2015 Holidays in Tucson

This Christmas holiday was spent with Steev, Greta, and Savanna so the shuttle picked me up at home around 5:00 a.m. on December 23.   The day was Steev’s birthday so I always like being there on his “special” day.   There was no problem checking and getting through TSA in Cedar Rapids so arrived in Dallas with over 2.5 hours before the next leg left for Tucson.  But, as usual with American, there were mechanical difficulties and the flight left about 1.5 hours later than scheduled.  Got to Tucson, retrieved my luggage and rental car, called Steev to let them know I had arrived, checked into the motel, wrapped a couple presents, and went to their place where Savanna eagerly greeted me.

Eager Savanna

Eager Savanna

  While waiting for pizza from Magpie’s to be delivered, Steev opened his presents. 

Birthday boy

Birthday boy

Watching gift opening

Watching gift opening

We had pizza and, after a drink, I headed back to the motel.  With getting up so early, I fought going to bed but gave up around 9:30.

Got up early on the 24th thinking I would take a walk but ended up wrapping all my Christmas presents for the kids instead.  Had breakfast at the motel restaurant and then I went to Steev’s for coffee before my massage and facial at Greentoes that the kids has scheduled for me at 10:00 that morning.

Liking Mama's hat

Liking Mama’s hat

What a wonderful experience!  My face felt smooth and the massage relaxed me!  Went to the kids and had leftover pizza for lunch.  We took a walk to the park where Savanna played some but was ready to go home shortly after arriving.  Once we got back to their place, I told them to call when they were ready for me to come back over and I left to run a couple errands.  Got a call shortly after 4:00 from Steev that their were ready for my presence; Greta was making enchiladas while Savanna napped.  Savanna got up and we had a delicious dinner of enchiladas, beans, and salad…yum!  Then we took off for Winterhaven; a residential area where all residences to put up Christmas lights, a tradition started in 1949 (here’s the link Winterhaven).

Entering Winterhaven

Entering Winterhaven

Oh Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree

Oh Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree

Lots of activity with lights and water

Lots of activity with lights and water

It was a wonderful time watching Savanna and her reaction to all the lights.  Once we returned to the kids, I headed back to the motel and some reading…lights out at 11:00.

I hope everyone had a very “Merry Christmas”!  Got up around 7:00,  had coffee, and sent messages to family via email.  Went over to Steev’s at 8:30; scones had been made and coffee ready.  And then we opened presents…what wonderful items I received…the photo book of Savanna 2015 and Greta’s homemade peanut caramel clusters were especially appreciated.  Steev fed us his breakfast of scrambled eggs, broccoli, potatoes, and Greta’s homemade Bailey’s Cream in coffee…an excellent favor.  After eating and cleaning up, we were off to the Desert Museum; here’s the link Desert Museum.  Beautiful day with my beautiful family…life is good!

Landscape from one of the trails

Landscape from one of the trails

Protecting cactus from frost

Protecting cactus from frost

Having fun with turtle

Having fun with turtle

Left the museum; had a sandwich once we got to the kids and I left so the could visit Steev’s mom and stepfather.  Went back to the motel…Skyped with Allan and Jeannette, took a walk, and talked to my sister.  Steev called and, since Savanna was really tired, we decided I would stay put for the evening.  Had dinner in the motel restaurant which was quite busy…good food and people visiting among all the tables.  Came back and updated my notes.  Watched “And So It Goes” starring Michael Douglas and Diane Keaton on Netflix.  Read for awhile and lights out around 10:00.

Went to breakfast and, after retrieving my jacket because it was quite cold for Tucson, went for a walk.  While on my adventure, Greta called and asked me over for scones and coffee.  Went back to the motel, grabbed a sweatshirt that had a stain which I wanted to see if the kids had stain remover, and drove over to their house.  Savanna was up and ready to greet me.  Had coffee, scone,and played some with Savanna before returning to motel for a shower and change of clothes.  Went back to the kids and Steev/I took Savanna to Get Air, a trampoline place where she could jump and wear off excessive energy.  It was a fun time watching Savanna jump, bounce, and watch other kids.

Trampoline fun!

Trampoline fun!

Big girl climbing the rope

Big girl climbing the rope

"Papa...help me!"

“Papa…help me!”

Headed back to Steev’s and had enough time for us to grab a sandwich before heading to Star Wars: Return of the Force.  I really enjoyed the movie but was sad to see Harrison Ford killed off.  Not sure Steev was as impressed with it as I was.  Got back to the kids; they got ready to go out to dinner and followed me back to the motel so I could leave my car and ride with them.   Ate at La Quinta’s…one of my favorite Mexican places in Tucson.  And Savanna was very well behaved…with a 2 1/2 year old, one never knows.  The kids dropped me off at the motel with plans to meet at their place tomorrow morning at 8:30 so we can go to the farmers market.  There is a freeze warning out tonight so it will be cold tomorrow.  Had a glass of wine and read before turning off the lights.

Got up and had breakfast at the motel restaurant.  Drove over to the kids at 8:30;  the air light came on in the rental car so checked and, sure enough, one tire was low.  The kids told me of a station that had air so will take care of later.  We then took off to the Farmer’s Market where the kids purchased some vegetables and I got a soup mix.  We stopped at Trader’s Joe where Savanna and I stayed in the car while Greta and Steev picked up a few more food items.  And then on to a park where Savanna was pushed on the swing by Steev and I.

We are ready for fresh vegetables

We are ready for fresh vegetables

Looking down the market

Looking down the market

Fun at the swing

Fun at the swing

A new toy to play with

A new toy to play with

Went back to the kids for lunch of chili and pumpkin corn bread….very good!  The kids were going to Steev’s mom and stepdad for a delayed Christmas so I got air in the tire, watched a football game while trying to connect with American regarding tomorrow’s bad weather day; stayed on hold for over a hour and then was to be connected but it never happened…just dead air.  So called them back and requested a call back.  Left for a nice walk; it was a great walking weather and many people were out.  Got back to the room, turned on another football game, and started to organize my stuff for packing.  Still did not hear from American and could not reach my travel agent.  Green Bay is being massacred by Arizona Cardinals….sad, sad game watching a team that had been playing so well looking so crappy!  Steev called and I went over there for a glass of wine and dinner.  Said good night to the kids and Savanna.  Once I got back to the room, my travel agent called and then American while we were on the line together.  Earlier I had tried to print my boarding pass but could not so the American representative helped me with that.  All continued to look okay for tomorrow’s flights.

Had breakfast in the motel restaurant and gathered my things.  Because I was not confident about making it home, I packed my pajamas, deodorant, toothbrush and paste, clean underwear, and socks in my carry on.  Took off for the kids and a final cup of coffee with them before heading to the airport.  Stopped for gas and more air for the tire.  Got to the airport and checked in with no problem.  Flight from Tucson to DFW was no problem but, discovered upon landing, that the flight to Cedar Rapids was delayed about 1.5 hours.  The end result was it being cancelled.  Got onto a flight the next night at 10:00 PM, took a courtesy van to the Holiday Inn Express South, and had dinner at the Red Lobster.  The van driver stopped on the way to the hotel for a bottle of wine.  Watched Monday Night Football and hoped my travel agent would be able to get me out earlier tomorrow….but I did not have to vacate the room until 2:00 PM if a flight was not available.

Woke up around 6:30 on the 29th and went to the lobby to check in and print out my boarding pass.  However, American website could not locate my reservation so I returned to the room and called American.  To make a long story short, it turned out that there was a seat on the 10:25 AM plane to Cedar Rapids which I was able to reserve.  Had breakfast at my lodging, checked out, and took the 8:00 AM shuttle to the airport.  Got checked in and boarding pass printed…and then went through a long line at security.  But had plenty of time to kill once I got to the boarding gate.  And, before the flight boarded, I was called to the desk where they upgraded me into first class.  Flight was uneventful, bags where in American’s locked storage which I retrieved, and the shuttle driver was ready to take me to Shellsburg.   Arrived home around 1:00 in the afternoon.  Beauty and Cutie greeted me and, once again, a wonderful holiday with lots of happiness and love but there is nothing better than coming home.

 

Savanna’s First Birthday Trip

From April 20 thru the 29th, I drove to Tucson and back in order to be there on Savanna’s first birthday.  Since this is the first driving trip of such distance where I drove it by myself, it was interesting to discover I really enjoyed it!

April 20:  Beauty and Cutie decided to pull over the trash can in the bathroom at 4:30 a.m. so I did not have to worry about waking up early enough to get an early start; I left my property at 7:00 a.m.  As I approached Kansas City, I noticed the cottonwoods were blooming and I became excited about seeing colors besides the brownish/green back home.  Stopped for lunch at Perkins in Gardner, KS.  Very uneventful day with some rain drops in Kansas.  After driving 9.5 hours and 610 miles, I stopped for the night at Best Western Night Watchman Inn located in Greensburg, KS.  Upon checking in, I found out the town only has ONE sit down restaurant and it was closed because of it being Easter.  There was a deli at a local gas station where I purchased a chicken sandwich plus raw vegetable tray that I ate in my room.  Spent the evening reading, sipping on wine, and watching some TV.  Tomorrow I am heading to Alamogordo, NM.

April 21:  Left the hotel about 7:00 and headed south on Highway 54.  Today I crossed four states; Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico.  The terrain was the same in all the states except New Mexico where there were hills.  I saw lots of irrigation equipment in fields, cattle either in pastures or lots, wind energy towers, and tumbleweed flying across the road in front of me.  And only in Texas does the speed limit for narrow two lane roads be 75 mph.  Had lunch at Tucumcari, NM at Denny’s and filled up with gas.  The “Road Work Ahead” signs were out in force in New Mexico.  On my way into Alamogordo, I stopped at a couple pistachio farms for shopping and wine tasting.  I stayed at Holiday Inn Express and, upon the recommendation of hotel staff, I drove across town to a local establishment called Pepper’s for dinner.  It was excellent!  Returned to my room, called friend Ginni to discuss our future trip to France, and read.  An overall summary of the day found me thinking alot about Tom because we had traveled many of the places I saw when we considered retiring to New Mexico; this brought smiles at the good memories but longing for his company.  I traveled a total of 590 miles for 9.5 hours of driving.

Terrain in KS, OK, TX

Terrain in KS, OK, TX

New Mexico Hills

New Mexico Hills

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April 22:  Slept late this morning, walked 2.5 miles which felt good because traveling without exercise makes me feel like a Goodyear blimp, showered, had breakfast, and got on the road about 9:30 mountain time.  Once I drove onto I10, I went through a Border Patrol checkpoint which is kind of a joke because the patrol looked at me once I had stopped and said “Good morning and have a nice day”.  Had lunch at a Subway.  Arrived at Steev’s around 2:00 pacific time; as I was driving into Tucson, the temperature was in the mid-90’s so I started up the air conditioner only to discover it was not working.  Greta arrived home from work about 2:40 and Steev left for his video shoot which would last through the evening.  Sweet Savanna woke up from her nap; she has really grown and changed since Christmas time.  I went to the Best Western Royal Sun for check in; they gave me a full suite for the price of a standard room.  After unpacking, I returned to Greta’s where she made vegetable pasta plus toss salad for our evening meal; as is usual with Greta’s cooking, it was very good.  Greta gave me the address and phone number of where they take their vehicle for auto repair so called and made an appointment to take it in the next day.  That evening I made a deal with Savanna: I would read to her if she slept thru the night; she agreed so I read her three different stories with reading one of them four times…it was fun!  The evening was so nice temperature wise that we ate and visited on their patio.  Savanna fell asleep in her mother’s arms about the same time it hit me that I was tired so went back to the motel quite early.  After checking email, I got ready for bed; read in bed briefly before felling asleep.  Today I had drove 340 miles and 5 hours; overall trip was 1540 miles with 24 hours of driving.  This is the first time in my life that I drove that far on my own; I am proud of my accomplishment!

Let me go Mama

Let me go Mama

Grandma Reading

Grandma Reading

Keep reading Grandma

Keep reading Grandma

Grandma's Future Hawkeye

Grandma’s Future Hawkeye

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April 23:  Woke up shortly after 6:00; before I knew it, it was 7:30 so I quickly got dressed and headed over to Steev’s.  After a cup of coffee, I took my car to repair shop with Greta/Steev/Savanna leading the way.  After getting the car checked in, they dropped me off at the University so I could walk back to the motel while they headed to the hospital for Savanna’s six month check up.  The walk was 1.5 miles to the motel where I had breakfast and showered.  Steev picked me up on their way back from the hospital; Greta went to work and the three of us “hung” out at the house.  We went to lunch at an Italian deli which was very good.  After making a visit to Greta’s place of employment for a short visit, we headed to a splash pad that Savanna had liked in the past but was not excited about it on this visit.  On the way back to Steev’s, we picked up my car which they did not fix because it was an air compressor and would of cost +$1200 so I decided to wait until I got home in order for me to be able to discuss the matter with the service folks at the local Nissan dealer.   When Greta came home from work, Steev left for another evening of video shooting.  The evening was spent having good conversation while playing with Savanna.  Upon my return to my room, I read for awhile and went to sleep.

Splash pad fun

Splash pad fun

Front yard landscape

Front yard landscape

Chicken Yard

Chicken Yard

Backyard Garden

Backyard Garden

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April 24:  Took a walk and had breakfast at the motel.  Went to Steev’s where he made me another great cup of coffee.  I watched Savanna while Steev went grocery shopping.  We had lunch at the Mexican place on 4th Avenue; Greta was able to join us for some conversation.  After lunch, we went to the children’s museum in downtown Tucson; what a great adventure!  Savanna especially liked the tunnel with mirrors and pinwheels on the wall.  Went back to Steev’s; he did some work while Savanna took a nap and I read.  Greta came home and Steev left for his video shoot; Greta went to the bank while I watched Savanna.  For dinner, Greta fixed frittata with fresh eggs graciously laid by their chickens.  Went back to the motel around 8:30.

The tunnel of mirrors!

The tunnel of mirrors!

Does air do that?

Does air do that?

Pinwheels are fun!

Pinwheels are fun!

Want to be friends?

Want to be friends?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April 25:  Once again I took a walk and had breakfast at the motel.  Then I went to Party City to get some pinwheels for Savanna’s birthday party.  Did not do much at Steev’s except “hang out”.  Steev made lunch and we cleaned up the kitchen afterwards.  He worked inside and outside of the house while I read and Savanna napped.  In the evening, Greta fixed the pasta salad for the party tomorrow.  We went out to eat at the Thai place where we have eaten on previous visits.  Back at the motel around 8:30.

Dogs thinking PARTY

Dogs thinking PARTY

The family relaxing

The family relaxing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April 26:  Today is Savanna’s birthday so I had an early breakfast and headed to Steev’s.  After wishing Savanna “Happy Birthday” and getting a cup of coffee, we skyped with Allan & Jeannette who moved back to Ireland the previous Monday.  After the call, Greta prepared scones and brownies while I cut up fruit for a salad; these food articles were being taken to the party which was a picnic in a local park.  Upon arrival at the park, we spread out blankets and placed the food on a table.  Besides Savanna, there were 10 people which included Savanna’s maternal grandmother and husband, Savanna’s brother and cousin on the maternal side, Savanna’s aunt, uncle, and cousin on Greta’s side.  Everyone had a good time but especially the kids with trying out the playground equipment, flying kites, blowing bubbles, and spinning pinwheels.  Rain came about the time Savanna thought a nap would be good.  This evening I said my good-byes to all since I am leaving early in the morning.

Cousin & Savanna

Cousin & Savanna

Melon cake

Melon cake

Cake Time

Cake Time

Kite flying

Kite flying

Let's Play!

Let’s Play!

Sisters & Savanna

Sisters & Savanna

Rainbow @ day's end

Rainbow @ day’s end

Trying new chair

Trying new chair

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April 27 – 29:  Left Tucson around 7:00 in the morning on the 27th and reached Tucumcari, NM  early evening where I registered at the Best Western Discovery Inn.  Had my evening meal at K-Bob’s Steakhouse which was across from the hotel.  On the 28th, I drove to Ottawa, KS where I stayed at Comfort Inn and ate at Applebee’s next to it.  Both of these days proved to be very stressful driving with dust blowing across the interstate causing very poor visibility and VERY high winds which pulled on the steering wheel.  It was not until I got into Kansas that dust blowing discontinued.  On the 29th, I got on the road good time and made it back home by 1:30 in the afternoon.  Beauty and Cutie were happy to see me; I was glad to be home.  It was a great trip with lots of time with Savanna…I already miss not being able to hold her,   tickle her, and read to her…I’ll just have to make it back to Tucson in another three or so months.

 

Tucson for the Holidays

Once again, I headed to Tucson to spend time with Steev, Greta, Savanna, and their dogs during the holidays.   I had some concern about traveling by air during the holiday season, something Tom & I had never done, because of the possible bad weather and large crowds at the airports.  However, travel for this trip was simple and easy with my departing from home on December 23rd and returning on December 30th.

December 23:  Airport shuttle service picked me up at 6:00 A.M.; this is a great way to get to the airport if you don’t want to leave a vehicle for a week in their parking lot or you don’t want to have friends take you because of the early hour.  The flight to Tucson was uneventful; no large crowds, no problem getting through security, easy pick up of rental car.  I arrived at Steev’s and Greta’s around 2:00 in the afternoon.  It was amazing how much Savanna had changed from when I saw her in July;  she is growing up quickly!  This was Steev’s birthday so he opened his presents; afterwards, I left to check into the Best Western Royal Sun.  Early evening, we went downtown Tucson for dinner to celebrate Steev’s birthday; traffic was heavy and it was difficult to find a parking space.  We went to a relatively new restaurant called Proper; decor was awesome and menu interesting because they grouped entrees either SMALL or LARGE so what you selected was dependent on how much food you wanted to consume.  All of us agreed that the food and service  was superb.

Steev, Greta, and Savanna at Proper Restaurant

Steev, Greta, and Savanna at Proper Restaurant

December 24:  Took a walk this morning with the temperature being not too hot or too cold; ate breakfast, which was included with the price of the room, at the motel restaurant.  Because I was going to run out of reading material, I wanted to go to a bookstore so Steev, Savanna, and I walked to a used bookstore on 4th Street.   Upon return, I took off walking to a “near” drugstore for lip gloss; the “near” ended up being a mile one way (at least I did not have to worry about getting enough steps for the day)!  We drove to Tumacacori National Park late afternoon in order to see over 1500 luminaries being lit at 6:00 PM.  We arrived early so time was passed by listening to carolers singing outside the entrance to the mission,  watching volunteers place/light all the luminaries, and seeing the sun go down over the mountains.  Luminaries were placed on the top of the fence surrounding the mission, along side the concrete paths,  on the steeple/roof/inside the mission.  By the time we were able to enter the mission grounds, it was dark and the luminaries glowed; it was a beautiful sight that could not be captured by camera.  There was live music played and refreshments offered to all.  Upon our return to Tucson, Greta prepared the traditional Christmas Eve dinner of Mexico which consisted of yummy tamales and black beans.

Waiting until 6:00

Waiting until 6:00

Lunch is good!

Lunch is good!

Lighting luminaries

Lighting luminaries

Sun is setting

Sun is setting

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 25:   This morning I went over for breakfast and coffee.  We opened our presents; it was fun to watch Savanna trying to eat the wrapping paper and laughing at her new toys.

Even the dogs got presents

Even the dogs got presents

Future Hawkeye!

Future Hawkeye!

Would you like some help?

Would you like some help?

I am ready for presents

I am ready for presents

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After packing a picnic lunch, we drove to Saguaro National Park where we ate our lunch and hiked a trail that went to the top of Brown Mountain.  The elevation of Brown Mountain is 836 ft. which is not much but I still have to stop and catch my breath about 3/4 of the ways up.  Once we returned to Tucson, we went to Greta’s sister and family for Christmas dinner.  Great meal and good conversation.

Up Brown Mountain We Go

Up Brown Mountain We Go

Getting ready for our hike

Getting ready for our hike

Christmas Picnic

Christmas Picnic

 

December 26:  After taking a walk and having breakfast at the hotel, we went to a scond hand store to purchase some items for Savanna.  While in the area, we explored a couple more stores that Greta thought I would enjoy.  One of the stores was a great bakery that had wonderful tasting cookies.  Later in the afternoon, Steev and I went to the second Hobbit movie; it was very intense with constant action.  Will have to wait until next Christmas for the final installment.  Greta had prepared Shepard’s Pie for the evening meal which was delicious.  After cleaning up, I returned to the hotel.

December 27:   This morning, I accompanied Steev and Savanna for a walk to a nearby park while Greta & Jemma went for a run.  At noon, I met Jim and Carol Davis at the El Charro restaurant for lunch; wonderful couple hours of good food and conversation.  Later in the afternoon, Steev took Savanna swimming while I watched; she really likes the water!

Mama made me a swing

Mama made me a swing

Swimming is fun.

Swimming is fun.

Time to rest

Time to rest

Getting ready to swim

Getting ready to swim

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 28 and 29th:  On the 28th, we walked downtown to the post office.  It was wonderful walking weather and, on our way downtown, we stopped at one of Steev’s favorite places for coffee.  It was interesting seeing downtown Tucson on foot instead of in a car.  The afternoon was spent reading and playing with Savanna.  Pizza was delivered that evening.  On the 29th, we went to a local Farmer’s Market where there were many dealers selling locally made products.  Both Steev and I made some purchases.  In the afternoon, the four of us took Jemma and Josie to the doggie park where they had fun running with other dogs.  Later in the afternoon I said my “good byes” to Savanna and headed back to the motel where I packed for the next morning’s departure.  That evening, Greta & Steev picked me up and we went to eat at La Indita, a Mexican restaurant on 4th Street.

Putting up new fence

Putting up new fence

The five of us

The five of us

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 30:  As with any trip, it is always great to get home.

New sun catcher

New sun catcher

 

 

I’m Off to See New Grandbaby!

On Tuesday, July 23, I flew out of Cedar Rapids heading to Tucson, AZ where I was anxious to meet my new granddaughter, Savanna.

Baby Savanna

Baby Savanna

This was a short trip with my returning home on July 27th so that gave me three full days to get acquainted with Savanna, explore Greta’s and Steev’s new home, and meet Jemma who is their new 8-month old dog.  Steev had a video shoot from Thursday through Sunday so time with him was limited.

Grandma Jan with Savanna

Grandma Jan with Savanna

On Wednesday I was able to spend the day with Steev and Savanna while Greta worked; we went to REI for a hat purchase, drove to a hiking trail but decided not to venture out on it because Savanna was sound asleep, and treated ourselves to Italian ice cream at Frost Gelato.  That evening Greta made us a delicious pizza.

Savanna likes Papa's shoulder

Savanna likes Papa’s shoulder

Papa feeding Savanna

Papa feeding Savanna

 

 

 

 

 

 

Greta, Savanna, and I went on a picnic to Sabino Canyon on Thursday; we had talked of driving up Mt. Lemon but it looked very stormy on the mountain so we stayed in the valley.  The afternoon was spent reading and taking a nap.  That evening we went for Mexican food at La Indita’s and explored Antigone Books; both of these places are located on the tree-lined historic shopping district called 4th Avenue.

Mama with sleeping Savanna

Mama with sleeping Savanna

Before I knew it, my last full day in Tucson had arrived.  Greta, Savanna, and I went shopping for a rug to be placed in Savanna’s room plus a few “let Grandma Jan spoil her” items.  Allan, my youngest stepson, had been in Phoenix on business for the week so he rented a car and drove to Tucson to spend the next three days with Steev and his family.  He arrived around 5:00 or so; once Steev got home, we went to Bai Thong Restaurant for dinner.

Uncle Allan making funny faces!

Uncle Allan making funny faces!

Uncle Allan with Savanna

Uncle Allan with Savanna

 

 

 

 

 

 

When I awoke on Saturday, there was a message from American Airlines stating my 9:00 AM flight had been “delayed” so they put me on another flight leaving at 1:30 in the afternoon.  Before saying good bye to Greta (who had to work) and Savanna, we took time to take some family pictures.

Josie approves of Savanna

Josie approves of Savanna

Steev, Greta, Savanna, Josie, and Jemma

Steev, Greta, Savanna, Josie, and Jemma

 

 

 

 

 

 

Myself with the boys and Savanna

Myself with the boys and Savanna

 

The boys and I went to breakfast after the picture taking session.   Steev had to work so Allan and I took my rental car back to the airport.  We then toured San Xavier del Bac Mission.  Allan dropped me off at the airport and I made it into Cedar Rapids around 9:30 with no major problem.  It was good to see my friends, Mary and Joe, waiting to take me home.

Sunset from the plane

Sunset from the plane

San Xavier del Bac

San Xavier del Bac

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was a great trip filled with fun and laughter; I so enjoyed spending time with Savanna.  The only sadness about the trip was Tom not being alive to meet his granddaughter for the first time or being able to see how happy Greta and Steev are having a daughter.

Holidays in Tucson, AZ (Part 3)

December 29:  Today we are driving to Silver City which is an historic town about 2 hours from Las Cruces.  On our way, we stopped at City of Rocks State Park.  The rocks forming the city were produced by a large volcanic eruption 34.9 million years ago.  It was an awesome sight!

City of Rocks

City of Rocks

When we got to Silver City, we discovered many of the stores were closed; must be ‘slow’ season.  After lunch and more disappointment, we decided to find the museum in Deming where Brian wanted to see the ‘silver sprike’; this sprike signified the meeting of two railroads.  Once we found the museum, we had 12 minutes to find it before the museum closed for the day which we did.  Tomorrow we are heading north.

December 30:  After checking out of the hotel, we headed to Alamogordo and the White Sands National Monument.  This is another place I have been to a few times before but it is always enjoyable driving through.

White Sands Monument

White Sands Monument

After lunch, we continued north toward Three Rivers Petroglyphs where there are over 21,000 of them; another enjoyable walk on a great trail.

One of many petroglyphs

One of many petroglyphs

It was time to say good bye to Edith; she was heading back to Las Cruces while Brian and I were continuing north to Iowa and home.  We drove to Tucumcari, New Mexico and stopped for the night.

December 31 and January 1:  Left New Mexico on very icy roads.  Stopped at Hooker, OK for some t-shirts.  The roads improved as we neared Kansas.  We spent New Year’s Eve in Empora, Kansas at a Comfort Inn.    January 1 saw us on the road quite early and we arrived at my home shortly after noon.  It was good to see Beauty and Cutie!  Overall, it was a great trip; Greta and Steev were quite gracious and they made my first Christmas without Tom quite special.  And I was certainly glad Brian traveled with me in both directions; he did a great job driving in difficult conditions.  And, as always, it was great to be able to spend time with my lovely sister.  But it is great to be home!

 

 

 

 

Holidays in Tucson (Part 2)

December 24:  Had a fun day!  After taking a walk and doing some additional shopping for the stockings, we headed to Tubac, AZ for lunch and more shopping.  Tubac had a great shopping area!  Went to Tumacacori Mission which we explored and took lots of pictures.  Volunteers were putting out luminarias all over the Mission grounds and buildings; they were going to light them at 6:00 which made us wish we would of come later in the day.  Greta made a Christmas Eve meal of tamales, beans, and salad; it was excellent!  The only thing which would of made the day more perfect was if Tom could of been here.

Tumacacori Mission

Tumacacori Mission

Greta and Steev at mission

Greta and Steev at mission

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 25: This is the first Christmas in 38 years that Tom was not with me to celebrate; I am very thankful that Steev and Greta have a busy day planned.  After opening presents, lunches were packed for a picnic and we headed to Arizona Desert Museum; even though I have been there before, this is always an enjoyable adventure and a wonderful way to spend the day.  It was interesting to discover many people there even though it was Christmas Day.  When we returned to Tucson, Greta’s sister and her family joined us for an evening meal.

Resting in the Afternoon

Resting in the Afternoon

Arizona Desert Museum

Arizona Desert Museum

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 26 and 27:  The day of the 26th was spent shopping, eating, and reading.  In the evening, Steev and I went to Winterhaven’s Festival of Lights; it is a neighborhood where everyone puts up light displays outside their homes.  It was like walking into Winter Wonderland; some very beautiful displays.  The only regret was we did not have enough time to see everything.  On the 27th, I was departing Tucson and heading to Las Cruces, NM to spend time with my sister.  After having breakfast at Mother Hubbard, good byes were said and I headed out.  Arrived in Las Cruces mid-afternoon; checked into the motel, called Brian (who was staying at the same motel), we gathered in one room until Edith arrived and we departed for dinner at a Mexican restaurant.

December 28:  While Edith slept because of the working the night before, Brian and I decided to do some exploring.  We went to the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum which covers 47 acres; they have done a very good job of preserving the history of New Mexico’s agricultural development.

This little guy liked the rafters in the museum

This little guy liked the rafters in the museum

After lunch, we went to Mesilla within Las Cruces; it was a major trade center and stopover for anyone traveling between San Antonio and the west coast during the 1800’s.  It now is a shopping destination for tourists.  The Basilica of San Albino (part of Mesilla) is a beautiful church where, upon entering, caps or hats must be removed.  That evening we had pizza delivered and watched football.

 

Holidays in Tucson, AZ. (Part 1)

This past holiday season my nephew, Brian, and I traveled to the southwest for the holidays; Brian to Las Cruces, NM while I headed to Tucson, AZ to spend time with Steev, Greta, and their dog Josie.  Since this blog is new to me, I am going to attempt to provide a daily accounting of activities.

December 19 & 20:  The weather forecast was not looking good; winter storm warning for Kansas, Missouri, and Iowa.  We decided to leave home early with encountering some heavy ‘slush’ around the Missouri border and sleet around Kansas City.  Brian has been doing the driving with makes me thankful!  We spent the night at Comfort Inn in Lenexa, Kansas.  I am hoping Beauty and Cutie are doing okay in their new home (my bedroom) for the next few weeks.  We left on the 20th with 3″ of snow on the ground and ice underneath so very slow going for the first few hours.  Stopped for the night at Best Western in Guymon, OK.

December 21:  We arrived at Socorro, NM shortly afternoon; this is where my sister, Edith, was meeting up with Brian.  After Edith arrived, we went to the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge; it was a great place with fox, cranes, owls, hawks, geese, ducks.  At sunset, we watched flocks of fowl settle in for the night; it was quite a sight!

Edith and Brian in happy mode

Edith and Brian in happy mode

Sun is going down

Sun is going down

December 22 and 23:  On the 22nd, Edith and Brian headed to Las Cruces while  I went to Tucson where Steev, Greta, and Josie greeted me with open arms and egg plant sandwiches.  Check in at the Best Western Royal Sun resulted in an upgrade to a suite which was very nice.  Went to Old Town Artisans for a couple short sleeve t-shirts because weather much warmer than I thought.  December 23rd was Steev’s 44th birthday and I am very anxious for him to open my present of a quilt made out of his father’s t-shirts.    After a long walk, he did open his presents and liked the quilt!  Went to brunch and then Steev/I went to the “Hobbit”;  three hours of  action.  That evening, after delicious soup/salad fixed by Greta, friends of Steev’s came over for cake/ice cream.  A very enjoyable day and evening.

Steev's birthday party

Steev’s birthday party

Steev's birthday quilt

Steev’s birthday quilt