Oh the Clouds !

Corona de Tucson

March 26, 2023 

A pretty sunrise on March 21...

It's just been one of those weeks.  I wasn't even going to write a blog post as there isn't that much to say, yet it was a busy week.  On Tuesday, Joe and I had appointments with the GP to go over our annual blood work.  All good there !  But the day was cloudy, rainy and windy.  Not much fun to be out and about so we came straight home. 

Jack had a spa day on Wednesday.  He was not happy, but he sure has a cute hair cut !  The girls had their nails done.  

Riding home from Cynthia's (the groomer)...

Our third appointment for the week was check-ups for all the pups at our vet's in Green Valley.  We were up early on Friday morning and arrived promptly at 8:25 for Dover's appt. at 8:30.  By the time Dr Huang was done with all three it was going on 11:00.  Dover had swollen nodes in her neck so a sample was taken and sent to the lab.  Jack and Sally had senior blood work done and sent to the lab.  All three had heart worm tests and tests for parasites. And all three had a full "hands on" exam by Dr. Huang. 

Dr. Huang measuring...

Jack's heart murmur was louder than usual so he had x-rays and extra blood work as well.  We love Dr. Huang.  She is thorough, offers practical and good advice, and she is so kind to our pups.  Jack's x-rays were read on the spot and there are no signs of an enlarged heart.  

Jack insists on ball play everyday.  A few minutes won't do.  Most days I throw and he retrieves for at least an hour.  

Dr Huang says Jack's heart is perfect !  

I just love this picture of Jack !

On the way home from the vets, these three were definitely sticking together ! Jack has his head on Dover's leg and Sally will not ride on the seat.  They are the best of buddies !

In between all the appointments, we got in four walks (2.7 miles each) on the cart path this week.  I did give myself a pat on the back and a wahoo after each walk.  

A little color, 

  busy birds...cactus wrens I think, 

 and a view of our world is really all the motivation I need !

We don't have many places on our side (the west side) of the interstate to shop..  There is a convenience store for milk and gas which has a deli and cooks up yummy pizzas made to order. 

And we feel quite fortunate to have our very own go to place for things we need around the house.  Corona Ace Hardware is well stocked and best of all convenient for quick trips.  Joe needed a fitting for the hose pipe one afternoon.  Of course while he shops, I peruse.   

Aren't they just the cutest?  

Back at the oasis, we have enjoyed the early morning clouds...

the late afternoon clouds...

and all the clouds in-between.  

And Thursday's sunrise was especially pretty.

We both are in awe of the blooms on the torch cactus.  There are three blooms on the top.

Looking down on them...

And a side photo...

And there are lots more buds !

Jack plays ball inside.

The cactus wrens are very busy.  

And the coyotes have been on the prowl.

An early morning photo as the sun was coming up.  

And look who came to spend the week-end.  Ozzie and he brought Jamie and Andra.  Yippee !

Saturday the four of us went to Tucson for the annual Spring 4th Avenue Street Fair.

I added one more basket to my collection.  Akua's Boutique, founded by Theresa Fenn, is one of my favorite booths at the fair.  The baskets are crafted by artisans in Madagascar.  It is made of 100% natural Madagascar Raffia.  The raffia comes from palm trees that are native to tropical regions in Africa.  I have one other basket from her...it is very durable and the colors are beautiful.  And I love my new basket...it has a unique shape.  

My new basket...

Also, a new to me booth was Vinyl Record Art.  Vinyl records are turned into pieces of art with a clock.  I didn't get a photo of the pieces that represented the artists on the record...Elvis, Chicago, Pink Floyd, etc.  They were way cool.  

This side of the partition was for hobbies and sports.  Seamstress, gardener, golfer, cyclist...the list goes on and on.  

We always enjoy our time on 4th Street. 

We always enjoy our time visiting with the kiddos too.  Sally wanders about the house after they leave looking in all the rooms for them.  And often we find her sitting in the hall by their room.  

Well, that's about it for the week so until next time, 

Early morning light...

Fluffed up feathers on a Curve-billed Thrasher 

HAPPY TRAILS !

Hello Spring !

Corona de Tucson

March 19, 2023 

Madera Canyon...3-18-23

I can hardly believe spring is upon us.  When we returned home from Willcox last Sunday, I was surprised to find the torch cactus had a beautiful bloom.  

And Monday, it was completely open.  There are lots more of those hairy buds...fingers crossed !

I was not surprised to find the bird feeders empty and the birdbath dry.  The birds were not happy !

Our first order of business...Joe filled the birdbath and watered the bird's tree while I filled all the feeders.

Our travel day home from Willcox was also my birthday.  It was a tuff decision to decide what I really wanted this year.  I say tuff because I wanted a new patio rocker, but I also hated to part with the one I had which just happens to be almost 40 years old.  It was a gift from Joe when we married. 

It had been painted so many times thru the years...terra cotta, blue, black, or what ever color fit the mood of the season and finally white.  It not only rocked back and forth, but side to side too.  I spent countless hours in that rocker, but alas, it has been moved to the garage.

Monday morning, we were off to Lowes to pick up a new rocker Joe had ordered on-line.  He did a great job picking it out...it even matches his rocker.  As with most "things to do" around our house, we enjoyed putting it together together. 

Everywhere we look, orange, yellow and a combination of both seem to be the color of the week.  Arizona poppies are amazingly beautiful along the side of the road and Globe Mallow is a very close second...two of my favorites (But I usually say that about any of the wildflowers that are blooming at the time.).

We have a couple of walks in the rear view mirror.  Walking hasn't been the issue, it has been the motivation to walk for us.  We so enjoy the time we spend walking the cart path around the neighborhood, but it seems that every time we get going, it rains or it's windy or it's cold...the perfect excuse to have another cup of coffee instead.  I am determined this go round though so fingers crossed.

Saturday we had a delightful walk at Madera Canyon.  We chose the walk along the creek because what's not to love about the sound of running water.  

We spotted this deer enjoying breakfast...

 

And a smaller deer a bit more cautious...

We always see/hear lots of Mexican Jays at the canyon.

I think this is a Yellow Warbler. 

We took the long way home via Box Canyon Rd which traverses about 20 miles from Madera Canyon Rd to Arizona Scenic Hwy 83.  Heading east the maintained dirt road traverses thru grassy flat land dotted with mesquite trees.   

Eventually, the road narrows, drops down and crosses Box Canyon Creek...

...before it begins to climb the northern side of the Santa Ritas.  

You can just make out the road as it begins its climb in the center of the photo.

In this direction, the passenger has a great view of the basin with the cotton wood and sycamore trees that line Box Creek.  The driver hugs a cliff wall.

 

Back at the oasis, we had one colorful sunrise.

A sleepy Dover,

a tired Jack, 

and a "watch dog" Sally.

Spring is in the air,

and we are so ready !

Until next time,

HAPPY TRAILS!