tales from a far-land

After six months of continuous time with our kids, Josh and I decided do a little weekend getaway.  We had been eyeing an old historic resort that originated in 1896 located just on the outskirts of Phoenix called Castle Hot Springs .  After many, many years of destruction and desolation, the new owners renovated the property and reopened it in 2019.  We were surprised to find this precious gem so close to home.  It is a beautiful oasis in the middle of the desert.  The grounds were magnificently tended. the meals were fresh from the on-property farm, and the service was impeccable.  We enjoyed all of the resort's amenities -- the hot springs, the pickle ball and bocce courts, the spa, and the electric bicycles.  It was a relaxing and enjoyable weekend escape.  Here's hoping that we will be able to someday return to one of Arizona's best luxury resorts. The infamous hot springs A view from our room A morning bicycle ride

Back in March when COVID-19 first commenced, Aiden had just started playing on a flag football team with CCV Stars.  Sadly, the season was cut short due to the statewide stay at home order.  Aiden was very disappointed, so as soon as we could enroll him in another season we did.  Just as before, Aiden was so excited to play.  Josh even volunteered as an assistant coach to show our support.  As his parents, it was a spark that we had not seen previously with other sports that he had played.  He never complained to go to practice.  He had enthusiasm and energy on the field.  He wanted to practice throwing the football at home.  He even spent time learning and memorizing the routes.  It was as if he truly enjoyed playing this sport.  Aiden was assigned to the same team as one of his school friends.  I think this made playing even more fun for him.  The coach encouraged all of the boys to learn all of the positions, but Aiden particularly enjoyed playing rusher and quarterback.  This is a

This year, Rosh Hashanah was very distinctive.  It may not have been filled with all of our normal routines like attending synagogue or celebrating with friends  in large gatherings.  But it was unique and special in its own way.  In a world still immersed in social distancing, racial, economic and political turmoil, this Jewish New Year allowed our family some space to truly reflect on what was important to us and how we could change the things in our lives with which we were not satisfied.  It was filled with all of the things that the Days of Awe should encompass: self-reflection, renewal, mindfulness, connection, quietness, personal growth and family togetherness. On the first night of Rosh Hashanah, we enjoyed all of our favorite holiday foods -- apples and honey, round challah, matzo ball soup and corned beef with potatoes and carrots.  It was simple, easy and we weren't rushing to finish the meal to get to services at the Temple. We spent Saturday in Sedona hiking and explor

Summer 2020 was an unusual one.  It was a summer of cancellations.  No fireworks for 4th of July.  No Jewish summer camp for the kids.  No blockbuster movie releases.  No family reunions or gatherings.  No swim team or summer sports.  And yet, we were able to find so many silver linings. We enjoyed swimming in our pool with family and friends. Josh constructed a screen in the backyard so that we could watch movies as a family and with friends. The kids did enjoy a couple of sleepovers and playdates. Family shabbat almost every week. A couple of trips to the cabin in Munds Park. Morning walks with the dogs. Family celebrations for holidays and birthdays. Pool time with Sydney and Campbell And Hope and Faith And Addison and Ben And with each other Movies on the Big Screen Sleepovers/Playdates with Gretchen Father's Day Pizza Night Summer Shabbats

Like many birthdays in 2020, we celebrated Aiden's as best we could. Aiden's one birthday wish was to play video games with his friends and we were able to make this happen both in person and virtually.   On the Saturday before his birthday, we invited over a couple of his friends during the day for a video game and swimming party.  His special in-person celebration concluded at the Langhofer's home with homemade cookie ice cream sandwiches and video game decorations.  It made him feel very special. On Sunday, Aiden spent the entire day playing Minecraft and Roblox with many of his other friends virtually.  It amazes me how long they can play with each other online just chatting and building in their creative worlds.  And yet, he didn't stop playing for most of the day.  My parents came over Sunday night for dinner, cards and cake.  Not a bad birthday weekend. And then on Tuesday, Aiden turned nine.  I know this is cliché, but I cannot believe how fast my children are g