Summer is Here

This week Tucson hit its first day of 100 degrees! That means that summer is officially here. Nice timing as it came the same week as Memorial Day.

Earlier in the week Tim and I drove up to Page, northern AZ; I had a job up there and Tim went along for the company. We stopped there last summer on our way to Yellowstone so this was a great opportunity to explore the area. We visited Lake Powell, the second largest man-made lake in the United States. We tried to take a tour of the Glen Canyon Dam, but it was too windy. However, we did have an informative visit at the Visitor Center. Monday when I was at work Tim took a tour to Antelope Canyon, a beautiful slot canyon on the Navajo Nation. He also took a tour on Lake Powell.

Later part of the week I had an adventure in the Denver area. I watched a funnel cloud formation, drove through pea, then golf, then baseball size hail (in some parts they received 6 inches of hail), and saw a tornado. Hail was several inches deep so CO got the snow plows out! Keep in mind that it was the last week of May!!

On Saturday we decided to take a walk in Sabino Canyon. We walked the 3.7 miles up and back. I did okay on the way up; unfortunately I did something to my left foot and it really hurt me walking down. So the rest of the weekend Tim has been wrapping it in ice and giving me Motrin. It does feel better but it still hurts to walk. Saturday evening we had a picnic in the park with some friends and enjoy the Tucson Symphonic Winds. Sunday we went to the movies .... saw Letters to Juliet. Yes, it is a "chick flick."

Our window project is almost done. Unfortunately, the patio door is causing problems just because of the size and the age of our house. I am looking forward to coming home after being on the road (yes, again!) and seeing a final product.

Another New Experience

On Sunday we decided to visit the Schnepf Farm in Queen Creek (just outside of Phoenix) for their annual Peach Festival. Unfortunately, Mother Nature did not cooperate with their event as the peaches were not yet ready to harvest....a few more days. We did get a peach pie and it was excellent! We also visited the Queen Creek Olive Mill, which we have heard about in the past. They are almost across the street from each other. Both farms would be nice to revisit; both were too crowded due to the festivals. We were able to visit friends in the Queen Creek area.

New Experience

We decided to do something different last night and went to the movies. Beforehand we tried out a "new" restaurant -- Sabor Tropical (Grant/Campbell). They serve authentic Colombian meals. It was very good. We then enjoyed watching A Hard Day's Night (Beatles flick) at La Placita. From May-October each Thursday La Placita plaza is turned into an outdoor movie theatre. We brought out chairs, but they have chairs or just sit in a patch of grass, and enjoy the movie outdoors. It was a beautiful evening -- in the 70s. I'm looking forward to seeing more movies downtown, if my work/travel schedule permits.

Windows

This week we started a major renovation of our home -- new windows! It is odd to look out the window, especially the front living room, now. The image is our new living room window. The company still has to install the sliding glass patio door.

Events

We have had busy weekends the last 2 weekends. On May Day we hosted a backyard party for our neighbors, friends, and family. It was a great way to catch up with everyone, share my Nashville experience with them, and celebrate our 19th wedding anniversary. I was even very fortunate to have Len drive over from San Diego just for the Saturday evening party. Thanks!!

On Mother's Day we decided to continue our exploration of Arizona. We went to the Holy Trinity Monastery in St. David. It was our first time and definitely a place we would like to return to. Mother's Day weekend they have a large arts and craft festival.