Apricity West 3

February 17, 2023 - Friday

Murphy’s for lunch today. Matt, the bartender, was there today as we had hoped. We had a good time with him last year and today was no different. He plays the mandolin, guitar and banjo - AND he writes his own music. I attached one of his songs which he shared with me. Love his voice which has an Irish tenor and he plays with the greatest of ease. He and his fiancee, Lisa, are heading to Santa Fe next weekend (her Christmas gift).

February 18, 2023 - Saturday

Went with Terri and Jim to the Horseshoe Cafe in Benson for breakfast on our way to Tombstone. It is a holiday weekend so the traffic is heavy and parking harder to find. We were fortunate though and got a spot right in front of Tombstone Brewery. 

My choice of beverage was a good old Sarsaparilla (aka, Root Beer).

Afterward we drove through the town which was loaded with tourists and decided not to walk the side streets to see the gunfight at OK Corral. Instead, we moseyed up to Old Bisbee to check things out. Toured this quirky little town in Pearl (T&J’s Kia Sportage) and reminisced about the times we were there before separately.

 

BISBEE BACKGROUND
The discovery of ore in the Mule mountains in 1877 began what was to become one of the world’s largest copper producing centers. By 1905 over twenty development companies were exploring the district and the population swelled to the largest in the state. Immigrants from all parts of Europe and the Americas came to work in the mines and discover a new way of life. Mining came to a halt in 1975, bringing artists, craftsmen and other new arrivals who along with long time residents established a unique, vibrant community. 

 

It is said that the town is perched a mile above sea level AND that the mining tunnels below go a mile deep. 

Lavender Pit

After our tour, we headed for the Old Bisbee Brewing Company - lo and behold, there was a rare empty parking space right in front of the charming building. Notice the 2nd floor of this small building - it is an Airbnb apartment (The Penthouse) with an outdoor scenic porch.

When we entered there was a great vibe about this small space - lots of action, people milling around, strangers chatting with each other, a lot of hustle bustle on the part of the bartender/general manager.

As luck would have it, a couple of people left leaving four empty bar stools for us. We bellied up and enjoyed the ride for a good 2 hours. Brandy was something to watch as she handled the crowd, pouring several beers at a time, hopping out from the bar to run upstairs to the patio above to grill more brats (using her phone alarm to keep time) and come back with double stacks of empty glasses. 

She would make it known as people poured in that they could order from her when ready. She and her bar-back worked like a well oiled machine washing/drying glasses and food baskets, assembling brats, chili and rolls. She simultaneously collected credit cards, tallied orders, and took payment on her iPad. One of the regulars left his stool briefly to make more popcorn which is complimentary. At one point a woman entered to check-in for her stay in the Penthouse above. Keys and instructions were given out while she continued pouring. They had a dark ale which Jim and Rich enjoyed, as well as a clear beverage, Salut! (almost like Prosecco - one plain and one with a cranberry flavor). All of this activity did not prohibit good conversation with her - we learned that she is a master distiller. Since Terri and I only drank Sarsaparilla, she took over the helm for the ride home and the boys got the back seat view. This is the merch Rich bought for us - hoodies…

February 19, 2023 - Sunday

Spent the day at Terri and Jim’s nibbling chocolates, talking, drinking and eating. The "piece de resistance" was Terri’s pozole (Mexican soup) with Mom Parsons’ recipe. Delicious!

Jim made his special drinks - this is the LeMonda…

February 20, 2023 - Monday

Started the day at El Charro in downtown Tucson. They open at 11; we arrived at 11:30 and there was already a 1/2 hour wait. Well worth it though. We got a pitcher of Margaritas and shared a dish of assorted goodies including the signature carne seca (beef dried on the roof). They had to ration it as the rainy weather has slowed down the process.

Then we took a relaxing scenic ride through Gates Pass and Tucson Mountains.

Ended up at the new satellite Borderland Brewery. They had the Mango Foxtrot Cider there which was the first cider I tried last year at the original Borderland. It was just as refreshing this time.  

Back to Parsons’ backyard to chill and review new information about an ancestor of ours. At the age of 19 our great-great-grandfather’s brother felt the call and enlisted in the Navy and was assigned as a gunner’s mate. John Fifield Bickford went on to receive the Medal of Honor during the Civil War (1864) for espionage which he took upon himself to enact. Captain Winslow of the Kearsarge was assigned to ferret out and destroy the Confederate commerce raiders which were wreaking havoc in American shipping. He asked some petty officers if they would be interested in getting some information. No one was willing, but the captain’s steward overheard this and told young Bickford. He was on a solitary mission. Being denied a two-day leave, he did acquire a leave until sundown and managed to get a fake certificate that he was an Englishman and good dependable sailor. This would allow him to sail to the quay where the enemy boats landed. He soon enlisted with the Confederate navy, whereupon he gathered intel to take back. Once his mission was complete, he asked for a leave to retrieve personal items and take care of business, promising that he intended to bring back a bottle of brandy to properly introduce himself. At this point he paid a shopkeeper to open the back window for him to make his way to the Dover-bound ship. It was well out of the harbor when he alone saw a flurry of action on shore hailing them to come back, but no one else saw and no one followed them. Upon his return he was called into the captain’s cabin and it was assumed he would be court martialed for overstaying his leave. Instead, the captain and other officers recounted his activity while gone and offered him the master’s mate position and that he was recommended for a Medal of Honor.  His information resulted in the destruction of the Alabama Confederate ship. Thank you, Alex MacKenzie, for your research.

Stanley (Everett’s brother), John, Erastus, and Everett (our paternal grandfather💗)

 

February 21, 2023 - Tuesday

Today was do nothing Tuesday and that is just what we did. 

 

February 22, 2023 - Wednesday

What a day! We never left our humble abode due to high winds (50-60 mph gusts) and rain. We had plans to go to a new English pub for lunch, but I begged off. We were rocking and rolling and I felt like we could easily lift off like Dorothy of Oz. So I worked on my Ancestry for the first time in a while, inspired by the above find. 

 

We never watch TV during the day, and at night it is a 2-hour Western on the Grit channel. That is with the antenna.Today I figured out how to connect the Roku TV to the internet provided by Crazy Horse so that we can watch streaming programs. Life Changing!!  

 

February 23, 2023 - Thursday

Ventured over to the university district to try out the Union Jack, an English pub. They have Guinness and I had Pear Cider which was good. We had wings for lunch. No exciting stories to tell because it wasn’t busy at all - must be a night life destination. 

Finally found out that my hip X-ray CD arrived at my surgeon’s office. I have been calling for over a week tracking it down! Mystery solved. Now waiting to hear his thoughts…

 

 

Apricity West 3

February 10, 2023 - Friday

Missing the Elks tonight as it was our Friday night “go to place.” We will be checking out other lodges in the area, but know they won’t compare to Wickenburg! 

 

February 11, 2023 - Saturday

Jim served up a delicious breakfast of yogurt, scrambled eggs, bacon and muffins. We are very spoiled! Next was the Ignite Sign Museum which very much surprised us with its diversity of advertising and the number of items in the indoor/outdoor exhibit. There are so many displays and puzzles throughout the building that it is hard to imagine how they planned, organized and executed this project in 4.5 years. 

Ignite Sign Art Museum: The Story

Ignite began as Jude Cook of Cook & Company Signmakers personal collection. His first sign, a Coca Cola sign came his way when he apprenticed as a signmaker in Cedar Falls, lowa, in 1977. The back of the sign was being used as a paint roller pan. Jude collected many signs over the years that struck him as interesting enough to collect, plus he received signs as gifts. 

On the 40th Anniversary of his sign business, he lit up all the signs and invited family, friends and clients. Attendees were in awe and several said, "This looks like a museum." And so the idea began and grew. It took two years to find the appropriate building with high ceilings, a sign yard, parking and room for a museum store. It took another year to prepare the building and display the sign collection.

Ignite opened in October of 2018. We consider it a working museum.

It takes you back in time. 

Argon is the gas used to fill glass tubes for neon signs. 






An added bonus was a demonstration of making neon lights. See a short video clip in the body of this email. 

Not too far from here is an HF Coors Dinnerware shop which was like eye-candy with the various patterns on display. Love these…

We ate dinner inside as it was cool, very windy and cloudy today. It was a joint effort from all to produce grilled chicken, roasted butternut and broccoli which we polished off with the greatest of ease. Yummy...

Jim put on his bartending cap and made a refreshing cocktail using some of the fresh lemons a neighbor gave them - vodka, simple syrup, triple sec, lemonade and zest. He named it the LeMonda!😊

 

Father/Daughter Dance - my son, Randy and Lily (age 11) back home in Massachusetts.💗

February 12, 2023 - Sunday

Our neighbor left today giving us a view of the pool until someone else pulls in...

Went to Terri and Jim’s this afternoon - a warm, sunny, non-windy day in the backyard. Terri and I did Jane Adams’ Chair Yoga while Rich and Jim discussed art projects. Rich made shrimp scampi for dinner - yum.

 

February 13, 2023 - Monday

Tried a new Irish Pub - Mulligan’s. Rich got his Guinness and I had a Mango cider. We ordered wings - half Teriyaki and half parm/garlic (as if there wasn’t enough garlic intake from the scampi). 

I asked what the count down was for - St. Patrick’s Day! ☘️

Then we stopped at Murphy’s - the sky was black when we went in. A loud clap of thunder could be heard and it poured and even hailed. 

 

I practiced my ukulele and found new songs to play.

 

February 14, 2023 - Tuesday 💗 HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY 💗

My refill of Tramadol said every 8 hours as needed, so I am trying to take them at 9am and 5pm to see what works. I was fine last night and today so this might be the right schedule for the "least to take for the best results."

 

A van with New York plates pulled in near us a couple of days ago. Haven’t seen much action until today, so Rich went over to find out more… (I was still in my PJs or I would have gone to conduct an interview). 

When asked where he was from in NY, he said the Adirondacks! Actually Glens Falls! WOW! Rich’s kids, as well as his sister, live in Glens Falls! His name is Jim Appleyard. He asked Rich his name and when he heard Colomb, he said, "I know Dave Colomb from a photography club - we have gone hiking together. He lost his wife (Bonnie) not long ago.” Dave is Rich’s cousin whom we have visited with several times back in NY. I had met Bonnie before she passed. Jim is heading for Tombstone - we will be going there this weekend with Terri and Jim, but not sure how long he plans to be there. It is SUCH a small world. But wait, when Rich called his sister, Eileen, he mentioned this chance encounter to her. She asked his name and when he told her, she said, “Steve (her husband) knows him!” Just saying’…

 

The wind blew up to 30 mph in the afternoon. Unfortunately, there was a deadly accident about a mile up the road from us. A delivery box truck rolled over carrying nitric acid, bursting into flames and killing the driver. Not sure if the wind was the cause of this tragedy, but hazmat alerts came over our phones warning that Interstate 10 was closed down and to stay inside with windows closed. 

February 15, 2023 - Wednesday HAPPY 14th BIRTHDAY LEANNA! !

First granddaughter, now in 8th grade with high honors playing varsity basketball and a really good kid💕

The wind howled through the night and we woke up to snow on the bikes. Notice in the background a child making snowballs before heading to school. They don’t get much of this white stuff here.

We keep trying to find a place that suits our needs - Guinness for Rich and cider for me. Today we drove to Canyon Crown Pub near Sabino Canyon. Voila! Nice atmosphere when you walk in, open comfortable stools right in front of the Guinness tap, and a nice bartender. 

I heard the guy two stools over ask her if they made good Scotch Eggs. He said the best he ever had were in Prescott which is near Congress. So I started my interview… I asked about the eggs as I had never heard of them. He said, “You’ll see when they bring them out. Where are you guys from?” When I said Massachusetts he told me he was from Revere and had lived two floors up over a restaurant growing up. We continued talking and he told me that now he had a home in Newport Beach, CA and in Paradise Valley, AZ. His wife was a realtor and she invested wisely in their future. She died 15 years ago so he has to take care of these places now. Poor guy. He is 82 in May but will never retire - from drinking Tequila and chasing women. He encourages us to go to happy hour at Jonathan's Cork down the street for their escargot and other foods he loves. Now the eggs are delivered and he immediately asks for another plate and scooped 1/2 egg and sauce for me to try. I protested, but… It was absolutely delicious. 

He was telling us to be sure to get over to California to visit this place and that. Then he pulled out a business card and said if we ever get there to give him a call and he will set us up. I read the card and tried to make sense of it:

Harry Wheaton

What does this mean? What is your line of work? What do you Consult? “You know the Wynn Resort Casinos? In 1993 Steven Wynn’s daughter was kidnapped and we rescued her. It used to be that this type of work was $1million, now it’s $10 million.” I said, “You mean the ransom?” He replied, “No, the fee we get with all of the search equipment, helicopters, tech stuff, artillery, etc.” So I had to ask what kind of training he had for this work. He shot back, "Navy Seal for 15 years!” Nuff said…

 

February 16, 2023 - Thursday   

Just chilling today - literally. It was 27 degrees at 5am and has climbed to 55. Enough warmth with the sun to actually sit outside which we love to do.

The Tramadol is doing its job keeping pain down with 2 pills - 9 and 5👏👍

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Apricity West 3

February 3, 2023 - Friday 

Today was a very long disappointing day! Starting with... up and out the door at 7am to get to Tucson Orthopedic Institute for a shot in my hip. We even missed the FREE donuts here at the park. Dr. Peterson was my doctor and he showed me my x-rays and said, “This is pretty awful. It appears that your ball socket collapsed. Looks like mush.” So he cannot give me a shot, but he could set me up with a doctor who would give the shot using x-ray or ultrasound to guide them. “How effective has that been for other patients?” He answers, “It’s a flip of a coin. Can’t guarantee. Another option is to take Tramadol for the pain and use a cane or walking stick.” I decided reluctantly to try the drug to see if it helps. 

 

Stopped in Prep and Pastry for breakfast. 

Then a pedicure nearby trying to kill time until my 3pm haircut.

 

By now, the prescription at Target/CVS must be ready so I hobbled through the entire length of Target to reach CVS in the corner because I had to show ID. Paid 16 cents for 28 pills = 1 week of doses. There are no refills on this script, so every week I have to call the pharmacy to renew it with my doctor. 

 

Now for making calls regarding billing since I didn’t get shots which were included on my estimate. Then authorizing them to send my CD of X-rays to my surgeon, Dr. DeFalice, back in Massachusetts. Hopefully, it will expedite getting surgery for hip replacement when I return. The decision has been made to get home one month earlier than planned (no Gulf Shores or Florida)  to take care of this, while still avoiding any winter weather worries while driving the motorhome, hauling Gracie. 

 

On to the Firetruck Brewery where they carry ciders as well as beer. The Chile/Guava Cider was delightful for me paired with garlic Parmesan wings. 

  

Finally, it is 3pm and I get my haircut by Aysha (my sister’s hairdresser) - it was the highlight of my day.

February 4, 2023 - Saturday

Terri and Jim picked us up for a day trip to Patagonia, a small eclectic town with a very cool restaurant called Velvet Elvis…

Welcome to Velvet Elvis at La Misión located in the heart of Patagonia, 18 miles north of the US/Mexican border. We began our operations on December 12, 1998, at our original location on Naugle Avenue. For decades, our commitment has been to excellence, providing patrons consistently quality, delicious and healthy dining alternatives with an international flare.

The proximity to the border allows for the natural confluence of these distinct cultures, which, as the current of two rivers, flows into each other, creating a fusion of rich traditions expressed in language, art, music, and the exotic flavors of its food.

The restaurant's presence in La Misión was conceived as the canvas onto which we express our recognition and appreciation for the enormous contribution of the Mexican culture, and the richness and pioneering spirit of the US vast cultural diversity.

Elvis meets Frida! The painting of the iconic Elvis Presley, representing the North, and the painting of the iconic Frida Kahlo, representing the South, portrays the mutual embrace of the two cultures, whereby all barriers are abolished. We trust that dignity and sincere appreciation will flourish in celebration and inspiration in every heart.

We invite you to feast your senses and enjoy this magical space filled with original art and color. And to nourish your body and soul with an exceptional experience.

Cheers and Salud!

With sincere appreciation for your support,

-Cecilia San Miguel

Stopped at a family owned (Wally and Marion Paton) hummingbird viewing at Sonoita Creek where feeders hang from trees attracting many kinds of birds, hummingbirds in particular.

Long before Facebook, Wally and Marion Paton created a universal following in their Patagonia backyard based upon a shade canopy, a few chairs, and some amazing hummingbirds. People came from all comers to enjoy the beautiful birds frequenting their feeders. Over time, Wally and Marion added a chalkboard to track daily sightings, a guest book for visitors, and a tin can called the "sugar fund" for donations. Although they never realized just how famous their backyard had become, the Patons' homespun hospitality drew thousands of birders annually.

We were lucky enough to spot the Violet-crowned hummingbird.

Then to Flying Leap winery in Elgin, AZ for a pleasant outdoor glass of wine with a lovely view. 

Back to our camper to sit out in the warm weather and have snacks. Rich presented T&J with a birdhouse for them to enjoy. We appreciate all that they do with and for us while we are in Tucson. 

February 5, 2023 - Sunday

Brunch at Hacienda Del Sol in the foothills of Tucson was amazing. The variety of food choices combined with the view made it very special.

A ranch-school for girls, from 5th Grade. Preparation for eastern schools and colleges. Outdoor life of sports, camping, riding in warm, dry, invigorating climate. Doris V. Oesting, Headmistress. Vogue Magazine, classified ads - 1930's

February 6, 2023 - Monday

Went to Hobby Lobby to pick up more supplies for birdhouses. Sat in the sun behind door to block the chilly wind. 

 

February 7, 2023 - Tuesday

Today we worked on art stuff - Rich started another bird house and I made a Mandela card for Leanna’s upcoming 14th birthday...

February 8, 2023 - Wednesday

Back to Hobby Lobby for some supplies. Sat in the warmth of the afternoon sun.

 

February 9, 2023 - Thursday

Visited Murphy’s Pub for the first time this year - Guinness for him and pear cider for me. Taylor was our bartender - she has 4 kiddos (1 hers and 3 stepchildren) ages 13, 7, 5, and 2. She also has a bald python snake - so Rich brought up the pictures of Perry’s snakes to compare and gave her his website for selling them. 

That’s all for now. Love your comments - sign your name so I know who you are…