good-times-rollin: Arizona and monsoon skies

Monday, August 4, 2025

Already August...

Circle Pines KOA

Williams, AZ

August 3, 2025

Once again, we turned the page on the calendar and August begins. But before we get settled into the last full month of summer, I wanted to share a few photos from July that didn't get posted. I almost called this post Grandma Hobbies. I read an article that these hobbies include crafting, cooking, and/or enjoying nature.

The article stated there has been a resurgence in sewing, knitting, gardening, and birdwatching. These are just a few hobbies mentioned on a long list of granny era hobbies that keep our minds busy and soothes the soul. A survey referred to in the article revealed that a majority of young folks between 18 and 28 have acquired at least one grandma hobby. Kudos for them!

It seems a discovery has been made that that these activities might just be the best kept secret to better mental health. Being a Gigi, and having friends that are grandmas, we can all agree to these benefits. Felting, knitting, gardening, and long drives in the middle of nowhere looking for the "wonders of nature" are only a few of the activities I enjoy reading about in the blog-o-sphere. Hobbies we all began before we were grandmas and continue to enjoy.

Birdwatching is one of my favorite things to do!

July ended on a beautiful note...we had a monsoon storm that rolled in about 5:30. I am not sure if the 104 degrees had anything to do with the intensity, but it was so wonderful. It rained and rained. Lucy and I went from window to window and front yard to backyard to watch and enjoy. The rains were accompanied by frequent lightening strikes, winds and flash flooding.

A storm cloud over our neighbor's home across the street...

The sunset from the front yard a couple of hours later...

And the last sunset in July from the backyard...

Friday dawned with vaca plans...a nice getaway to the mountains and Saturday the wheels were rolling.

A quick overnighter in Camp Verde and after a nice Sunday drive we settled in Circle Pines KOA in Williams, AZ for a week and the best part isn't even the cooler temps. We are spending the week with Ronnie and Carol.

Next door neighbors !

The KOA isn't called Circle Pines for nothing. I love the pines, especially long-leaf pines.

Reminds me of Georgia...

Lucy discovered pine cones...

A very tired little puppy...

Stay tuned. Until next time,

HAPPY TRAILS!

Sunday, July 30, 2023

The Silver Lining...

Corona de Tucson

July 30, 2023

July 26 @ 6:54 pm

I have heard the phrase, "Every cloud has a silver lining" for as long as I can remember. In 1853 American writer, Sarah Parton (who preferred her pseudonym Fanny Fern) was asked by the editor of Home Journal magazine to write a weekly motivational essay about the topics of the day. She used the phrase in one of her weekly columns and it quickly gained public acceptance. Fern's writing career actually began in 1851 when her essays and articles were published in Boston newspapers. She is said to be the first woman newspaper columnist in our country. And if thats not a silver lining, by 1855, Fern was the highest paid columnist in the United States commanding $100 per week for her columns.

I can hardly believe July is over. It seems like the days run together and then when the week is done, I wonder where it went. I used to think that the busier we were, the faster the days went by, but that doesn't hold true as we haven't been busy and the days still flew by !

Our silver lining the past couple of weeks have been the amazing skies. We went from hardly having any clouds in June to having lots of clouds to enjoy in July.

Monday afternoon and a rainbow...

Tuesday at sunset...

Wednesday at sunset...

Thursday evening light show...

Friday sunset...

Early morning walks are pleasant before the heat of the day.

And remember the field with all the beautiful huge prickly pear cactus that were blooming in the spring ?

Their fruit this time of year is quite the show !

The early morning glow...

Back at the oasis, the birds continue to keep us busy and entertained.

One morning, when I went out to water the bottlebrush trees in the front yard, the lantana was full of butterflies. I don't have any idea what kind of butterfly these are, but they are quite hairy.

It's a fun challenge to capture these beautiful insects...tongues out, tongues curled, wings open, wings closed. I never know until I put them on the computer what I captured...what a nice surprise I have sometimes.

The post is never complete without the pups...

Jack's selfie...he was snuggled up close to my leg during coffee time on the patio.

Sally waits patiently while I start our supper before feeding her her supper...

Dover rarely gets in her bed anymore, but I found her there all curled up and sound asleep...

So, that wraps up our week and July. The silver lining...finding the advantage that comes from an unpleasant situation. It has been hot, but we hardly noticed! Life is good and beautiful ! I'll close with a few random photos...