Its a vacation!

Gopher Flats

Moab, UT

June 2021

Our Corona de Tucson backyard at sunset...

As most folks already know, Joe and I returned to Tucson last October 2020 (a month earlier than planned) for two reasons.  First to take care of some issues at the dermatologist and to find and buy a home.  Thanks to Dr Hu (who had to detach Joes ear lobe, remove a squamous cell carcinoma and reattach his ear lobe) and to Kevin Wood ( owner of The Wood Group and by far the best realtor in Tucson) we accomplished both goals by mid January.  The next several months were very busy. We finally moved in to our new home nestled in a quiet neighborhood in the small community of Corona de Tucson on March 3rd. 

After three months of hard work and settling in, it was time for a vacation.  Even though we knew it would be hot, we headed north to Moab.   

 

We arrived just in time to join MFFW for a clean up day on LaSal Loop Pass Trail.  

One of our favorite lunch spots.

The clean up crew parked for lunch...

 

We picked up trash along the way and removed several downed trees that were blocking the trail.

Tragically, the following Wednesday (June 9), an unattended campfire started the Pack Creek fire not too far up the road from Gopher Flats.  When I started this post a few days ago, the fire had burned 8,500+ acres and was only 36% contained.   Firefighters have worked tirelessly day and night and we counted 8 helicopters on the old airport strip across the street...the hum of the copters is constant. 

Day 1 photo taken from the doggie park at Gopher Flats.

Day 3 photo taken from Belle's front window.  It is surprising to me that the only time we smell smoke is early in the morning when its light out, but the sun isn't up yet.

Day 3 photo taken from the front of Dee's casita.

Dee’s photo taken from her balcony…

I copied this photo from Google.  It was taken from Canyonlands NP (over 60 miles away) by a news crew from Salt Lake City.

There are two reasons we came to Moab.  First to be here on Dee's birthday and the second reason was to visit with Dee’s sister, Kathleen. We  hadn't seen Kathleen in 6 years.  Outdoor activities have been scarce because of the heat.  But one morning...very early...we joined Dee and Kathleen for a trail run up Strike Ravine.  

 

Moab's version of Boulder City...

And another morning...also very early...we joined Sally, Dee and Kathleen for a hike.  Sally (a Moab local for about 10 years) hikes everyday.  We love meeting great, energetic people with a passion for sharing their favorite places. Sally now joins that list with Dee in Moab.  Our hike took us down into a valley with a a flowing stream, gorgeous cliff walls with several petroglyph sites, flowers and trees, and up and over lots of slick rock.  It was perfect...3.5 miles of captivating beauty with friends topped off with a yummy brunch in town. 

Sally, Dee and Kathleen lead the way.

Sally

I was definitely on camera overload !

Sally's puppy Billie Rose...

  

 

Such details...I love the antlers and split hooves !

Families...

Holding hands and...

and sticking together was a definite theme in this area.  So sweet !

It's been a great vacation for the puppies too.  We don't have grass at our house so they were totally into running, chasing lizards, rolling on their backs and just laying in the shady, cool grass.  

Our sweet Dover turned 14 this past January.

Jack, always the life of the party and a bit spoiled turns 13 in July.

And Sally who we rescued from a kill shelter in July 2009 (the vet guessed she was 2-21/2) made a few loops but mostly enjoyed rolling on her back in the grass. She is somewhere between 13-14 also. 

Joe and I celebrated our 38th anniversary this month. The love of my life.

Can't admit we have changed very much...but our children have definitely grown up with children of their own.  Time sure flies !

Many visits and lots of laughs, great food (at favorite restaurants..its just too hot to cook), and naps and relaxing filled most of days and evenings.  

So until next time, a blast from the past...

HAPPY TRAILS !

Casting On

Gopher Flats
Moab, UT
August 13, 2020

The attic in the Georgia house was full...33 years worth of living.  Most everything was either trashed or taken to Goodwill.  We did find a few treasures...toys being at the top of the list.  We packed them up and sent them to Felix (our grandson who just turned 4).  I'm not sure who was most excited, Felix or his dad (our youngest son).

It’s still hot!  Cooking  inside isn’t a good idea this time of year in Moab so Joe has been busy at the grill... 

homemade fresh veggie pizza , fresh asparagus, sweet Olathe corn on the cob  (from Olathe, CO not too far from here), chicken, salmon and bacon burgers just to name a few of the things that have satisfied our taste buds.  We were especially thrilled to find a huge tub of Olathe corn at City Market...5 ears for $1.00. We have bought it on two different stops there.

Three of us have sparkly, clean chompers. Sally was mad at me and refused to look up and smile.

Joe and I also had our pearly whites cleaned.  I always dread teeth cleaning day.  I am always happy when it is done!


So yesterday while running errands, we stopped at Desert Thread. 

It was obvious that upon entering the small store, I wasn’t expecting what I saw.  The colors, the textures, and the hand-made sweaters, scarves, hats and bags were amazingly gorgeous. 

 Many of the yarns in the store are local. And what ever felting is, I really want to learn how.  It sure makes for some beautiful pieces.  










But, first things first...knitting!  My grandma crocheted, my mom knitted, and I enjoyed countless hours in years past doing counted cross stitch. I’ve had a hankering to learn how to knit for the past several months.  I had done some internet research and Kathy, the owner of Desert Thread, agreed with my findings.  She guided me on choices for needles and yarn.  She is so friendly, helpful and passionate about wanting folks like me to be successful.   It will take much practice to get a "rhythm" and "feel" for working the yarn and probably several more stops at Desert Thread for help.  

I spent yesterday afternoon casting on and this morning while Joe was in the dentist chair, I added a second row.
I'm telling myself this is progress !  I have size 8 birch needles and a light color wool blend yarn.  

Practice  makes perfect.  But then I read once that Vince Lombardi said, "Practice does not make perfect.  Only perfect practice makes perfect."  I might in trouble !


I'll close with the prettiest sunset photo of the week...

Until next time...

Photo taken January 2019 in LaJolla, CA

HAPPY TRAILS !