Adventure 943: Day 1: Trumpocalypse/56

Dripping as the day was with the sad irony of Martin Luther King's tattered legacy, we decided to join the resistance, find a little joy, and experience genuine, truthful emotion by attending a concert put on by two "righteous babes"--Headliner Ani DiFranco (with her band) and her opening act, Joy Clark. Both embodied the hope that true human love for others can and will provide a road map out of the quagmire of authoritarian degradation. Judy and I spent time before the concert wandering the streets of downtown Tucson, especially the blue line, which highlights some of Tucson's historic past as well as filling onlookers eyes with spectacular murals. Coincidentally, it was also the annual Jazz weekend in Tucson, which meant several venues were active and a free space for music was provided near Corbett's bar on sixth avenue. The crowd was lively, engaged, and peaceful. Despite the oncoming flood of self-aggrandizement, cruelty and unbridled narcissism, we felt lucky to be in a space temporarily free from such actions. In that moment, we realized that life is good, especially today.

We enjoyed a pre-concert meal at Beaut, a vegetarian restaurant housed in one of the boxcars near the Mercado. Very yummy.

Joy Clark and Ani performed in the 105 year old Rialto Theater.

Art shot of the day: Cool lights above our table.

My bunny enjoying a Bahn Minh sandwich and some deep fried cauliflower bites.

Remember, just because you're not paranoid doesn't mean they're not after you.

Selfie of the day: Pre-concert drink at Corbett's.

Tucson legend, Linda Ronstadt, adoring the hallway near the rest rooms at Corbett's.

Sort of how I feel about America's current path.

Joy Clark

Ani sent her band off stage for a brief interlude of reflective discourse. The rest of the night she and her crew pounded out songs that resonated like heart palpitations through my psyche and my soul. Music has a way of doing that.

Let our better angels prevail.

Be watchful. Be aware. Be better.

 

Adventure 942: Settling in Tucson/55

Twelve days seems like a lifetime. We've settled back into our desert routines. Judy is working with her personal trainer, Rob, and is looking fit and strong. She's also knitting up a storm trying to keep up with our friend Ginny who is a knitting machine. We've rejoined the volunteer crew at Cross Street, serving breakfast to the homeless on Mondays and Fridays. And we've taken one hike in the desert so far. As for me, I'm on a five day a week Tai Chi pattern, which is both immensely satisfying and incredibly challenging. Since this was the first time we didn't bring our bicycles, I had to borrow "Big Blue" from Ted Ketchum because the normal park that we meet for Tai Chi class is under construction until the end of March. The good news is that I'm getting around forty miles a week riding that I wouldn't have otherwise. In other news, our visitation calendar begins to light up in February, where it seems the "Inn" will be packed. Fun time had by all, and means as usual that life will be good, especially today.

January weather has been chilly overnight with some freezing, but every day the blue sky comes out raising the temperature to the high sixties.

We went to our first Mountain Music concert at Catalina State Park, which became one of our favorite pastimes when we used to camp there.

We enjoyed the concert with Kel and Karen Friesen.

Selfie of the day: Peek-a-boo, I see you.

Judy has completed her first puzzle.

Our hostess, Amy, has added some new art to her home.

Judy added the lilies.

I don't know the name of this Yogi lady, but the wood carving is exquisite.

This bronze fellow adorns one of the bookshelves.

The Saturday morning Tai Chi class working on the Fan.

Our friend, David Kral, serving up the wine.

This metal Viking woman guards Brandi Felton Park.

Adventure 941: Tucson 2025 on Our Mind/54

We left on schedule (1/4) in light snow and near freezing temperatures. We met dense fog until after Sprague. From there it was smooth sailing, including bare, wet, and warm conditions over Deadman Pass. After almost ten hours we arrived in Filer safely where we spent two days with friends Tom and Patty Losser. We also visited the Hooleys after church on Sunday where we were treated to a simple delicious lunch and very good conversation. Monday morning we drove another eight hours to Las Vegas. We met with several more patches of dense fog and some snow on the road around Jackpot, NV. Once we reached Ely, the road became bare and dry, the sky lightened up, and by the time we sighted Las Vegas, the sun was out. We stayed the night in Henderson. Tuesday, we made the eight hour drive to Tucson in warm, clear weather. The drive was easy. After arriving safely, we unpacked, washed the road muck off the car, and generally counted our blessings. In total, we drove about twenty-four hours. Herbie Joe, our car, performed well and we managed to stay in our lane. We're grateful for traveling mercies, and have determined once again that life is good, especially today.

Two of three Losser cats wondering who the strangers are.

Patty serving up taco soup for a light dinner after we arrived.

Tom, grinning like an old "Tomcat".

Dutch baby pancakes for  Sunday breakfast.

Smothered in strawberries and maple syrup.

The Southern view in the Losser living room.

It was good to connect with some old friends at church. We spent three years working the MCC sale here in Filer.

Sunday night popcorn, a tradition.

Blue sky and Vegas on the horizon.

On my way to the hot tub after a few long driving days.

Just me and the little rubber ducky.

Ahhhh!

A family of nine or so javelinas just scrounging for food.

The first evening view in Tucson this year.

 

Adventure 940: Christmas 2024/53

Everyone was in attendance except grandson Sawyer who spent this Christmas with his father's family. We missed him, but it was only fair that he shared time with Chad's family. We sent a hunk of prime rib home for him with his mother. Despite his absence, the rest of us enjoyed ourselves immensely. To begin the day, Libby made two quiche dishes for breakfast, and we cracked a bottle of champagne to enjoy with orange juice. Afterward, we  collaborated on a ginger bread house. And later yet, while the rib roasted, we nibbled on charcuterie and stuffed mushrooms. Much propinquity filled the perch the entire day. Dinner was excellent. Gifts were plentiful, and suffice to say, life is good, especially today.

Santa left a few packages under the tree.

We all had our Christmas drink magnets to keep our glasses straight. I'm Santa. Mimi was the hot chocolate mug.

Falcon, modeled his Christmas banner.

Libby's quiches disappeared quickly.

We all had a hand in making this magnificent ginger bread house.

Eldest son, Steve, with his family: Bonnie, Emily, Sarah.

Zam decked out in his festive gear.

The charcuterie board.

The crew.

The siblings opened their "Lazy Susans" together.

Sarah and Emily showing off their boxes.

Bonnie and Angela looking their jewelry boxes over.

Mimi and Poppops delivering the "socks".

Leticia and her "cash" box.

Falcon with his truck.

Libby with her box (Note: Boxes from Poppop's shop are a Christmas staple).

Mimi and Poppops, grinning like roasted chestnuts.

Falcon and Mimi playing Christmas carols after dinner.
 

Judy and I always hang our heart ornaments close together. We're thankful for our blessings.