Merry Christmas

Corona de Tucson

December 21, 2024

I can't say enough about how gorgeous our weather has been the past couple of weeks.  It dips down to the high 50s at night and warms up to a wonderful mid to high 70s.  I am behind on a post as the past couple of weeks just flew by. There were several appointments...unfortunately most of them were my mine. The dentist for a cleaning, a hair cut, a Dexa Scan, and new glasses for me are all taken care of.  Joe also had his teeth cleaned at the same time I did and Lucy had the last of her vaccines for a year. I also painted the garage doors.  

Last Saturday we met Jamie and Andra in the city for the 55 year old tradition known as the the Fourth Avenue Street Fair.  It's not our first time to go, but each year it seems to grow bigger and we always find new things.

Lots of fun and laughs with them as we perused the sidewalks, side streets, and the avenue with over 350 artists booths offering unique gifts.  Most of the stores along 4th Ave are open which includes the coffee shops, bakeries, and restaurants, and various other stores.  And then there are the food vendors who also offer a taste of "the local" cuisine. 

I liked the dried poppies...

 

Colorful yard art...

It was so awesome to meet an artist from Phoenix.  We had bought a glass sun catcher for a pot in the backyard on our last visit to Oak Creek (April '24) and I immediately recognized his work.  We stopped and talked and bought a sun catcher for the bathroom window.  The colors are so pretty!  

 

After all the walking, we decided on BK's for lunch, and yep,  we all had Sonoran Dogs with fries and enjoyed a side of guacamole and warm corn chips.  A really nice day !

Back at the oasis, Lucy is a handful. She just turned 4 months old on the 20th.  Everything goes in her mouth.  This teething business is bad for her because we know she is hurting and for us as we cant leave her alone for one second. We now have frozen rope bones and toys in the freezer and she loves to chew on ice. Thank goodness for crates ! And thank goodness Lucy loves her crate, her "blanky", and her "lamby". She does sleep thru the night so we are thankful for that!  She keeps us busy, engaged, and we find ourselves laughing all the time. Today on the Christmas music channel The Chipmunks with Alvin were singing a Christmas song `and she sat and watched the whole thing.  Most afternoons, we are outside playing fetch and enjoying this wonderful Arizona weather.  

 picnic lunch on the patio...

Playing is fun, and it's always followed by snuggles and a nap. 

Tuesday, I made my favorite Christmas goodie...cheese wafers.  It's my mom's recipe, but I do use Tillimook extra sharp cheese instead of just sharp.  There is just enough cayenne pepper to surprise your taste buds.  

This time of year is so festive. I love Christmas!  I think our kitchen is just about my favorite room in our home these days. The sunlight coming in the kitchen window is so nice and adds a nice glow.  I got a small cyclamen at Civano last week. And the kitchen table was a perfect spot for it!  It reminds me of candy canes. I have never had one before so fingers crossed. 

The kitchen window gets the best sunlight this time of year.  

 

Cyclamen...they put a smile on my face!

A few days ago, Lucy and I went out to see the full moon.  It was rising behind the trees with a beautiful glow ring.

 

December's full moon is called the Cold Moon.  It was so named by the Mohawks and conveys the frigid conditions of this time of year.

We found out very quickly that we were not alone.  There was an owl in the top of the pine tree enjoying the evening too.  I snapped a quick photo and just as I turned to go back inside, I saw two of them fly away.  

This handsome Costa's Hummingbird was in and out of the yard for a few days.  I read that they winter in western Mexico.   

Everyday that passes, I like these sparrows more and more. They are such happy little birds and sure enjoy life.

And it is always a treat to spot the Cooper's Hawk.  

Our skies have been mostly a gorgeous shade of blue everyday and cloudless, but the late afternoon skies still have a bit of color...

The view from the kitchen window...

I just realized most of this weeks photos are from home. There is really no place like home and nowhere (right now) we would rather be.  

So until next time, stay out of tight places...

spread some Christmas cheer...

be a good helper...

and be happy !

This sweet little manger was given to me by my Sister-in Law, JoEllen, some 30 years ago.  It traveled all over the country with us in our MH.  

Q: Do you know what the difference in the regular alphabet and the Christmas alphabet is?

A: The Christmas alphabet has No-el in it!  

Luminaria Nights de Tubac

Corona de Tucson

December 8, 2024 

Saturday night was double date night.  Jamie and Andra come over and the four of us went to the Luminaria Nights de Tubac.  This was Joe's and my third time to go.  It's so pretty and kind of magical to stroll the sidewalks lined with luminaries while sipping warm Christmas cider and enjoying the festive atmosphere. The store fronts are dressed in their Christmasy best while whiffs of mulling spices fill the air. We were thrilled that the kiddos could join us this year.  It was not their first visit to Tubac, but it was their first Luminary Lights date night.  

We usually arrive about 5:00 pm, just before sunset.  

The Clay Rabbit is my favorite store in Tubac.  The owner and artist are a husband and wife team...Dean and Debbie.  Dean creates each piece by hand or using a wheel thrown method and Debbie completes each piece of stoneware by adding animals, birds, and western scenes.   

There was a chill in the air which added to the fun.  We walked and walked and perused thru stores that caught our eye.

We all enjoyed a warm sandwich and a cup of hot chocolate with whipping cream (of course!) at the Tubac Deli and Coffee Co before heading home.  

Earlier in the week, Joe had an appointment with the eye doctor.  She was pleased that Joe is holding steady.  After her exam, she put in another bandage contact and said the best news ever..."I will see you again in 8 weeks."  Wahoo!  

And I can hardly believe it has been 4 weeks since Lucy went for her first puppy wellness check.  We returned this week for her second check up and a rabies shot.  Dr Huang was pleased.  Lucy weighed in at 8.4 pounds...thats a gain of 2 pounds in a month.  

Back at the oasis, Lucy loves to play...outside, inside...it doesn't matter to her !  We spent most afternoons outside enjoying the wonderful Tucson weather.  She enjoys playing fetch and we are working hard on "come" and "sit".  

A mid-day salad...she is quick to snatch a viola or pansy, and we are working on that too! 

My favorite is bath time and cuddle time.

I did manage to make a yummy dinner...Loaded Vegetable Quiche.

A yummy blend of sauted tomatoes coated in flour and basil, mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, onions then covered with beaten eggs and milk and topped with Colby-jack cheese. 

I also made a Christmas favorite...peanut butter cookies dipped in Ghirarldelli dark chocolate melting wafers.  

We have enjoyed the birds this week.  But I don't have many photos as I haven't had the big lens outside.  

dove photo taken thru the fence at sunset...

The hummers are busy this time of year...

A pair of cardinals visit very early in the morning and return when it is almost dark...

That's a wrap on the first week in December. I was to report for Jury Duty last week, but am happy it was changed to January.  Whew!  So until next time, 

Play hard and then rest,

enjoy the colors of a beautiful sunset,

dream big,  

spread some cheer, 

and, 

HAPPY TRAILS!

Thanksgiving Week

Corona de Tucson

November 29, 2924 

Last week the weather was about as perfect as can be.  It's the last week in November with highs in the mid to high 70s and the lows in the high to low 60s.  We spent a lot of time outside in the fresh air.  

Lucy loves being outside.  Playing fetch, watching the birds, napping, and early morning snuggles are at the top of her list. 

Tuesday morning we were off to the grocery store and on Wednesday afternoon  Jamie, Andra and Ozzie came for a long week-end.   

It was love at first sight for all four!  No one was sure about what the pups would do...Lucy hasn't been around any pups and neither has Ozzie except for our Tan Clan who didn't exactly move at the speed of sound like Lucy does.  Ozzie was a real champion and only one time, did he have to let Lucy know she had gone too far. 

  

As you can imagine, I took tons of photos, but most of them were blurry.  

Thanksgiving dinner was yummy...a baked turkey, southern style cornbread dressing (without the sage), Senator Russell's sweet-potato casserole, fresh green beans, yeast rolls, and pecan pie with ice cream.  All great for "fix your own" leftovers too!  

Joe dices the sweet potatoes

Jamie sautes the celery and onions for the dressing.

Later in the day, we put up the Christmas tree to the sound of Christmas music.  One of my favorite days of the year.  

Friday, Jamie pruned all five of our trees. They look great ! More like trees now and not bushes !  

And Andra and I were busy making two batches of Christmas Party Mix...  

while the boys were busy taking a nap.

And Friday night we added lights to the front yard.

Saturday we went to Green Things.  It is kind of like Son-Silver in Sedona, but the five buildings stocked with indoor and outdoor furniture, ceramics, wall art, pottery, etc. are spread out.  It's a beautiful "outdoor" garden with cacti, succulents, trees, seasonal annuals and perennials for sale.  And, so many different colors, shapes, and sizes of outdoor planting pots.  I was definitely "wowed".  In fact including their greenhouses, plants, and buildings, Green Things spans almost 15 acres.  This family owned business, which started in 1970, is located along the Rillito River on River Road. 

The afternoon was saved for corn hole game time.  The girls didn't get skunked in any of the games, but we only won once and that is all I have to say about that! 

The kiddos and Ozzie headed home Sunday morning and sweet little Lucy crashed under the kitchen table...we didn't hear a peep out of her for a couple of hours. 

I only captured a few feathered friends this week...

Back on the east coast...

Bill, Jill, PJ, and Henry had a fun day at the Renaissance Festival in NC.

Thanksgiving morning in SC...Jena, Edith and Felix

So, that's a wrap for November.  We have so many things to be thankful for.  

Until next time,

HAPPY TRAILS!