Arizona

What a wonderful mini vacation Douglas and I had visiting our good friends in Tucson, Arizona.  It was especially nice to get away from the crazy winter weather in Virginia for a few days and enjoy the warm 80 degree temperatures of Arizona. Our friends, Chip and Dianne, live in a lovely development in the northern part of Tucson with gorgeous views of the Santa Catalina Mountains.  The first day we drove to the Sonoran Desert for a delicious picnic of  grilled filet mignon, artisan bread, chips and pomegranate seeds. Delicious! We then hiked a short way through the desert enjoying the beautiful scenery. Gosh, did I love taking pictures of the many unique cacti and their blooming flowers.  I can now identify the Prickley Pear Cacti, Teddy Bear Cholla, Pencil Cholla, Hedgehog Cactus (this is the one with the bright pink flowers), Golden Barrel Cactus and the huge Saguaros.  The Saguaro Cacti only grow in the Sonoran desert and can live to be 150 – 200 years old. I thought it was so interesting how slow growing the Saguaros are.  A 10 year old Saguaro may only be 1.5 inches tall! We also enjoyed the 4th Avenue Spring Street Fair that takes place each year in Tucson for a few days in March where artists from all over the United States line the streets in Tucson to show and sell their artwork.   After running around Tucson, it was so nice to go back to Chip and Dianne’s house and relax by their  pool and soak up a little Arizona sun.  Oh, and I don’t want to forget the restaurants.  Gosh, did we enjoy eating lots of great food at local restaurants in Tucson! Thanks Chip and Dianne for a lovely visit to your home in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains.  (Sorry about all the pictures of the Cacti, but if you know me you know how I love detail shots!)

Gayle

This is Chip & Dianne’s adorable little pup, Flower.  What a sweetie.