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.

Adventure 939: Battle in Seattle/52

On the spur of the moment Libby called me up and said she had won corporate tickets to the Gonzaga/Kentucky basketball game in Seattle. Would I like to make the trip over? It just so happened our former neighbors, the Shafers, were making the same trip. I called, asked for a ride, and when they agreed, I phoned Libby, and off I went to spend the weekend with my favorite daughter. The Shafers dropped me off at the train station in downtown Seattle. Even though, I'm a bit of a country bumpkin, I figured out how to ride the light rail out to Libby's part of town, and then the frivolity began. I was a plus one for her regular dinner with her workmates, which was fun. I tagged along on Saturday when Libby ran her errands. I cooked breakfast a couple times, and we were massively surprised when the tickets she won turned out to be in the high rent district. We arrived art the arena, rode the elevator down to the "tunnel suites" where we found a full bar with bartender, soft chairs, a buffet of yummy food, and three or four of Zillow's top management. I chitchatted with the CFO for a while, and Libby did her best "I love this company" impression with the others. Our seats were luxuriously wide and soft, and located five rows up from the floor. The place was packed to the rooftops, and as I gazed up to where I thought we would be sitting, I counted my blessings. Sadly, GU lost, but the game was exhilarating. On Sunday, we lounged around and watched the last Formula 1 race car race of the season (Libby is an avid fan). That evening, Libby cooked us a very tasty curried salmon dish for dinner. Monday morning she took me to Bellevue to hook up with the Shafers, and we headed home. A better weekend I could not have imagined, and therefore, life is good, especially the past few days.

It's me, the bumpkin, waiting the the light rail.

Libby's co-workers meeting in real time for dinner.

Go Zags!

More bumpkin behavior. I had never been to a double decker Target Store. This cart escalator was a very cheap thrill. No children in the carts, please!

Saturdays are errand days for the working girl.

Heading to the Seattle Center for the game.

Proof of life at the Climate Pledge Arena.

The Zillow's owner suite had all the comforts of privilege you could imagine.

Pretty good seats, I'd say.

Dinner and a movie Sunday night.

Libby back at work Monday morning before she shuttled me to Bellevue to meet the Shafers.
  

Adventure 938: 2024 Thanksgiving/51

Here in the Perch we bumped butts in our tiny kitchen like raucous rumba dancers until we prepared a feast of mythic proportions. Needless to say, we were wildly successful. All of our immediate family was present. We number twelve, missing only the fathers of our boy grandchildren. Our loss. Steve treated us with a smoked turkey that he nurtured on his Traeger BBQ. We made our normal cornbread sausage stuffing, a regular turkey, and young Falcon did yoeman's work helping Mimi prepare the crescent rolls. Angela brought her famous corn casserole; Libby some puff pastry pre dinner snacks and the old timey green bean casserole; Bonnie brought her mom's china, extra serving spoons and a pumpkin pie. Leticia brought two pre-meal snacks: chestnuts wraps, and bacon and cheese wraps. Wine was served, and after dinner we laughed heartily at the game of LTR. Emily, Sarah, and Sawyer were the big winners, which is saying something because we played for real money: quarters. Mimi glowed the whole night because, of course, like most Mimi's, she relished the idea of having all her "chicks" in the nest. A good time was had by all. We can safely say, and thankfully say, that life is good, especially today.

Pre dinner preparations.

Master Falc showing off his rolls.

Libby set the table.

Part of the buffet.

Sit down for the whole family.

LTR: gambling for real money.

Falcon running laps before dinner.

Sar Bear and Angela.

Steve and TC.

Libby, Mimi, and Poppops working the mashed potatoes.

Bonnie and Emily.

Emily and Sarah.

Cousins or grandkids, either way, the pick of the litter.

Pie. Good bye.