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!

Something Old, Something New, Something Yummy

Corona de Tucson

December 4. 2022 

Something old...but it never really gets old !

I love those mornings when we wake up and and one of us asks, "What do you want to do today?".  Thursday was one of those mornings !  The weather was about as perfect as any weather can be for the end of November/first of December. There were no appointments, errands, or plans on the calendar.  My answer to the question is always, "Let's do a hike!".  Our choice for the morning was Sahaurita Trail about 6 miles from home.  Sahuarita Trail is a small section (17+ miles) of the Arizona National Scenic Trail system that goes from the Mexican border to Utah.    We get a good 3.5 miles on our "in and out" walk.  The "in" has views of the Santa Rita Mountains...

and the "out" has views of the Rincon Mountains.

 

   

           

In between, there are lots of prickly pear cacti...

mesquite trees...

winter grasses...

skeletons...

and grasshoppers...really big grasshoppers.

But the sky stole the show !

Something new...always fun to find new things to do !

The historic and art village of Tubac celebrates the Holiday Season with its Luminaria Nights de Tubac the first week-end in December each year. The festival is held Friday and Saturday nights from 5:00 to 9:00.  Wahoo, sounds like a date night to me !  The streets and walkways are lined with luminaries and lights... 

and shops, galleries and restaurants are open.  

We arrived about 5:00...just before sunset...

strolled down the streets...

and meandered thru a few shops.

Clay Rabbit House was my favorite shop.  I do have a soft spot for pottery.  Dean and Debbie moved to Tubac about three years ago from the Northwest and opened their potting studio complete with two wheels and two kilns.  Dean creates each piece by hand or using wheel thrown methods and Debbie completes each piece of stoneware by adding colorful animals and western scenes.  Beautiful cardinals painted on platters, bowls, cups, and vases caught my eye when we passed by.    Then, I saw the saguaros...

and I couldn't help myself !  

A hot sandwich and a mocha latte at the deli hit the spot although I really wanted a piece of peanut butter pie.  The couple in front of us bought the last piece.  

Something yummy...always the first December treat I make.

Back at the oasis, the first of the holiday goodies is checked off the list.  A counter full of yumminess...toasted in the oven for 2 hours at 225 degrees and stirred every 20 minutes.  So worth the effort as Joe and I love this crunchy concoction of cereals, pretzels and pecans covered with melted butter, Worcestershire sauce celery salt and onion salt. It never makes it to Christmas Day ! 

Jack had a spa day.  

The violas have a mystery plant.

Jena sent pictures of Felix and Edith opening their cliff dwelling ornaments.

We enjoyed mid-morning walks with the pups.

Dover and Sally keep a watchful eye.

Joe puts on the morning coffee.  Sally waits patiently for me to fix my cup and go outside with her. 

The globe mallow is blooming on the other side of our fence.

And Saturday delivered much needed rain.

Until next time,