Apricity West 4

February 2, 2024 - Friday

One of the perks here at Crazy Horse in Tuscon is free donuts on Monday and Friday. Woke up to pretty heavy rain, so didn’t venture out to the clubhouse (100 yards away) for the  free apple fritters! I'm sure we will get them on Monday...

 

Drove over to Terri and Jim’s (15 minutes) - great to see them again. Terri requested that we bring our instruments and since we don’t get many requests, we obliged. She has been diligently practicing her piano chords and a few of the songs I sent her, so we muddled through for our first attempt. I am certain we will improve over time. 

 

It was a perfect day for soup, and she makes a delicious Southwest Chop Chop Chowder… with artisan bread to dip in olive oil. Our appetites were sated and we headed home. 

February 3, 2024 - Saturday

Today was a pretty day though sweater weather. Went over to T&J’s to load into their Hybrid Kia Sportage, Pearl, for a tour of gorgeous new murals since our last trip. 

Lunch at Corbetts, a new restaurant/pickleball humongous building. Hard to choose from the menu with so many interesting choices. Our starter was a Queso (melted cheese dip) with tortilla chips.

Rich and I couldn’t finish our grilled breakfast burrito stuffed with chorizo sausage, cheese, eggs, and potatoes. That’s why there are takeout boxes.

 

A tour of Corbetts...

Entrance 

Mural on metal

 

Wall art with self-portrait of artist and his girlfriend. Love the woodgrains in the table tops, too.

Love this Potty sign 

Linda Ronstadt decades ago

Outdoor seating with propane heaters on wheels for days like today. An outdoor bar and a guitar player/singer to entertain. Outdoor Pickleball courts (4) with Gronk wall art

Indoor Pickleball courts (2)

Then a ride up A Mountain (with huge white letter A) which can be seen from anywhere in the valley. This is resting spot for those who make the climb. 

Stopped at Borderlands Brewery for an afternoon drink. 

February 4, 2024 - Sunday

Went to T&J’s to eat, drink, make music, do laundry, and visit. Jim loves to exercise his mixology skills on us as willing recipients. Both of them are excellent cooks as well. 

 

February 5, 2024 - Monday

We had a lazy morning along with our free apple fritter. 

Rich decided to start drawing again which he hasn’t done since October… I picked up my crochet project too. We spent more time looking for missing items (his pencil sharpener and my instruction booklet) than we did crafting. 

 

Our neighbor pulled out this morning, which left us wide open on both sides. A few hours later, a Class C pulled in to our disappointment - UNTIL we met the occupants! They are native Hawaiian, retired Army, who have been full-timing for almost 2 years. Their first visit to another country was being deployed  to Iraq. Once retired, they had a specific time allotted to transport their car and belongings to the mainland. They shipped their car over and bought a Class C in Oregon. It is the happiest they have been in their lives, even after parting with most of their material objects back on Oahu. Anela (short for Anelamaluloni - angel under heaven’s protection) is from Makaha where Rich’s boss lived when he was there in the 1960’s. Be (short for Be-lyn, a combination of her parents names) is from Ewa Beach where Tress, Rich’s new bride, worked at Iroquois Point back then. Talk about a small world! You can imagine the conversation from then on. Pō is their dog named for the “darkness which turns to light” in their history. Well, she is only 2 years old and was totally black when they got him. She now has white hair (the light) sprouting out of his chin and back. I hope we will be seeing more of them over the next week before they head out toward S. Dakota to meet up with friends on a reservation to share their indigenous culture/history. They love BLM land and have met so many new friends on their journey. That’s what it's all about - right? 

February 6, 20224 - Tuesday

Woke up to a cloudy day and went for a short walk around the park. Rich joined me for part of it. 

 

Talked to our neighbors and had to ask if they play ukulele. The answer is YES! Be plays guitar and Anela plays ukulele! Yay! They are busy all day today, so we will jam tomorrow even though it is supposed to rain. We can sit under their awning unless it is too windy. Then we can go inside our place. Can’t wait...

 

February 7, 2024 - Wednesday

Went for a brief walk as it was too cold and windy - we are getting California’s weather storm pattern of rain and wind. Today was a TCB day - Take Care of Business. 

 

Be and Anela came over and we spent 3 hours singing, playing, learning, and sharing. Such fun! They were actually born in the same year and grew up a few blocks from each other but because they went to different schools, never met until they were adults. They have been together for 13 years parenting 3 daughters and 1 grandson, as well as serving in the Army Reserves. 

They started with a Hawaiian song which they explained is all about food and love. It was so magical that Rich closed his eyes and felt like he was back on the island.  See the video clip in the body of this email. 

We all played and sang - I even heard Rich singing a time or two! They handwrite their music while watching it on YouTube - amazing! I introduced them to a couple of apps that would make it easier.

At one point, we talked about different RV parks and they mentioned a park they lived in Quartzsite, named KOFA. They love that area and I said to Rich that it made me think of Marilyn, who we just met up with again in December. Be said that name sounded familiar! Sooooo, we found the picture of her and, you guessed it, they knew Marilyn! 

Happy that she made reservations to come here in March while we’re here. Unfortunately, Be and Anela will be in S. Dakota then…

February 8, 2024 - Thursday

My first pajama day that I can recall this winter. I even took a walk to the mailbox in my loungewear with a sweatshirt - it was so nice, I made a few loops around. Rain predicted later in the day. 

 

Received a "life-changing" package from Amazon today - a Mobile Phone Amplifier to watch my grandchildren play basketball. No more peering through a  magnifying glass. 

 

So happy that Rich is drawing again - preparing for Lee Farmers’ Market this summer. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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…