'Tis the season!

We decorated the house today for Christmas and put the tree up. Earliest we have ever put lights up. But we seem to be the last one in neighborhood! Guess that is what everyone did on their Thanksgiving weekend.

Since we are thinking Christmas, here are holiday pics from the kiddos.  Doug was back in US for Thanksgiving and he sent these holiday family picures. That is quite a tree behind them.
Lia and Aeri are surely ready for Christmas.

Stephanie spent Thanksgiving in Vienna. She goes to the nicest places for "work."  She had a conference there and Reynard was able to join her to make the week extra fun. They are in front of a Christmas Market.

Old Friends

Snow birds are back in town! So fun to have Pete and Alice AND Judy close for the winter months.  We all went to the Gas light Theater for their Christmas spoof. . .always a good time.  Then out for dinner and a lovely evening with dear friends.

Another day just doing. . .whatever!

The endless beach
A Reddish Egret (that's really it's name)
Birding the estuary 

Toasting another sunset.

Happy Thanksgiving

Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. 

We found a hotel restaurant nearby that served a traditional American turkey dinner.  It was quite good.  Love the outdoor and sunset dining on the water. 

And the balloon man in the restaurant made us a heart (with a poodle.)  We must have looked romantic!!

Tour to Bird Island

We booked a day trip out to Bird Island with Del Mar charters. Its a bird and sea lion sanctuary 27 miles south in the middle of the Sea of Cortez.
You can't actually land on the island  because it's a preserve but they anchor the boat in a quiet harbor and you can get into the water and snorkel or kayak. We chose to kayak and had such a good time with the Sea lion pups. They were just born this past June and just like "pups" they are playful and curious. They followed us as close as they dare and swam at us, diverting their intention at the last moment, falling all over each other.
And barking.  The large males were especially noisy but they made noise from their vantage points and did not bother to chase after us. The people who snorkel got right up close and personal with them too.
The island is white with years of bird wash, and is home to thousands of sea birds.  Cormarants, Frigit Birds, Gulls, Brown and Blue Footed Boobies, Oyster Catchers, huge Sea Lion colony and

a gazillion Pelicans from the American and Canadian west coast spend the winter here. They are getting their breeding plumage and are quite striking. No natural predators here on these rocks so everyone flourishes. 

Puerto Penasco for Thanksgiving

Sunrise in Tucson. . .
And the RV is ready to go. Heading for Puerto Pinasco in Mexico for the holiday weekend.
4 hours drive and we are there.  Visited the biggest Taleverde shop I have ever seen.  Certainly colorful Mexican wear.
Grocery stores are fun everywhere.  She is making tortillas with this big machine for a waiting long line of customers.
hot fresh tamales, 4 different kinds.
Dinner and a margarita at El Capitans, overlooking the Sea of Cortez and a grand sunset.

Tour de Tucson

Waiting at the starting line for the 76 milers.  The "big guys" could do the 109 miles, then there was a 50 mile, 35 mile, down to a 5 mile ride. Something for everyone. Great charity ride for Tucson.
They are off!

He crossed the finish line 4 hrs and 54 minutes later. Still smiling!

School picture

Here she is! Lia's first grade school picture. She is growing up much too fast for Grandma's comfort!

Arizona Basketball

Thanks to some friends who shared their season tickets with us, we got to go to a pre-season basketball game. Our seats were WAY up in the stadium but was still fun. Arizona won 103 to 78, beating UMBC. Thats U of Maryland.  Notice the sea of red--Arizona fans dressed in everything red. Its second game of the season.  They are 2 and 0. Go Wildcats!!

Ravens in Flight

Am in another Artist Guild show. Tonight was opening and artist reception. 26 artists represented.

The bike

This little Kawasaki has not run for maybe 5 years. Will has had it all apart and determined to get it running again. Today he got it to start and he was pretty happy. Needs some adjusting yet but it's back!! It's 1975, almost vintage.

Arizona sunset

The evening setting sun turns the Catalina mountains into a breathtaking picture. Arizona at its best.
It only lasts a matter of minutes and then it's gone. So easily missed.