good-times-rollin

Monday, December 26, 2022

That Christmas Feeling…

Corona de Tucson

December 26, 2022

Last year, we were invited to Kevin's and Stacie's home for Christmas dinner. It was so nice being among friends at Christmas. The 10 or 11 years before last year, Joe and I spent Christmas...just the two of us. So, you can imagine the excitement around our house as we planned on having Jamie and Andra here for a long 3 day Christmas week-end. Meals were planned, groceries were bought, errands were completed, the vacuuming and mopping was done, we enjoyed a couple of beautiful sunsets...and then it was Friday.

It was a wonderful week-end. We enjoyed the outdoors...playing games

And no, Andra and I didn't win the corn hole championship, but we didn't get skunked either!

and watching a team of 5 Harris' Hawks (three in the pine tree on the right side of the yard and two in the pine on the left side)...

Jamie grilled filet mignon...cooked to perfection...for Christmas Eve dinner.

It was fun setting the big table.

And I especially enjoyed the view from the kitchen sink.

After dinner, we sat around the fire serenaded by the howling coyotes and hooting owls.

Christmas morning, Jamie and Andra had gifts for the pups.

Jack got a crab...because he IS crabby!

Sally got a turtle...because hurry is NOT in her vocabulary!

And Dover got a hedgehog...we often find her curled up in a ball and easily startled by sudden movement.

And meet Ozzy. He is our 8 month old grandpuppy and just about the sweetest puppy we have ever known. He is an Aussiedoodle...playful, protective (especially of Dover), very smart, loves to watch TV and a great addition to the family.

I spent the afternoon (today) putting away Christmas. Everything is marked and sealed and ready for next year. All that is left to say "it was Christmas" is a poinsettia on the kitchen table, my new red quilt, a small tub of party mix. And, thank goodness for the memories made.

I can hardly believe we are wishing everyone a healthy and happy New Year.

My how time flies!

Until next year...next time...

HAPPY TRAILS !

Monday, December 19, 2022

Merry Christmas

Corona de Tucson

December 19, 2022

St Phillip's in the Hills

Saturday morning, Joe and I were up and out early. Our first stop was at East Lawn Palms Cemetery in downtown Tucson.

It was a special day to honor fallen soldiers. Every December, Wreathes Across America coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery as well as more than 3,400 locations in all 50 states, at sea, and abroad.

I first learned about Wreaths Across America in December 2015. We were in San Diego and riding out to Cabrillo NM for a hike. The photo below of the wreaths at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery made a huge impression on me.

Our next stop Saturday morning was St Philips Plaza.

Every Saturday and Sunday (all year long) are outdoor market days at the plaza. I needed one more "little something" to go under the tree and knew my chances were better than good to find just what I wanted there.

Just down the street from the plaza is St Philip's in the Hills Episcopal Church.

St Philip's was built in Spanish Colonial architecture (similar to mission churches built in California over 400 years ago) in 1936. The very first service held there was on Christmas Eve. Tusconians John and Helen Murphy had a plan to build a private chapel at their home. Instead, the architect persuaded them to build a small church at the corner of two dirt roads...Campbell and River.

Although the church has undergone several expansions, the integrity of the architect's design has been maintained in the buildings. In 2004, St Philip's in the Hills was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Today, it is the largest Episcopal church in Tucson.

Back at the oasis, it has definitely been sweater weather.

Sunrise and coffee had an abrupt halt outside.

We bought our first tree for the backyard. It's for the birds! Once again, Civano Nursery, just down the road from us, delivered, planted and staked it.