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!