveling into the city by train. They saw a broadway play called "Mama Mia," visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art, visited Princeton and Columbia Universities (so Mollie could see what prestigeous universities are like), saw Chinatown via subway, encountered the Governor of New York, and generally enjoyed the whole experience. They saw several of Sauls relatives along the way.

Mollie continues to really enjoy the Miami Valley School, and has been engaging in lots of 7th grade activities. She recently scored well on the Scholastic Achievement Test, and will be attending a summer camp for some specialized learning.

That's it for now!

Bill and Marie