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............ 

Red and white

We woke to a beautiful snowy views on this Valentine's Day.    We are in severe drought conditions and this is such a big deal. The ski resorts are cheering as well.  

And inside, the flower is blooming.....should be 7 huge blossoms.    How do they do that??

I plowed thru over 7 inches to wander the yard but it started seeping into my high boots so came in to the warmth of the fireplace.   And the snow keeps falling............

Lately, I've noticed 2 large robins in the aspen tree outside our bedroom window.   Never having spent a winter here, I wasn't aware they wintered over.    I did a quick check and found that yes, in some areas, they do spend the winter.    They were the only ones we saw.     And then last week, one of them crashed into a window and landed feet up on the patio...very dead.     I was sad.   But then I was sadder as it's mate came to stand vigil for several hours.    It didn't walk around , just stood there.    We finally moved the bird to a better resting place and I haven't seen it's partner since.    I did read that they are not monogamists so that made me feel a bit better.    And Hank the Heron is still hanging around.    His wing span is quite amazing.   

We are fully vaccinated.    Those are wonderful words and we are so thankful and excited to get on with our lives.      We did have some uncomfortable reactions but Tylenol took care of them.    Next week we will head south to share the desert with the cactus and the sun.     

 

Life is very good indeed....

Knitting, puzzles and beautiful tropical blooms..... Life is good.      Plus, I'm ahead in the backgammon tournament.  

But the best thing of all............      Two weeks ago, we had the opportunity to register online at the Montrose Public Health site.     On Sunday they emailed us our appt time.    And today was OUR DAY !! They are doing 60 / hour and we were in and out in 35 min, including wait time after for reactions.   And on the back of the card is our appointment for #2 dose..... Feb 11.     We are beyond happy and so totally pleased with Colorado and Governor Polis and especially, our local health dept for the efficient, informed and organized approach to the vaccine.         And while we waited for the required 15 min after, we had a chance to catch up with our friends and neighbors.     Here's hoping that all of you who want it can get it ASAP.      

And now, we can get out the calendar........

 

Passing the days.....

One of my favorite authors, Louise Penny, posted this...... I was surprised about the misspelled word but suspect she was just passing it on.....but still, an author?     Anyway, we got a good laugh but seriously, I

 think there's some truth in it.....

I give an amaryllis to family every Christmas but have never gifted myself.     My wonderful DIL's always share  the blooming process.       But this year, I decided we needed a bit more color in our lives so I ordered  one  and we will  watch as a bare bulb blossoms.  I always order from White Flower Farm and they are large  and heavy with bloom. 

 

And the deer keep showing up.     This was dawn the other day..... there were about 15 or so and they stayed for about an hour.     This herd lives across the street from our community  in a large field.       And now a developer wants to put in large apartment buildings in that field.    Obviously, everyone in Cobble Creek, ( and the deer ) and surrounding areas are totally opposed.      A big meeting  this week (virtual) and the letters and phone calls and attorneys have been happening for several months.       Montrose is only 20,000 surrounded by vast open areas and there are many other sites that can handle the traffic and issues that a project of this size would produce.     Stay tuned..... 

Our decision to stay home and stay put this winter might pay off.     Colorado has moved the priority for those over 70 years  to 1B and we are now  right behind  front line health workers.    The governor said that the majority of deaths have come in our age group so he has upped our priority.     I happened to be on FB ( I look, I don't  share ), and a notice from our Public Health Dept popped up saying we could now register for the vaccine.     I immediately filled out the forms and signed us up.    It's first come, first served so I'm hoping my luck at seeing the notice as it came out will give us an advantage.    We also shared the link with all of our old friends.       I'm not optimistic that we will get it this month but we have our fingers crossed that the allotments will increase rapidly....... or they'll hire Amazon.   

There was a birthday celebration on January 1st.    Rather a quiet group but we ate well and he got to pick the night's movie.    

We've taken to doing jigsaw puzzles.... I won't order any more with lots of blue sky..... and we have  relearned backgammon .    We've dusted off the recumbent bike that Paul used for his rehab and are finding it to be a good replacement for outdoor biking and walking.   

And so, the days go by.   I refuse to wish the days would go faster but we are starting to think of possibilities....

Onward

It was a quiet day.    Like so many, we spent the 25th hunkered down in our own togetherness.   We had FaceTime with family and that helped a lot but as we all know, it wasn't the same.   

I have not much to opine on so here's just a view from our world. 

    

This huge herd of elk ( I only captured a small portion ) spend their days at lower altitude and congregate near the RV campground where we keep the motorhome.     They are massive, even from a distance.    We do have a resident herd of deer that wander through our community.    We have outdoor sensors and  about 3 am , the outside lights went on and I opened my eyes to stare at a deer right outside our large bedroom window.     And then a couple more wandered by.   It seemed a bit unnerving being separated by just a couple feet and a window.    They looked very healthy and well fed. 

  

Maybe some winter season I will use this as a holiday tree.    Made from pom poms ( I even have a pom pom maker ! )   this graces the window at Purl Soho, a place on my wishlist of NYC sights.   

And speaking of knitting.     These found their way to CT.   I have no expectations that they will become a part of their wardrobe, but I loved the yarn and the colors so someone had to be the recipient of my 

hibernation project.  

In between, I drink tea.   I like chai tea and ginger peach with turmeric and occasionally , a cinnamon tea.   I usually grab a tall tumbler-type cup but lately, I've been reaching for the  very pretty tea cups that I've saved for special people and times........ the time is now and I am special.              This one is a very functional cup from Ikea.... 

Also, I managed to make 2 of these soft, cozy throws. ( an in-process picture)   Made from very very large yarns, they are knit using fingers instead of needles.      Thx to Jenna for suggesting I needed one more project.   These are very popular and I suspect they were under a lot of Christmas trees since the yarn is totally sold out. 

  

Wishing us all a new beginning and a happier New Year.      
 

December brings hope.....

We have not started our journey south.     We'll head that way eventually but for now, we are reasonably content looking at our mountains and feeling relatively safe in our part of the virus impacted world.    As with the rest of the population, we are getting hit with record numbers of infections and increasing deaths.  Our small hospital is still OK but Grand Junction is reaching capacity .    We are in a routine of activity and able to do grocery pick up and feel we are doing everything we can to stay healthy.      

Arizona is a different story and we have pondered the wisdom of venturing into a bigger viral pool.   The positive of it all is that we can be outside and be active down there instead of bundling up against the cold.   Up until now, we have been able to golf, play pickleball, walk and ride our bikes.    But, snow is coming and the temperatures are turning wintery.       

So, we are slowly getting our act together to migrate.    Stay tuned. 

 I have a fondness for jade plants.     I do not have a green thumb and my success with house plants is minimal.    I bought this one on a whim at Home Depot about 4 years ago.    We've taken it in the RV and it continues to outgrow it's containers.    Last year, it wintered over in my neighbor's house and did very well.     Now it's getting heavy and needs repotting.    It's going with us this year and I think it will like the desert air and will get a bigger pot and fresh soil.      My mother had a huge jade on her patio in California.    It lived on the patio year round and was like a small tree.    And then one year , there was a harsh freeze and it froze.  It was sad.      I've always wanted one that size but then we will need to hire a jade-sitter when we travel.   

As you can see, Drew Lock, the Broncos unexceptional QB, does wear a mask when he is shopping (as seen by Jenna)  at Hobby Lobby.     But then, he didn't wear one meeting with fellow QB's and had to be quarantined when one of them became infected and they had NO QB for the next game.    I felt bad for the young inexperienced player they pushed into the position with only 24 hours notice.   He did his best but it was an embarrassment for this team that hasn't had it together for a few years now.    

So what am I reading.    Mostly, I am listening.    Currently, " The Tidelands" by Philippa  Gregory.   I enjoy British history.    I finished "The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue" and altho this fantasy, time travel novel held my interest, the ending left me a bit disappointed.     I am still knitting a lot.    Delving into my UFO's (unfinished objects) gives me a sense of satisfaction and a determination to finish so I can start something new.    

I have made sox for years.    Often, I make one and then the diminishing motivation results in the other not getting made for months.    Now, I'm finding that knitting the two at the same time is very satisfying and I have a pair in no time.   I'm currently enamored with Must Stash Yarn.   They post their available hand dyed matched yarns on Tuesday mornings and often sell out quickly.    They are of high quality and soften after a warm bath.    Of course, they are not lightly priced but I can't think of a better way to spend $$.    

We celebrated 57 years recently.    Actually, it should be about 60+ since we became a pair in HS and actually met in sunday school when we were 10.     We have been blessed in many ways but  especially with a wonderful family and fortunate health.    We plan to continue the romance. 

Be safe, be kind, be well.   

Monday, Monday.....

Another sunrise..... fortunately.      I try and change up  the days but they all feel like "Groundhog Day".

    

I'm starting to think of possibilities in a future closer than I had once thought..... Hope is a calming thing

.   

I'm working on more than dog hats and coats..... I made a pink hat  for Sophie, a wonderful Doodle, who sleeps patiently while her human mother cuts my hair.   Also have other projects going which will remain nameless for awhile.    But I did send off  masks to my sisters.   One has a new Corgi puppy, Ruby,  and the other has Charlie, a black and white cat.  

And then I made an enchilada style dish, layered like lasagna......   very  good and easier than rolling filled tortillas.     I used the sauteed  Beyond Beef , black beans, corn, peppers, onions ,corn tortillas, a hint of non-dairy cheese and  enchilada sauce.    We top it with fresh salsa, chopped greens and guacamole.     And lots of leftovers to eat or freeze for another day.   

 I'm approaching 700 total miles on my bike but it's a bit more challenging to ride with the lower  temperatures and mild winds.   And now snow tomorrow.  We got new helmets.    Costco had the best deal for highly rated ones and we gladly replaced our ancient ones.    They are supposed to protect our heads with MIPS technology (something about absorbing impact) but we haven't fallen, so don't know if they work !! 

We watched "The Queen's Gambit".   It did not make me want to play chess but I did like her clothes.   It was very good and different.      Started watching "My Octopus Teacher" but I'm not an underwater person and it was a bit creepy with all the swirling tentacles and strange creatures.   I think a 10 year old would love it.   I would prefer a bit more singing and dancing and romance.  

Moab and Murphy

After our last snowfall, the golf course looked like a busy ski area from a distance.    Lots of tracks and I was mystified until this gaggle showed up.    

This is Murphy.   He lives in Connecticut.    He is less than a year old.    He loves the snow but he shivers because he is not hairy.    So what is a grandmother to do ?    I made him this covering altho I think it might need to be bigger.... 

And then I saw this picture so promptly added a knit hat to his wardrobe.  

Apparently, the wearing did not go well..... 

But the curiosity remained. 

 

When he isn't modeling new clothes, he is the vigilant back seat driver.    

And then, we returned to Dead Horse Point SP for a few days respite from the noise.    Perfect weather for biking the paved paths near Moab.   We did about 25 miles of vigorous riding over 2 days.    Our pedal assist bikes are just fun but we still get a good workout.    We 're seeing more and more of the E-bikes.  

Along the Colorado....

Our last night, we drove out to the Point to soak up the sunset above the canyon walls.    We weren't alone .... a young crowd with music and laughter.       A beautiful end to our short stay.       And now we wait for more snow....

 

Winter came early......

It was a beautiful fall day for the Smashing Pumpkins pickleball tournament.   He played well but didn't bring home a pumpkin.    

Meanwhile, we watched in concerned fascination as fire clouds rose up one afternoon.    The fire was actually quite far away (the San Juan mountains are a bit over an hour away and the fire was another hour past that).    But it still looked ominous and fortunately, it burned remote areas and now is almost contained.    But on the Front Range the horrific fires continue .    The pine beetle has done a lot of damage in Colorado and the dead pines and debris and the lingering severe drought are very concerning.    

And then it snowed.     And it is cold.    It was 10 degrees this morning and we had 7 inches on surfaces and 10 inches on the grasses.    It is beautiful and will hang around a few days until we see  a return to normal fall weather.    But we certainly need the moisture.  

Roses ....... 

AND, I now have a bike riding partner.    He bought a Trek Versa 3 e-bike on Saturday.    Mine is having regular maintenance done so we haven't been out for a ride together.    But I'm planning hilly rides !   

 And I continue to read.....  Just started "Piranesi".... it's a bit strange but I'm early into it.    It came highly recommended on a couple of book lists I follow.     And I'm loving "The Once and Future Witches".   I'm listening to it while I knit and the writing/story is imaginative and rich.     In between , I read a few of Amy Harmon's books..... quick reads with historical context and free on Kindle Unlimited.   

The virus is rapidly increasing around here.     Our neighbor , 2 doors down, has it.     So far, she's miserable but OK.   But her husband has health issues so we worry.    And she played cards and mah jongg every week so others are concerned.    Schools are still open altho bus service stopped because bus drivers were positive.    The Rec center  increased it's number of participants which seems strange but they say they are following guidelines.      We'll continue our boring hibernation and be thankful we like each other's company.     

Colorful October

The days go on and for that I am grateful.....but it's getting really old.   We have it so much better than much of the country and I can't imagine how so many directly affected by this can hang on.   My heart hurts for our country and I can only hope that in a few short months, we will see a bright light at the end of this dark and dangerous tunnel.     I'm cheered by the record number of voters showing up and voting early.   

Meanwhile, I enjoy flowers from the grocery and liked these autumn colors.    They last forever or until I shop again.    

I tried to organize my recipes and look for something different to cook.    I tried the ground fake beef and found that it browned up just like regular ground beef....But, it didn't smell at all when I opened the package ( I've found that my smell buds think real meat has a strong foul odor).    Beyond Beef has a high fat count ( as does their sausage) and I always precook it and drain thoroughly).     It has a higher protein than I expected, probably from peas.    

So, I cooked it up and combined it with lentils, peas and carrots , and topped it with mashed potatoes for a  tasty shepard's pie.    I made the best mushroom gravy (vegan and fat free) and it gave us a couple meals.    Later, I used the remainder of the ground 'beef' for enchiladas.   

   

For whatever reason, my roses have come out of their slump and are looking prolific and healthy.   I guess they heard my threat of chopping them all down.    Maybe it's the cooler weather.   

 Two days after I took this picture, the winds came in and the tree is now bare.   Meanwhile, the guy in the red shirt, lurking around the corner, has power washed all the driveways, patios and walks and then gave them two coats of a clear finish.  Many of our neighbors (and us ) do this every couple years.   It looks fresh and new.   

Otherwise, fall has been lovely, the golf is frustrating and we continue to isolate.     We have finalized plans to return to Wickenburg Ranch in a different rental from last year.    I think we can stay isolated as easily there as here but  importantly, there  is the opportunity to be outside.    Golf and bike riding and daily walks on the many trails will keep us active.   

We miss our kids, grandkids and traveling to be with them.    The holidays will be lonely but the risks seem too great to consider changing our minds.