Apricity West 4

March 22, 2024 - Friday

Went over to Terri and Jim’s after lunch to practice playing Happy Birthday for our Mom - Ukulele, harmonica, piano, and a new instrument, kazoo. After many laughs and a final video recording, Terri made us a grilled shrimp salad (with a little heat) accompanied by artisan bread and olive oil dip. 

March 23, 2024 - Saturday  HAPPY 94TH BIRTHDAY, MOM

Stormy weather postponed plans for my sisters, Cindy and Leslie, to take her to lunch until next week. Terri and I called her on our way to Patagonia to wish her happy birthday. Thanks to modern technology, she had already heard from friends and family by phone or Facebook. She loves kitties - this is the card we sent…

We packed the car with a picnic lunch (baked chicken, potato salad, fresh veggies ’n dip), layers of clothes to keep warm as it was a windy, cloudy, cooler day. Jim drove us on a picturesque ride south toward Mexico, destination Patagonia Lake State Park. We had hoped to see more flowers than we did, but the terrain was fascinating - very rough grasslands with dry brush with layers of  hills with mountain peaks in the far background. 

As we got closer to the lake, mesquite and cottonwood trees were abundant along the roadside. Upon entering the park, there was a parking lot with about 30 trucks with boat trailers attached. It just seems such a contrast to the desert view for the last hour and a half. As the lake came into sight, you could see a beautiful wooden arched walking bridge in the distance.

We made our way to the picnic area on the no-wake side of the 265-acre manmade lake. Folks of all ages were angling off the shore, in kayaks or on bass boats puttering by in pursuit of crappie, bass, bluegill and catfish. We found a ramada to our liking with a view down through the trees of the water and set up our table with all of the goodies. 

After filling our bellies, we packed up the car and drove around the park to see the beach, the rental cabins, the RV park, and the motor-boating end of the lake.

The songs of the birds were amazing - a chorus of a diverse variety of birds. Several species of hummingbirds were seen zooming in and out of the flowers and feeders near the Information Center. 

Agave climbing…

Stairway to heaven…

Retro camper…

Stopped in Patagonia on the way home to enjoy a brew for others, and a Very Ginger Cider for me. 

Took a stroll down the street and peeked in at the Stage Stop Hotel...

Notice the cattle branding symbols on the floor tiles...

An inviting bakery was next, Gathering Grounds, so we stopped for a hot tea and homemade ginger and chocolate chip cookies. 

 

I was then successful in finding the token gifts to take home in a really cool gift shop, Patagonia Trading Post.

My 12-year-old grandson, Zachary, FaceTimed me to show me his new do - I told him I would do mine again before I get home so we can be twins...

March 24, 2024 - Sunday

Last night’s rain storm was fierce - very heavy rain and strong winds. 

 

Since time is running out, we finally went to Indian Twist, for a wonderful banquet of garlic naan, spicy Masala, curried lamb, Butter chicken, and Korma veggies with Indian rice. The sauces are sooooo delicious that we had to try all four of them. The favorite is the common Masala!

Evening cocktails a la Jim - Margaritas and Old Fashions…

March 25, 2024 - Monday

Went to Fry’s to shop as we prepare to pull up stakes and start making our way to Mason, TX for a Total Solar Eclipse Party. More news to come...

I did the usual - daily word puzzles, yoga, ukulele, a little coloring, and a walk between rain drops. Marilyn came for a visit and we had her stay for a light dinner of chicken and roasted cauliflower and broccoli. Always a lively conversation.

 

March 26, 2024 - Tuesday

More intermittent rain today, so walked when it cleared up, then did yoga and finished coloring Rich’s owl. He ordered Iron Flask water bottles for us and they arrived today. Guess which one is mine. 

March 27, 2024 - Wednesday

A beautiful day today! After walking, puzzling, and ukulele-ing, Rich and I went for amazing pedicures at Final Touch. They are pretty high tech with a digital sign-in system as they are WALK-INS ONLY! One of the treatments was two colors of nail polish manipulated using small magnets into various designs. I did not get it, but the client next to me did. Very nice.

 

Marilyn came over with extra yarn to supply my yarn fix for a project to work on as we head home. 

March 28, 2024 - Thursday

Costco trip today so that Marilyn doesn’t have to pull into their parking lot towing her Casita. We have not shopped at Costco in a year, so it was fun to see the abundance of goods they offer. We arrived 15 minutes before they opened and there was a line of 10 shoppers forming. It wasn’t bad at the start but soon after it was like an obstacle course with people darting to find their coveted items - it is Easter week after all! We made it out in about 40 minutes and loaded Shadow up with the goods to take back to the Crazy Horse. 

 

We met Terri for lunch at Sa-ing Thai and had a delicious curry dish. She came over to the park and we got to chill on our little patio; Marilyn joined us and got to see Terri again. They met while we were here last year. 

 

Another stunning Arizona sunset...