Adventure 897: Tucson Winter Two/5

My best laid plans of blogging once a week fell prey to too much fun. First, we spent time with our niece, Kate, her husband, Scott, and their first born, Alden. We enjoyed a nice brunch and visit with Scott's aunts and their families. The aunts and husbands are out from Iowa and Nebraska respectively to serve in a Mennonite program called Shalom. They will help ready living quarters for immigrants for the next two months. They will also spend time with their son and his wife (Scott's cousin Derick and his wife Mandy). Scott and Kate and Alden spent their last night with us before they headed back home to Goshen. Midweek I met with some friends from Spokane and their Tuscon friends for what amounted to a little over a thirty mile bike ride, since I rode to the meeting place instead of driving. It was my first ride of the year, what was fun, but I am singing like Elvis....love me tender. For a final Southwestern flair, we tried a vegan Mexican restaurant on Scott and Kate's recommendation. Called Tumerico, the menu changes daily; the ingredients are fresh, and the street front ambience makes the experience earthy and delicious. Like we always say, Life is good, especially today.

The pictures load randomly. This is Diane Ketcham, a friend from Spokane eying her brand new electric bike.

Alden, of course, is the star of the show.

We rode from Christina Taylor Green Park to Catalina State Park, a little over ten miles one way.

Miss Kate and her aunt Judy.

Who are all these people?

Red Chili Tamales made with Jack Fruit and veggies.

Miss Kitty, out for the first time this year.

Uncle Will, playing with Alden.

Of course, there was plenty of rolling around on the ground.

Ellen and Marge, Scott's aunts ready for a hike in Sweetwater. Missing from the photos are Derick and Mandy and Ellen's husband, Byron.

The biking crew: Diane and Ted Ketcham, Lynn and Lisa,  and CJ enjoying lunch after the ride.

Cuban Tacos, a little bit sweet and very tasty.