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!

Thanksgiving Week

Corona de Tucson

November 29, 2924 

Last week the weather was about as perfect as can be.  It's the last week in November with highs in the mid to high 70s and the lows in the high to low 60s.  We spent a lot of time outside in the fresh air.  

Lucy loves being outside.  Playing fetch, watching the birds, napping, and early morning snuggles are at the top of her list. 

Tuesday morning we were off to the grocery store and on Wednesday afternoon  Jamie, Andra and Ozzie came for a long week-end.   

It was love at first sight for all four!  No one was sure about what the pups would do...Lucy hasn't been around any pups and neither has Ozzie except for our Tan Clan who didn't exactly move at the speed of sound like Lucy does.  Ozzie was a real champion and only one time, did he have to let Lucy know she had gone too far. 

  

As you can imagine, I took tons of photos, but most of them were blurry.  

Thanksgiving dinner was yummy...a baked turkey, southern style cornbread dressing (without the sage), Senator Russell's sweet-potato casserole, fresh green beans, yeast rolls, and pecan pie with ice cream.  All great for "fix your own" leftovers too!  

Joe dices the sweet potatoes

Jamie sautes the celery and onions for the dressing.

Later in the day, we put up the Christmas tree to the sound of Christmas music.  One of my favorite days of the year.  

Friday, Jamie pruned all five of our trees. They look great ! More like trees now and not bushes !  

And Andra and I were busy making two batches of Christmas Party Mix...  

while the boys were busy taking a nap.

And Friday night we added lights to the front yard.

Saturday we went to Green Things.  It is kind of like Son-Silver in Sedona, but the five buildings stocked with indoor and outdoor furniture, ceramics, wall art, pottery, etc. are spread out.  It's a beautiful "outdoor" garden with cacti, succulents, trees, seasonal annuals and perennials for sale.  And, so many different colors, shapes, and sizes of outdoor planting pots.  I was definitely "wowed".  In fact including their greenhouses, plants, and buildings, Green Things spans almost 15 acres.  This family owned business, which started in 1970, is located along the Rillito River on River Road. 

The afternoon was saved for corn hole game time.  The girls didn't get skunked in any of the games, but we only won once and that is all I have to say about that! 

The kiddos and Ozzie headed home Sunday morning and sweet little Lucy crashed under the kitchen table...we didn't hear a peep out of her for a couple of hours. 

I only captured a few feathered friends this week...

Back on the east coast...

Bill, Jill, PJ, and Henry had a fun day at the Renaissance Festival in NC.

Thanksgiving morning in SC...Jena, Edith and Felix

So, that's a wrap for November.  We have so many things to be thankful for.  

Until next time,

HAPPY TRAILS!