Camp Grandma Goes to "Butterfly Wonderland"

CAMP GRANDMA AND Monarchs

 

By Cathy Droz and Cathy Burford

August 2013

It is nearly impossible not to smile when a butterfly enters your vision. Now imagine thousands of them, and Phoenix is probably the last place you would expect to witness that, especially in a rainforest environment. Since opening in May of this year, Butterfly Wonderland in Scottsdale boasts the largest butterfly atrium in America! Due to its lush, tropical environment, it is also most likely the only butterfly atrium where you feel like you have had a moisturizing facial along with your visit…

Far more than just a facility where butterflies rule, you will find several other live exhibits to fascinate your grandchildren and yourselves.

 

  To get in the spirit of things, begin in their fabulous 3-D theater to watch the ‘Flight of the Butterflies’. This movie chronicles the amazing journey of the Monarch Butterfly. Your little ones will thrill at the butterflies soaring within their grasp. Next you will enter the Emergence Gallery where you will witness various species of butterflies emerging from their chrysalises, their metamorphosis complete.

 

Our grandkids were really fascinated with the Live Aunt Colony and the Honey Bee Extravaganza. Watching those industrious creatures made us adults feel rather lazy in comparison! The Rivers of the Amazon exhibit showcases freshwater aquatic life up close, and even includes a baby stingray petting pool.

 

Above all is the Butterfly Conservatory, the magical centerpiece of this extraordinary facility! By all means, bring your camera to this lush atrium that is adorned with tropical plants, waterfalls, koi pond, and thousands of butterflies that travelled here as chrysalises from as far away as Thailand! An equatorial climate awaits; a feast for the senses! Be sure to school your grandchildren beforehand regarding the basic rules; no touching the butterflies, watch where you step, and enjoy it when they choose you as a landing spot! It is easy to lose track of time while watching these beautiful creatures.

 

If You Go:

Butterfly Wonderland

9500 E Via De Ventura

Scottsdale, AZ 85256

www.butterflywonderland.com

480.800.3000

Food Items available

Gift Shop

Open 7 days a week, 9am-5pm

Adults $18.95 ; Student, Military and 62+ $16.95; Children 3-11 $9.95

2 and under free, strollers welcome

Check out their website for group rates, annual passes and private event rates

Please no sunscreen- since butterflies ‘taste’ with their feet, if they land on you it can interfere with their ability to taste ( A Fun Fact courtesy of a Butterfly Wonderland Volunteer)

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HAVE YOU DRIVEN A FORD LATELY?

HAVE YOU FALLEN IN LOVE WITH A FORD LATELY/

 

 

2013 Ford Escape Titanium

 

 

By: Cathy Droz


I Have! I own a 2002 Ford Thunderbird convertible and my latest test drive vehicle was the new 2013 Ford Escape Titanium model. This redesigned, 4-wheel-drive, five seat crossover has a turbocharged 2.0 liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine which satisfied the speed in my blood and the practicality in my DNA.

The Ford escape is exactly that, an escape into the future; which includes a remote start capability, which enables one to heat or cool their seat before getting in the vehicle, and a slick parking technology package.

The optional parking technology package will cost an additional $995, but who wouldn’t want to have someone else parallel park for you? With the active park assist you can saunter along looking for a parallel parking space and the Escape’s sensors will detect a spot that will fit this five-seat SUV. This is a much better scenario than my husband yelling, “look there’s another spot you drove by.” So, ignoring him completely, the chime alerted me to an empty spot, whereby I lined the Escape up and then let go of the steering wheel (difficult for control freaks). I used the accelerator and brake and put the Escape into Drive and Reverse as necessary. The system safely steered the Escape into the parking spot. I have to admit, I did it more than once, as the first time didn’t look very respectable or safe.

The exterior of the new Ford Escape has more curves on this year’s model; less of a boxy look. As a result, the front end is more aerodynamic, allowing for better fuel economy. So not only is the new body style more functional, but the new curvatures and creases give the Escape a more European look. Maybe that is what I have at my age, a more European look?
My favorite feature is also something the folks at Ford are very proud of, and that is the power liftgate. Don’t confuse the “Ford power liftgate” with the ones you can control from your fob or push a button inside the cargo area to close.

  The 2013 Escape has a sensor under the rear bumper, so when you kick your foot under it, the liftgate opens. That means if your arms are full with groceries, babies, sports equipment, lumber or Tiffany jewelry for me, you have no reason to drop what you have in your hands.
Now let’s venture inside the Ford Escape. As I look at all the gadgets, including the MyFord Touch, I feel I need to take a breath and not leave the driveway until I understand all the great features. The Sync system has voice-control functions for the stereo, text-to-voice for some cellphones, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Sync support was a big help for me to understand the Sync system. The Escape has a 12-volt outlet as well as an aux jack and a USB input.

Now that I am settled in, I checked with my passengers. My 30-something daughter Julia had plenty of legroom and enjoyed the second row’s reclining seatback. The child safety seat was easy to install and had two sets of lower Latch anchors. The Escape Titanium has the electronic stability system with anti-roll control, traction control and seven airbags, including side curtains for both rows. It wins all kinds of safety awards and I can see why.
The 2013 Ford Escape base model starts at $23,365, with the top of the line Titanium, which I drove, starting at $35,130. I enjoyed the drive, the parallel-park feature and power liftgate, but I’m still waiting for the Tiffany jewelry.
If you haven’t driven a Ford lately, the 2013 Ford Escape is the one to try.
For more reviews go to www.twofortheroadusa.com

Cathy Droz and Inland Empire Fun Site Join Forces

When long time Auto Journalist, Cathy Droz of Phoenix, Arizona and well known radio host, Brian Casey join forces, they bring entertainment experience, marketing and fun to this outstanding Inland Empire site.  Check out www.iefun.com for more ....

 

Let's Go Places...in the new Rav4

By Cathy Droz

If you didn’t see the Superbowl commercial this January for the 2013 Toyota RAV4, you missed some pretty funny and out of the A-Frame thinking. It’s Penny from the Big Bang Theory granting wishes to the average American family, the requests are quite funny and cleverly interpreted. One of the wishes is the removal of the spare tire from the liftgate of the RAV4… presto we see the new look, no tire. Funny, some consumers have been asking about that over the years, I guess we just didn’t have Penny’s phone number.
The new 2013 Toyota RAV4 has more to cheer about than just the spare hidden and liftgate engineered so perfect for short people. The Toyota team offers just three models this year and with good reason; who needs 15 different versions of a basic good product? There is the LE Model, XLE and Limited. The prices range from about $23,300 to $27,000 and you should test all trim levels to see if you need all the amenities or feel the differences when driving. You may also want to check your budget.
The interior of the “crossover” has a soft touch interior which is available with French stitching and an audio system with a standard 6.1 inch touch-screen and Multi-Information Display. The Smart Key Fab is available to keep safe in your pocket or purse. You can lock and unlock the doors and liftgate with one touch and start the vehicle with the push of a button.
The Limited model has display audio with navigation and Entune, 11JBL, GreenEdge speakers in seven locations. The leather steering wheel incorporates also Bluetooth and Multi-information Display controls leaving all hand held devices unnecessary.
I was not sure to include the next item as interior or exterior but it is my favorite. It’s the adjustable Power Liftgate. At 5’2 and vertically challenged I like height adjustment features. Well thank you RAV4, your engineers decided to position the liftgate to the ideal height of your customer. All you do is press and hold the button on the liftgate, listen for the beeps and you’re done. Every time I would go to the liftgate is rose to my custom height. This is crucial with families and sport enthusiasts who’s hands are always full and don’t have to put everything down twice, just click the fob and close it without tippy toes or rotator cuff injury appointments needed. I was also impressed with the storing of the spare tire and the tonneau cover that is part of securing the cargo area. I’ve always been perplexed as to what to do with the tonneau cover when I didn’t want it in the car… this fits in to a molded spot just for that purpose, right in front of the spare under the tire well and carpeting.
On my long drives with the RAV4, I drove the back roads and the highways to see if the 24/31 I was quoted was accurate and I would say it was right on for the front wheel drive models. This may be easier to achieve also as the RAV4 has 6-speed automatic and easy to switch buttons ECO Mode and Sport Mode. Once minute I was in ECO mode and then I felt like a “in touch with the pavement” ride so I pressed Sport.
With all the new bells and whistles, Toyota has remained loyal to its commitment to safety and the new RAV4 is no exception. Standard on every new Toyota is the star- safety system with its group of six advanced safety features including Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Anti-lock Brake System, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, brake assist and smart stop technology.
Because I drive with the grandchildren so often, it is very important that a car has an excellent child safety seat process. The RAV4 has LATCH, which stands for “Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children.” It has lower anchors on the outboard rear seats and tether anchors on all second-row of seating. The crossover comes with 8 standard airbags which is also increased since last year’s model.
I test drove all of the trim levels and then drove last year’s model. You will be surprised as to how the vehicle has been improved. Not just the liftgate going from side to side to up and down but the comfort of the seats and two tone seat color choices that should be on pintrest. All of this and ToyotCare which includes the 24/7 roadside assistance.
I found this vehicle to be the SUV/Crossover perfect for the young family, empty nester, pet transporter or single person who is active in sports and road trips. Once I drove it and studied it, I can see where Toyota gets the slogan… Let’s Go Places! I’m ready, how about you… Oh! Do we need to call Penny?
For more reviews go to www.twofortheroadusa.com
...Back to the Inland Empire Fun AUTOS Homepage. http://www.iefun.com/Autos/

This article appears in the March 2013 issue of Inland Empire Fun
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Ford Does it Again

Ford Motor Company Sales Up 9 Percent, Best February

In Six Years; Fusion, Escape Set Sales Records

·       Ford Motor Company U.S. February sales up 9 percent – best February in six years, with cars up 6 percent, utilities up 21 percent and trucks up 4 percent

·       Fusion sets an all-time February sales record, surpasses last year’s record by 28 percent

·       Escape produces its best February sales ever; Explorer reaches best February sales since 2006, up 59 percent

·       America’s best-selling pickup for 36 years running, F-Series posts 15 percent gain

·       Ford announces 2013 second-quarter production of 800,000 vehicles, up 9 percent from the prior year

DEARBORN, Mich., March 1, 2013 – Ford Motor Company’s U.S. February sales grew 9 percent with 195,822 vehicles sold. This marks Ford’s best February sales in six years – with cars up 6 percent, utilities up 21 percent and trucks up 4 percent. 

While Ford sales rose 9 percent nationally, Ford's Phoenix Region saw an 18 percent overall increase in Ford sales. The car segment in the Phoenix Region rose 35 percent last month as more people are seeking to purchase fuel-efficient sedans. The newly redesigned Fusion, which gets 25/37 mpg or 47/47 mpg in its hybrid version, posted a sales increase of 74 percent over last year. There's a similar story with the Escape, which saw a 41 percent increase in sales compared with February 2012. And for the business sector, the Transit Connect utility vehicle posted an 83 percent increase in sales compared to February 2012, indicating that business owners are feeling more comfortable about making big-ticket purchases.

“As more new vehicle buyers continue returning to the marketplace, our fresh new product portfolio of fuel-efficient vehicles is winning over customers,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “People are buying our all-new Fusion and Escape in record numbers, thanks to strong fuel economy and innovative new technologies.”

Nationally, Ford Fusion posted record February sales totaling 27,875 vehicles. This is a 28 percent gain over last February’s record. 

Escape followed January’s record sales with a new February sales record of 24,110 vehicles – a 29 percent increase over last year. Plus, Explorer boosted its sales 59 percent in February, with 16,586 vehicles sold – its best February sales results in seven years. 

America’s best-selling pickup, the Ford F-Series, sold 54,489 pickups in February, a 15 percent increase over last year. F-Series had its best February sales results since 2007. This marks F-Series’ 19^th consecutive month of monthly sales increases. Transit Connect also continues to strengthen, selling 3,610 vehicles in February – a 57 percent increase over last year. 

Ford also announced its 2013 second-quarter North American production plan. The company plans to build 800,000 vehicles in the second quarter, up 9 percent (63,000 vehicles) from 2012’s second quarter. First quarter production of 770,000 vehicles is unchanged from previous guidance.

About Ford Motor Company 

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 171,000 employees and 65 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding the company and Ford products, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.

Contact:	Erich Merkle
	313.806.4562
	emerkle2@ford.com

Donate Blood or Cash for the Red Cross

ARIZONA FORD DEALERS GIVE BACK

When is the last time you heard someone say

 " I would rather have a root canal than step foot inside a car dealership?"

  I guess they've never visited an Arizona Ford Dealership.  Auto Dealers are always giving back to the community.  Check this out !

 

Two for the Road USA team says... donate blood to the American Red Cross

ARIZONA FORD DEALERSHIPS TEAM UP TO COLLECT 250+ PRODUCTIVE UNITS OF BLOOD FOR AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD SERVICES

Berge Ford of Mesa, Ariz., Hosted Most Successful Blood Drive

MESA, Ariz. (Feb. 20, 2013) – Ford Motor Company and 11 metro Phoenix-area Ford dealerships recently teamed up with the American Red Cross to host a series of blood drives for National Blood Donor Awareness Month in January. As a result of these drives, more than 250 productive units of blood were collected, potentially saving the lives of approximately 750 people.

The 11 dealerships hosted approximately 300 customers, community members and employees who volunteered to donate blood. Berge Ford in Mesa, Ariz., hosted the most successful blood drive, recruiting 40 donors to their blood drive and collecting 31 productive units. In recognition of Berge Ford’s effort, a $1,000 donation was made to the American Red Cross Blood Services from Maxum Petroleum, one of Ford Motor Company’s local oil distributors.

“In lieu of a recognition luncheon for their efforts, the team at Berge Ford requested a cash donation be made to the American Red Cross,” said Mark Witthar, Phoenix Region Manager for Ford Motor Company. “This action personifies Ford’s efforts to ‘go further’ in the communities where we do business. Thanks to the team at Berge Ford for all of your efforts to make our inaugural Ford blood drive a success.”

“We are very thankful to our employees and loyal Berge Ford customers for the success of this blood drive. Without their support for our community projects, this would not have been possible,” said Jim Crutcher, Berge Ford General Manager.

“The American Red Cross deeply appreciates Ford’s support of 11 blood drives during January. Nationwide, around 44,000 blood donations are needed each and every day to meet the needs of accident victims, cancer patients, and children with blood disorders. These patients and others rely on blood products during their treatment. The employees and customers of Ford can take great pride in their contribution to this vital community service,” said Natalie Leon, Donor Recruitment Representative, American Red Cross Blood Services.

Everyone who donated blood received two free tickets to the Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale.

Special thanks to all of the Ford dealerships that hosted successful blood drives including:

• Bell Ford, 2401 West Bell Road, Phoenix, AZ 85023

(602) 866-1776

• Berge Ford, 460 E. Auto Center Drive, Mesa, AZ 85204

(480) 497-1111

• Camelback Ford, 1330 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85014

(888) 264-1851

• Chapman Ford, 7100 E. McDowell Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85257

(480) 946-3900

• Earnhardt Ford, 7300 W. Orchid Lane, Chandler, AZ 85285

(602) 893-0000

• Peoria Ford, 9130 West Bell Road, Peoria, AZ 85382

(623) 977-8888

• Power Ford of North Scottsdale, 8555 E. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ 85260 (480) 991-3333

• Robert Horne Ford, 3400 S. Tomahawk Road, Apache Junction, AZ 85219

(480) 474-2500

• Rodeo Ford, 13680 W. Test Drive, Goodyear, AZ 85338

(877) 746-1110

• Sanderson Ford, 6400 North 51^st Ave., Glendale, AZ 85301

(623) 842-8600

• San Tan Ford, 1429 Motorplex Loop, Gilbert, AZ 85296

(480) 621-3700

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures ordistributes automobiles across six continents. With about 171,000 employees and 65 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies more than 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The RedCross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, pleasevisit redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

Media: Stephanie Jarnagan, Direct Impact, 480-201-7572, stephanie@thinkcommaz.com