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Well... I am back from vacation...

On Monday....BAJ and I decided to head "west"... and ended up driving to Tuscon, AZ.

It was about an 7-8 hour drive... and the weather was wonderful the whole time we were gone.

On day one... we drove the whole way to Tuscon... stopping in Hatch, New Mexico at SPARKY's for a fantastic green chile cheeseburger, home-made fries and a coke. AWESOME!

We took along a big basket of organic fruits, nuts, bread and cheeses... and we used this food stash for breakfasts and snacks while we were gone. It turned out to be a real money-saver... as well as providing us with healthy nutritious food while we were traveling.

Day two.... was spent exploring around the San Xavier del Bac Mission. Oh my. All I can say is... that it is stunningly gorgeous... and a must see if you are anywhere near there.

Day three.... was spent exploring and shopping in/ and around 4th Ave in Tuscon. This is what I would consider the "art district" of the city... and it is jam-packed with fantastic little shops... cool items... street musicians... cafes... bookstores.... you name it. Wonderful!

Day four.... we went to "Old Tuscon"... which is a very elaborate and very museum-like movie studios place that has been in active use since the 30's. All kinds of movies... (310 to Yuma, Wild Wild West, Tombstone, etc)... and TV Shows (Bonanza, Little House on the Prairie, Gunsmoke, etc)... have been filmed there. It was fantastic.

All day I was thinking how my dad would have LOVED this.....

And then we went to the Sonoran Desert Museum... which is actually more of a botanical park/ zoo/ refuge/ preserve type place. ... stunning!

Day five.... we headed home to ABQ. Lots to tell there... including an act of GOD that saved us from being stranded in the desert....

But ... more on all that in future posts...

And now that it is the weekend... I am catching up on laundry, housework, groceries... etc...

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My computer is still DEAD.... so I am only able to post when I can use someone else's computer. This means that my posts may be irregular for a little bit... and it also means that I won't be posting photos for the most part because I would have to load them onto someone else's computer... which seems kinda silly.

As soon as everything is back up and running... we will have a PARTY! and I will try to make it all up to you... my faithful readers :)

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Yesterday was pretty awesome. My daughter and I went out and about... and it started with a surprise visit above our driveway from a Red-Tailed Hawk. Apparently, the species is known to "winter" here... although I don't recall seeing one before. This handsome fellow made sure that I saw him... taking large circles just above our house several times... which allowed me to try and get a photo. I no sooner got a couple quick ones... when he decided to take off... but it was an amazing experience.

According to some on-line sources, Red tailed hawks symbolize not only acute focus of one's life purpose (and also being able to see the "big picture")... but also a greater intensity and energy for life.

Afterwards, we went and enjoyed a fabulous meal at The Olympia Cafe... where we devoured such delightful mouthfuls such as: beef gyros with tzatziki sauce, Avgolemono soup, tabouli, hummus and pita bread, falafel, dolmathes, baked eggplant... and turkish coffee for an excellent finish!
Everything was soooo good.

From there... I got my "every Halloween" reading... this time from one of the fine ladies at Abitha's Herbary. It was truly excellent... and I feel so much better about several things now. Call me stupid... but I do believe that some people certainly have this type of gift... and I feel the lady I spoke to is amongst them.

From there... we had just enough time to stop in to Buffalo Exchange for some funky clothes shopping... and then went on home... where the hubby had enjoyed a restful afternoon reading and gaming on-line. Thank goodness for weekends :)

*photos by Elaine A. Russell