With just a few exceptions, it has been unseasonably cold in Saddlebrooke since we have arrived. Of course, it's all a matter of perspective, so for those of us from New England watching the current east coast weather from afar, it seems positively balmy here. I'm delighted, but not at all surprised, that many of my friends back east love the outdoor opportunities that the snow and cold bring: Mary and Marga and Patty skating on the pond (who cleared the snow, by the way?); Mary and Randy going skiing instead of shoveling right away (good call, the snow at the house will wait); Marga and Ed brushing up on their snowshoe technique; Diane and Bill finally getting a chance to cross-country ski after waiting in vain all last winter. Thank you all for posting your exploits on FB! I hope the storm has been kind to you in other dimensions as well, so no significant loss of power, and no snow-related injuries, please!
Although we arrived on a 60-something degree day at the end of January, the daytime temps here have been mostly in the 50s. When the sun is out it's really beautiful and a sweater or sweatshirt suffices. As soon as the sun goes down, the temperature plummets, this past week into the 20s, which is cold even for us. Today begins a string of sunny days in the 60s, which is just perfect for sitting or walking outside. Saddlebrooke sits at about 3500 feet above sea level, so it's always a few degrees cooler than Phoenix, and even a degree or two cooler than downtown Tucson. Because of the altitude the atmosphere is a little thinner, so it's possible to get a tan almost all year 'round, or a burn if you forget the daily sunscreen.
Saddlebrooke is a "dark sky" community, which means no streetlights and only low, downward facing outdoor lighting. Residents are careful to turn off lights in rooms they're not using, to use task lighting when possible, and not to have blazing white lights in the rest of the house. As a result, the night sky is spectacular. There are always constellations and whatever planet happens to be near. I've even managed to see the Milky Way, which I remember seeing all the time when I was growing up and there was little light pollution, and hardly ever since then.
We ate last night at a lovely little bistro with a view of the mountains at sunset. We sipped our before-dinner wine outside, watching the light play off the rocky terrain. Dinner inside was delicious, and we strolled back to the car slowly, just savoring the moment with our good friends and the night sky.
Bob played golf this morning while I sat and chatted with a few ladies over tea. (Next time we'll plan better and have four for tea and bridge!) My sister, Paula, and her husband, Mike, arrive tomorrow to spend a week with us. On our way to the grocery store we stopped at the Western National Parks store, which had a special exhibit of Oaxacan carved wood, rugs, and hand-embroidered blouses. I could not pass up the last, and bought two that are just perfect to wear here. We finished up the afternoon sitting in the sun on our patio, enjoying a little reading, which we've hardly had time for.
Not too bad for the middle of February.
Friday, February 15, 2013
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Settling In
I can hardly believe it's been over a week since we moved in! We played bridge with 3 other couples and have enjoyed the sunshine on our small but pleasant back patio.
On Wednesday we drove up to Phoenix to pick up Bob's sister, Aline, and the three of us had lunch at this wonderful little bistro located in a most unlikely industrial park location, just south of the airport and right off the highway. Google research paid off again. There was a nice variety of sandwiches and salads. The three we had were delicious.
She left yesterday afternoon. I don't know where that week went either. We saw the Tucson botanical garden, a moderate size space right in the heart of Tucson, and primarily a cactus garden, although they do have a tropical butterfly enclosure which we just barely got into before it closed. The butterflies were gorgeous, not the usual ones that we see around us. The enclosure also had hummingbirds flitting about, except for the two who had built nests and were sitting on their eggs.
On Friday, yet another old friend from Tufts arrived. Bob and I hadn't seen Dick for about 35 years, and once again, with the exception of a lot of gray and white hair, he looked the same to us. Aline had visited him just a few years ago, so the two of them had a lot to talk about and to catch up on. In a rather whirlwind weekend, we managed to visit Tubac on the art show weekend and had lunch in Tumacacori at Wisdom's, where they have good Mexican food and great margaritas. I'm sure we will be going back to both when my sister Paula arrives.
We also visited San Xavier del Bac, the oldest Catholic mission in the US. It is over 300 years old and has been in continuing service. Originally Jesuit, it is now run by the Franciscans. It's quite beautiful, with an interesting mix of southwestern architecture influenced by Europe. In one small alcove of the church there is an effigy of Saint Francis. The faithful and penitent approach the effigy, lift his head and kiss it, and stroke the cloth that is draped over the body. On the purple cloth are pinned many "milagros", literally "miracles", that are tiny stamped tin figures of animals, people, or crosses. When you pin a milagro you are either asking St. Francis to intercede for you or thanking him and God for a prayer that was answered or for your good fortune. We had purchased some milagros last year at a little shop and brought them with us, so were able to pin our own on the cloth.
The four of us sat at dinner one night (Dick, Aline, Bob, and me) reminiscing a bit but also just chattering away about things we had seen, the excellent food in front of us, and various small things. The odd thing about getting together with really old friends, the ones you met in your 20s or perhaps even in your late teens, is that often it doesn't seem odd at all. Perhaps it's because of the intensity of relationships that one forms in college at the same time that one is also just figuring out who and what we are and setting the groundwork for our future thoughts and ideas and philosophies.
It really was a Tufts weekend, as my other roommates Gail and Lisa also came West for the long weekend. They were here primarily to see the gem show, which is the premier gem and mineral show in the country. It was funny and a bit confusing to have three Gails at the same time (actually two Gails and a Gale), but wonderful to all get together even briefly. As people were leaving we actually remembered to take a photo of the Tufts ladies: Barbara, Maren, Gail, Lisa, and Gail.
In a previous post, I believe I had mentioned how disappointed I was in the Mexican food I had had in Arizona last year, and that one of my goals this year was to find a good Mexican restaurant, something beyond good tacos and enchiladas. Well, we found one. Bistro Poca Cosa (" little thing") has only a chalkboard menu that changes twice a day, depending upon what is available and what the chef feels like making. They specialize in Sonoran food and have many excellent choices. They also have "El Plato" which has three dishes from the menu, chosen for you by the chef. You do not get a choice. You do not get to say "I don't like red sauce". You just get to eat it. And if more than one of you at the table orders it, your plates will be completely different. It's a delicious way to try many of the items on the menu.
Today we have no houseguests, but we still have very little time to spare. I am trying to finish this post right before dinner, having spent time this morning going to the gym and then this afternoon doing a little bit of food shopping. After dinner we are having people over for bridge and to listen to the State of the Union, which here will start at 7 PM.
It's only about 50° here right now, but the sun is so warm that I went out with just a fleece vest. The sky is still "Arizona blue".
On Wednesday we drove up to Phoenix to pick up Bob's sister, Aline, and the three of us had lunch at this wonderful little bistro located in a most unlikely industrial park location, just south of the airport and right off the highway. Google research paid off again. There was a nice variety of sandwiches and salads. The three we had were delicious.
She left yesterday afternoon. I don't know where that week went either. We saw the Tucson botanical garden, a moderate size space right in the heart of Tucson, and primarily a cactus garden, although they do have a tropical butterfly enclosure which we just barely got into before it closed. The butterflies were gorgeous, not the usual ones that we see around us. The enclosure also had hummingbirds flitting about, except for the two who had built nests and were sitting on their eggs.
On Friday, yet another old friend from Tufts arrived. Bob and I hadn't seen Dick for about 35 years, and once again, with the exception of a lot of gray and white hair, he looked the same to us. Aline had visited him just a few years ago, so the two of them had a lot to talk about and to catch up on. In a rather whirlwind weekend, we managed to visit Tubac on the art show weekend and had lunch in Tumacacori at Wisdom's, where they have good Mexican food and great margaritas. I'm sure we will be going back to both when my sister Paula arrives.
We also visited San Xavier del Bac, the oldest Catholic mission in the US. It is over 300 years old and has been in continuing service. Originally Jesuit, it is now run by the Franciscans. It's quite beautiful, with an interesting mix of southwestern architecture influenced by Europe. In one small alcove of the church there is an effigy of Saint Francis. The faithful and penitent approach the effigy, lift his head and kiss it, and stroke the cloth that is draped over the body. On the purple cloth are pinned many "milagros", literally "miracles", that are tiny stamped tin figures of animals, people, or crosses. When you pin a milagro you are either asking St. Francis to intercede for you or thanking him and God for a prayer that was answered or for your good fortune. We had purchased some milagros last year at a little shop and brought them with us, so were able to pin our own on the cloth.
The four of us sat at dinner one night (Dick, Aline, Bob, and me) reminiscing a bit but also just chattering away about things we had seen, the excellent food in front of us, and various small things. The odd thing about getting together with really old friends, the ones you met in your 20s or perhaps even in your late teens, is that often it doesn't seem odd at all. Perhaps it's because of the intensity of relationships that one forms in college at the same time that one is also just figuring out who and what we are and setting the groundwork for our future thoughts and ideas and philosophies.
It really was a Tufts weekend, as my other roommates Gail and Lisa also came West for the long weekend. They were here primarily to see the gem show, which is the premier gem and mineral show in the country. It was funny and a bit confusing to have three Gails at the same time (actually two Gails and a Gale), but wonderful to all get together even briefly. As people were leaving we actually remembered to take a photo of the Tufts ladies: Barbara, Maren, Gail, Lisa, and Gail.
In a previous post, I believe I had mentioned how disappointed I was in the Mexican food I had had in Arizona last year, and that one of my goals this year was to find a good Mexican restaurant, something beyond good tacos and enchiladas. Well, we found one. Bistro Poca Cosa (" little thing") has only a chalkboard menu that changes twice a day, depending upon what is available and what the chef feels like making. They specialize in Sonoran food and have many excellent choices. They also have "El Plato" which has three dishes from the menu, chosen for you by the chef. You do not get a choice. You do not get to say "I don't like red sauce". You just get to eat it. And if more than one of you at the table orders it, your plates will be completely different. It's a delicious way to try many of the items on the menu.
Today we have no houseguests, but we still have very little time to spare. I am trying to finish this post right before dinner, having spent time this morning going to the gym and then this afternoon doing a little bit of food shopping. After dinner we are having people over for bridge and to listen to the State of the Union, which here will start at 7 PM.
It's only about 50° here right now, but the sun is so warm that I went out with just a fleece vest. The sky is still "Arizona blue".
Monday, February 4, 2013
Ridin' Around in my Automobile...
...has a different meaning in Saddlebrooke. We now use the golf cart to get back and forth to the fitness center and clubhouse, as well as to our friends' houses if it's not supposed to be too cold in the evening, as the temperature can and does drop dramatically in the desert. Yesterday it was 38 degrees when we got up and by noon it was 73 and sunny.
We finished looking around our villa to see what was provided, and when I opened one of the cabinets in the laundry room, I screamed! Bob ran over to see what had happened. It was neither a broken bone nor a mouse, but rather a penguin-embossed, stainless-steel ice bucket with bakelite handles. Why the startled reaction? Not only do I have the identical model at home, but so do Pat Pluskal and Sally Heaney! It's a regular source of amusement and discussion when we get together.
Tucson is a sprawling city. Once you get to the north side of the city proper, it seems almost linear in nature, with stores and businesses lined up along main roads. Saddlebrooke is close to 30 miles from the center of Tucson, and takes about 40-45 minutes to drive in - not unlike the distance between Acton and Boston. One difference, though, is the lack of an east-coast style rush hour.
The villa in which we are staying is everything we could have hoped for in a rental and more. Barbara and Gale and Maren did a great job vetting it for us.We have two bedrooms, living room, dining area, eat-in kitchen, laundry room, and patio with a view of the mountains. Here are a few pictures.
Yesterday we played bridge with another couple, then attended a Superbowl party.
Today was pretty laid back. Our house cleaner (recommended by my friend) arrived at 7:30 a.m., so we decided to have breakfast at the clubhouse. Breakfast for two, including tip, just $14. We ran a few errands, then came back for a light lunch. After lunch, Bob hit some balls at the driving range while I sat on the patio and finished a book. Then we both went to the gym. After changing, at dusk we rode around the golf course in the cart we've rented, looking for wildlife. There were lots of mule deer, and a road runner, but not much else. I'm really hoping to see a javelina in the wild before our stay is over.
Tomorrow we're playing bridge with a larger group.
On Wednesday, Bob's sister Aline arrives and we'll be site-seeing with her.
It's a tough life, and we're enjoying every sunny minute!
We finished looking around our villa to see what was provided, and when I opened one of the cabinets in the laundry room, I screamed! Bob ran over to see what had happened. It was neither a broken bone nor a mouse, but rather a penguin-embossed, stainless-steel ice bucket with bakelite handles. Why the startled reaction? Not only do I have the identical model at home, but so do Pat Pluskal and Sally Heaney! It's a regular source of amusement and discussion when we get together.
Tucson is a sprawling city. Once you get to the north side of the city proper, it seems almost linear in nature, with stores and businesses lined up along main roads. Saddlebrooke is close to 30 miles from the center of Tucson, and takes about 40-45 minutes to drive in - not unlike the distance between Acton and Boston. One difference, though, is the lack of an east-coast style rush hour.
The villa in which we are staying is everything we could have hoped for in a rental and more. Barbara and Gale and Maren did a great job vetting it for us.We have two bedrooms, living room, dining area, eat-in kitchen, laundry room, and patio with a view of the mountains. Here are a few pictures.
Yesterday we played bridge with another couple, then attended a Superbowl party.
Today was pretty laid back. Our house cleaner (recommended by my friend) arrived at 7:30 a.m., so we decided to have breakfast at the clubhouse. Breakfast for two, including tip, just $14. We ran a few errands, then came back for a light lunch. After lunch, Bob hit some balls at the driving range while I sat on the patio and finished a book. Then we both went to the gym. After changing, at dusk we rode around the golf course in the cart we've rented, looking for wildlife. There were lots of mule deer, and a road runner, but not much else. I'm really hoping to see a javelina in the wild before our stay is over.
Tomorrow we're playing bridge with a larger group.
On Wednesday, Bob's sister Aline arrives and we'll be site-seeing with her.
It's a tough life, and we're enjoying every sunny minute!
Friday, February 1, 2013
At last, Tucson
Tuesday Morning, January 29th. We are 4 hours away from Tucson and it still seems unreal. We've been traveling for 6 days now, reflecting on the changes in the landscape and people as we make our way to the southwest. It's so easy to say "desert",but there are changes big and small, different microclimates, and different vegetation.
We took a small detour to Hatch, NM, home of the famous Hatch chili peppers. Before we got there, we had to go through US customs checkpoint, complete with drug sniffing dogs. Hatch is at least 50 miles from the Mexican border, but it is on I-25, a major route north from Mexico into Colorado.
Once we reached Hatch, we saw numerous stands were selling the dried chilies in large strands to be hung, but we decided we didn't really need that many. It was an interesting little town, though.
On the approach to Tucson, we kept our eyes peeled for saguaro cactus in its natural environment. We didn't count those saguaros that had been moved as part of a landscaping project. Saguaros are native to and found only in the Sonoran Desert which includes a portion of southern Arizona and goes down into Mexico. It wasn't until about 30 miles east of Tucson that we saw these majestic cacti.
We reached our destination - Barbara's and Gale's house - about three in the afternoon, and immediately felt as though we had reached our "other" home. it was uncanny: by five o'clock we had glasses of wine in our hands, had been chatting for two hours straight, Barbara was starting to get dinner ready, and the year between visits disappeared.
Between Tuesday afternoon arrival and Friday morning moving in to our "Villa" we:
We took a small detour to Hatch, NM, home of the famous Hatch chili peppers. Before we got there, we had to go through US customs checkpoint, complete with drug sniffing dogs. Hatch is at least 50 miles from the Mexican border, but it is on I-25, a major route north from Mexico into Colorado.
Once we reached Hatch, we saw numerous stands were selling the dried chilies in large strands to be hung, but we decided we didn't really need that many. It was an interesting little town, though.
On the approach to Tucson, we kept our eyes peeled for saguaro cactus in its natural environment. We didn't count those saguaros that had been moved as part of a landscaping project. Saguaros are native to and found only in the Sonoran Desert which includes a portion of southern Arizona and goes down into Mexico. It wasn't until about 30 miles east of Tucson that we saw these majestic cacti.
We reached our destination - Barbara's and Gale's house - about three in the afternoon, and immediately felt as though we had reached our "other" home. it was uncanny: by five o'clock we had glasses of wine in our hands, had been chatting for two hours straight, Barbara was starting to get dinner ready, and the year between visits disappeared.
Between Tuesday afternoon arrival and Friday morning moving in to our "Villa" we:
- sat around, had wine, had dinner, had more wine (Tuesday)
- went shopping (non-perishable food and wine), sent a fax, Gail had her nails done, hung out, went out for Bob's birthday with Barbara, Gale, and Maren (Wednesday)
- Gail had blood work done (regular monthly), we picked up our mail that had been forwarded, made deviled eggs for the evening's party, and attended the party in our honor(!) held by Barbara and Gail. Got reacquainted with some people we met last year and met a few new ones. (Thursday)
- Got the key to the Villa, moved in all our stuff, got our rental golf cart, went food shopping for real food and a few incidentals, got our cards identifying us as temporary residents of Saddlebrooke, set up the wireless connections, and are scheduled to play bridge later this evening with Barbara and Gale.
Whew! Time for a glass of wine!
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