good-times-rollin: July 2024

Monday, July 29, 2024

Fifteen Years and Counting...

Corona de Tucson

July 29, 2024

As August approaches, I am always reminded that school is about to begin. It has been 48 years since I walked into my very own first classroom and I can hardly believe that this summer marks my 15th summer for retirement...how is that even possible? I celebrated 34 "first days of school" and each year it was the same flurry of emotions...excited, nervous, anticipating, hoping I was ready and prepared, and so eager to meet my school "family" for another year. Kindergarten and First Grade are special years and for many children it was/is their first school experience. For me, it was the joy throughout the year from all the "firsts" these children experienced in our classroom and the successes they had that we all celebrated together that comes to mind. Learning to read changes lives and I loved every day I had the opportunity to "do my job"...teaching children to read.

The three of us had a wonderful week at home. We have had several nice storms and one night it rained just about all night...with some wind and thunder and lightening in the mix. It is wonderful to hear the patter of rain on the windows and even more wonderful to wake up early and be greeted with cool, clean air that smells of rain and the desert when you step outside. The sun is shining. The sky is blue. What an awesome way to start the day !

We are really enjoying my flowers this summer. I have to report that the zinnias did not make it past the first two storms, but the other flowers seem to be holding their own. They have enjoyed the rain as much as we have.

Blanketflower

Pentas...I have this color and dark purple and red

Begonias and Spider plant

Copper Sun (Blanketflower)

The succulents and cacti add a bit of color too.

This is the other side of the cactus shown in the photo above...It has a very interesting way of growing.

Two days this past week, our street was under going a major upgrade. The potholes and cracks were bad and now it is all smooth. I'm not sure when the final coat will be applied...the date changes with the weather.

Joe and our neighbor (and friend) from across the street are on stand by to supervise.

The birds are entertaining...especially just after the feeders are filled. The Butter Bits (with calcium) are a favorite. They go fast and the birds have learned "the early bird gets the food" and so they gather.

The Butter Bits are more like suet. We fill up four small cups every morning. They are not messy and if you don't like seeds, they are a great alternative. Calcium is vital for birds for many reasons. It is a key component of eggshells and females need the calcium to produce strong eggshells and replenish what they loose after laying eggs. And other than the common reasons like their skeletal system, they need it for beak and feather health as well.

The babies are growing fast...

I just happened to have camera in hand when a Cactus Wren stopped by on his way to the palm tree...

And we are really going to miss the beautiful little females when they move on...

And this little Curve-bill Thrasher finally landed on the suet feeder after struggling to do so a few times...

Storms and amazing skies just go hand in hand this time of year in Arizona.

Joe and I made a pound cake this week. Have you ever had a buttered slice pf pound cake toasted in the oven with crispy edges? Yum, yum! Breakfast, lunch or dinner...it just doesn't matter to me !

Well thats a wrap on our week...life is good at the oasis ! Until next time...

...hope you have a great week.

HAPPY TRAILS!

Monday, July 22, 2024

Old Tucson

Corona de Tucson

July 21, 2024

We have enjoyed monsoon storms three days this week...

Old Tucson was originally built in 1939 by Columbia Pictures on a PIMA COUNTY owned site as a replica of 1860s' era Tucson. The first movie filmed there was Arizona in 1840 which starred William Holden and Jean Arthur.

Workers built more than 50 buildings for that first movie set in 40 days and many of them are still standing.

Although we have driven by this piece of history many times thru the years, Joe and I had never stopped there. So. when Jamie and Andra invited us to go with them to Saguaro Sunset Night Market at Old Tucson on Saturday evening, we jumped at the chance to join them for a double date!

Sunsets in the desert are gorgeous!

We were lucky as a storm completely surrounded the area with winds, thunder and lightening and rains. We watched the weather in all directions and only a few drops of rain fell the entire time we were there. The late afternoon glow was stunning !

It was such a fun time...we walked, we talked, laughed a lot, ate messy pulled pork b-b-q sandwiches and slaw, learned some history, watched the blacksmith, took lots of photos, and enjoyed the beautiful sunset and each other !

The kiddos spent the night Saturday.

The rest of the week was here and there...Joe had a dentist appointment for a new cap, he also had an eye appointment with the cornea specialist, and I had a much needed haircut on Friday. I love going to get my hair cut. The salon is on the north side of town and other than haircuts, we rarely ever get there. So, on Friday, we did a little shopping and had a really nice lunch at Wildflower. Wildflower is described as a modern American restaurant inspired by flavors from all over the world.

The menu changes with the seasons serving both classic and fresh flavors. Joe enjoyed fish (flown in fresh daily) and chips with slaw, fries and yummy tartar sauce. I had a warm salad...lobster and artichoke hearts with grilled asparagus, roasted tomatoes, crispy potatoes, baby greens and truffle vinaigrette. It was divine ! And we shared desert...Bars of Sin. It's a praline chocolate cookie, cappuccino mouse, and vanilla gelato.

Our meal was beautifully served, Mica (our server) was wonderful, and we both thoroughly enjoyed our lunch experience. Their patio is nicely filled with wonderful green plants, but we didn't eat outside as it was already too warm. We are looking forward to a fall visit with cooler weather.

Back at the oasis, we had afternoon storms. Lots of rain and lots of wind and thunder and lightening too. No complaints here...I am so thankful for every drop we get.