I Fell Off the Christmas Train!

My apologies to all my friends who normally receive Christmas cards or gifts from me every year. I fell off the Christmas train as it rounded the bend and haven't had the heart to chase it down. I promise next year I'll belt myself onto the train and ride it all the way!

I learned some important lessons this year. I bailed out on almost all Christmas shopping and I can't believe the difference in stress level. I've always had all these Christmas tasks that I felt HAD to be completed. I simply didn't do most of them this year. I think a lot of people did the same and it probably doesn't bode well for the U.S. economy. I took care of the mom's and Michael, but I lost my taste for it after that.

We did manage to get the tree up after we finally located it! The day after we got back from our emergency trip to Kansas, Craig went out to the garage to retrieve the 'tree in a box.' He came back in and announced that our Christmas tree had been stolen??? Thank God Michael was around to remind us that we'd put the tree in his storage unit back in July.

Anyway, the tree's up and I bought a turkey today. I'll do the rest of the grocery shopping tomorrow and get the presents wrapped (I did buy a few). This year's different, but I bet we won't even notice! Christmas, in the end, is all about our relationships with those we hold dear, and not all that commercial stuff! It's a time to eat, drink, and be merry with family.

And I promise I'll catch ya next year with the Christmas cards!

Dropping by Sedona

We're back! We had a wonderful time in the Grand Canyon. I'm still going through over 200 photos picking the best. On the way back home today, we drove down through Oak Creek Canyon to Sedona. It's a beautiful drive with phenomenal views. It was a rainy day, so we decided to stop at the one shop in Sedona that is our all time favorite -- Silver Son West Gallery. It's the coolest shop in the Southwest as far as I'm concerned! You be the judge! All the pictures were taken in outside display areas because they don't allow pictures inside in the expensive gallery areas. And they have more inside that out! It's an amazing shop. Craig even likes it! Unfortunately, I walked away from the shop with just my photos. If I ever win a lottery, I'll be back to buy them out!

With all the road construction in Sedona right now, they've got this big chicken out front to alert customers! Notice the beautiful Red Rocks in view!

Shop Entrance

Old Wagon and Pots for Sale

Fountains and Cacti!

Carved Indian Chief

Wagon Wheels

Metal Garden Sculptures

Mexican Pots

Wall Plaques

Old Signs

Old Blue Wagon

Skulls!

Signs and More!

More Sun and Moon Pottery

Cool Corona Bar and More Pots

Pepper Garlands and Pot and Wind Chimes

Chimineas

More Pepper Garlands!

Kool Koi!

More Signs!

Old Bell

Trek to Tubac!

There aren't any beaches in Arizona, but it's still a great place to explore! One Saturday morning last November, we got up early and headed to Tubac, Arizona. It's a two hour trip south from our house. Tubac's located just north of the Mexican border, and was founded in 1752 as a Spanish presidio (fort). It was the first Spanish garrison in what is now the state of Arizona and one of the stops on the Camino Real that led from Mexico to Spanish settlements in California. Today, galleries, other shops, and restaurants occupy many of the old homes and buildings. It's a fun place to look at Mexican folkart, buy pots, have lunch, and explore the historic sites. Since the town is situated in a high desert area surrounded by mountains, the temps are cooler here in the summer and winter. I always LOVE a chance to put on some fleece!

This is not my video, but one I found on YouTube. It gives a more complete view of the village than my pictures. (There's a slight political slant, but it'll give you a good overall feel for the town.)

Here are some of my photos from the trip!

The Old Presidio Tubac

Small Chapel/Shrine

Really cool pots! Notice the pig shaped barbecue!

Cool Gallery Door!

Presidio Window

Saguaro

These benches out in front of this house look like sofas!

Another Cool Door!

Prickly Pear Cactus

This shop, La Cucaracha Tubac, is one of my favorites. In addition to the cool pots, fountains, and ironwork they display outside, they also have a huge selection of beautiful hand-carved furniture, hardward trimmings for the house, Mexican folklore including Day of the Dead artwork, etc... It's pretty amazing.

This shop towards the back of the old town area also carries a large selection of pots, chimineas, fountains, etc... Here are some of my Tubac purchases.

There are also several old missions in the area that we didn't have time to explore, so I'm planning my return tour! Someday soon!