Clouds, Colors, Curls, and Contentment

Corona de Tucson

July 18, 2025

Clouds...

Colors...

Curls...

Contentment...

July is a bit more than "in full swing" as it is already nearing the end of the month.  We were so happy to start the month with a very nice rainy day although we have only had one more since.  Both were nice soaking rains late in the day and through the night.  We sure need the rain and welcome every drop with fingers crossed the monsoon season will give us more in August and September.  

Rainy days are so special in the desert.  I often find myself walking around the yard for photo opps.  Capturing the droplets is rewarding.

The birds are happy too!

We have checked off a few necessary annual appointments for me and for Joe.  Joe also has had 3 MOHs surgeries this month and the stitches will come out on the 28th.  The squamous cell carcinoma cancer on his scalp will also need 16 rounds of radiation (that is twice a week for eight weeks) after it heals...hopefully starting the middle to end of August. 

Jamie, Andra and Ozzie spent the 4th of July holiday and weekend with us.  It's so fun having them here.  Eating, laughing, playing, and conversing is non stop.  Lucy has an especially good time.  She adores Ozzie and he is so sweet to her.  

Friday night we walked around the neighborhood to see the fireworks.

And Saturday we went to look at plants and trees at Civano and enjoyed a late lunch at Ranch Rustico.  Our first time to eat there...a yummy Mexican lunch, extra cold brew, and great service!  We even brought sopapillas home.  

 

A Firecracker Plant...

Elmo...one of the residents at Civano.  

The clouds put on great shows this time of year.

The colors in the backyard put smiles on our faces.

Sweet little curls fill our hearts and our home.

And that brings me to contentment... a state of peaceful happiness.

 

Until next time,

HAPPY TRAILS!

Cowboys, Clouds, and Curtains

Corona de Tucson 

September 2, 2021

So September 3 marks our sixth month anniversary since we moved into our new home here in Vail.  The time has flown by and we wake up every morning so excited to be here.  The hand painted tile is a gift from our realtor, Kevin Wood, who just also happens to be a dear friend as well.  It proudly hangs by the front door.  

Projects continue, but not at a hectic "gotta get it done" pace like it did when we moved in.  This week I made curtains for our bathroom.

We have never had a window in the bathroom before.  It has frosted glass so we can't see out (and no one can see in !).  My original thinking was the curtains would warm up the room. Now we aren't sure.  We don't have or really want curtains/drapes any where else in our home...we enjoy the blinds that were in the house when we bought it.  Any suggestions?

We made a trip to Lowes this week.  Joe is getting ready for a project. He has designed (at my request) a shelving unit/TV console for the great room.  Fingers crossed as I can't be wishy washy about this one !  Curtains are easy to take down or put up, but not built in shelves.  A shout out to Lowes and Home Depot for giving veterans a 10% discount.  We sure do appreciate it.  And notice our little trailer? We use it often.  

On the way to run errands the other day, we were reminded of one of the reasons I fell in love with this area.  Cowboys !  

I had my first encounter with cowboys in Polson, MT in 2013 at a Chevrolet dealership of all places.  We were waiting for the stock muffler to be replaced with a wee bit louder one on the new Jeep Wrangler we had just purchased in Las Vegas.  

A father and two sons entered the small lounge, tipped their absolutely gorgeous cowboy hats and said "Howdy do mam!"  So silly, but I just about lost it !  I do love cowboys !  

I wouldn't say Joe (who I love dearly with all my heart) is a cowboy, but he does own a couple of Stetsons !  

We had rain again this week. 

 

I just heard on the local news this morning that so far for the 2021 monsoon season, we have had 12.08" of rain.  So thankful for the rain !

Our backyard view...

And the sky and clouds have been amazing !  

Early morning...

Afternoon...

The end of the day...

I was happy to see the hawk this week.  It was late afternoon with no sunlight...only dark clouds.  I had to do a bit of editing to bring out the colors on this magnificent bird and the background turned white.  It is rare that I ever edit any photos, but in this case the hawk was very dark with no markings or colors. 

Mr. Hawk

As I was snapping away, Mrs. flew in and landed right beside him.  

Mrs. Hawk

They sat for a few minutes...discussing dinner plans I'm sure... before heading to their next stop.

That about sums up our week.  So until next time, 

The road that takes us to our street/neighborhood with a view of the Santa Rita Mountains. Photo taken last Monday.

Clouds yesterday morning.

I haven't tired of this view of the Santa Rita Mountains which are so green.  Same road, but this photo was taken yesterday on the way home after I got a haircut.  

HAPPY TRAILS !