Corona de Tucson
June 21, 2024
Yep...hazy, lazy, crazy days of summer have officially begun and I am loving it !
 |
| The Northern Hemisphere's summer solstice typically falls between June 20 to June 22. This years solstice occurred on June 20 and is the earliest solstice in 228 years...it last occurred on June 20, 1796. |
On Saturday, we met Jamie and Andra in town. We strolled thru Gather and the other warehouse shops in the Lost Barrio neighborhood. Gather is such a fun place to go...it is always "dressed up" in the season and this month's market was very patriotic.
And it turned out to be a lucky day. For quite sometime, I have been looking for a table to replace the one between two chairs in the living area. It's funny how the eye can just spot something and you have a really good idea "this is it". I had not even considered round, and thought I "needed" a rectangle table with drawers. But, this vintage table made by Jaycee Furniture in England is perfect.
Afterwards, the four of us enjoyed lunch at Barrio Brewing...Joe and I devoured yummy Pub Fried Fish Tacos with slaw, Pico de Gallo (a fancy way to say salsa), and topped with habanero cream sauce served with beans and corn chips.
Monday I had a mammogram and Tuesday Joe had an appointment at the eye doctor. Dr. McColgin was pleased with Joe's progress...she removed the lens and says the cornea is healed. She did leave the plugs in the upper and lower openings that drain fluid from the eye so his tears can continue to provide the enzymes that help prevent infections. He returns in a month. His eye is red and vision is about what Joe expected and he says the procedure was worth the time and discomfort. And as we often say around here, "One day at a time." seems to sum it all up.
Thursday, we were up early and headed north to Oracle. I had made a reservation at Life Under the Oaks Lavender Farm. We visited this beautiful farm last year and had such a nice walk and picnic brunch that we went back again. I am so glad we did...sometimes when revisiting a fun place it doesnt have the charm that it did on the first visit. Not the case here.
 |
| The newly built barn is home to a horse, a donkey, a goat and a sheep. |
 |
| Snapdragons in all colors along the walk...these were my favorite! |
 |
| Wisteria blooms remind me of Georgia. I was a charter member of the LaGrange College Wisteria Garden Club... |
 |
| The lavender smelled heavenly and was so pretty swaying in the breeze. |
 |
| Chandeliers in trees... |
 |
| Tree fairies... |
 |
| Benches, swings, and gliders and tubs of flowers, butterflies, and secret hiding places under mushrooms make for enjoyable "sit and take it all in" spots throughout the farm. |
 |
| A nibble a day.... |
 |
| Yummy fun under the oaks... |
 |
| And the lavender boutique...so quaint and pretty with a nice variety of All-Natural lavender products... |
Back at the oasis, we were up at daybreak and enjoying the early morning cool air.
 |
| A pretty sunrise... |
 |
| We met our goal of 10+ miles this week... |
 |
| Sally helps with backyard chores after her morning walk... |
Some of the birds are teaching/learning life lessons.
I couldn't believe my eyes Monday morning as a mama quail and her babies came thru the fence into our yard. Nature is so amazing...what a good mama she is with her tiny little babies...we counted at least 12 of them. She led them to the corner, gathered them all up and they slept there. Some of the photos are fuzzy...but the sequence tells the sweetest story. All the while, daddy quail was standing on the concrete column keeping a watchful eye for danger.
This year I have been experimenting with flowers and what works best. So far, all is good except for one plant that the birds have enjoyed more than we have. Even with all the sticks, the tiny little lesser goldfinch and sparrows have managed to eat just about all there is to eat in this pot.
Thursday, we had a teaser...lots of clouds, the smell of rain, lightening in the distance, but only a few drops at our house.
However, yesterday was a glorious day...it rained ! It didn't just rain, we had a beautiful monsoon storm complete with winds, thunder and lightening and a downpour that lasted for several hours. I found myself walking from window to window and out to the patio it was so wonderful. The temps dropped about 20 degrees.
 |
| A beautiful sunrise to start the day with overcast skies most of the morning. |
 |
| Mid afternoon before the storm... |
That's a wrap for now, but I will close with a few more favorite photos from the week...
Until next time,
HAPPY TRAILS!
