A Splendid Lazy Monday

I indulged in exactly the kind of day I needed. For the first time in weeks and weeks I wasn’t on the go the entire day. After taking Bob to Pilar for his workshop I returned to the casita and didn’t leave until it was time for the critique session and picking him up. A leisurely late breakfast was followed by a bit of computer work, snapping photos inside and out, reading and even a midday nap. How marvelous it is to feel rested!

We had a short drink on the patio before meeting friends for dinner and capped the evening by chasing the sunset. Trying to find an open westward view we covered territory we’ve never seen before. We missed the peak color but enjoyed the adventure.

Last???

This morning’s e-mails contained three notices or threats, depending on how you look at it.

• Last Day for extra savings – from Macy’s
• Last Chance for free shipping – from Snapfish
• Last Chance to submit your prayer request – from Our Prayer

I hope not.

Decision

I haven’t posted anything on this blog for over two weeks. Starting February 1st I challenged myself to make a nightly post for a month as we went Tripping Right Along. Did I have the discipline? This was a test. Mostly I was successful; a few times the post was written the next day and post-dated.

Since we got home from our Southwestern trip I totally neglected this blog. Today I went back and read the daily views from Feb. 1 to March 11. I liked being reminded what was on my mind or what I had observed each day.

I’ve decided to return to Tripping Right Along on a regular, if not, daily basis. I see it as a 21st century diary, generally recorded as personal memories but available to those who might want to drop by and read. It’s not that I see my life as exceptional. Quite the opposite, I see it as very ordinary, but I believe there’s probably common threads of what others are experiencing or thinking.

Feel free to add a comment or share your thoughts and experience. I’d welcome the company.

Home Again, Home Again

Coming home from a trip always feels like a mixed blessing. There is no place like home – ones own comfort zone. However home also signifies the end of the adventure; although after almost three weeks on the road I’m about saturated with experiences and need time to process the sights, sounds, tastes and information. I do hate to see the Southwest margarita tour come to an end.

There’s also the silent prayer of thanks. The house still stands with no mishaps and the trip accomplished in health and safety – a big sigh of relief.

Now it’s back to reality. Bob’s already been to the grocery and is off to a guild meeting. I’m taking care of bookkeeping tasks and worried about getting the guest room cleaned before Eric arrives tomorrow. Then it’s onward to eye surgery for both Bob and Eric. Isn’t reality fun?

Sedona Scenery

As we drive the canyons around Sedona – main highways and narrow backroads – each view reminds us of the spectacular geography and geology of the area. I truly don’t know how to fully describe the scene. Even in my own mind the reality is so much richer than the mind’s picture when you’re away for the red rock country.

Sure there are lots of looky lous, tee shirt shops and tourist gimmicks but getting out into the natural world reaps rich rewards.

Sedona scenery renews inspiration.

Yesterday – Today

We’re standing in the renovated one-room schoolhouse in Fairbank, Arizona – population zero. Wind whistles through the deserted derelict buildings of a town that once served as a transportation hub for the American Southwest. To get to Tombstone one took the the train to Fairbank and completed the journey by stage. A rail line even connected Fairbank with the Mexican port of Guaymas.

My cell phone rings loud and clear. Michael asks, “Where are you?” I’m struck by the contrast of yesterday’s relics and today’s technology.

Slowing the Pace

Three activities were on today’s agenda. None involved driving major distances or changing hotels – a much needed change. Ramsey Canyon Nature Conservancy was the morning destination. We walked up the canyon  nearly a mile. Although the trail was rugged I couldn’t call this a hike because of our pace, more of a meander.

We made frequently stops to listen to bird calls, scan the tree tops for unknown species, watch water spiders and take pictures. Lots of time to observe not just breeze through.

Way Out West performing at the Arizona Folklore Preserve filled the afternoon. The intimate cabaret setting encourages a relaxed audience.

In late afternoon we stop at San Pedro House – a primary bird watching location along the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area. It takes us a long time to consult books and know what we’re viewing but only hungry tummies dictate any rush.

Artist = Eccentric ???

Are all artists eccentric? During our visit today at DeGrazia Gallery of the Sun I couldn’t help but ponder this question. What I enjoyed most were the details in architecture and gardens. But they were all out of the “normal” range. Who spends hours making  tin flowers to tack on every post in sight? How many people do you know who’ve built their own chapel – with an open roof? When was the last time you embedded marbles in the walls? Why are musical instruments hanging from the trees?

All the things that caught my eye would make me think Bob had lost his mind if he started doing them. Eccentric in  his own way but there isn’t a saxophone hanging from the apple tree. So far!

Oh Where, Oh Where Did my Husband Go?

Today was botanic day for us. We started at Tohono Chul Park – probably our favorite site in all of Tucson. The 49-acre preserve showcases gardens, trails, museum, greenhouse, gift shops and tea room. Within 15 minutes of arrival Bob’s wandered in one direction for a photo op and Nancy’s trolling the shelves of the La Galeria Museum Shop.

When I go back outside guess who is nowhere to be seen. I spend the next hour exploring a number of the specialty gardens and taking photos, returning periodically to see if Bob is in the general area where we separated. No Bob. I don’t let it ruin my visit but as it gets closer to noon I’m thinking more and more of cold prickly pear lemonade and something to eat. My cell phone rings, “Where are you?’ asks the lost boy. Sitting near the front gate waiting for me, he says it never occurred to him to look for me inside the shop. Obviously he wasn’t thinking, we’ve been married long enoug to know that a shop featuring art and books draws like a magnet. Should I get a leash?

Opportunity???

South of Deming, New Mexico we noted an interesting sign this afternoon. A complex of buildings, looking like either a themed motel or row of condos, is only identified as, “Land of Opportunity.” Not a living soul or vehicle can be sighted. Out front stands a large “For Sale” sign. Do you need this kind of opportunity?