Nifty November

Lucky me, it's swim season!

Not only do I love swimming but I love the seasonal change.  Swimming feels exciting and new again, and I'm reminded how nice it is to be physical in different ways.

With a prediction of a strong El Niño this winter in the news and weather reports, we were pleased to welcome our first snow of 9-12" on November 4.

It was the first and most snow of the four storms we've had so far.  Looking very good!

As a state retiree, I'm eligible to receive a free flu shot each year.  I'm not sure how venues are located and chosen.  Last year's was the most unusual so far:  in the back of the Hunt's True Value Hardware Store.

 

 In amusing contrast, this year the polar opposite:  the High Country Conference Center.

 

 My personal chuckle aside, the point of this tale is that the Conference Center has an Art Gallery, and the current exhibit is:

Since Ron, Don and I just experienced the real deal, this exhibit was especially enjoyable.  The photographer, John Sherman, has taken some stunning photos of condors.  If you so desire, his website is www.vermphoto.com.  Click on the category "Feathers", then California Condors.  You'll be amazed.  Either be disciplined and stick to the Condors, or take a leisurely look at all of his exceptional work.























Our theater movie pleasure was Daniel Craig as 007 in "Spectre". 

As usual, an action packed adventure.  The main Bond Girl, Dr. Madeline Swann, is a stand-alone character, not just arm candy.  007 is his usual suave and ruthless self, with enough of a hint of vulnerability added to make him more than just a caricature.  Rumored to be Daniel Craig's last go-round as Bond. :(  Yep, I'm a sad fan.

Ron joined friends for a pay-per-view showing of the Ronda Rousey/Holly Holm MMA fight. Ronda has been dominant for several years, but this kick to the head ensured her first loss.   

Ron follows MMA fighting closely.  All my knowledge is filtered through him. 

We joined friends of Ron's for an early Thanksgiving Dinner provided to seniors at the DuBois Center at NAU.


 


 This is the second year we've gone, and it's a bang-up job by NAU Dining Services and hostessed by the NAU Kayettes, an all-woman service group.  I enjoyed chatting with tablemates about our respective cats and the Ronda Rousey fight the previous weekend. 


Ron and I celebrated Thanksgiving at home this year, with a traditional turkey dinner and side dishes.  Just enough leftovers, too.

 



In between,  I've been getting caught up on some projects set aside during the busy summer season and enjoying going about my Ordinary Life.  

"November comes
And November goes,
With the last red berries
And the first white snows.

With night coming early,
And dawn coming late,
And ice in the bucket
And frost by the gate.

The fires burn
And the kettles sing,
And earth sinks to rest
Until next spring."

 
-  Elizabeth Coatsworth