show and surprise meet up

Went to see the "Sons of the Pioneers" at Old Tucson.  They were in town for a two night run. They are the iconic Western Music group with a timeless sound that actually began in 1933.  They have had 49 combined artists make up the 5 piece group that was initially started by 3 guys, one of them being the infamous Roy Rogers.

Now we are patiently waiting in line for the doors to open when a gentleman very near me, perusing his phone, makes a comment to his wife that "it's 9 degrees in Belleville!!" My ears perk up--and I have to ask, "Where's Belleville?" When he answers, "Pennsylvania" I have to ask the next question!! Our long time friends live in Belleville, Pa, any chance he knows them?? Turns out they are neighbors!!! How's that for stars aligning!!! We 

Enjoyed meeting the Yoder's and I am sure Jack and Wanda's ears were burning because we both had stories to tell about them. Great stories, of course!

Puerto Rican feast

  Always a delight to meet up with friends Ginny and Willis. We both like to try new or ethnic restaurants and we really stumbled on a great one this week. 

We enjoyed dishes like "Mofongo Relleno de Camarones"--garlic mashed plantains, Shrimp, Creole sauce. And "El Cacique"- which is Roasted Pork, pigeon pea rice, plantains, pastel.

  Good food, great atmosphere, great friends, good time. Bateys Puerto Rican Restaurant.

Whitewater Draw to see the migrating Sand Hill Cranes

We try to make this 100 mile day trip to White Water Draw every year about this time to see the thousands of Sand Hill Cranes that winter here. We want to be there about midday to see the waves of cranes flying back to the safety of the ponds after a morning of feeding in the agriculture fields of the Sulphur Valley.

As an extra treat the cranes are joined by a big flock of Snow Geese.

Slow start to 2026

We have been kinda laying low these last few weeks. Some health issues we have been managing, several doctors vists--both of us--physical therapy in multiple forms and just not getting out to do stuff. But we are both coming thru it all, optimistic, Blessed, and thankful for each other's comfort and support!

 A Day at the Tucson Botanical Garden was a great outing on a gorgeous Arizona winter (70 degree) day.

They have a fun Butterfly House that's full of orchids and tropical buurtflies.

Pointsettias left from Christmas

They have an amazing model train display with tunnels, overpasses and equally impressive scale replicas of Tucson landmarks and famous buildings across the West. 

Madegascar moth!!

We were so impressed with the gardens that we traded our entry tickets twords a Membership! There is a highly rated cafe here also. Let's go back for lunch!

Happy 2026

Interesting thing to do on New Years--We drove across town to Agua Caliente Regional Park to check out a "Rare Bird Sighting." A Saw Whet Owl has been hanging out there for several days according to the local Birding network so we decided to see if we could find it. No problem-- look for the group of people with cameras and scopes staring up into a tree!! 

 He was quite cooperative -- just hanging out trying to sleep, occasionally opening his eyes and looking down at his curious admirers! He is not suppose to be at this low of elevation. Normally hangs out in mountain elevations up North.

Has been a rainy New Year but cleared up timely enough so we could do more birding at Sweetwater. Lots of migrating ducks hanging out there!