Happy new year! Goodnight 2019, good morning to 2020. We had a lot of laughs and a little sorrow last year. We met some awesome people, unfortunately we lost a few dear friends. I’m looking forward to an amazing year this year there are some changes around the corner can’t wait too see how it all comes together. #wonderlust #family #friends

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We thank everyone on IG and Facebook for the kind words as we said goodbye to our grandmother this weekend. Thank you very much. #family #bereavement She is gone, but not forgotten. Just a reminder to cherish every minute with loved ones. Sometimes you lose them fast, don’t let an opportunity be missed!

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Today is a sad day. I’ve had a long time with my grandmother, more than most. I grew up living next door to her, when we moved to Arizona, we lived a few blocks away. Later in life she lived next door to us again. I’m blessed to have been able to share her with my own daughter. She was a permanent fixture in our lives. We spent almost every Christmas with her. She passed today, she will be missed.

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"Scrubby"

"Scrubby"

(The Mystery Christmas Tree)

Here in Arizona, on I-17 north of Phoenix to Flagstaff, just beyond the Sunset Point Rest Stop, there is a scrawny little cedar tree that grows between the northbound and southbound lanes. Each year a Christmas time, someone goes out there and decorates it, as a secret gift to all who passes by. The true spirit of giving. This has been going on for nearly 30 years, so obviously the tradition has been passed on to the next generation of whomever are the perpetrators. Thank you, whomever you are, for this little ray of hope to humanity. Your message is huge! I thought that it was time for someone to write a folk song about it, so I have penned one. I also gave the little tree a name..."Scrubby"! I hope to have a recording of it soon. In the meantime, here are the lyrics. Enjoy and use as you wish. Hopefully, i can post the full song shortly.

"SCRUBBY"

(The Mystery Christmas Tree)

OUT IN ARIZONA THERE'S A LEGEND TO BE TOLD

OF "SCRUBBY", THE MYSTERY CHRISTMAS TREE, THAT GROWS BESIDE THE ROAD

I-17 TO FLAGSTAFF, FROM THE DESERT DOWN BELOW

A RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS BY SOME SECRET CARING SOUL

,

(2)

EACH CHRISTMAS SOMEONE SNEAKS OUT THERE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT.

AND DECORATES OL' "SCRUBBY" WITH CHRISTMAS BALLS SO BRIGHT.

IT BRINGS A SMILE TO EVERY FACE THAT PASSES BY THAT SIGHT.

"SCRUBBY'S" NOW A ROCK STAR, AND FOR HIM THIS SONG

I WRITE.

(CHORUS)

SCRUBBY, IS A CEDAR TREE. NO ONE KNEW HIS NAME.

TILL' SOMEONE DECORATED HIM AND GAVE HIM PRIDE AND FAME

(3)

NOW, THE MYSTERY OF "SCRUBBY TREE" HAS LIVED FOR 30 YEARS.

WE PEEL AN EYE AS WE PASS BY, WHEN CHRISTMAS TIME DRAWS NEAR

LIKE CHILDREN PLAY OF SANTA'S SLEIGH, AND THE SOUND OF EIGHT REINDEER

EACH YEAR WE WAIT AND ANTICIPATE FOR SCRUBBY TO APPEAR

(CHORUS)

SCRUBBY IS A CEDAR TREE. NO ONE KNEW HIS NAME.

TILL' SOMEONE DECORATED HIM AND GAVE HIM PRIDE AND FAME

(4)

NOW, HOPEFULLY, THE MYSTERY OF "SCRUBBY' WILL NEVER BE SOLVED

LET'S LET IT BE, THE IDENTITY, OF WHOMEVER IS INVOLVED.

FOR IT SHOWS THE JOY OF GIVING, IN A PURE AND SELFLESS WAY.

LIKE THE BABY JESUS GAVE TO US, ON THAT FIRST CHRISTMAS DAY.

Dolan Ellis, BMI, Copyright 2013, All Rights Reserved

And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul

John Muir

Had a great couple of days to just slow down and relax. We have a lot going on, it’s been very stressful, so a slow trip down a dirt road was needed. #desertlife #overlandbound #ob1699 #desertliving

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