Apricity West 4

February 23, 2024 - Friday

Went over to T&J’s to kickoff the weekend relaxing with cocktails and conversation in their backyard oasis. 

 

February 24, 2024 - Saturday

Went to Frida’s Cafe for brunch. The owner is a big fan of Frida Kahlo, famous for her uncompromising and brilliantly colored self-portraits. After a tragic bus accident when she was 18, she had 32 operations, had to wear a corset every day, and had her leg amputated due to gangrene. She was in an open marriage twice (divorced and remarried in the same year) to Diego Rivera (20 years her senior and international muralist), the second time with the mutual understanding that “while neither of them were likely to reform, they could not be apart.” They lived as neighbors. What drove them apart was his affair with her sister.

I listened to a terrific book here last year, These is My Words by Nancy E. Turner, which is about a family's trek out west by covered wagon. After many trials and tribulations, they ended up building a ranch just outside of Tucson and the 2nd husband was an officer serving at Fort Lowell in the late 1880s. So we went to Fort Lowell Park for their annual event to replicate its history. The fort was built by the Army in 1879 to protect the city of Tucson from the Apaches, yet no battles occurred at the fort. Instead, troops went out scouting for Indians. In 1891 to was decommissioned and reverted back to Public Domain on July 5, 1894. Homesteaders then took over. The former commanding officer’s quarters is now the museum displaying artifacts and rooms set up in period decor. 

Gun Smoke and Captain…

Gaming back in the day…


Buffalo Soldiers

Over 180,000 Black Americans served in the Union Army and Navy during the Civil War. More than 33,000 died. In1866, Congress authorized for the first time, Black Americans to serve in the peace time Army of the United States…

Like other women in Arizona, officers' wives had to put up with long, hot summers without the benefits of air conditioning. In addition, leaky roofs and packed dirt floors created housekeeping problems until redwood flooring was installed in the 1880's. All things considered, Fort Lowell was one of the better posts for women during the Indian Wars.

Diversity…


Original buildings under protection…


Sistas amidst the ruins…


Period attire…


Housing of the day…

When we got back to the house, Terri and I did some jamming with the piano and ukulele. Then we had a feast of shrimp and raw veggies while enjoying the gorgeous weather - 80’s with clouds to keep it cool. 

February 25, 2024 - Sunday

Finished reading my book, Shutter by Ramona Emerson, about a Native American forensic photographer. I haven’t read a book in years, just audio books. It was a nice change to hold a book in my hands to read. 

Late afternoon get together today - Rich cooked steaks, Terri roasted cauliflower, Jim tended bar, and I set the table. Trying to find my niche! Too many cooks spoils the stew…I think Gramma said that.🤔

 

February 26. 2024 - Monday

Rainy morning, so Rich worked on his art and I did my daily puzzles, chair yoga, crocheting, and playing ukulele. Went out for a walk mid-afternoon. 

 

February 27, 2024 - Tuesday

Cloudy most of the day, but took a walk, did chair yoga, played ukulele and crocheted. Rich is pumping out pen and ink drawings to add to his cards for the Farmers’ Markets. 

 

February 28, 2024 - Wednesday

Got my walk in and did the usual - yoga and ukulele. Rain this afternoon, so pulled out my paints and started working on sister Terri’s birthday card. 

February 29, 2024 - Thursday

We had our own private air show throughout the day! Remember I said that we are right near Davis-Monthan AFB - 4.5 miles by car; 2 miles as the jet flies. Well, I got a blast on my phone saying that if it was excessively loud around the AFB, it's because they are training. So I Googled it and discovered that there are 12 Ukrainian pilots being trained in the US in 2024 and this is where they are training. Denmark is leading the training efforts in Europe. Typically, the course takes around six months, but with the urgency for Ukraine to protect its skies, they are unlikely to follow the standard model. The average annual salary for F-16 pilots is $130,916. God bless them for having the guts to do this! The thrill of watching/hearing them is indescribable! As many as 60 F-16s will be received by Ukraine from seven countries in Europe, plus the US.

It turns out that this was also practicing for this weekend’s Air Show! We had a sneak preview! 

Please watch the 8 second video clip I took in the body of this email. 

Terri came over for a walk to the General Dollar store down the street and great conversation. Big plans for the weekend to celebrate her birthday. Stay tuned…