![\"Steev,](\"http:\/\/jan.hise.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/01\/IMG_0002.jpg\")
<\/a>Steev, Greta, and Savanna at Proper Restaurant<\/p><\/div>\n
December 24:\u00a0 <\/em>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.\u00a0 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.\u00a0\u00a0 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)!\u00a0 We drove to Tumacacori National Park late afternoon in order to see over 1500 luminaries being lit at 6:00 PM.\u00a0 We arrived early so time was passed by listening to carolers singing outside the entrance to the mission,\u00a0 watching volunteers place\/light all the luminaries, and seeing the sun go down over the mountains.\u00a0 Luminaries were placed on the top of the fence surrounding the mission, along side the concrete paths,\u00a0 on the steeple\/roof\/inside the mission.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 There was live music played and refreshments offered to all.\u00a0 Upon our return to Tucson, Greta prepared the traditional Christmas Eve dinner of Mexico which consisted of yummy tamales and black beans.<\/p>\n Waiting until 6:00<\/p><\/div>\n Lunch is good!<\/p><\/div>\n Lighting luminaries<\/p><\/div>\n Sun is setting<\/p><\/div>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n December 25:\u00a0\u00a0<\/em> This morning I went over for breakfast and coffee.\u00a0 We opened our presents; it was fun to watch Savanna trying to eat the wrapping paper and laughing at her new toys.<\/p>\n Even the dogs got presents<\/p><\/div>\n Future Hawkeye!<\/p><\/div>\n Would you like some help?<\/p><\/div>\n I am ready for presents<\/p><\/div>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n 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.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 Once we returned to Tucson, we went to Greta’s sister and family for Christmas dinner.\u00a0 Great meal and good conversation.<\/p>\n Up Brown Mountain We Go<\/p><\/div>\n Getting ready for our hike<\/p><\/div>\n Christmas Picnic<\/p><\/div>\n <\/p>\n December 26: \u00a0<\/em>After taking a walk and having breakfast at the hotel, we went to a scond hand store to purchase some items for Savanna.\u00a0 While in the area, we explored a couple more stores that Greta thought I would enjoy.\u00a0 One of the stores was a great bakery that had wonderful tasting cookies.\u00a0 Later in the afternoon, Steev and I went to the second Hobbit movie; it was very intense with constant action.\u00a0 Will have to wait until next Christmas for the final installment.\u00a0 Greta had prepared Shepard’s Pie for the evening meal which was delicious.\u00a0 After cleaning up, I returned to the hotel.<\/p>\n December 27:\u00a0\u00a0 <\/em>This morning, I accompanied Steev and Savanna for a walk to a nearby park while Greta & Jemma went for a run.\u00a0 At noon, I met Jim and Carol Davis at the El Charro restaurant for lunch; wonderful couple hours of good food and conversation.\u00a0 Later in the afternoon, Steev took Savanna swimming while I watched; she really likes the water!<\/p>\n Mama made me a swing<\/p><\/div>\n Swimming is fun.<\/p><\/div>\n Time to rest<\/p><\/div>\n Getting ready to swim<\/p><\/div>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n December 28 and 29th:<\/em>\u00a0 On the 28th, we walked downtown to the post office.\u00a0 It was wonderful walking weather and, on our way downtown, we stopped at one of Steev’s favorite places for coffee.\u00a0 It was interesting seeing downtown Tucson on foot instead of in a car.\u00a0 The afternoon was spent reading and playing with Savanna.\u00a0 Pizza was delivered that evening.\u00a0 On the 29th, we went to a local Farmer’s Market where there were many dealers selling locally made products.\u00a0 Both Steev and I made some purchases.\u00a0 In the afternoon, the four of us took Jemma and Josie to the doggie park where they had fun running with other dogs.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 That evening, Greta & Steev picked me up and we went to eat at La Indita, a Mexican restaurant on 4th Street.<\/p>\n Putting up new fence<\/p><\/div>\n The five of us<\/p><\/div>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n December 30:\u00a0 <\/em>As with any trip, it is always great to get home.<\/p>\n New sun catcher<\/p><\/div>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Once again, I headed to Tucson to spend time with Steev, Greta, Savanna, and their dogs during the holidays.\u00a0\u00a0 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.\u00a0 However, travel for this trip … Continue reading <\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a>