Adventure 944: Day to Day Tucson/57

The last two weeks seem forever blue. I'm talking about the desert sky, of course, and while it's still quite chilly at night, most days arrive on the wisp of endless blue that is oh, so warming to the heart. We've maintained our regular schedule of personal training for Judy, Tai Chi for me, volunteering at the Cross Street food kitchen Mondays and Fridays, and soul cleansing worship at Southside Presbyterian on Sundays. Last week, we enjoyed a leisurely walk among the cacti with Kel and Karen. Afterward, we feasted on a nice lunch and Buendia. Not to be out done, our financial advisor and his wife found themselves servicing clients in Arizona, so we also had a pleasant lunch and chat with them at Tumerico. Maybe those lunch calories are the reason we chose to take a hike up Pima Canyon a couple days ago. Last year, we had to cross water in places. This year, the creek bed is bone dry due to the fact that Tucson has seen no  measurable rain since October. That streak ended last night when about a half inch sprinkled the valley. A final bit of news found Judy paying off this month's cribbage debt at the Raging Sage Coffee Shop. She was glad to see this month go, and hopes for a steady change of fortunes for next month. In either case, life is still good, especially today.

The saguaros and every other plant in the desert are quite stressed this year.

Hiking buddies: Kel, Karen, Judy, me.

A solitary cactus wren looking for a new condo. Maybe this fat saguaro will fill the bill.

One of our favorite family run spots.

Their motto, alegria, is to meet each day with joy and happiness.

Judy and I shared this deliciously decadent chicken mole.

I like the idea of meeting each morning with hope, joy, and happiness.

Saturday morning Tai Chi students working their way through the Fan.

It's seven miles to the ridge. We've never made it that far. We usually walk up for and hour and back down for an hour. The whole hike would be very strenuous.

Selfie of the day: I'm sure the correct response is, "Yes, Dear."

Maybe some day we'll venture to the top.

The Wiley Cager pulling a clever shuffling maneuver, hoping for a fresh start in February. Notice the yummy scone she bought me.

Art shot of the day:  Lately, things seem a little backwards.

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.