Home

We're back where we belong.     After about 5 weeks in the land of the sun, we left the cold, windy high desert and came home to our own high desert where it is warm and sunny.....for a few days anyhow.   Had we stayed more southerly, we might have had warmer weather but it was a nice change to explore the

 Sedona area and places where my favorite saguaro can't exist.   

 We actually ate at a restaurant.  Outside at a recommended Jewish Deli on a trip to Scottsdale.   I forgot to have them leave off the cheese and the portions were huge.      And, I made a stop at Dillards.    It was really weird to actually be in a department store.   There was so much to take in....a bit overwhelming I thought.    But I acclimated quickly and got down to the serious task of shopping.   Actually, I didn't really find anything but the walk around was fun.   

We enjoyed a visit to a state park where Montezuma's  Castle is found.    Fascinating history of these indigenous people altho little is known of their disappearance from the area.   

The mighty sycamore trees dominated the area and their bark fascinated me.    Lots of musical birds and a clear rushing river made it an ideal place to settle down I think..... back then and even now.   But I'd have to learn to grow corn and beans and climb 100 ft ladders to my house.  

Our spring is trying to take hold altho the trees haven't budded yet but crocus and daffodils are blooming and birds are singing.   Yard work awaits but I have helpers arriving just in time.     My Thursday ladies golf group begins this week and our League play starts next week.     

In my youth, I made most of my clothes.   I did not do it to save money since I loved the linens and wools and more expensive fabrics.   I called it therapy.   I sewed at the dining room table and the boys were very tolerant while  waiting in fabric stores.       I enjoy looking at old pictures and remember all the specific details of making something I was wearing at the time.      But that was years ago and altho I still have all the tools, and a very nice sewing machine, except for the dog coat a couple months ago, I haven't sewn in forever.  

A few weeks ago, I came across a blog post about making this ...

 I loved wearing overalls and had them in denim and corduroy and altho I never thought they were particularly flattering on anyone, I liked them a lot.   So, when I saw this pattern, in linen, I paused and wondered if I had it in me to sew it up....... and if I did that, would I actually wear it?   I don't have the answers but I'm heading to my local fabric shops to see what they have..... The pattern has very detailed instructions and it all seemed very familiar......stay tuned. 

Time to bake some bread.... I missed the regular ritual of it.  

 And I went out for my morning walk yesterday.....my 3 mile walk took TWO hours.    I chatted with neighbors, stopped by the Pro Shop to set up lessons for the grand boys who arrive in 10 days, was invited  INSIDE my friends house for almost an hour and caught up with all the latest from every one I saw.   It's good to be back !

Arizona

We finally packed up the motorhome and headed south 2 weeks ago.    After a couple days we ended up near Camp Verde, about 2 hours from Phoenix.    The RV resort is nice and along the Verde River but also near enough to I 17 to hear the trucks.     This is a higher elevation and so no saguaro or other cactus.   Mostly scrubby brush, cottonwoods and oak trees.    We are about 30min from Sedona.   

The biggest change we've noticed is the amazing number of families.   There are kids of all ages.   They are on their bikes, their scooters, at the pool and walking their dogs.    They are all very well mannered and seem happy to be living a nomadic lifestyle while still in school.    For a change, I think the old people normally camped for the winter down here are no longer the majority.    

Weather has been near freezing in the morning and warming up to mid 70's.   We've had rain and strong winds and Prescott (50 min away ) had snow.    It is perfect for biking and walking.   The park is hilly and we get good workouts.     

It is such a relief to be vaccinated and to be able to be out and about without anxiety.    We met   Mike and Jenna who were visiting  Alex in Scottsdale.   We were able to hug and laugh and have a great lunch outside.   But forgot to take pictures.....

Another day, we drove over to Wickenburg Ranch where we spent last winter.    Lots of building and busyness over there as in all of AZ.     We sat outside for lunch and this road runner pestered us for a handout.   They are quite striking up close.   

 We met 2 couples at the pickleball courts yesterday.    They  invited us to play with them.     They had their MAGA hats on so I managed to bring up vaccinations with one of them.    She was very nice and said she was an anti-vaxxer.   I also got the idea that they didn't wear masks as she said they had been asked to leave the courts at another resort when they didn't wear masks.     She gave no explanation for her stance on these issues and I didn't ask.   But I would loved to have had a more in-depth conversation..... just to try and understand.   

I also visited my favorite yarn shop when we were in Wickenburg.    Leslie is near my age and just a lovely person.    When I walked in, masked, she was unmasked and said I didn't need to wear one if I didn't want.   I kept mine on but told her I was vaccinated.     She said she was "in another's hands" and had traveled and kept the shop open and continues to give lessons and she wasn't concerned.     AZ has opened up restaurants and such to full capacity (while still maintaining social distancing...not sure how you do that) and still requires masks.   

I've changed my reading/listening focus from British history to ancient stories.   "A Thousand Ships" is the stories of the women of the Trojan war.    Very good.    I also read "Four Winds", Kristin Hannah's latest about the Dust Bowl.... sad and depressing.    And still savoring "Braiding Sweetgrass".    Plus a bit of Mary Oliver.....  

And the sock knitting continues............