Funky Town!

There's a pattern to our travels. We're not fond of slick and homogenized. Afterall, we live in suburbia, so we can see that when we walk out our door. No Paradise Island, Disney World, Las Vegas, or Cancun five-star all-inclusives on our list of things to see and do. When we travel, we want to experience culture we don't see at home.

So Saturday's daytrip to Miami and Globe fit right into the pattern. HA! Let's take a walk through funky town!

Love this armadillo made from old tin cans!

Cool piece of art hanging outside a shop in downtown Miami.

Copper mining surrounds the Globe/Miami area.

Plenty of old doors to photograph in the area!

I just happened to peak into an empty shop window on Main Street in Miami and was surprised to see these old cars behind the glass. I could see right out the back end, so the building front was just a facade.

A creek runs through the middle of the small downtown area in Miami. These lovely old arched bridges cross the creek from the highway to Main Street.

This old tree is a living sculpture with architectural antiques hanging from its limbs.

Wouldn't mind having this copper fountain on my back patio!

The area seems to have more than its fair share of antique cars and trucks. I bet my neighbors wouldn't appreciate this in my backyard! But I did recently see an HGTV show where the good looking Australian host (hubba hubba) incorporated an old vehicle into a backyard landscaping design.

Could someone please pass me an ashtray? Everyone needs one of these on their patio for guests that smoke!

Flea Market Finds

On our Saturday trip, I think I mentioned I did a little antiquing. Antiques have been an obsession of mine since my early 20's, and there's nothing I love more than the hunt! : )

I spotted an old tin spice rack on a street vendor's table in downtown Globe. I didn't really need it, but when the owner saw me looking at it, she immediately told me it could be mine for $5. Sold! Later in a flea market on a side street, I saw an old round lamp table and knew immediately it would be perfect with a coat of off-white paint. I'd been looking for a bedside table, and it was the perfect size. The dealer only wanted $40 and it was solid as a rock, so I quickly claimed it and Craig hauled it out. The O-Cedar-Mop tin was simply an impulse buy. I just decided it'd be cute atop my kitchen cabinets.

My flea market finds.

After a trip to Ace Sunday morning for some dusty ivory paint and a little bit of time spent painting in the afternoon, the bedside table was finished. I'll let it dry a little longer before putting it in the bedroom, but I really like the way it turned out.

After my painting chores, I hauled out the ladder and placed the tin spice rack and the little O- Cedar tin in their rightful places on top the kitchen cabinets with my old white enamelware collection!



Now I'm thinking about the items that got away! Why didn't I buy that old wire basket? And why the heck didn't I measure that old mission oak library table? I might have to make a return trip soon!

Some Saturday Shots

Saby had a wonderful trip yesterday, and so did we! I took lots of photos, but I'll just post a few since I need to get busy with some Sunday chores around here.

The Miami/Globe area in the high desert mountains above Phoenix was our destination. It's a poor copper mining area that's trying to make a resurgence as a tourist/antique/art destination. And if Saturday was any indication, they're succeeding. The town was fairly hopping with groups of bikers on tour, people roaming the antique stores, and tourists and locals walking the downtown areas. In Globe, artists and a few flea market tables were set up on the sidewalk by the courthouse. I snagged a really cute old tin spice rack for $5 from a local selling antiques. Score!

Here's a teaser preview of our Saturday!

Arizona style planter.

Old advertising on buildings.

A little hint as to how I enjoyed my day!

Saby got tricked! Either her eyes are failing, or the artist was just that good! She charged these kitties!

Fancy cactus stand.

A road trip's not complete without lunch at La Casita!

Beef tamale, chicken enchilada, and chicken taco. The tamale and enchilada were really good, but not so much the taco. The whole plate was $5.00, so what the heck!

Saby and Craig hanging out on the mean streets of Miami.



Cherry blossoms and blue Arizona skies!

Old Miami building.


Cool old tepee!

Amazing architectural details!

Too bad the Mexican bakery was closed!

Nothing like a car ride to keep Saby girl happy!

Saby's Fabulous Adventure . . .

Oh! The Places You’ll Go!
You’ll be on your way up!
You’ll be seeing great sights!
You’ll join the high fliers who soar to high heights.

You won’t lag behind, because you’ll have the speed.

You’ll pass the whole gang and you’ll soon take the lead.

Wherever you fly, you’ll be best of the best.

Wherever you go, you will top all the rest.

Saby's lovin' it! We're headed out on a little road trip to escape the humdrum. Hopefully, Saby will return later with a full report. : )

Ah Baloney!

Michael returned to the road on Tuesday. Before he left, he gave me these cute little polished abalone shells -- one of his souvenirs from his AT&T Pebble Beach trip. They look so nice in the bowl he refers to as the family room focal point with the broken glass and broken shells!

The shells came from this guy, a local legend/character in Carmel who goes by the name of Abalone Joe. I recognize his face from the corporate DVD where he played the role of local color. Afterwards, Michael said he gave them each a set of polished abalone shells. He collects the discarded shells from a local abalone farm in that area, then cleans and polishes them to sell.

Michael took off early Tuesday morning after hogging the laundry room for four days. He also spent his downtime getting caught up on all his paperwork (brought back memories of those late night panics where he waited until the last day to write his term paper). And he did his 2009 income tax.

Which reminds me -- I have to get all of our tax stuff put together! Oops. I guess the apple didn't fall far from the tree! : )

Sunny Day!

Now that the storm's blown through here in Arizona, Saby and I are trying to get back into our morning pattern of long walks. By the way ,I'm feeling a little guilty about my jaunt to Mill Avenue and the Bead Gallery on Tuesday. Evidently, while I was out, a heavy duty storm came through our neighborhood and poor Saby was left to cope on her own. I stepped out in the backyard yesterday and finally noticed an umbrella blown over and the patio grill laying on its side in the rocks. It must have been a whopper gust to take that grill off the patio and land it out there! A neighbor told me we actually had hail in addition to the wind, thunder,and rain while I was out.

When Saby and I were out walking this morning, I snapped a cellphone pic of these purple blooms. They remind me of the wisteria I had in Washington State, but it's actually a small Texas laurel tree.

I've decided Saby's actually a 10-year old imp. There's a poor dog with zoo syndrome a block over in a backyard with view fencing. The yard backs into a neighborhood path, so the dog can see everyone walking through what he thinks is his territory. We call the dog Marley after the movie pooch. He looks and acts the same! Anyway, poor Marley runs up and down the fenceline barking and throwing granite rocks when we pass. Saby used to hurry past not even looking in Marley's direction because she was afraid of all that power and barking. Well . . . now Saby's like a little kid saying neener neener neener. She slows down, sniffs all the landscaping next to the fence, and usually hikes her leg (what a lady!) on one of the shrubs while Marley goes nuts running up and down barking and growling. Today, after teasing Marley with all that routine, Saby just stopped at the end of the yard and walked up to the fence. She usually doesn't get that close because Marley's a force! This time, Saby crouched down in her little playful pounce position. Marley retracted the lips showing all the canines and pounced back at Saby throwing a complete nut fit. Saby just stood there smiling. I had to give her a little tug to get her moving. So Saby's certain now that Marley's safely imprisoned behind bars, so she's teasing to her heart's content. I feel sorry for Marley because its owner works, leaving the dog to defend the perimeter running up and down having a fit all day. But Marley's obviously a dog you wouldn't leave alone in the house. LOL

In another week, we'll be taking our walks at 5 a.m. or 5 p.m., so Saby and I better get out and enjoy the sun!

Accepting the Torch

The time arrives in our lives when we realize the torch has been passed from the elders to the next generation. The older generation in the family dies, and it's up to the cousins to stay in touch.

I remember as a kid and even young adult being so irritated with my parents when they just had to visit cousins on vacation. One time on a weekend trip to the lake, we had to veer three hours off course to attend a 70-year old cousin of my father's husband's funeral. There I was staring at Tom in the casket, a man I'd never met in real life. UGH! Another memorable moment down at South Padre was spent listening to a boring distant cousin's husband drone on and on about all the damn dams in China. Afterwards, my aunt reminded me they were no blood relation of hers since she was adopted. HA!

Time rolls on, and fortunately, attitudes change. We're no longer forced to sit round the table together, so we have to choose to stay in touch.


So yesterday, I was thrilled when my only cousin on my father's side (favorite aunt's son) called me to go to lunch. He was in town with his son for ASU freshmen orientation. I picked him up at his hotel and he led me down to Mill Avenue, the ASU shopping/restaurant zone. We ran up and down Mill in the pouring cold rain to My Big Fat Greek Restaurant, where we ate Greek food and had a blast catching up.

So here's to the cousins! I look forward to keeping the torch burning! : ) (But I probably still won't drive half a day to meet a distant relative for the first time if he's lying in a satin-lined box.)

Do Drop In!

They're ba-aaack. The balloon people. This time four hot air balloons dropped into the neighborhood around dinnertime last night. One bounced down below the two-story roofline across the street and then popped back up. I'm not sure what their obsession is with our little piece of suburbia, but it wasn't exactly a great day for a balloon ride. It was a dreary cloudy evening with temps in the 50's. Maybe they get a charge out of watching me run for my camera?

Across the street.

Above our house.

Riding off into the sunset.

At Fifty . . .

I started reading a fluffy novel, Flirting with Forty, on Friday and have been skating through it. I doubted I'd find much of interest in it because it seemed like the typical story where the recently divorced soccer mom takes a solo tropical trip and finds hot love on the beach. I didn't think the book would hold my attention, but I soon discovered the book's settings, Seattle and Hawaii, were two of my favorite places! I actually picked up this book to read while I'm waiting on Odd Mom Out, another Jane Porter book set in my former hometown -- Bellevue, Washington.

One of the scenes in Flirting with Forty gave me a good laugh last night. At Jackie's fortieth birthday lunch at the Leschi Cafe, one of our favorite old haunts down on Lake Washington, the 40-year olds see a group of women celebrating a friend's fiftieth at the table next to them. One of them politely inquires how a woman's fortieth differs from the big 5-0. The 50-year old blonde answers, "When you're forty you decide it's time to do what you want to do, even if it means upsetting others. At fifty you do what you want to do, and you don't give a shit what other people think."

I don't think forty was the age I decided to do what I wanted even if it upset others because I was too busy driving carpool and attending PTA meetings, but I know I gave up worrying what others thought when I hit my fiftieth! And fifty was around the age when I decided to do what I wanted! Shortly after, I decided to take my first solo trip to Isla Mujeres. I got a wild hair one weekend in August 2004 when I was browsing the internet looking at Isla message boards and rental sites. I wanted to do something on my own! I checked Alaska Airlines, found a free award ticket for late October, and just booked it!

I woke up the next morning nearly nauseated wondering what the hell I'd done! When I told Craig, I'm fairly sure he thought I was entering some kind of midlife crisis, but he acted supportive. Since Michael had already flown the coop, and Craig with busy traveling leaving me home solo for a large part of every week, why was I just sitting there?

Friends and family expressed concern that I'd do something as crazy as flying off to Mexico by myself. My mother thought I was truly insane and warned me over and over about the dangers. Her famous line to me was something that actually cemented my intentions -- If I had to travel someplace like that by myself, I just wouldn't go! Of course, she wouldn't even go out to eat or to a movie by herself, so she was leading a very lonely life after the death of my father. Seeing how much she was limiting the rest of her life motivated me to overcome my fears and go for it!

The morning after booking, before I got over the nausea, I considered calling Alaska Airlines back and redepositing the airline miles back into our account, but I finally got beyond the sick feeling and started planning my trip. I booked nine nights at Color de Verano in Apartment Number 2, three nights in the Castle rooms at Maria del Mar, and the rest of my stay at Media Luna. And what started out to be a solo two week trip soon expanded to three and a half weeks with Craig and a friend of mine both deciding to join me for parts of the trip. I panicked a little over that because I was really looking forward to alone time, but I still would have a week and a half of the trip with just myself and me.

If I had any lingering fears, they melted away once the ferry pulled into the Isla dock.

I conquered some firsts on that virgin solo trip!

First time encounter in a foreign country with a man on a motorcycle carrying a machete. I was on a bike by myself out on a lonely stretch of road on the bayside at about 6:30 a.m. I saw that guy coming and it truly scared the hell out of me. Motorcycle drivers waving machetes were rare in suburban Seattle, so I got a jolt of adrenalin when I saw him coming!

First time dining out alone on a vacation. My favorite waiters, among them Alex, Aldo, and Serge, went out of their way to be friendly and welcoming to me. I ate a lot of meals at Bamboo and Fayne's that trip, and discovered people watching on Hidalgo made great mealtime entertainment.

First time in a cab in a foreign country by myself. The Gran Puerto driver's cab stalled before he got out of the starting gate, so he locked me in the hot car, probably to ensure I didn't bolt for a cab that actually ran. Actually, I had a dog in a crate in the backseat of that cab with me, but that's a whole 'nother story! He and other drivers popped the hood and spent some time playing with cables, then rocked the car back and forth until the driver eventually got it started. At every intersection, the driver would rev the engine with one foot and brake with the other. Then the car would lurch and sputter when the light turned green. I could just see myself abandoned on a strange street corner with bags somewhere in Cancun, but the driver eventually got me to the airport.

I came, conquered my fears, learned new tricks, and returned home hoping solo trips to Isla could become my yearly tradition. I love it when Craig has the time to travel with me, but now I know Isla's a place I can safely enjoy by myself. And I'm never really alone because I run into returning friends and make new ones every trip. On most of my trips, I've encountered new firsts that have taught me I'm capable of coping. My biggest fear of traveling alone to the tropics had always been encountering a hurricane. Now I've been there, done that, and can go on to the next adventure.

I am SO looking forward to my return on June 29. Craig will join me for ten days, and I'll return home on July 14. And if everything works out, I'd love to come back in November for an extended stay.

Here's a few more photos taken with my first digital camera on that first solo trip:

A pristine Playa Norte before all the erosion.

The path to the old Playa Media Luna lifeguard palapa.

Looking north toward the Caribbean Queen.

So, did anyone else say what the hell and dive off the dock when they turned 50? One of my best friends strapped herself to a large Russian man and jumped out of a plane! She's definitely got me beat! LOL

This and That

I picked up my new glasses this morning and absolutely love them. I went wild this time since I figured if I have to wear them, they might as well be fun! I also got a new pair of prescription sunnies and it's rare for me to just love new glasses, but I'm thrilled with both pairs.

Yesterday afternoon, my favorite van with all the left shoes pulled onto the driveway. Michael's home for a long weekend before he takes off again for Florida. There's never a dull moment when he's in the house.

This morning, while he was supposedly doing yoga, he pointed out how absurd it is that the focal point in my family room is a bowl of broken glass/beach trash. LOL I have no clue where he got that smart ass attitude!

Last night, he insisted that I watch a 12 minute DVD his company made on their road trip to the AT&T Pebble Beach Tournament. I prepared myself to be bored, but ended up on the floor laughing. They somehow connived celebrities, including famous golf, music, television, and movie names into cameo appearances in a DVD chronicling the adventures of the corporate team. It's a humorous take-off on The Hangover, a recent movie about a group of guys who have a wild bachelor party weekend in Vegas before the groom's wedding. OMG! It's so funny! And what a kick to see your kid alongside celebrities. I wish I could show it to everyone, but I'm sure that wouldn't be kosher since it was made strictly for corporate use. As Michael says, he's livin' the dream right now.

Craig called last night feeling a little left out since Michael's home and he's not. He was also bummed that his flight tonight wasn't going to get in until 8 p.m., and Southwest wouldn't allow him to move it up without a $200 plus charge. But everything's good now. He called about a half hour ago and his original flight was going to be 2 hours late, so Southwest was forced to let him hop on the 1:15 flight at no extra charge. Sometimes things DO work out!

There's a fresh batch of margarita ice cream in the fridge, and the boys have a golf game planned for Sunday afternoon!

Life is good (at least for now)!

Flowers Gone Wild!

Just in the last week, I feel like we've turned the corner into spring. Now don't laugh -- Arizona does have a quasi-winter where we don't run around in shorts (at least the locals don't) and the vegetation gets scrubby looking. I noticed yesterday that my flowers are really taking off!

The bougainvillea has new blooms!

These little plants under the pygmy palms are flowering.

My planter in the courtyard has filled in.

Aloe is blooming.


My Christmas petunias have finally blossomed!

And the purple petunias are gorgeous!

I can now walk the dog at 9 a.m. in a tank top, getting my sun along the way. And I've cracked out the crop pants and sandals! I need to get outdoors and enjoy this great weather before it heats up and I go indoors all day to work.

I'm headed to the sweatshop for a few hours today, but maybe tomorrow I'll break out the bikini and jump in the pool. (not!)

Desperately Seeking . . .

Golfer with two left feet.

Or maybe someone with just one left foot who happens to play golf and wears the sample size would do? I'd love to donate this stuff, but who needs a bunch of left-footed golf shoes?

When we moved into our house three and a half years ago from the Seattle area, we were basically clean as a whistle. I had a garage sale and donated all that extra baggage! I did move a few things I probably should have gotten rid of, but we were in good shape.

Now? Different story. The garage is packed full once again. Michael's car is actually sitting in there because he drives a company vehicle all over the country. The car hasn't moved since he left it there almost two years ago. In addition to his car, he's dumped his samples in the car and all over the garage. Boxes of left shoes, rubber golf cleats, etc.... From what I can figure out, they evidently just carry the left shoe as samples for people to try on in the Ecco wagon? Anyway, everytime a new line comes out, he appears to have dumped all the old left feet samples in our garage. Grrrr.

Not that Michael's the only culprit. Where did those old televisions and computers come from?

Ukelele Jake

In addition to this being a cool video of surfing dolphins, it features the music of Jake Shimabukuro. Ukelele Jake is how I remember the name. In addition to learning how to make that fabulous Margarita ice cream on Saturday night, I also got introduced to Jake's music.

I need to get a CD of his music! Look him up on YouTube! He also plays a lot of Beatles songs on his ukelele.

My Kind of Margarita!

Oh my oh my oh my! We went to a dinner party Saturday night and the entire menu was just so outstanding! Chicken tamales, beef fajitas with all the trimmings, homemade salsa, homemade guacamole, and my favorite -- margarita ice cream. It was the BEST! Seriously! Great company, beautiful setting, and food to die for!

I asked for the margarita ice cream recipe and here it is! It's so easy.

Margarita Ice Cream

1/2 gallon vanilla bean ice cream -- softened
5 oz. frozen margarita mix
2 oz. tequila
Juice of 1 lime
Zest of 1 lime

Scoop softened ice cream into mixing bowl. The ice cream should be soft enough to stir. Add remaining ingredients one by one, stirring to combine well. Work quickly so the mixture doesn't become soupy. Place in freezer to firm up. Serve in salted margarita glass with a slice of lime. For some extra flair, you can garnish with lime zest or a sprig of mint.

Notes: The recipe suggests Hagen Daz ice cream, but I substituted Walmart brand. And I couldn't find the frozen margarita mix, so I used frozen limeade and it came out just fine! Absolutely wonderful! I think I'll try it with frozen yogurt or a no-fat ice cream the next time just to see if I can cut some of the calories/fat.

Welcome to Phoenix!

Welcome to the final round of the Phoenix Open and 2010 Spring Training! It happens like clockwork a lot of years. People flock to town for sun and warm and what do they get?

Last one in the pool's a rotten egg! : )

P.S. 48 degrees and light rain!