Snakes, Cacti, and Donkeys, oh my!

Scorpions, Tequila, and Local Wine, oh MY!

Indoor Pickleball, Membership Meetings, and Comradery, OH MY!

No this isn’t an alternate rendition of following a brick road, it is more of following the scorching sun and dust trail of the AANR Convention at Shangrila Ranch in New River AZ this past August.

Those that braved the heat, which was actually a comfortable 105-110 on most days (remember it’s a dry heat), were welcomed in on Wednesday evening with a Southwest reptile exhibit featuring all live animals, including snakes, scorpions, desert tortoises, and even a bearded dragon, although not native to the southwest, but used as an example of the reptiles that can be seen soaking up the warm AZ sun during the summer months.

One of the snakes found its way into Arlette’s bag and she tried to convince Erich that the AANR office needed a mascot; she lost the battle, but her efforts were valiant. Those that were not interested in the snakes enjoyed refreshments and conversations with friends that they just met and those they hadn’t seen in a year or more.

The Thursday membership meeting focused on awards that showcased and highlighted all the achievements clubs and members have made over the year. Since the afternoon temperatures were in the low 100’s outside activities, other than floating in the pool were challenging. But have no fear, the clubhouse floor was converted into a makeshift pickleball court so the inaugural “Beat the Board” Pickleball tournament could make it’s debut! So much fun was had by Mitch, Kathy, and David who went against several members and residents of Shangrila. 

Sticking with the Arizona theme of convention, Thursday night’s Education Foundation Fundraiser allowed guests to enjoy a burger plate dinner and sample local beer and wine; always a treat to experience something you can only get in specific states and areas. In the spirit of education contributors were also treated to a presentation about the cacti of Arizona by SLR resident, KC Henkle. Did you know that a cholla bud contains as much vitamin C as an orange and becomes easily edible when you burn the spines from it? Of course, there were samples for those brave enough to step into desert survival mode; most said it tasted like a cross between a kiwi fruit and a cucumber. At the end of the night $1,000.00 was raised for the education foundation and donors walked away with new knowledge about some of the flora and fauna of the Sonoran desert.

Friday morning welcomed the outgoing and incoming trustee meetings; filled with recaps of projects completed, government affairs successes, and visions for the upcoming year.

Once the meetings were complete guests enjoyed a wonderful sunset which gave way to the weekly Friday karaoke.

Moving into the weekend, it was all relaxation in the pool, which was a welcome reprieve from the sweltering sun, pool side DJ Gaz kept everyone entertained as well as host DJ Frankle, on Saturday. The air-conditioned club house played host to a craft fair, and the silent auction to benefit Government Affairs.

In Arizona, no grand event, especially one that has been highlighting so many of the great things the state has to offer, is complete without chasing the worm, or scorpion, at the bottom of a tequila bottle. With a representative of Gran Diamante Tequila attendees were tasting away and discovery that sipping premium reposado over ice is quite enjoyable, especially on a hot afternoon in the desert sun.

As the sun was falling behind the mountain, desert burros, or donkeys, from a local rescue stood tall in the courtyard to enjoy attention from all who had a once in a lifetime opportunity to pet the gentle and kind animals that have made the desert hills their homes for centuries, often being used as pack animal to carry supplies for early settlers.

Saturday night rocked into Sunday with a wonderful dance from DJ Frankle as friends talked about the wonderful week they had and the adventures they are looking forward to next year as we all travel to Oklahoma for another AANR convention.

Shangrila was honored to host the convention, the AANR board, office staff, and members from across the country, Canada and the island of Puerto Rico. It was a true pleasure to showcase all that Arizona has to offer and share why Shangrila Ranch is a true gem in the desert.

On August 24, 2024, the Anthem Spirit Triathalon presented by Spooner Physical Therapy was held in Anthem, and Shangri La residents turned out in force to support their very own participants! Cyndi, Kate,, and Todd all trained for months in advance to run, bike, and swim their way to the finish line. The morning was warm, and the hills were steep, but 3 of our very own crossed the finish line having completed all three courses of the triathlon! What an accomplishment! Be sure to congratulate them when you see them around the ranch.

Special shoutout and many thanks to Jeff, June, Gabby, Sheri, Patty, Bart, Barbara, Greg and Jackie for their support of the Shangri La participants!

Have you ever owned or maintained a swimming pool?  If so, then you can appreciate the team effort it takes to keep those filters running, the water clear and chemically balanced, and the surrounding decks and landscaping free from hazards.  Our staff and volunteers work tirelessly to assure the pools and hot tub are safe to enjoy by residents and visitors alike.

Just about a year ago, Shangri La Ranch invested in converting both pools and the hot tub to salt water, which has proven favourable by our swimmers!  The change has also helped lower the cost of maintenance and reduced the necessity for expensive clarifying compounds, which is always appreciated, especially by the office bean counters.

The waters are checked at least twice daily, as mandated by the county.  Salt, and occasionally a few chemicals, is added as needed to keep the water sparkling.  The filtration equipment is required to run 24/7 which means they must be kept in top performance; and what would our pools be without a welcoming deck with greenery to grace the area?

Shangri La Ranch recently added umbrella “buoys” which are quite popular and meant to be floating in the pools.  If dry-docked in a corner or on the edge, only one-quarter to one-half of the umbrella’s shade is available and it impedes the deck’s walkways, particularly around the volleyball pool.  Close the umbrellas at day’s end or when the wind kicks up so they won’t go “Mary Poppins” onto the roofs!

Also, forty new ada-compliant chaises-longues were purchased for our members and guests who may require them.  They sit a bit taller than standard deck chairs and are scattered around the pools as well as under the ramada.  We know the desert sun and harsh climate will eventually take their toll; let’s not exacerbate the situation by dragging the chaises-longues across the deck or playing musical chairs with them! It is all about keeping the area open and inviting to everybody; and being considerate to those who made need them more than you.

What is really valued is the help we receive from people who take the skimmer nets in hand and help remove the little critters and assorted débris that fall onto the water.  It is a never-ending effort here in the desert!  However, there are a couple helpful tips needed to be mentioned:

·         The skimmer nets easily break or tear if pounded on the concrete deck.  Each bang-bang-bang sounds like a cash register ringing at the local pool supply store!  Please take care of the equipment.

·         Scooping bugs and leaves and depositing them on the deck is futile.  They quickly dry and blow right back into the water.  Instead, coax them into the skimmers, or shake them off into the planters.

The pool area is the centrepiece of Shangri La Ranch and it takes all of us to maintain it.  The updated signs have been installed and they look great.  Remember, no food, glass, cigars or pets inside fenced areas.  It is a team effort and you are a member of our team.  We have had an amazing summer and our snowbirds will be back before we know it.  Thank you to everyone who takes time to help.

As a follow up to our article with the 5 P's for Preparedness, this month we're going to go a bit more in depth with information directly from Maricopa County about their READY, SET, GO guidance for evacuations.

As Arizona moves into an average to above average fire season, we need everyone’s help to reduce the potential risk of large wildfires.

How to Do Your Part:

Follow Ready, Set, Go!, Arizona’s statewide evacuation program, to keep you, your family,

wildland firefighters and the whole response community safe.

The Ready, Set, Go! program’s three tenets encourage Arizonans to get READY by preparing now for what threatens their community, be SET by maintaining awareness of significant danger

and to GO, evacuate immediately when the danger is current and life-threatening.

All-Hazard Evacuation Steps

READY – Prepare Now

Be aware of the hazards that can threaten your community.

● Take steps now to prepare for seasonal threats.

● Create defensible space around your home by clearing 30 to 100 feet of vegetation

● Register with your county/tribal emergency notification system.

● Connect with your local emergency management, sheriff’s office and public health

department on social media.

● Make a family evacuation and communication plan that includes family phone numbers, out-of-town contacts and family meeting locations.

● Build an emergency go kit with enough food, water, health supplies and other necessary items for at least 72 hours. Include supplies to help keep you and your family healthy.

Start with the five P’s; people

and pet supplies, prescriptions, papers, personal needs and priceless items.

● Check with your neighbors, family, friends and elders through video chats or phone calls

to ensure they are READY.

● Keep up to date on local news, weather watches, weather warnings and public health

recommendations.

SET – Be Alert

Know there is significant danger in your area.

● Residents should consider voluntarily relocating to a shelter or with family/friends

outside the affected area. Residents should avoid close contact with those who are sick

and should practice public health recommendations when relocating.

● Grab your emergency go kit.

● Keep in mind unique needs for your family or special equipment for pets and livestock.

● Stay aware of the latest news and information from public safety and public health

officials.

● This might be the only notice you receive. Emergency services cannot guarantee they will

be able to notify everyone if conditions rapidly deteriorate. Be SET to GO.

GO! – Evacuate

Danger in your area is imminent and life threatening.

● Residents should evacuate immediately to a shelter or with family/friends outside of the

affected area. Residents should avoid close contact with those who are sick and should

practice public health recommendations when relocating.

● Follow instructions from emergency personnel, stay on designated evacuation routes and

avoid closed areas.

● If you choose not to evacuate, you must understand emergency services may not be able

to assist you further.

Meredith's Transformation and Departure

On the morning of her departure, Meredith awakens to a sense of clarity and tranquility she has never known. Shangri-La Ranch, with its nurturing embrace of nature and freedom, has woven its way into the fabric of her being. No longer just a visitor, she feels an intrinsic part of this magical oasis, her experiences here a tapestry of awakening and self-discovery.

Packing her belongings, the weight that once seemed inseparable from her existence has been left behind, scattered among the trails and the tranquil waters of the pool. She carries with her not just memories, but a newfound sense of self—a liberation of spirit that she hardly dares to believe is real.

As she drives away, the ranch receding in her rearview mirror, Meredith is filled with a poignant blend of gratitude and longing. Shangri-La has offered her not just an escape, but a profound journey back to the essence of her being, unearthing joys and insight she had long buried under the noise of mundane existence.

And yet, a part of her lingers at the ranch, among the rustling leaves and the gentle winds that whisper promises of return. The transformation she has undergone, the peace and simplicity rediscovered, beckons her to return, to once again walk the sandy paths and dive into the liberating waters.

As the story closes, we’re left with Meredith, transformed and introspective, her heart echoing with the call of the desert. Will she answer the call to return, or will Shangri-La remain a cherished interlude in her journey? The possibility of return, of further explorations and reunions with the soul of the desert, hangs in the air like a whispered invitation, leaving us yearning for more.

Along with the saguaro, the organ pipe (stenocereus thurberi) is one of Arizona's most distinctive cacti, forming large clusters of 30 foot high stems, branching from the base - it is this characteristic which distinguishes the two species, as branches on saguaro only appear some way up the stem. But unlike the widespread saguaro, organ pipes have limited distribution, in the central portion of far south Arizona, and is seen most visibly in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, bordering Mexico. This restricted, southerly location is a result of low frost tolerance, as the cactus is only able to withstand short cold spells of temperatures no lower than -4°C (25°F). The most northerly known specimen is found in Ironwood Forest National Monument northwest of Tucson.

The bright or dark green stems, 6 inches thick, have between 15 and 20 ribs, bearing brownish grey spines up to 2 inches long. Occasionally the growing tip becomes damaged by frost or other factors, which might cause branching, or at least growth of a new, distinct segment of the stem, but most spreading occurs from the base. A large clump may be 200 years old and contain many dozens of stems. The white or pinkish flowers are borne by a tube up to 4 inches long, while the spiny, spherical, greenish-red fruits are also large, sometimes 3.5 inches across.

• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 2 green onions with tops, sliced
• 1/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs
• 1 tablespoon prepared mustard
• 1-1/2 pounds ground beef
• 1 jar (12 ounces) beef gravy
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 to 3 teaspoons prepared horseradish
• 1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
• Minced fresh parsley, optional

  Directions

  1. In a large bowl, beat the egg; stir in onions, bread crumbs and mustard. Add beef and mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into four 1/2-in.-thick patties.

  2. In an ungreased skillet, cook patties until meat is no longer pink, 4-5 minutes on each side; drain.

  3. In a small bowl, combine gravy, water and horseradish; add mushrooms. Pour over patties. Cook, uncovered, until mushrooms are tender and heated through, about 5 minutes. If desired, sprinkle with parsley.