Change in Christmas plans

I had planned to fly to Los Angeles over Christmas to visit my parents, but my dad thought he might have Covid and couldn't get a rapid test, so we decided it would be best if I canceled. He ended up being negative, although he had to drive almost two hours round trip to get tested because all the doctors offices and pharmacies anywhere near him were out of tests.

So instead, I spent Christmas Eve (above) with two friends at my house. I prepared my traditional lasagne, a big salad, and my chocolate/pecan/Kahlua pie! I also had a Santa wine bottle topper that I had planned to give to my parents but ended up using here instead.

Christmas Day was cloudy, so I spent it at home calling family. But the next day was gorgeous and I joined many others hiking off the holiday treats at Catalina State Park.

A few days earlier I hiked with some friends at Pima Canyon, where we spotted this crested saguaro:

Meanwhile, my brother drove up from San Diego to be with my parents at Christmas and sent some photos. They're doing great at 90 years old for my dad and 90 in a week for my mom.

They still decorate their house beautifully, which makes me nostalgic and wishing I could have been there.

We're in for clouds and rain here the rest of the week. This is today's sunrise from my back patio.

Have a colorful day

Happy Winter Solstice!

Today's Winter Solstice dawned pretty in pink at my hacienda in the desert. The air was crisp, but temperatures will reach 73 with full sunshine on this first day of winter! What a way to slide into a season full of sunny hiking, outdoor art fairs and dining in flowery courtyards. Quite a change from my 12 years in the dark Northwest winters.

Since Solstice is  all about the return of light, the Tohono Chul gardens here lit up the night last week. I went with Beth and Sandy to enjoy one million lights, a telescope viewing of Saturn, music, hot chocolate, sugar cookies and tripping out with prism glasses!!!

Saguaros wrapped in green lights 

framed an almost full moon.

Mr. and Mrs. Snowman were made of dried desert bushes, which reminded me of tumbleweeds.

Sandy, left, and Beth, bundled up because for us desert people, 40 is like zero degrees.

The music was beautiful. We enjoyed it under a canopy of lights and the moon.

The park's horse sculpture was turned into a Southwest reindeer for the celebration.

The highlight for me was tripping out with the prism glasses that we each got in our goodie bag! They warned us not to try to walk while wearing them. Here's why:

I've been using my prism glasses at home to entertain myself looking at lights. Cheap thrills! All in all, it was a great way to head into winter!!!

Have a colorful day

Party time!

What a change from last year, when due to Covid and not having many friends here I spent the holiday season mostly alone. This year my dance card is full! A few nights ago, Beth -- the hostess with the mostess -- hosted a combo birthday party/cookie exchange/book club dinner. There was SO much food!!!

 

That's Beth standing, surrounded by friends she brought together.

Here we are diving into the cookies. We each went home with dozens.

There were two December birthday girls, including me. I requested something chocolate, and Beth made the most decadent chocolate caramel filled cake. The other birthday girl requested lemon, and she got the most luscious lemon bars.

Beth also made "zoodles," spiralized zucchini noodles, and topped them with garlicky, buttery shrimp. Delicious!

I had planned to make skewers with tortellini, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls and olives with a pesto dressing, but time got away from me and I ended up just tossing them together for a salad.

Here's Beth spiralizing the zucchini.

And in another home improvement project, I covered the glass wall of my shower with a shower curtain printed with a photo of the Tucson desert that I found on Amazon. Showering beside a glass wall had bothered me ever since I moved here. Now I feel a little more enclosed.

Have a colorful day

Knitting yourself a life

I love this saying about knitting yourself a life from tiny, sacred moments as well as grand adventures. Sacred moments are everywhere, from the sunrise to getting together with friends. Here are a few recent wonderful, sacred moments for me.

Sunrise over Pusch Ridge from my back patio.

A tree glows in early morning sunlight as I head out to hike. Below, the morning is fresh and clear, with the whole day ahead of me.

Time spent talking and laughing with friends is the best!

A hummingbird hovers in front of me before dipping down to sip from the flowers on my patio.

Sunset from the front patio.

Have a colorful day

Tucson Botanical Gardens

Today was another gorgeous, warm, sunny December day in Tucson, so I took a stroll through the Tucson Botanical Gardens. Here is some of what I saw:

 

Have a colorful day