Merry Christmas

Corona de Tucson

December 22, 2021

Last week Jack had his teeth x-rayed and cleaned.  It was discovered that he needed a molar pulled.  Even though he was given pain pills to take for 3-4 days, he didn't feel good and was quite clingy and even whimpered some the first couple of days.  If Joe and I were busy, he found Dover to cuddle up to...  

...or enjoyed the warm sunshine.

He has another week of antibiotics and is feeling better.  So much so that he doesn't understand why he can't play ball.  It takes about two weeks for the stitches to dissolve and the vet said no ball until then.  

Joe spent a day with Pearl.  

While he was busy changing the oil, checking tire pressures, tightening bolts, and repairing the rear swing spare tire carrier, I painted the small walk-in closet in the guest bedroom.  It didn't need painting...I just wanted it the same color as the bedroom. 

Keith (our friend and go to person for help around the oasis) came over to tear out and replace a facia board on the patio.  After the new board was measured and cut, I painted it.  When we bought the house, we didn't get any information about exterior paint colors.  We matched it as best we could to the existing paint, but the color we picked is more red like terra cotta. The old paint has more brown.  You know what that means...

now all the facia boards have to be painted !  It's OK as we really like the terra cotta shade better  and fresh paint sure livens up a place.  I can paint both sides of the house with no problem, but I don't do tall ladders. Keith said he would paint the eaves for us. Looks like next years projects are coming together. 

 

Right in the middle of downtown Tucson is a small and well know sub-division.  It began as a vision for a park-like neighborhood in 1949 with 257 oversized lots that sold very quickly.  

That's Santa hiding behind the entrance !

The developer included Aleppo pines (purchased from a local nursery) in the landscaping.  The pines grew into behemoths...I like that word...that have survived the years and today provide shade in the summer and an "alpine holiday" vibe this time year.  

One of my favorites...I loved the rooftop.  

More than 70 years ago, the developer donated strands of lights as a Christmas gift to the neighborhood.  For the first few years, he judged the light displays around Winterhaven and awarded a $100 prize to the best decorated house.  That spurred the competitive juices of the neighbors and the light show grew from there.  

The event known as Winterhaven Festival of Lights has become a Tucson tradition.  It is free to enter, but there is a donation bin to support Community Food Bank of Tucson.  We joined Randy and his daughter Stacie, her husband Kevin and their two boys for a fun evening walking, talking, laughing,  and oohing and aahing our way down Christmas Avenue and Treat Circle and lots of other streets.  In 2005, Winterhaven Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  FYI...if you arrive thirsty and/or hungry, vendors are selling hot cider and cocoa, hot dogs and kettle corn.    Pictures don't show the scope and awesomeness of the lights as it was way hard to capture everything.  And the twinkling was so incredible.  

It's hard to see in the picture, but the rabbit has a hair dryer.

Back at the oasis,  I made one last goodie.  Chocolate covered almond butter balls.  Joe and I haven't eaten peanuts in a few years so I was excited to find a substitute. 

The recipe made about 30...they didn't last very long!

The Christmas cactus I bought last year when we were in the MH is actually blooming this year...just in time for Christmas.  It wasn't doing so good on the island, so we are enjoying it on the patio where it has survived for as long as we have been here.

I added lights on the island...

...and enjoy the reflection on the fridge.  So cool !

Today it is lunch with Randy in Green Valley.  I need a fried catfish taco fix. Tomorrow Jack has a follow up vet visit.  And Christmas Day, we have a special invitation to join Stacie and Kevin for dinner at their home.  Joe and I are looking forward to spending the evening with this sweet family.  

Until next time,  

It's the most wonderful time of the year.

Historic 4th Avenue and A Change in the Weather

Corona de Tucson

December 13, 2021

There doesn't seem to be much to write about for this post.  But here goes...early last week, we made the trip "to the city" to take care of a few things.  At the top of the list was gifts for the two youngest grandkids.  

Mildred and Dildred has been our go to place for finding all kinds of unique and fun gifts for any age from infant to teenage.  They wrap and ship so its a one stop shop... perfect!  It is locally owned, not a big-box store, with lots of selections that encourage imaginations and learning.  That's the Kindergarten/First Grade  teacher in me that still lingers after all these years !  

I had my heart set on sending our youngest granddaughter a doll.  Edith just turned 1 so it had to be a special doll...one that is soft and cuddly. Happy to check that off the list as the gifts have been delivered and are under the tree. 
   
 We don't usually do the "mall thing", but Joe needed to try on long pants.  Ordering them usually means returning them and that is such a bother.  So, we found ourselves at Tucson Mall.  It was practically empty !  And just a little depressing...

so unlike years past with he hustle and bustle of folks.  At least the Christmas music was playing.

We did spot one famous person.  What a surprise to learn after all these years that Santa likes Panda Express !

No more cookies for you!

This past Friday, we met Randy and his daughter Stacie on 4th Avenue.  

It's not just any 4th Avenue, it is Historic 4th Avenue in Tucson...home to the 51 year old tradition known as The Street Fair.  The district known as Old Pueblo hosts the fair and proceeds are used to support the avenue's infrastructure and invest in local neighborhoods.  Local artists and musicians as well as those from all over the world come to show and sell their goods.  

These natural wood (no stain) chopping boards were gorgeous.  The pieces come apart offering different sizes and configurations for cutting and dipping. Most were the lazy-susan style.  

All kinds of bird feeders, but these small hummingbird feeders caught my eye.

These solar lights age beautifully...if you like the patina look which I do.  All different shapes and heights...we stood here longer than at any other booth discussing, but in the end decided not to buy.   

Traffic is barricaded for The Street Fair and covered canopies line the middle of the street for several blocks.  The Avenue began in 1916 as a commercial district.  It has seen many changes thru the years.  As big shopping centers began to dominate,  the buildings were practically left empty in the 60s.  By the mid 70s,  small businesses and restaurants began emerging. Today, characterized "by a myriad of unique small businesses", 4th Avenue is listed in the National Register of Historic Places for its history and architecture and includes 50 contributing properties that date between 1903 and 1967.  The highlight for the day for me was lunch.  Randy's daughter Stacie (whose husband is Kevin and our realtor) has lived in Tucson for most of her adult life. She suggested Caruso's Italian.  Caruso's is the oldest Italian Restaurant in Tucson...it started in the 1930s and has remained in the family at the same location since that time.  The original family owner who began the restaurant passed away at age 100 in February '21.  He was the one responsible for the interior layout, the patio, and most of the food prep.  The heart of the restaurant was and still is the "big copper pot" visible from the main dining room.  It has contained all of the Caruso sauce served since the first days in Tucson.  

The food was wonderful and the service was very friendly and beyond satisfactory.  

Boutiques and antiques, along with  book, candle, jewelry, and novelty stores line the streets.  One interesting store was Pop-Cycle where piggy banks, jewelry and other fun things are created from scrap metals. 
The Avenue also offers a very wide variety of restaurants and bars to choose from.   

 At the oasis, we are enjoying Christmas.  It is such a special time of year with all the lights, smells and music.  I realized the other day, I can see our Christmas tree from every room in the house except our bedroom, master bath and guest bath.  

Last week I made a new to me goodie.  Joe likes peppermints and I like chocolate so I found a recipe for White Chocolate Peppermint Patties.  They are yummy and very "rich" as my mom would say. 

Friday we woke up to a chilly, rainy day.  This isn't our usual view out the patio door. The pups were in shock and didn't want to go out, but I thought it was a nice change...

...and perfect for white chili.  It's my favorite chili with lots of grated cheese, jalapeños and corn chips.  It is even better the next day !  I love left-overs !  Rainy days in Tucson are special and don't usually last long.

That wraps up another week.  They sure go by fast.  

As much as I love to go places and do things, I have decided that the best part of going anywhere these days is coming home.  Until next time, 

HAPPY TRAILS !