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We took a Sunday drive to northern Arizona and on the way we took the turnoff to Horse Thief Basin. After too many miles on the old, bumpy, dirt road we opted for the turn to Bumblebee that eventually comes out on the backside of Mayor and runs into highway 69. It is definitely the wild west along this old road and it would have been easier taken on horseback, though. This drive reconnected me to childhood memories, as I have lived in the wild west for over 45 years, with the exception of a few years in California and wherever the wind blew. The old days still exist in these tiny, old towns although currently it is a haven for off road recreational vehicles and bicyclists. I wanted to put on some cowgirl boots, pull out my gun and have a shot or two of whiskey. But, it was just a passing scene that played out in my head. My thoughts quickly shifted to putting a crisp, line dried tablecloth topped with an antique bottle holding a sweet, desert flower bouquet on the shabby, wooden table on the old, crumbling porch.

Recent rains have brought the desert to life. Wildflowers are beginning to spring forth from the carpet of green that covers the usually brown ground. It was GORGEOUS to say the least. After a short walk and shooting few photos we were on our way to snow country. Such contrast of scenery all in one day!

Oh, joyful earth!

‘Tis the season, once again. It is finally getting cold in Arizona. This is the time of year that reminds us of why we live here. It is still pretty warm in the daytime and is finally dipping down into some colder temperatures at night. Northern Arizona is calling me and I cannot wait to take a short trip to where the “real weather” is! I am still barefoot with the windows open in Phoenix during the day. I am pretty sure that I could not get away with bare feet in most parts of the country right now. I am crossing my fingers for snow at Arcosanti by Christmas. Needless to report, we rarely have a white Christmas in Phoenix! I do, however, recall a couple of snow days in all of my years here. It wasn’t anything that stuck around for any measurable amount of time, though.

One of my favorite places to go to in the winter (or anytime, actually) is Jerome. The backside of Mingus mountain is absolutely gorgeous blanketed in snow. The recreational areas are usually packed with desert rats who drive up to play in the frozen water. Since the brain surgeries, I am not really able to play and get physically involved, but it doesn’t keep me from watching the kids sliding down the hills on their sleds and garbage can lids. As far as building snowmen and women, I usually find an existing one to embellish. I’m much better at taking photographs, though. And one of the main reasons that I take so many pictures is because I have “dancing eyes” (nystagmus~ rapid, involuntary movement of the eyes). Taking photos is a way that I can get a better look at where I’ve been when I upload the pictures later. It’s tricky. Riding in a car can become a blur sometimes and I am only able to see shapes and colors. It is the same thing with walking. I must stand or sit still in order to focus very well. It is a nuisance, but, you have to do the most with what you have.

So, HAPPY HIPPIE HOLY DAZE! I hope you are all enjoying the season and making the most of what you have, too!